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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Socrates believe is the central question of life?

2. Which god does Euthyphro admire above all others?

3. In regards to corrupting youth, what solution does Socrates see for correcting his tendencies?

4. What is the basic impression of Socrates' overall defense strategy?

5. Why special connection do Socrates and Euthyphro share?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Euthyphro respond to Socrates' counter of his second definition of piety? What is the result of the conversation?

2. What special connection to divinity does each character in Euthyphro claim to possess?

3. According to Socrates, why didn't he ever pursue politics?

4. Who are the characters of Euthyphro? What is the setting?

5. Why doesn't Socrates wish to be pitied? How does this relate to the fact that he did not bring his family to court with him?

6. What is Socrates' initial reaction to the first definition of piety provided in Euthyphro?

7. What is the general attitude held by the citizens of Athens toward the characters of Euthyphro?

8. According to Socrates, what reputation does he suffer from in Athens? How is this reputation related to Aristophanes' Clouds?

9. What is Socrates' response to the charge that he is impious and/or an atheist?

10. What distinction does Socrates make between his own speaking style, and that of his accusers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Provide a context for Plato's Euthyphro, Crito, and Apology. What events do these texts cover? What form are they written in, and what is the structure of this form? What characterization of Socrates does Plato offer in these texts?

Essay Topic 2

The characterization of Socrates is quite different in Plato's dialogues versus Aristophanes' The Clouds. Explain the nature of this difference, using specific examples from each text. This could include personality as well as philosophical beliefs.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of Strepsiades in The Clouds. How does he begin the play? What problem does he suffer from? How does he end the play, and what change does he undergo? What is the nature of his relationship with his son? Who does Strepsiades represent, with respect to the citizens of Athens?

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