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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 nationality was Socrates?

2. Which is the second of three Socratic dialogues written by Plato?

3. Why does the dialogue in Euthyphro end?

4. What is the profession of Socrates?

5. According to Socrates in Euthyphro, why don't wise men need to consult with the gods?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What final definition of piety is arrived at by the end of Euthyphro?

6. What flaw does Socrates then find in the reasoning he laid out in previous Question #9?

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

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

9. How does Socrates use the concept of love to refute the initial definition of piety provided in Euthyphro?

10. Is Socrates innocent or guilty of the charges against him, in the eyes of Athens and its legal system?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are varying theories about the logic behind Socrates' sometimes odd behavior at trial.

1) How can Socrates' response to Meletus' charge of atheism be considered an example of his weak or odd behavior at trial?

2) How can Socrates' suggestion as to his own punishment be considered an example of his weak or odd behavior at trial?

3) What are three possible theories for why Socrates offered a less than stellar defense in his trial?

Essay Topic 2

In Apology, Socrates sets up a conflict between science and religion.

1) Why are science and religion in conflict, at least in the world of Athens, according to Socrates?

2) What danger does science pose to Athenian society? Why are scientists often accused of atheism in this society?

3) What compels Socrates to pursue trains of thought that could be said to resemble science?

4) How does Socrates, in his Apology defense, reconcile science and religion? Can the two coexist?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Plato's use of Socrates in many of his writings.

1) What does Socrates' frequent appearances in Plato's writing say about Plato's regard for Socrates?

2) How does Plato use Socrates to reveal his own ideas and philosophy?

3) Why might Socrates be appropriate for Plato's dialogue form? How does Plato use Socrates' Socratic method to arrive at philosophical truths?

(see the answer keys)

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