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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 is the profession of Socrates?

2. What explains Socrates' stance on political activity?

3. What sentence does Socrates suggest for himself?

4. Why didn't Socrates bring his family to court?

5. According to Athenian law, is Socrates innocent or guilty of the crimes charged to him?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Socrates' account of his encounter with the oracle at Delphi and how it relates to his status as a wise man.

3. What is Socrates' second response to the charge that he has corrupted Athens' youth?

4. What does the "voice" in Socrates' head tell Socrates at the end of Euthyphro? How does Socrates respond?

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

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

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

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

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

10. What is the nature of Socrates' comparing himself to Achilles? What is Socrates illustrating with this comparison?

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

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

In the dialogue Crito, Crito and Socrates have a disagreement.

1) What is the nature of the disagreement between Crito and Socrates? How does Crito believe Socrates behaved in the trial?

2) What is Socrates response to Crito? Why does he refuse to go along with Crito's plan to escape from jail?

3) Discuss the emotional implications of Socrates' response to Crito. Is Socrates full of despair and resigned to death? Is he upbeat and looking forward to death?

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