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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 Euthyphro's initial definition of piety?

2. Why is Socrates heartened about the possibility of an afterlife?

3. According to Socrates, the philosopher who tells the truth ... ?

4. How does Socrates display his piety?

5. What is Socrates' second defense against the charge that he is corrupting youth?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Socrates believe is the standard of good living to most Athenians? What is his response to this standard?

4. What is the nature of the legal troubles the characters in Euthyphro are involved in?

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

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

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

8. Why is Socrates charged with corrupting the youth? Why do the youth follow his philosophy and ideas?

9. How does Socrates relate two aspects of his way of life to a defense of the charges against him?

10. What first definition of piety is provided in Euthyphro? What does the character providing the definition cite as an example that proves his definition?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Socrates offers a series of defenses in the Apology to answer the charges against him.

1) How does Socrates answer the charge that he has corrupted the youth of Athens?

2) How does Socrates use his political ambition (or lack thereof) in his trial defense?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

In Crito, Socrates offers an argument for why he should obey the law.

1) In Socrates' view, what gives law authority?

2) What are the negative consequences of law breaking?

3) Why must experts be relied upon, and how do they relate to laws and obeying of those laws?

(see the answer keys)

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