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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 kind of people does Socrates believe rhetoric can influence?

2. Socrates wants to learn the _____ of rhetoric.

3. Why does Socrates have a low regard for Sophists?

4. Why does Socrates regard Polus' responses as useless?

5. Why does Socrates hold rhetoricians in low esteem?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Polus' claim that even unjust people like Archelaus are happy correct or incorrect? Why?

2. Why does Socrates like to argue?

3. How does Gorgias see rhetoric aiding to the common good of humans?

4. Why does Socrates see all advantages as beneficial? Why does he see some wrong actions as just?

5. How does Polus embody the negative sides of freedom as Socrates has discussed?

6. In Socrates' opinion, why do rhetoricians and Sophists find it difficult to define themselves?

7. How does the philosophers' conversation of rhetoric incite discussions of broader subjects such as morality?

8. In terms of ethics, why does Socrates consider rhetoric a dangerous tool?

9. What is Socrates' differentiation between pleasures and gratifications in different skills?

10. What are the similarities and differences between learning and acquiring a belief?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the conversational design of the book and what it draws from the characters and complements the subject matter.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss philosophy in "Gorgias," including how it is used, what it aids, and how it defines the conversation.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Socrates' ideal of governmental justice and the reality of its usefulness if implemented.

(see the answer keys)

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