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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 comments of Polus' does Socrates discredit?

2. What does Socrates believe is the greatest evil?

3. What does Polus believe is the emotional state of unjust people?

4. In Socrates' philosophy, in an unjust act, who feels greater evil?

5. What is Polus meant to be an example of?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is it that one can suffer justly or unjustly? What makes the difference in Socrates' opinion?

2. In Socrates' opinion, why is distinction crucial to individuals and professions?

3. When an unjust act is committed, Socrates asks whether the wrongdoer or the sufferer is more wretched. Why?

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

5. Why does Socrates believe only those without knowledge can be persuaded by rhetoric?

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

7. Why does Socrates like to argue?

8. What role does knowledge and justice play in learning and practicing rhetoric?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the necessity of distinguishing and classifying various areas of arts, skills, and professions in the positive and negative effects.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Using examples from the book, take a position on the practice and use of rhetoric.

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