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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Republic: Book VIII.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. To illustrate one facet of his argument, Socrates employs the help of which character?
(a) Plato to clarify Socrates' words for a perplexed Meno.
(b) Meno's wife.
(c) A nearby slave boy to whom he teaches simple geometry.
(d) A nearby guard who speaks about virtuous people he knows.

2. What must the philosopher, according to Socrates in Book VI, employ in order to attain knowledge of "absolute good"?
(a) Hypotheses about what is good in the world.
(b) Judgment against "absolute evil."
(c) Guessing and hoping he gets lucky.
(d) Public opinion of theoretical subjects.

3. Who is Eryximachus?
(a) A doctor who argues that love is like a medicine curing life's ailments.
(b) The last speaker and surprise guest at the symposium.
(c) A philosopher who attacks Pausanias' postion.
(d) A poet who argues that men and woman were once fused beings.

4. How does Thrasymachus first define justice?
(a) "Nothing other than the advantage of the stronger."
(b) "Making laws to one's own disadvantage."
(c) "Acting selflessly, so that the kingdom may prosper."
(d) "Being impartial and unbiased in all decisions."

5. According to Socrates' view of justice, a ruler should always:
(a) Strike injustice down with acts of injustice.
(b) Foster a combination of fear and loyalty within his subjects.
(c) Put his own interest before those of his people.
(d) Put the interests of his people before himself.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why would candidates for a philosopher-king class in the republic be tested?

2. When he first meets Socrates, Meno asks the following question:

3. According to Socrates, where would the republic's leaders live?

4. After a philosopher's formal education is complete in the Republic, what does Socrates' think is the next step in his training?

5. How does Socrates refute Polemarchus' definition of justice?

(see the answer key)

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