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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Phaedo.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What definition of virtue do Meno and Socrates borrow from "the poets"?
(a) Virtue is the desire and power to obtain good things.
(b) Virtue, like other abstract notions, resists our best attempts to define it.
(c) Virtue is the unmoved mover of all things.
(d) Virtue is different for every person.

2. After the verdict, Socrates warns the Athenian jury that________.
(a) If they exile him, he will spread slander about the Athenian justice system
(b) If they execute him, they will only be hurting themselves, as his role will be impossible to replace.
(c) If they do not convict him, the public will think them weak.
(d) They are acting unjustly by carrying out the entire trial in one day.

3. What does Socrates tell Ion about a person who can recite poetry well?
(a) Ion must not know the meaning of poetry if he just memorizes it.
(b) Only a person who understands a poem's meaning could be a good reciter.
(c) Ion should memorize philosophy instead of poetry.
(d) Memorizing poetry is a way of balancing the soul.

4. The common man is not concerned with beauty itself, but ___________.
(a) He concerns himself with only practical matters.
(b) He is concerned with beautiful things.
(c) He is concerned with more abstract notions.
(d) He is concerned for his soul.

5. Why is Phaedo important?
(a) Because he tried to break Socrates out of prison.
(b) Because Socrates willed Phaedo everything that Socrates owned.
(c) Because he was present at Socrates execution and spoke with Socrates before he died.
(d) Because he personally executed Socrates.

Short Answer Questions

1. When he first address the jury, Socrates_________.

2. According to Socrates' opinion, what does the common man's simple mind cause him to mistake?

3. Who said the following: "may not the art of which neither teachers nor disciples exist be assumed to be incapable of being taught?"

4. As a consequence of misology, or a hatred of logic/reasoning, Socrates explains how the common man has trouble_________.

5. What poet is cited by Cephalus to explain the paradox of old age?

(see the answer key)

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