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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Socrates' points in Book IV, the soul of a philosopher_____________________.
(a) Is better than the soul of a common man.
(b) Is easily persuadable.
(c) Can be used for good and evil alike.
(d) Does not concern Socrates.

2. In the then-present Greece, Socrates believes that __________.
(a) Sophists fill the role of philosophers.
(b) There are very many true philosophers.
(c) The rise of a philosopher-king, though desirable, is an impossible scenario.
(d) There are very few true philosophers.

3. What is an aristocracy?
(a) Rule by a family.
(b) Rule by the elite.
(c) Rule by the millitary.
(d) Rule by poor.

4. Socrates' republic would have a ruling _________.
(a) Democracy.
(b) Monarchy.
(c) Aristocracy.
(d) Timocracy.

5. In Book VII Socrates weaves an analogy suggesting that the common man is like________.
(a) A willow flapping in the wind.
(b) A chicken in a coop, about to be slaughtered.
(c) A prisoner in a cave looking at shadow puppets and thinking it's real life.
(d) A starving beast, desperate for food.

Short Answer Questions

1. In his discussion of education, Socrates says that arithmetic, geometry, and physics are worthwhile pursuits for which two groups of people?

2. When he first address the jury, Socrates_________.

3. To Socrates, government is best analogized as being similar to the human _________.

4. What does Crito want Socrates to do?

5. After the verdict, Socrates warns the Athenian jury that________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is democracy dangerous, according to Socrates?

2. What happens to the soul after it is dead, according to Socrates?

3. Why are poets dangerous, according to Socrates?

4. What are the five tell-tale traits of an aspiring philosopher, according to Socrates?

5. Why does Socrates think it acceptable for the state to make philosophers rule if they are unwilling?

6. What is the ultimate goal of the philosopher, as explained by Socrates in Book VI? How does he attain this?

7. How does Socrates defend against Meletus' chargers of impiety?

8. How can tyranny arise in a democratic state?

9. Why does Socrates think philosophers make the best rulers?

10. What, does Socrates think, is the best form of government?

(see the answer keys)

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