View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Socrates' opinion, what is the second happiest social class of man in the world?
(a) The timocratic man.
(b) The merchant.
(c) The democratic man.
(d) The tyrant.

2. Who said the following: "Whether in battle or in a court of law, or in any other place, he must do what his city and his country order him; or he must change their view of what is just"?
(a) A prison guard.
(b) Socrates' son.
(c) One of Socrates' students.
(d) Phaedo's assistant.

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

4. 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.

5. In Apology, Socrates defends himself specifically from accusations made by___________.
(a) The Sophists and the Arians.
(b) Meno.
(c) Evenus of Paros.
(d) Meletus.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Socrates, to what does a true philosopher owe his life?

2. From Socrates' point of view, the philosopher is __________ than the tyrant.

3. How does Socrates regard a democracy?

4. Socrates argues that the philosopher __________.

5. Tyranny is most likely to occur under which form of government?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are poets dangerous, according to Socrates?

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

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

4. How does Socrates argue that it is unlawful to break out of prison?

5. Why does Socrates say in Book VII that "philosophers don't want to rule"?

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

7. Characterize the nature of Socrates' speech in his own defense.

8. Why does Socrates think that the forms of government are like forms in the human soul?

9. Why does Socrates think that aspiring philosophers should be instructed in dialectic only at the end of their educations?

10. What objection does Cebes raise about Socrates view on death?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,167 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample