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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 analogies does Socrates employ to refute Thrasymachus' position on justice?

2. To understand Ion's poetically inspired spirit, Socrates employs a metaphor of which of the following?

3. According to Socrates, what happens when "one [is] mistaken in his judgment, and harms his friends, and helps his enemies, unknowingly"?

4. When Ion admits to Socrates that he can only recite one poet's work well, Socrates is puzzled by which of the following?

5. According to Socrates, what are the two ways of training the soul?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of Alcibiades late-night intrusion into the Symposium? What does he talk about?

2. What does Cephalus tell Socrates about the key to enjoying old age?

3. How does Socrates use metaphors to explain Ion's inspiration? How does this relate to the practice of art or philosophy?

4. Does Thrasymachus like Socrates? Why or why not?

5. What does Diotima teach Socrates about love? How does this compare to Aristophanes' view?

6. What is the best way, according to Socrates, that people not be given false impressions about the gods?

7. What is justice, according to Socrates?

8. What is an art, according to Socrates?

9. What is the purpose of Aristophanes' myth about men and women once being unified and then split apart? How does he end his story?

10. How does Socrates plan to prevent the rulers from becoming tyrants?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plato's and Socrates's Republic would be a good place to live. Agree or disagree? Use examples from the text to support your opinion.

Essay Topic 2

Is Socrates a tragic hero? If yes, what are his hubrius and harmartia? If no, why not?

Essay Topic 3

In Phaedo Socrates promotes the idea that philosophy is preparing for dying, and that a true philosopher should not fear death but welcome it. Would Socrates then be able to justify suicide as a good thing? Why or why not? Do you think Socrates commits suicide? Why or Why not?

(see the answer keys)

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