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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. From which poet does Polemarchus derive his definition of justice?

2. In his first argument, Glaucon asserts that is better to __________.

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

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

5. Who is Asclepius?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Polemarchus main mistake in defining justice as "benefiting one's friends and harming one's enemies"?

2. Why does Socrates want to censor literature in his republic?

3. What is Socrates ultimate conclusion about the function of justice?

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

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

6. What does Glaucon argue for?

7. Whom does Socrates think is to be chosen to rule the city and why?

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

9. Why is Meno's definition of virtue unsatisfactory for Socrates?

10. Does Socrates believe that his theoretical republic is a realistic political plan for a city?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of the "philosopher king" in The Republic? Do you agree or disagree with Plato's vision of a land ruled by philosophers instead of by politicians? Be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Essay Topic 2

How does Socrates plan for his city's rulers to not be corrupted by power? Do you think his plan is practical?

Essay Topic 3

In Book V of The Republic, Socrates makes the suggestion that though men and women do not have the same natures, they nevertheless ought to do the same work. How does Socrates make this argument? Do you agree with his conclusion? Provide textual evidence to support your assertions.

(see the answer keys)

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