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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. Why does Socrates speak about dogs and other animals to Glaucon?

2. Before Socrates delivers his speech, he cross- examines Agathon about which of the following?

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' view of justice, a ruler should always:

5. Complete the comparison: philosophers have wisdom whereas common men have _______

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Meno an example of indirect teaching? How does Plato corroborate his own theory of learning as recollection?

2. What is the crucial difference, according to Socrates, between the common man and the philosopher?

3. Why aren't the soldiers in Socrates' republic well compensated?

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

5. How does Socrates distinguish knowledge known through art from knowledge known through inspiration?

6. What does Glaucon argue for?

7. How should soldiers, according to Socrates, be trained in the ideal republic?

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

9. What is Socrates' view on poets and soothsayers?

10. Explain the irony of the following statement as it relates to Ion: "Plato is the supreme enemy of art and is also the supreme artist."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Socrates is the focal character in most of Plato's work, and. as a result , it is often difficult for one to tell the two apart. Find a section in one of the dialogues where you think Plato might disagree with Socrates' main point and explain why. Use evidence not only from Socrates' words but the words that other characters use to challenge Socrates.

Essay Topic 2

In the first book of The Republic, Socrates seems more confused about justice and what it actually means, but by Apology it seems that Socrates has a clearly picture of justice. Compare/contrast these two viewpoints. What has changed in Socrates' mind? What does this say about Plato's philosophy?

Essay Topic 3

Socrates notes several times in The Republic that the traditional model for a family is not the best way to ensure a society's greatness. He makes several proposals, including a system where children are raised not by their biological parents, but held "in common." Compare and contrast Socrates' republic concerning child-rearing practices with your favorite dystopian novel/film (ex. Brave New World, V for Vendetta, 1984). Is Socrates creating a utopia or a dystopia? Use the ideas of other authors on this subject in conversation with the text.

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