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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. How does Socrates refute Polemarchus' definition of justice?

2. How does Socrates rebut the definition of virtue offered by the poets?

3. In Socrates' ideal city, poets and soothsayers:

4. What are the three social classes in the republic, according to Socrates?

5. Which of the following does Socrates reason about Ion?

Short Essay Questions

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

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. Whom does Adeimantus support? Why?

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

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

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

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

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

10. What does Glaucon argue for?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Many of the dialogues in The Republic take place between Socrates and Glaucon. Whom do you think Plato supports more? Give evidence for your reasoning.

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