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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 is Socrates worried about literature which contains wayward characters?

2. According to Socrates, what are the three parts of the soul?

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

4. When Meno arrives in Athens, who is accompanying him?

5. Ultimately, Socrates concludes that justice is______________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is the story of the Symposium framed? How does this relate to the cultural values of the Greeks?

3. Where, according to Socrates, does virtue reside? How does virtue relate to the dichotomy of opinion and knowledge?

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

5. 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."

6. What does Glaucon argue for?

7. How does Socrates convince his interlocutors that a woman can do any job that a man can?

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

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

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

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.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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