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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. Socrates thinks that poets and painters are_____________.

2. From Socrates' point of view, the philosopher is __________ than the tyrant.

3. Socrates believes that unjust men_________.

4. Socrates concludes Book X with a theory of _______________.

5. What is timocracy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Socrates think it acceptable for the state to make philosophers rule if they are unwilling?

2. Describe Socrates view of death and its role for the philosopher.

3. What does the cave metaphor mean?

4. How can tyranny arise in a democratic state?

5. Characterize the nature of Socrates' speech in his own defense.

6. Why does Socrates think that the philosopher is always the happiest man in the state?

7. Describe Crito's and Socrates' relationship. Why is this important to the dialogue?

8. Why does Socrates think that the forms of government are like forms in the human soul?

9. If one cannot live like a philosopher, what does Socrates think he should do?

10. Why does Socrates think the Sophists are evil?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

How does Plato, in the Great Dialogues, separate himself from Socrates? To answer this you may note one major difference between Socrates' and Plato's ideas. To what to do you attribute this disagreement? What does this tell you about the relationship between Plato and Socrates?

Essay Topic 3

According to Socrates in Book IV of The Republic, justice is a proper organization of the faculties of the soul such that each part is fulfilling its own proper role and not usurping the functions of others. Do you agree or disagree with this definition? Do you think Socrates equivocates this definition in other dialogues? Give examples either modern or ancient where you can test Socrates view of justice.

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