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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. Who is Evenus of Paros?

2. What is Socrates' view on the nature of death, particularly his own?

3. According to Socrates' radical math, the tyrant's life is 729 times________.

4. Socrates argues that the philosopher __________.

5. Why is Phaedo important?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Socrates say in Book VII that "philosophers don't want to rule"?

2. What, does Socrates think, is the best form of government?

3. Why are poets dangerous, according to Socrates?

4. Why does Socrates think the Sophists are evil?

5. What happens to the soul after it is dead, according to Socrates?

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

7. What are the five tell-tale traits of an aspiring philosopher, according to Socrates?

8. What objection does Cebes raise about Socrates view on death?

9. How is the entire Apology an example of Socratic wisdom in practice?

10. What is the ultimate goal of the philosopher, as explained by Socrates in Book VI? How does he attain this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Does Socrates "learning as a recollection of old knowledge" thesis in Meno help prove his argument for the immortal soul in Phaedo? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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