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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who does Seneca point out (in Letter CIV) had a wife and children who constantly nagged him?
(a) Himself.
(b) Sophocles.
(c) Plato.
(d) Socrates.

2. According to Seneca, where are the sharpest pains?
(a) In the nose.
(b) In the smallest area of the body.
(c) In the eye/temple area because they are close to the brain.
(d) In the heart.

3. Whose first instinct is it to incorporate wisdom into his life and actions?
(a) The philosopher.
(b) The literary scholar.
(c) The priest.
(d) The teacher.

4. How can a person be prepared for any tragedy that might happen?
(a) Calm events = calm people.
(b) Don't serve wine at any event.
(c) Imagine all the situations, then you won't be surprised.
(d) Plan every last detail so you have a firm schedule.

5. Who ran away in Letter CVII that made Lucilius grieve?
(a) His wife and kids.
(b) His oldest daughter.
(c) Some of his slaves.
(d) His dog.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Seneca say he decided not to commit suicide?

2. According to his criticism in Letter CVIII, what does Seneca say literary scholars do with philosophical theories?

3. For Stoics, what are two basic elements found in any object?

4. What is a syllogism?

5. Who says there are four causes?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the value of a liberal arts education, according to Seneca?

2. Who was Scipio and why does Seneca praise him?

3. How, according to Seneca, are life and philosophy both the gifts of the gods?

4. What does Plato add to Aristotle's theory of causation?

5. Why does Seneca object to Posidinus' claims that philosopher's ruled during the Golden Age and were responsible for many new technological innovations?

6. What fault does Seneca find in Zeno's logic that a good man will not drink to excess?

7. List and explain three types of people who, according to Seneca, find philosophy attractive for the wrong reasons.

8. What is Seneca's criticism of the typical liberal arts scholar?

9. Why does Seneca move to the country and what effects result from the move?

10. What is the Stoic concept of causation?

(see the answer keys)

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