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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. What argument does Cebes agree with at the start of 73a-81a?

2. Who wasn't present at Socrates' death according to the account?

3. In "Phaedo", what is the abstract fact about the world that makes it true that two sticks are of the same type?

4. Who does the account tell was present during Socrates' trial beside his friends?

5. What does Socrates argue a man following philosophy would receive?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Socrates held in jail before his execution?

2. What does Socrates claim are not the great goods of life?

3. What does Socrates wonder about in regards to knowledge?

4. Who was present when Socrates died?

5. At the beginning of 62d-66a, what does Socrates maintain about the philosopher?

6. What does Socrates say should be the one goal of the philosopher?

7. Based on the beginning of 73a-81, what does Socrates teach about recollection?

8. What belief of Simmias' does Socrates question?

9. What should those who love learning do and why?

10. What does Socrates believe about freedom and what does this mean for the philosopher

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "Phaedo", women have an ambivalent role in the text and are forced to leave the room when Socrates drinks the poison. Discuss the position of women in the text and in ancient times, and use the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Phaedo argues that Socrates gives three compelling reasons why the study of philosophy is valuable in itself. In an essay, discuss the three reasons introduced by Socrates and analyze their effectiveness. Use examples from the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the influence of the Sophists on ancient Greek civilization and analyze why Plato may have used "Phaedo" as a means to find a solid grounding for moral values and rational principles. Use the text and secondary sources to support your discussion on the Sophists and Plato.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 629 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample