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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 does Simmias think of Cebes arguments about the man that answers correctly?

2. What type of men resent dying according to Cebes?

3. What does fear and terror make men brave beside of?

4. What might be an obstacle to acquiring knowledge according to Socrates?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. When Socrates was on trial, what happened to his wife?

2. What does the theory of opposites imply about dead things at the end of 66b-72e?

3. What does Cebes ask about committing suicide and what does Socrates admit?

4. What does Echecrates ask Phaedo at the beginning of "Phaedo"?

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

6. What does Socrates argue about opposites from opposites?

7. What does Socrates say about the gods at the end of 57a-62c?

8. What belief of Simmias' does Socrates question?

9. What does Socrates state about the fusion of body and soul at the beginning of 66b-72e?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most important philosophical aspects of "Phaedo" is the theory of forms. In an essay, discuss the theory of forms, such as justice and beauty . Discuss the significance of the examples given by Socrates in "Phaedo" and determine whether they accurately support the argument. Use the text to support your statements.

Essay Topic 2

One of the primary themes of "Phaedo" is the idea of a good life. Discuss and define the good life and analyze what is central to the good life. Discuss how the nature of the soul can be discovered through the practice of philosophy. Use examples from the text to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 3

The mind-body connection discussed in "Phaedo" was considered revolutionary in his day and was one of the earliest forms of discussion on the subject. Discuss and define dualism and how the body and mind are distinct substance with distinct natures. Use the text to support your analysis of the mind-body connection.

(see the answer keys)

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