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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 the start of 88c-95a say about what Phaedo and others thought of Socrates' arguments?

2. What does Socrates argue the soul lacks?

3. What is better than divine doctrine concerning the next life according to Simmias?

4. Who walks the path to Hades easily according to Socrates?

5. What are the heavens according to Socrates?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Socrates in 88c-95a, what is there no greater evil than and why does he believe this?

2. According to the beginning of 81b-88b, what souls wander the world?

3. What is Tartarus according to Socrates?

4. What does Socrates say about caring for the soul?

5. What did Cebes think that Socrates did with his arguments on the soul?

6. What does Socrates say about harmony at the end of 81b-88b?

7. Who is Socrates trying to convince with his arguments?

8. What happens to the soul after death according to Socrates?

9. What do Phaedo and Echecrates want more of?

10. How will philosophy free the soul, according to 81b - 88b?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

In "Phaedo", Socrates argues that the soul is immortal and that we need to rise above our physical nature in order to gain knowledge. Discuss why we need to rise above physical nature in the pursuit of true knowledge. Use examples from the text to support your discussion.

(see the answer keys)

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