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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 soul have when it leaves the body according to Socrates?

2. Why is the soul in a poor state after it leaves the body according to Socrates?

3. What does Socrates think earth balanced in the middle of?

4. What does Socrates argue the good soul is?

5. What does Socrates think of desires?

Short Essay Questions

1. At the end of 81b-88b, what does Socrates say the soul cannot be damaged by?

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

3. What does Socrates say about the Beautiful?

4. What does Socrates think of the shape of earth?

5. What is Tartarus according to Socrates?

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

7. Why does Socrates worry that he might hurt his senses?

8. Why will some join the "gentle group" of ants?

9. What should the philosopher master?

10. What does Socrates think of the nature of the soul before and after death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Phaedo" acts as a posthumous narration taking place between Phaedo and Socrates. Why would Plato employ this type of narration of events? What effect does this have on the reader?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the dialogue from which Plato uses to write. He uses the dialogue form as more than a mere literary device and uses it as an expression of his understanding and his beliefs in the tenets of philosophy. Philosophy is a process of questioning and takes the form of dialogue. Discuss his use of the dialogue form and use the text and criticism to support your statements.

Essay Topic 3

In an essay, discuss the statement that philosophy is a "longing for death." Do you think this line of thinking was consistent with the reason he refused to escape from prison?

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This section contains 602 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample