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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 is Socrates wondering about the state of the soul when it leaves the body at the start of 81b-88b?

2. What does philosophy surrender to from time to time?

3. Who is impressed by Socrates' arguments at the start of 95b-107b?

4. What means does Socrates say allows beautiful things to be called beautiful?

5. What can Form not admit, according to Socrates?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Socrates say of the journey of well-ordered souls?

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

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

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

5. What does Socrates conclude on the explanation in the changes of things?

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

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

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

9. Why was Socrates disappointed by Anaxagoras?

10. How does the soul rule the man according to Socrates?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

"Phaedo" heavily emphasizes the role of the philosopher in ancient times. Discuss the role and significance of the philosopher, using the text and a secondary source to support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the analogy used in "Phaedo" for thinking that the soul is like the attunement of a musical instrument. Discuss whether the arguments are convincing and what conclusions can be drawn from this analogy. Students may use the text and secondary sources to support the discussion.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 630 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample