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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 was Socrates aware of according to Phaedo?

2. What must first happen to those who die according to Socrates?

3. What does Socrates decide to consider after abandoning his thinking of empirical causes?

4. How big does Socrates think earth is?

5. What are the heavens according to Socrates?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Socrates say about the Beautiful?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What are the four major rivers of the earth according to Socrates?

9. Why was Socrates disappointed by Anaxagoras?

10. What does Socrates say of the Forms and the particular?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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