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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 question does Cebes ask Socrates concerning the soul's long existence?

2. What doesn't Socrates have time for in 107c-115e?

3. What is weaker than the lyre according to Socrates?

4. What does Socrates think about the path to Hades and back?

5. What is Socrates looking into to answer Cebes' question?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. What do Phaedo and Echecrates want more of?

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

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.

Essay Topic 2

Compare the philosophy of Anaxagoras and Socrates, discussing both the similarities in their thinking and philosophy. Use the text to support your discussion.

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.

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