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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Diotima think a young person should interact with beautiful minds?
(a) Only give ideas to them.
(b) Exchange knowledge and ideas with them.
(c) Only gain knowledge from them.
(d) Neither gain knowledge nor give ideas to them.

2. In Agathon's opinion, how does love win?
(a) Mainly by force, and sometimes by persuasion.
(b) By persuasion, never by force.
(c) Mainly by persuasion, and sometimes by force.
(d) By force, never by persuasion.

3. What has Socrates caused Alcibiades to realize?
(a) That no one is aware of his lifestyle.
(b) That he needs to change his lifestyle.
(c) That he should not change his lifestyle.
(d) That others do not approve of his lifestyle.

4. According to Alcibiades, what are Socrates' claims that he knows nothing?
(a) Sarcasm.
(b) Hypocrisy.
(c) The truth.
(d) An act.

5. Which one of the following is not listed by Socrates as an idea that can be transmitted through love?
(a) Politics.
(b) Government.
(c) Virtue.
(d) War.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Socrates, which love helps a philosopher reproduce an idea?

2. As explained to Socrates by Diotima, what event brings Love's mother and father together?

3. In Diotima's opinion, what does a potential philosopher learn about beautiful minds?

4. In Socrates' speech, how does he describe someone who searches for wisdom?

5. Which one of the following is not included in Diotima's list of things that spirits help with?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Agathon disagree with Phaedrus in the beginning of his speech and why?

2. What suggestion does Alcibiades make, why does Socrates object to it, and how does Alcibiades convince him to allow it?

3. How does Diotima help Socrates understand how a person can become a philosopher through love?

4. What events does Alcibiades describe in his speech, and how do they show that Socrates cannot be bribed?

5. What examples does Socrates provide of what men can leave behind?

6. Who is Diotima and what is significant about the experience Socrates had with her?

7. What is the purpose of the questions that Socrates asks Agathon at the beginning of his speech and on what point do they agree?

8. What is Socrates' opinion of the speeches he has heard?

9. What is Alcibiades' condition when he interrupts the party, and what does he encourage the other guests to do?

10. Why does Socrates believe that love cannot be beautiful or ugly, and what analogy does he use?

(see the answer keys)

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