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

2. How does Diotima think a young person should interact with beautiful minds?

3. How many kinds of Love are there, according to Diotima?

4. What reason does Socrates give for why people fight in wars?

5. Why does Socrates object to Alcibiades' idea for a speech?

Short Essay Questions

1. How can men become "pregnant," according to Socrates?

2. How does Socrates' theory of passing on knowledge apply to his own life?

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

4. What is the definition that Socrates gives of love?

5. What does Socrates think the function of love is?

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

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

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

9. Why does Socrates think that love is a spirit?

10. At the conclusion of his speech, what does Socrates states is the true power or purpose of love?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The main function and purpose of love is explained by Socrates at the end of his speech.

1) Analyze Socrates' theory on love's main purpose and the way he thinks that it can lead humans to immortality.

2) Describe the practice of higher learning that Diotima taught Socrates, how a person can become a philosopher, and the important realization they need to make along the way.

3) Explain Socrates' ideas about pregnancy and the way people are remembered, including the examples that he provides.

4) Describe the "hypothesis of the higher hypothesis" by Socrates and the way it relates to the true power of love.

Essay Topic 2

After a brief argument with Socrates, Agathon gives his speech.

1) Explain how Agathon disagrees with Phaedrus.

2) Describe what the characteristics of love are, according to Agathon.

3) Explain how Agathon's reputation for being a playwright might have influenced his thoughts and views about love.

4) Describe the effect that love can have on people as they are given in Agathon's speech.

Essay Topic 3

The intentions of Aristophanes' speech are called into question after he makes a clarification at its conclusion.

1) Explain what you think the intentions of Aristophanes are in giving his speech and why.

2) Analyze why Aristophanes would take the time to give a speech that does not take the discussion of love in a significant direction.

3) Describe who Aristophanes' speech might have been designed to offend, either intentionally or unintentionally, and why.

(see the answer keys)

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