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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was Socrates' objection to Euthyphro prosecuting his relative?
(a) Euthyphro didn't know all of the circumstances surrounding the crime.
(b) Euthyphro had no way to be sure he was prosecuting the right person.
(c) Euthyphro was known to have committed some minor crimes himself, and no one in his family prosecuted him for it.
(d) Loyalty to family should come before loyalty to the law.

2. According to the conversation between Euthyphro and Socrates, what was the relationship between deities and mortals?
(a) The gods need men to give them a purpose.
(b) The gods would not exist without men.
(c) Men were at the mercy of the gods.
(d) The gods and mortals had a mutual relationship.

3. Approximately how many years ago did the Socratic dialogues take place?
(a) 3100.
(b) 5200.
(c) 1900.
(d) 2300.

4. As a result of his inquiries, Socrates concluded that he was wise in what way?
(a) The awareness of his own ignorance.
(b) Enabling others to see the flaws in their reasoning.
(c) Helping others to achieve a higher level of self-awareness.
(d) Determining the morality of others' actions.

5. What does "apology" mean, in the context of the dialogue of that name?
(a) A plea to the jury for forgiveness.
(b) The same as its modern definition.
(c) Socrates' entire defense at his trial.
(d) An explanation for one's behavior.

6. Where was Socrates being prosecuted?
(a) Lyceum.
(b) Thrace.
(c) Sparta.
(d) Athens.

7. Who was prosecuting Socrates?
(a) Meletus.
(b) Crito.
(c) Euthyphro.
(d) Phaedo.

8. Who else disapproved of Euthyphro's decision?
(a) His mother.
(b) His son.
(c) His wife.
(d) Many people.

9. Euthyphro was prosecuting someone for what crime?
(a) Adultery.
(b) Murder.
(c) Blasphemy.
(d) Larceny.

10. According to Socrates, why did he begin questioning the answer of the Oracle at Delphi?
(a) Because he felt that the Oracle's answer had been misinterpreted.
(b) Because he felt that the Oracle's answer was incorrect.
(c) Because he did not believe in the authority of the Athenian gods.
(d) Because he wanted to confirm that his friend had told him the truth.

11. What was Socrates' response when people commented on his wisdom?
(a) Through all of his questioning, he had only become aware of how much he did not yet know.
(b) God made him intelligent only so that he could pass that knowledge on to others.
(c) He only reflected the wisdom of those around him.
(d) He was intelligent because he had learned so much from his students.

12. Why do variations exist between the translations of the Socratic dialogues?
(a) There were long periods of time between the translations, so some have archaic language.
(b) The translations were written by people of varying levels of education.
(c) There are very few variations, only hair-splitting will reveal the differences.
(d) They are written for different audiences.

13. Which Athenian god is associated with the sun?
(a) Hermes.
(b) Apollo.
(c) Ares.
(d) Zeus.

14. How did Socrates receive his sentencing?
(a) He said that, at his age, death was far preferable to banishment.
(b) He swore vengeance on the jurors and his prosecutor.
(c) He said nothing and quietly left the courtroom.
(d) He collapsed on the floor in tears.

15. Who provides the information contained in the notes of Book 1, Chapter 1?
(a) Plato.
(b) Socrates.
(c) Professional editors and scholars.
(d) The translator.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which two values are often found together in Socratic philosophy?

2. How were the four dialogues in "The Last Days of Socrates" chosen?

3. What class of people, in Athens, did Socrates really enjoy having dialogues with?

4. What question did Socrates' friend ask of the Oracle?

5. Thrasyllus was a scholar from what century?

(see the answer keys)

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