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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. Who was Euthyphro prosecuting?

2. As the discussion progressed, how did Euthyphro feel about his decision to prosecute a relative?

3. Why was Socrates involved in political conflict?

4. What did Socrates learn as a result of his dialogue with Euthyphro?

5. To what Athenian god did Euthyphro refer as an example to back up his decision?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to the introductory chapter, why have the notes been included with the text of the Socratic dialogues?

2. Why is Euthyphro at the courthouse when Socrates is there?

3. What charges are being brought against Socrates, and by whom?

4. What is included in the introductory material which prefaces the book?

5. What does Tarrant say about Socrates' participation in the battle at Thrace?

6. What does Socrates say about his own wisdom?

7. How educated was Socrates, and why?

8. Why did Socrates initially pursue his habit of questioning people?

9. What does Tarrant say in the introductory notes about other versions of these dialogues?

10. What is Socrates' objection to Euthyphro's decision, and how does Euthyphro respond to that objection?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who is Meletus? Why did he choose to prosecute Socrates? What evidence did his use as a basis for his prosecution? Why did he seek the death penalty for Socrates? Was he acting on behalf of the Athenian government? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Socrates is still considered wise, more than 2000 years after his death. Why has he been nearly immortalized in the annals of history? Why is he considered so wise? Did his contemporaries feel the same way about him that modern philosophers do? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Plato referred to himself in the dialogues, but only in passing, as one of Socrates' many friends. Why do you think this is so? Do you think that Socrates considered Plato to be "special" amongst his students and friends? Why or why not? Do you think Plato's representation of himself in the dialogues is an accurate representation of his true relationship with Socrates, as he perceived it? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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