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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 lost control of his emotions at Socrates' execution?

2. What concept does Tarrant label as "Christian," which he says the Greeks did not possess?

3. What does "transmigration of souls" mean?

4. Who is Crito?

5. What happened to Socrates after his trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What realization does Socrates have as a result of his and Phaedo's debate with Simmias and Cebes?

2. What was the Pythagorean school of thought?

3. What belief do Socrates' friends discuss in the "Phaedo" that was taught in formal philosophical education, but was not culturally popular?

4. Who is present at Socrates' execution?

5. What do Socrates' friends say about suicide, and the preservation of life, in the "Phaedo"?

6. What is the setting of Book 4?

7. What is the philosophical subject of Book 4?

8. Why is Socrates' execution delayed?

9. What does Socrates say about misanthropy and "mislogic"?

10. What evidence led Plato and the Pythagoreans to the theory of an eternal soul?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the dialogues have to do with the concept of epistemology. What is epistemology? What does it have to do with philosophy? Why is it important? Why did Socrates concern himself with it? Are they ever able to reach a definitive conclusion? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

One of the reasons for Socrates' conviction was his "daemon". What was it? How did it affect Socrates? Why was it such an important part of his trial and conviction? What would happen if such evidence was presented at a modern-day trial? Do you think Socrates believed that he had a "daemon"? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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