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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 the young woman at Socrates' execution?

2. What did the Pythagoreans conclude about the nature of matter?

3. Which is the longest of the four dialogues?

4. According to Socrates' friends, what happens when someone learns something?

5. What was the reason for what happened to Socrates after his trial?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the philosophical subject of Book 4?

5. What was the Pythagorean school of thought?

6. What is the "transmigration of souls"?

7. What is written in Book 5, Chapter 1, about risking the loss of one's life?

8. How does Crito attempt to persuade Socrates?

9. What does Socrates think will happen after his death?

10. What is said, in Book 4, about Socrates' dream?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Socrates refuses to leave Athens and escape his punishment because he felt that it was just to stay. Do you agree? Would it have been better for Socrates to have fled Athens? Why or why not? What do you think you would do in this situation? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Socrates' final wish was that a rooster be given as an offering to Asclepius, the god of healing. What was the significance of this request? Why would Socrates ask for an offering to be given to Asclepius, instead of Apollo - the god of wisdom, and the one who supposedly gave Socrates his other inspirations? What is the significance of the rooster? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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