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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. What do we know about Phaedo?

2. What did Socrates say about the laws of the land during his conversation with Crito?

3. Who was the young woman at Socrates' execution?

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

5. What is "mislogic", according to Socrates?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Tarrant use as an example to illustrate the differences in mentality, in this section, regarding death and suicide?

3. What were the ancient Greeks' beliefs regarding the afterlife?

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

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

6. How does Crito attempt to persuade Socrates?

7. What is the setting of the Phaedo?

8. What is "Idealism" in philosophy?

9. What conclusion do Socrates and Crito reach regarding the laws of the land?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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 spent a lot of time with his friends, but very little with his family, even on the day of his execution. Why do you think this was so? How much did Socrates have to talk about with his friends, versus with his family? Do you think it was right for him to spend so little time with them? Is it understandable/excusable? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 852 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample