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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 is the first philosopher mentioned in the work?

2. In which of the following does Socrates profess to believe?

3. Who speaks through the Oracle?

4. Where will Socrates' trial take place?

5. What is the setting in Dialogue 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Socrates argue against Meletus' claims that he is an atheist?

2. To whom does Socrates compare himself? What is the contrast?

3. Why does Socrates insist that he is innocent? How does he argue the charges brought by Meletus?

4. What is Socrates' advice to allies and supporters? How does Socrates view the trial's outcome?

5. For what does Socrates apologize in the beginning of the dialogue?

6. How does Euthyphro reply to Socrates' question regarding the definition of piety?

7. Explain the collection of the Four Dialogues and which character they focus on the most.

8. The two men discuss the similarities and differences of what two words? What is Socrates' question?

9. What is Socrates' opinion on defending himself with anything but his own merits?

10. What is the verdict in the case? What is Socrates' response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the beginning of the trial, Socrates makes an apology to the court. Why did Socrates apologize? Was it necessary? What was Socrates' view on addressing the court? What did the philosopher think about appealing to the court for mercy? What was Socrates' main goal during the trial? Was the goal accomplished? How might Socrates have acted differently? What could Socrates have done to gain acquittal or a less harsh sentence?

Essay Topic 2

Socrates broaches the question regarding being dear and being loved. Explain Socrates' reason for the question. Who participates in the conversation? What is the distinction between the two terms? How is it explained by Socrates? Is the use of the Socratic method effective in this conversation or does it merely cause more confusion for those in attendance as well as the reader? What was the final conclusion? Do you agree or disagree?

Essay Topic 3

Give your overall view of the dialogues. Do you find it to be a valuable source of Socrates' work? How does it compare to similar works by Plato, Nietzsche, and other noted philosophers? What might have been added to or subtracted from the Dialogues to better inform the reader? Which part was the most enlightening to you? Which of Socrates' theories was most interesting to you? Explain.

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