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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 young man is introduced?

2. Socrates has no fear of which of the following?

3. What would persuade Socrates to abandon his philosophy?

4. How many dialogues are there in total?

5. Where did the young man go?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Socrates distressed when Euthyphro excuses himself?

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

3. What topic does Socrates want to explore with Euthyphro? To what end?

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

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

6. In Socrates' mind, the concept of holiness is much like the chicken and the egg. Explain.

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

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

9. What is Euthyphro's reaction upon hearing the charges against Socrates? How does Euthyphro attempt to reassures him?

10. What is the setting for the First Dialogue? Why is it important?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Socrates denies that he is an atheist. In fact, Socrates claims that he does believe in some divine things. What does Socrates believe? Do you think Socrates is an atheist? How do Socrates' beliefs mirror those as presented in the Bible and other religious texts? Could Socrates' religious beliefs or lack thereof affect the trial and its outcome? What exactly does Socrates believe in reference to a supreme being or other divine source?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the reaction of Socrates when he was informed that he would be arrested and tried by the Athenian Council. What were the official charges? Who instigated the case? Why? Who investigated the claims made against Socrates? What did Socrates do to prepare for the trial? How did Socrates defend himself?

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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