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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. Which topic is not among Socrates' dialogues?

2. Socrates believes he has which of the following?

3. Who inspires the state?

4. What was the general opinion of God among the Greeks?

5. Socrates insists on defending himself with what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Socrates see as being one of the consequences of his quest?

3. How does Socrates view his own brand of wisdom? What is it worth?

4. Who wrote the Four Dialogues and during what time period do they take place?

5. What types of things might irony lead to in this case?

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

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

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

9. Who often approached Socrates to gain valuable information and insight? What did they want to learn?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Socrates makes it clear that in his philosophy there is no separation of morality and law. Explore Socrates' thoughts on the subject. Do you think that it was a popular theory at the time? Why did Socrates believe that? Who was the philosopher trying to convince? How did the charges against Socrates cross the line between morality and law? How could it be presented in court? How might such a case be proven and/or prosecuted in a modern court?

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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