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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. To Socrates, what would illegally breaking out of prison constitute?

2. Why does Socrates eventually refuse to help Strepsiades?

3. Why does Strepsiades seek out Socrates?

4. Where does Crito take place?

5. What is Socrates' stance with respect to his sentence?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Aristophanes' general attitude towards Socrates differ from that of Plato's?

2. In Apology, what is Socrates' message in a final speech, both to his jurors and to those who defended him?

3. To what degree did The Clouds shape public perception of Socrates?

4. How does Socrates' conception of the law and justice in Crito compare to his conception of law and justice in Apology?

5. Why did Socrates offer such a meek defense and go to prison and his death so willingly?

6. What is Socrates' response to Crito when Crito worries about Socrates' reputation?

7. Socrates claims that laws result in what benefits to society?

8. What are the consequences of breaking the law?

9. What represents the "last straw" in Strepsiades' relationship with his son? Why does he refuse to speak to him in the end?

10. What is Crito's opinion of Socrates, following his trial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Apology, Socrates sets up a conflict between science and religion.

1) Why are science and religion in conflict, at least in the world of Athens, according to Socrates?

2) What danger does science pose to Athenian society? Why are scientists often accused of atheism in this society?

3) What compels Socrates to pursue trains of thought that could be said to resemble science?

4) How does Socrates, in his Apology defense, reconcile science and religion? Can the two coexist?

Essay Topic 2

There are varying theories about the logic behind Socrates' sometimes odd behavior at trial.

1) How can Socrates' response to Meletus' charge of atheism be considered an example of his weak or odd behavior at trial?

2) How can Socrates' suggestion as to his own punishment be considered an example of his weak or odd behavior at trial?

3) What are three possible theories for why Socrates offered a less than stellar defense in his trial?

Essay Topic 3

1) What are the exact nature of the charges leveled against Socrates?

2) Why might youth be particularly drawn to Socrates and his philosophy?

3) How does Socrates' reputation contribute to the charges against him?

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