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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In his discussion of education, Socrates says that arithmetic, geometry, and physics are worthwhile pursuits for which two groups of people?
(a) Traders and servants.
(b) Craftsmen and politicians.
(c) Philosophers and military generals.
(d) Philosophers and merchants.

2. Who said, "the unexamined life is not worth living"?
(a) Meletus.
(b) Socrates.
(c) An unnamed member of the Athenian Council.
(d) Cherephon.

3. From Socrates' point of view, the philosopher is __________ than the tyrant.
(a) Immensely more happy.
(b) Vested with less power.
(c) Worse off.
(d) More rewarded.

4. Philosophers, according to Socrates' analogy, are which of the following?
(a) The farmers who cut the chickens' heads off.
(b) Wind making the willows flap.
(c) Men freed from the cave, seeing the shadow puppets for what they are.
(d) The parasite sitting in the beast's stomach, making it hungry.

5. How does Socrates regard a timocracy?
(a) Socrates thinks that timocracy is the best form of government in all cases.
(b) Socrates thinks that timocracy is the worst form of government.
(c) Socrates claims that honor and passion of a military leader, while not unjust, are imperfect qualities that you don't want in a leader.
(d) Socrates wonders about the possibility of military rule.

Short Answer Questions

1. Socrates believes that the "just man" is _____________.

2. According to Socrates' opinion, what is the second happiest social class of man in the world?

3. In Book IX, how does Socrates describe a tyrant?

4. Socrates firmly believes that poetry _____________.

5. "A good man [who is] grieving," says Socrates," will attempt to moderate his grief through _________."

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Socrates view of death and its role for the philosopher.

2. What are the five tell-tale traits of an aspiring philosopher, according to Socrates?

3. Which trumps the other, according to Socrates, the laws of Athens or the gods?

4. What should be done about the poets, according to Socrates in Book X?

5. Why does Socrates think it acceptable for the state to make philosophers rule if they are unwilling?

6. How does Socrates defend against Meletus' chargers of impiety?

7. Why does Socrates think that the forms of government are like forms in the human soul?

8. If one cannot live like a philosopher, what does Socrates think he should do?

9. What happens to the soul after it is dead, according to Socrates?

10. What is the point of Socrates' discussion of evil and injustice after death?

(see the answer keys)

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