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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 is a democracy?

2. According to Socrates' points in Book IV, the soul of a philosopher_____________________.

3. In Apology, Socrates defends himself specifically from accusations made by___________.

4. How does Socrates regard a timocracy?

5. In Socrates' cross-examination of Meletus, how does he make Meletus contradict himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why can't the common man see the world like the philosopher, according to Socrates?

2. How does Socrates argue that it is unlawful to break out of prison?

3. Why does Socrates think philosophers make the best rulers?

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

5. Why is democracy dangerous, according to Socrates?

6. Why does Socrates think that aspiring philosophers should be instructed in dialectic only at the end of their educations?

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

8. What objection does Cebes raise about Socrates view on death?

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

10. What does the cave metaphor mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Socrates notes several times in The Republic that the traditional model for a family is not the best way to ensure a society's greatness. He makes several proposals, including a system where children are raised not by their biological parents, but held "in common." Compare and contrast Socrates' republic concerning child-rearing practices with your favorite dystopian novel/film (ex. Brave New World, V for Vendetta, 1984). Is Socrates creating a utopia or a dystopia? Use the ideas of other authors on this subject in conversation with the text.

Essay Topic 2

According to Socrates position in Crito, how is the city the father of its citizen? How are his actions towards his family in Phaedo or his comments about his family in Apology consistent with or inconsistent with this position? Does this complicate the idea of Socrates as a hero?

Essay Topic 3

Is Socrates a tragic hero? If yes, what are his hubrius and harmartia? If no, why not?

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