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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. Who does Posidinus credit for the invention for various technological innovations?
(a) Philosophers.
(b) Gods.
(c) Historians.
(d) Mathematicians.

2. For Stoics, what are two basic elements found in any object?
(a) Matter and cause.
(b) Sound and fury.
(c) Mass and reason.
(d) Weight and size.

3. Who especially does Seneca consider when he makes his move to the country?
(a) His father.
(b) His wife.
(c) Himself.
(d) His mother.

4. According to Seneca, who has a misguided interest in philosophy?
(a) Political figures.
(b) Priests.
(c) Misguided intellects.
(d) Women.

5. Why does Seneca say he decided not to commit suicide?
(a) For his father's sake.
(b) He fell in love with a woman.
(c) He was too afraid.
(d) He snapped out of his depression.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Seneca, who can truly appreciate wisdom?

2. What is duty that Seneca states all men are bound to eventually carry out?

3. Why does Seneca move to the country?

4. According to Stoic thought, what is the formless substance with "unlimited potential?"

5. To whom will a person who is well-acquainted with poetry or history often be impressive?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Seneca say causes envy and how can envy be avoided?

2. Why does Seneca believe only a philosopher can appreciate wisdom?

3. What is the concept of causation according to Aristotle?

4. What fault does Seneca find in Zeno's logic that a good man will not drink to excess?

5. List and explain three types of people who, according to Seneca, find philosophy attractive for the wrong reasons.

6. What is the value of a liberal arts education, according to Seneca?

7. What is the Stoic concept of causation?

8. What is Seneca's criticism of the typical liberal arts scholar?

9. Which city burned and how did it affect Seneca?

10. What advice does Seneca give Lucilius about coping with illness and the sometimes severe symptoms that accompany it?

(see the answer keys)

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