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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. Against who were Socrates and his partner debating at the end of Book 5, Chapter 2?

2. Who lost control of his emotions at Socrates' execution?

3. What does the term "philosopher" mean?

4. How did Socrates interpret his dream?

5. What new activity did Socrates try while in prison?

Short Essay Questions

1. What belief do Socrates' friends discuss in the "Phaedo" that was taught in formal philosophical education, but was not culturally popular?

2. How does Crito attempt to persuade Socrates?

3. Who is present at Socrates' execution?

4. What does Crito want Socrates to do?

5. What conclusion do Socrates and Crito reach regarding the laws of the land?

6. What do Socrates and Crito say about experts?

7. What is the intended audience for Book 5?

8. What were the ancient Greeks' beliefs regarding the afterlife?

9. Why is Socrates' execution delayed?

10. What does Tarrant use as an example to illustrate the differences in mentality, in this section, regarding death and suicide?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Truth is an important concept in "The Last Days of Socrates." According to the theories presented in the text, what is truth? How does one find truth? Is it possible to know truth, with certainty, when one finds it? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

The concept of the soul is a subject of much debate in "The Last Days of Socrates." Compare and contrast the various theories of the soul. What is it? What does it do? Is it eternal, or does it slip into oblivion after death? What is the evidence presented for each theory? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Socrates is still considered wise, more than 2000 years after his death. Why has he been nearly immortalized in the annals of history? Why is he considered so wise? Did his contemporaries feel the same way about him that modern philosophers do? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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This section contains 773 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample