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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. Socrates informs the group that the body is ____________________.

2. How does one generally gauge the concept of opposites?

3. What is one of the main themes in this dialogue?

4. Life is considered to be a(n) __________________.

5. Who asks questions about life after death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What unusual physical issue did Socrates experience shortly before death? What conversation did it prompt?

2. Socrates discusses absolutes and makes a comparison to another important topic. What is the topic and what point does Socrates make?

3. What extensive discussion takes place between Socrates and Cebes?

4. When is Socrates scheduled to die?

5. Who was present shortly before and/or after Socrates' death? Who was notably absent? Why?

6. What does Socrates as Crito to take care of and what restrictions are put upon the request?

7. At this point, Socrates develops and expounds on a new theory. What is the theory and how is it explained?

8. What is Socrates' argument to Crito's suggestion? What is the explanation of the argument?

9. What is Socrates' theory on the return of the soul to the known world?

10. What is Socrates' opinion on his alleged time of death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At one point in the Dialogues, Socrates says that he believes that no true philosopher should fear death. Why did Socrates make that statement? How relevant is it to the trial? Does Socrates consider himself to be a "true philosopher?" Who is not? If the true philosopher should not fear death, then what should one expect? What should one hope for in the afterlife? How does the choice of burial play into this theory?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the reaction of Socrates when he was informed that he would be arrested and tried by the Athenian Council. What were the official charges? Who instigated the case? Why? Who investigated the claims made against Socrates? What did Socrates do to prepare for the trial? How did Socrates defend himself?

Essay Topic 3

At the beginning of the trial, Socrates makes an apology to the court. Why did Socrates apologize? Was it necessary? What was Socrates' view on addressing the court? What did the philosopher think about appealing to the court for mercy? What was Socrates' main goal during the trial? Was the goal accomplished? How might Socrates have acted differently? What could Socrates have done to gain acquittal or a less harsh sentence?

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