On the Euthyphro:

1. What are some of the various ways in which a proposed definition can fail? Give at least three examples of such failures from the Euthyphro. What, in Socrates’ (or Plato’s) opinion, is the proper form of a definition? Illustrate this form with an example.

2. Explain what Socrates is driving at when he asks Euthyphro: "Is it pious because it is loved by the Gods, or is it loved by the Gods because it is pious?" Why is Euthyphro’s answer to this question inadequate?

On the Apology:

3. Socrates is charged with making the worse argument appear the stronger. So what exactly is an argument, and what are its parts? How should one go about evaluating or challenging an argument? Give a couple of examples of weak arguments in the Apology, and explain why they are weak.

4. Outline Socrates’ overall defense against Meletus’ charge that he has corrupted the youth? Present one of his lines of defense in detail, and then evaluate it. Ought we be persuaded by it?

On the Crito:

5. What is Socrates’ case for remaining in Athens to be executed? In your reasoned opinion, should we be persuaded by this argument? Why or why not?

On the Phaedo:

6. What appears to be Socrates’ attitudes toward death? How is it connected with his account of knowledge, and how might it inform his decision to stay in Athens and accept his sentence? In your opinion, is this a reasonable attitude to adopt? Why or why not?

7. Evaluate any two arguments in the Phaedo that purport to show that every person has a soul that can survive the destruction of their body. Present these arguments as clearly and as convincingly as you can, and then assess whether they do indeed establish the independent existence of a person’s soul. What objections can reasonably be raised?