1 In what city did Plato live and work for his entire life? Sparta Thessaloniki Athens Alexandria 2 What career did Plato consider before studying philosophy? Social Media Influencer Politics Painting Military Officer 3 What other philosopher is Plato most often associated with? Seneca Cicero Socrates Hesiod 4 What century did Plato live in? 5th century A.D. 4th century B.C. 6th century B.C. 5th century A.D. 5 What is the main theme of the Gorgias dialogue? Justice Art Rhetoric Governance 6 At what point in Plato's career was the Gorgias dialogue written? Early in his career. Early in his career, though revised at the end. At the exact middle, when he was discovering his style. Late in his career. 7 Who is the primary character of the Gorgias? Callicles Socrates Gorgias Glaucon 8 Which character in Gorgias is a teacher of rhetoric? Aristotle Socrates Gorgias Callicles 9 Which character argues that those with strength and force should rule the weak? Plato Callicles Socrates Gorgias 10 Which character sees rhetoric as a means of achieving power in life? Callicles Glaucon Socrates Polus 11 Which character is a friend of Socrates and begins the dialogue? Alcybiades Chaerephon Plato Glaucon 12 With what situation does the Gorgias begin? Gorgias asks Socrates if he wants a lesson in rhetoric. Socrates stands alone in the Athenian square. Socrates and Chaerephon are insulted by a rhetorician. Socrates and Chaerephon have arrived late to a party. 13 Whom does Socrates argue with first? Chaerephon Polus Callicles Gorgias 14 Why does Polus praise Gorgias? He thinks that Gorgias improves life in Athens. He claims that he is good at what he does and is a good teacher. He believes that what he does is truly important. He thinks that Gorgias would be a wise ruler. 15 How does Socrates define rhetoric, against Polus? As rational philosophical inquiry. As lengthy speech-making, as opposed to conversation. As political speech. As conversation, as opposed to lengthy speech-making. 16 What does Socrates's argumentative style consist of? Citing the authority of earlier texts. Speaking loudly and forcefully to convince people of his convictions. Making declarative statements and then providing supporting arguments. Asking questions. 17 Why does Gorgias have such a hard time defining what rhetoric is? He has never given any thought to this question and is totally befuddled by Socrates. He claims that rhetoric is political speech, which makes it the same as politics. He claims that rhetoric is the knowledge of speech, but almost all human activities involved speech. He claims that rhetoric is beautiful speech, which makes it the same as poetry. 18 What does Gorgias end up deciding on as a definition of rhetoric? Making moving, beautiful speeches that will be recorded forever. Persuading general assemblies about what is right and what is wrong. Being able to compose a manifesto for a political party. Being able to share one's expertise with others. 19 What crucial distinction does Socrates make in his debate with Gorgias? The distinction between what is temporary and what is permanent. The distinction between what is essential and what is appearance. The distinction between being taught and being persuaded. The distinction between what is pleasurable and what is good. 20 What is Socrates' understanding of speech, as opposed to Gorgias? Socrates believes that speech has the capacity for pleasurable digression. Socrates sees words as tools to produce results in other fields. Socrates sees language is the sole medium that reflects on itself. Socrates places no specific importance on speech. 21 How do we know "who someone is," according to Socrates? By what he contributes to the public good. By what they do, i.e., a shoe-maker is someone who makes shoes. By what he says, i.e., a virtuous man is someone who says virtuous things. We can't—only each individual person can know themselves. 22 What is Socrates's argumentative strategy in his debate with Gorgias? To confuse Gorgias. To accuse Gorgias of being insufficiently virtuous. To distinguish appearance from reality. To personally attack Gorgias and discredit him in the eyes of his students. 23 What reason does Socrates give for disliking rhetoric in his debate with Gorgias? Socrates resents not being a rhetor himself. Rhetors teach without persuading. Rhetors persuade without teaching. Rhetors are well-paid, and tend to be corrupt. 24 Why does Socrates believe that Polus' defense of Gorgias is unconvincing? Because Polus isn't an effective rhetor. Because Gorgias is a rhetor, and Socrates dislikes rhetors. Because he only describes Gorgias' qualities, not Gorgias himself. Because he is too close to Gorgias in order to be able to judge him clearly. 25 What way of speech comes closest to describing the essences of things, according to Socrates? Pleasurable digression. Precision and brevity. The frequent use of descriptors. Balanced sentences.
