His teachings have come down to us in the form of dialogues between Socrates and his disciples, but as they were written for the purpose of setting forth Plato's system of philosophy, which differed in some respects from that of Socrates, we do not of course know to what extent the narrative is colored. It would appear, however, that in the simpler dialogues, such as the "Apology," "Crito," "Laches," and "Charmides," we may possess the unvarnished teachings of Socrates. In some of his later dialogues the speculative interest is allowed to become so absorbing that the dialogue form is rather inappropriate; but the others have been generally acknowledged as comprising the greatest masterpieces of dialogue that literature has to show, in the skill with which the scene is suggested, the charm of the conversation, and the artistic truth with which the characters are set forth in the changing course of the discussion. The "Republic" is the best summing up of his philosophy. In it is best represented his Theory of Ideas, which has made his work the great type of idealistic philosophy. He ranks with Aristotle and Kant as one of the three greatest thinkers of all ages. THE MAN 1. During what period of the world's history did Plato live? 2. From what sources did he derive the principles set forth in his teachings? 3. Of whom was he the disciple, and who in turn was his disciple? 4. What rank is generally accorded him as a philosopher? 5. How did Plato look upon pleasure? III, 291. 6. What is said to have been the manner of his death? III, 281. 7. By what name is his school of philosophy known? 8. Who are the three greatest philosophers of the ages? 9. What was the nature of his education? STYLE AND WORKS 1. Are Plato's writings addressed to the select few, or to the people of all classes? III, 253. 2. Give Milton's estimate of the "Republic." IX, 126. 3. What were Plato's views as to the proper age for marriage? IX, 190. 4. And what his views anent the right of the owner of property to devise or bequeath it, as he sees fit? IX, 200. 5. Did the use of dialogue render his writings more effective than they otherwise would have been? 6. Which of his dialogues are most read at the present day, and why? 7. Would Plato have made a successful dramatist if he had turned his energies in that direction? Your reason for so thinking? 8. Which is his greatest work from a philosophical point of view? 9. Explain his parable of the cave, in the selection from the "Republic." "THE TRIAL OF SOCRATES" 1. Why was Socrates brought to trial? 2. What was his refutation to these charges? 3. What was Socrates's view of death? 4. Does it seem likely that he might have been acquitted if he had used ordinary methods of defense? 5. Wherein did Socrates's methods of teaching differ from ordinary methods of to-day? 6. What were the customary penalties inflicted for serious crimes?