Phil 201 Midterm 2025/2026 Exam
Questions and Answers | 100% Solved
What evidence does Socrates provide in the Apology that he does in fact
believe in the gods? In your own view, do you believe his claims to be
successful? - 🧠ANSWER ✔✔-Bc he believes in spiritual things (children of
the gods, divine signs, oracle at Delphi, etc.), and is even accused of
teaching about them, he must believe in spirits/the gods
-Story of Carephon
-Divine signs
I do not find his claims to be successful bc it feels like he is dancing around
the point. He never says that he believes in the gods, he just claims that
that is the logical conclusion to draw from his reasoning. Although it is true
,that if one believes in spiritual things they must believe in the gods, I do not
believe Soc adequately proves his belief in spiritual things.
How does Socrates attempt to demonstrate that he is not corrupting the
youth, but in reality, helping everyone in Athens by his conversations in the
marketplace? What is your position? Defend. - 🧠ANSWER ✔✔Not
corrupting the youth:
1. No one willingly corrupts those near him bc that's self-destructive (so, if
he corrupted them it was unwilling and he cannot be punished, simply
informed he is unwillingly corrupting the youth)
2. If he corrupted the youth, there would be witnesses
3. Has never been a teacher bc has never charged $
Helping everyone in Athens:
1. Claims he was sent by gods to expose lack of wisdom of Athenians and
shock them out of their moral stupor
2. Believes it is his duty to persuade others to care for wisdom and the
state of their soul over wealth/body
,-I believe Socrates is ultimately doing good for Athens, and is not willingly
corrupting the youth
-Soc's point about there being no witnesses to accuse him of corrupting is
convincing, as surely if his corruptive influence was as destructive as they
implied, there would be individuals who wanted justice for being mislead
Socrates continually claims that he does not fear death. What are some of
his reasons for this lack of fear? What do you ultimately think about
Socrates' rather cavalier attitude toward death? Do you think he is justified
in his fearlessness? - 🧠ANSWER ✔✔Reasons:
1. No one knows what happens after death -- it may be the greatest
blessing (thinks it may be a dreamless sleep or a relocating to another
place)
2. Better to base actions on whether they are right or wrong than to base
them on the threat of death
I do not mind his attitude towards death. I think we should not live in fear of
death or let that fear guide our actions. I would say we should try to stay
alive, but should base our actions on morality rather than a fear of death.
COPYRIGHT©JOSHCLAY 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025. COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 619652435. TERMS OF USE. PRIVACY
3
STATEMENT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
, Socrates is justified in his fearlessness because it is based on a strong
assessment of his priorities. He believes the most important thing one can
do is live out his/her purpose, regardless of the consequences, valuing
doing what is right over fear of death
What is the context of Socrates' statement in the Apology that "the
unexamined life is not worth living for the human being?" Do you agree or
disagree with Socrates' statement? Explain why or why not. - 🧠ANSWER
✔✔Context:
-When considering potential punishments for his crimes, Socrates explains
he will not choose any punishment (forced silence) that will inhibit his ability
to practice philosophy.
-If he keeps quiet, it is disobeying the gods and he feels it is so important
for him to examine life that he cannot stop doing it
Agree, bc examining life adds significance to life, making it worth living
Humans' ability to reflect on life distinguishes us from animals
Examining life brings us closer to living "the Good Life" (progress)
Questions and Answers | 100% Solved
What evidence does Socrates provide in the Apology that he does in fact
believe in the gods? In your own view, do you believe his claims to be
successful? - 🧠ANSWER ✔✔-Bc he believes in spiritual things (children of
the gods, divine signs, oracle at Delphi, etc.), and is even accused of
teaching about them, he must believe in spirits/the gods
-Story of Carephon
-Divine signs
I do not find his claims to be successful bc it feels like he is dancing around
the point. He never says that he believes in the gods, he just claims that
that is the logical conclusion to draw from his reasoning. Although it is true
,that if one believes in spiritual things they must believe in the gods, I do not
believe Soc adequately proves his belief in spiritual things.
How does Socrates attempt to demonstrate that he is not corrupting the
youth, but in reality, helping everyone in Athens by his conversations in the
marketplace? What is your position? Defend. - 🧠ANSWER ✔✔Not
corrupting the youth:
1. No one willingly corrupts those near him bc that's self-destructive (so, if
he corrupted them it was unwilling and he cannot be punished, simply
informed he is unwillingly corrupting the youth)
2. If he corrupted the youth, there would be witnesses
3. Has never been a teacher bc has never charged $
Helping everyone in Athens:
1. Claims he was sent by gods to expose lack of wisdom of Athenians and
shock them out of their moral stupor
2. Believes it is his duty to persuade others to care for wisdom and the
state of their soul over wealth/body
,-I believe Socrates is ultimately doing good for Athens, and is not willingly
corrupting the youth
-Soc's point about there being no witnesses to accuse him of corrupting is
convincing, as surely if his corruptive influence was as destructive as they
implied, there would be individuals who wanted justice for being mislead
Socrates continually claims that he does not fear death. What are some of
his reasons for this lack of fear? What do you ultimately think about
Socrates' rather cavalier attitude toward death? Do you think he is justified
in his fearlessness? - 🧠ANSWER ✔✔Reasons:
1. No one knows what happens after death -- it may be the greatest
blessing (thinks it may be a dreamless sleep or a relocating to another
place)
2. Better to base actions on whether they are right or wrong than to base
them on the threat of death
I do not mind his attitude towards death. I think we should not live in fear of
death or let that fear guide our actions. I would say we should try to stay
alive, but should base our actions on morality rather than a fear of death.
COPYRIGHT©JOSHCLAY 2025/2026. YEAR PUBLISHED 2025. COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 619652435. TERMS OF USE. PRIVACY
3
STATEMENT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
, Socrates is justified in his fearlessness because it is based on a strong
assessment of his priorities. He believes the most important thing one can
do is live out his/her purpose, regardless of the consequences, valuing
doing what is right over fear of death
What is the context of Socrates' statement in the Apology that "the
unexamined life is not worth living for the human being?" Do you agree or
disagree with Socrates' statement? Explain why or why not. - 🧠ANSWER
✔✔Context:
-When considering potential punishments for his crimes, Socrates explains
he will not choose any punishment (forced silence) that will inhibit his ability
to practice philosophy.
-If he keeps quiet, it is disobeying the gods and he feels it is so important
for him to examine life that he cannot stop doing it
Agree, bc examining life adds significance to life, making it worth living
Humans' ability to reflect on life distinguishes us from animals
Examining life brings us closer to living "the Good Life" (progress)
