Vocabulary Definitions and Synonyms

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following philosophical doctrines most directly contradicts the concept of 'inertia' as a fundamental property of matter?

Vitalism, asserting that living organisms are fundamentally different from non-living entities because they contain a non-physical element or are governed by different principles than are inanimate things. (correct)
Idealism, positing that reality is fundamentally mental or immaterial.
Existentialism, focusing on individual freedom and the creation of meaning in a meaningless world.
Empiricism, emphasizing observation and sensory experience as the primary source of knowledge.

The application of 'catharsis' within a Freudian psychoanalytic framework invariably leads to complete and permanent resolution of repressed emotional conflicts.

False (B)

Explain, using principles of semiotics, how the act of 'objectifying' an abstract concept alters its inherent meaning and potential interpretations. Reference at least two semiotic concepts in your response.

Objectifying an abstract concept involves encoding it into a concrete sign, which inherently reduces the potential range of its signified meanings. This process relies on the semiotic concepts of signification, where the signifier (the concrete representation) becomes directly associated with a specific signified (the originally abstract concept), potentially overshadowing other valid interpretations. Furthermore, the indexicality of the objectified sign anchors the meaning to an immediate, tangible context, further limiting the polysemic nature of the original abstract concept. The objectification thus shifts the concept from a fluid, open-ended idea to a fixed, context-dependent representation.

In post-structuralist literary theory, the concept of textual 'disjointedness' challenges the assumption of a ______ and stable authorial intent.

coherent Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their appropriate application in philosophical discourse:

Platitude = Used to describe a moral statement that lacks depth and originality in ethical discussions. Reticence = Refers to a person's unwillingness to share information or engage in philosophical inquiry. Rectitude = Used to describe the principle of making decisions that are morally correct in applied ethics. Acquiescence = Denotes the acceptance of a philosophical position without critical analysis or dissent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies 'puffery' in the context of contemporary political discourse?

A public official exaggerating the positive impact of a recently passed piece of legislation while downplaying potential drawbacks. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'deferments,' as applied to complex project management, inherently guarantees a reduction in overall project risk and enhanced resource allocation efficiency.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Elaborate on how the socio-economic concept of 'affluence' might paradoxically contribute to a sense of 'wistful' longing, referencing specific psychological mechanisms.

Affluence can lead to wistful longing through several psychological mechanisms. Hedonic adaptation causes individuals to quickly adjust to new levels of wealth, diminishing the initial happiness. Furthermore, increased material possessions can decrease the capacity for savoring simple pleasures and foster social comparison, resulting in dissatisfaction despite affluence. The absence of perceived challenges and the pursuit of achievement can also create a sense of existential emptiness, leading to a longing for a more meaningful or purposeful existence. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Hegelian dialectic, the resolution of 'bedlam' necessitates the emergence of a synthesizing force that transcends the initial ______ of opposing viewpoints.

antithesis Signup and view all the answers

Match the following artistic movements with the element of 'aesthetic' that they emphasize:

Minimalism = Emphasizes simplicity and reduction to fundamental elements Surrealism = Emphasizes the irrational and dreamlike Romanticism = Emphasizes emotion, individualism, and the sublime Realism = Emphasizes accurate depiction of everyday life and society Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately captures the nuance of 'comport' in a complex organizational setting?

'Comport' extends beyond policy compliance to encompass the projection of an appropriate and adaptive professional image. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The presence of a 'talisman' invariably induces a statistically significant improvement in an individual's objective performance metrics across diverse domains.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the principle of 'unencumbered' access to information, advocated by some digital rights activists, can potentially conflict with the ethical considerations surrounding intellectual property rights.

Unencumbered access to information fundamentally challenges the concept of intellectual property rights, which grant creators exclusive control over their work. While unrestricted access promotes knowledge dissemination and innovation, it may infringe upon the creator's rights to benefit from their creations, undermining incentives for future creative endeavors. Balancing these competing interests requires nuanced legal and ethical frameworks that acknowledge both the societal benefits of open access and the legitimate rights of intellectual property holders. Signup and view all the answers

The act of 'slighting' an individual in a high-stakes negotiation can be strategically employed as a tactic to induce ______ and gain a psychological advantage.

mortification Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms to their most appropriate definition in the context of intelligence analysis:

Implacable = Describes an adversary unyielding in their strategic objectives, resistant to compromise. Happenstance = Refers to unplanned or serendipitous discovery of key intelligence leading to tactical gains. Barrage = Illustrates an overwhelming volume of incoming data from multiple sources requiring immediate triage. Sullen = Describes a source exhibiting tacit resistance or disgruntlement, potentially affecting reliability. Signup and view all the answers

The strategic deployment of 'zeal' within a corporate transformation initiative is most effective when:

Zeal is tempered by pragmatic risk assessment and inclusive stakeholder engagement. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Consistent application of 'laxity' in regulatory oversight invariably fosters innovation and economic growth by reducing bureaucratic impediments.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of social stratification, how did the historical composition and function of the 'gentry' differ between feudal Europe and pre-revolutionary China?

In feudal Europe, the gentry typically comprised landed nobility who derived their power from land ownership and military service, forming a hereditary aristocratic class. In pre-revolutionary China, the gentry consisted of scholar-officials who gained status through civil service examinations and served as administrators and local elites, with less emphasis on hereditary privilege. The European gentry's power was rooted in land and military might, while the Chinese gentry's authority stemmed from education and bureaucratic service. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of digital marketing, a 'spiffy' user interface, while aesthetically pleasing, may paradoxically reduce conversion rates if it compromises ______ and intuitiveness.

usability Signup and view all the answers

Match each term with the most appropriate description regarding economic policy.

Abiding = The long-term effects on a specific population Eviscerated = Policy changes completely removing key features of existing code Taut = Financial conditions when loans carry strict requirements and are difficult to obtain Devout = Strongly aligned and devoted to the principles laid out by a specific economic theory Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Eviscerated

Disemboweled a person or animal; disembowel; gut; gralloch

Deferments

The action or fact of putting something off to a later time; postponements, delays.