Philosophy Exam 2 Practice Questions PDF

Reading whose autobiography led young Bertrand Russell to reject belief in God?. John Stuart Mill's Autobiography Humans don't have what, said Jean Paul Sartre? Jean-Paul Sartre said that humans don't have a predetermined essence. Albert Camus used what myth to illustrate human abs...

Reading whose autobiography led young Bertrand Russell to reject belief in God?. John Stuart Mill's Autobiography Humans don't have what, said Jean Paul Sartre? Jean-Paul Sartre said that humans don't have a predetermined essence. Albert Camus used what myth to illustrate human absurdity? Albert Camus used the myth of Sisyphus to illustrate human absurdity. What was the main message of Ludwig Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus? Overall, the Tractatus is a work that challenges traditional notions of language, meaning, and reality, and its ideas have had a significant influence on modern philosophy, particularly in the areas of logic, semantics, and epistemology. What was Hannah Arendt’s descriptive phrase for what she saw as Adolf Eichmann's ordinariness? Hannah Arendt's phrase for Adolf Eichmann's ordinariness was "the banality of evil." that the Eichmann, despite being responsible for atrocities, appeared to be a remarkably ordinary and unremarkable individual, lacking any extraordinary motives or characteristics. What did John Rawls call the thought experiment he believed would yield fair and just principles of justice, and what was its primary device? John Rawls' thought experiment is called the "Original Position," and its primary device is the "Veil of Ignorance." This thought experiment aims to promote fairness and impartiality in designing principles of justice for society What, according to John Searle is involved in truly understanding something, and how was this a response to Alan Turing's test of intelligence? According to John Searle, truly understanding something involves intentionality and semantic comprehension, which he argues is lacking in artificial systems like computers. This idea is central to his Chinese Room Argument, a thought experiment designed to challenge Alan Turing's notion of intelligence as proposed in his Turing Test. How does Peter Singer represent the best tradition in philosophy? Overall, Singer's work embodies the best tradition in philosophy by demonstrating the relevance and importance of philosophical inquiry in addressing pressing social and ethical issues. In Why Grow Up, what was Immanuel Kant's definition of enlightenment? In essence, Kant argues that enlightenment requires individuals to think for themselves, using their own reason and critical thinking, rather than relying on external authority or tradition. What did Paul Goodman say about growing up? Paul Goodman's book "Growing Up Absurd" argues that modern society fails to provide young people with meaningful opportunities, stifling their creativity and idealism. He critiques the rigid structures of society and advocates for more freedom, autonomy, and creative expression for youth. After Plato, who was the next philosopher to turn his attention to the details of child rearing? Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a notable philosopher who significantly contributed to ideas on child rearing and education, particularly with his book "Emile," which emphasizes a natural and child- centered approach.  What are you committed to if you are committed to enlightenment? In essence, enlightenment values rationality, individual freedom, and intellectual curiosity, encouraging individuals to think critically and make informed decisions. If you're committed to enlightenment, you're committed to thinking for yourself, using reason, and being intellectually free. According to Hannah Arentd, the miracle that saves the world is what? According to Hannah Arendt, the miracle that saves the world is natality, or the fact of birth and new beginnings, bringing new possibilities and hope for change. Susan Neiman says you're not grown up if you've not rejected what? (Part 3, education) Susan Neiman suggests you're not grown up if you've not questioned or rejected traditional ways of thinking and conventional norms. What does the U-bend tell us about aging? The U-bend shows that happiness often dips in midlife but tends to increase again in later years, suggesting that people can become happier as they age. Shakespeare's play As You Like It is commonly misunderstood as a gloss on what bleak modern message? "As You Like It" is often misunderstood as promoting the idea that "the past is better than the present" or "country life is better than city life." From John Kaag's Sick Souls Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life, what is distinctive about our age that makes James particularly relevant? According to John Kaag, William James is particularly relevant today because his ideas on individualism, spiritual growth, and finding meaning in life can help people navigate modern challenges and find fulfillment.  What did James say in a 1906 letter to the British novelist H. G. Wells about success? Determinism has antipathy to the idea of what? William James believed that it has antipathy to the idea of free will. According to James, determinism suggests that the universe has a fixed course of events, leaving no room for genuine choices or decisions. What realization would make young people give more heed to their conduct according to James? According to William James, the realization that would make young people give more heed to their conduct is that habits formed in youth will determine their future. James emphasized the importance of cultivating good habits and being mindful of one's actions, as these habits can shape one's character and influence the course of life. From Kieran Settiya's Life is Hard, How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way, Does he think that everything happens for a reason? No, Kieran Setiya doesn't suggest that everything happens for a reason. Instead, he focuses on finding ways to navigate life's challenges and hardships. What does he say about Descartes Hegel, Sarret, and Wittgenstein? Kieran Setiya discusses: 1. Descartes' eternal truths needing God's volition. 2. Wittgenstein's idea that language is social, not private. 3. Differences between Continental and analytic philosophy. That's what he explores in his Substack, Under the Net. What does Setia call Epicurus's attitude towards death? Epicurus viewed death as the end of sensation and consciousness, leading to a sense of non-concern or indifference. He believed death isn't something to fear or mourn, as it's a natural end to existence. What did the Strawsons, the father and son philosophy duo, disagree about? P.F. Strawson and his son, Galen Strawson, disagreed on the nature and possibility of moral responsibility. P.F. Strawson, in his work "Freedom and Resentment," argued for compatibilism, suggesting that moral responsibility is compatible with determinism, meaning that even if our actions are caused, we can still be held accountable. Galen Strawson, however, rejects this notion, arguing that true moral responsibility is impossible, as our actions stem from factors beyond our control, making us unable to be truly responsible for them. What are telic and atelic activities? What happens when we focus too much on the former? Telic activities are goal-oriented (e.g., completing a project), while atelic activities are enjoyed for their own sake (e.g., playing music). Focusing too much on goals can lead to stress and make us miss out on enjoying the process. What liberates Phil Connors in the film Groundhog Day? Phil Connors is freed from the time loop in Groundhog Day by becoming a better person. He learns kindness, selflessness, and genuinely cares for others, particularly Rita. This transformation liberates him. What do Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch say we need and do not need in order to appreciate and care about human suffering and injustice? Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch suggest we need: - Attention to truly understand suffering - Selflessness to genuinely care about others And we don't need: - Excessive intellectualizing - Self- centeredness This helps us develop compassion and respond meaningfully to suffering and injustice. What does Rebecca Solnit say about the relation between hope and action? Rebecca Solnit says hope motivates action, even when outcomes are uncertain. Hope isn't about guarantees, but about taking steps towards creating change. It's a form of activism, not passivity. What did Thoreau say at the end of Walden? At the end of Walden, Henry David Thoreau emphasizes living deliberately, simplicity, and connection to nature. He encourages readers to evaluate their lives, focus on essential values, and live consciously. What's the difference between truth and facts for William James? For William James: - Facts are specific, verifiable pieces of information. - Truth is about the practical significance and usefulness of those facts, determined by how well they work in real life. James's hallway or corridor metaphor, treating pragmatism primarily as a method in philosophy, reminds Kaag of what? William James's hallway metaphor for pragmatism reminds John Kaag of Immanuel Kant's approach because both emphasize: - Method and structure in philosophy - Connecting different perspectives Pragmatism, like a hallway, links various "rooms" (philosophical viewpoints), allowing for exploration and integration of different ideas. What does James say is the difference between resignation and hope? (ch6) For William James: - Resignation is passive acceptance, often leading to inaction. - Hope is an active, positive force that can shape beliefs and motivate action, even in the absence of certainty. In "The Will to Believe," James argues that hope can justify belief in certain situations, particularly when faced with significant, uncertain choices. What did Seamus Heaney say about the relation between hope and history? Seamus Heaney said: "History says, don't hope on this side of the grave. But then, once in a lifetime... hope and history rhyme." He suggests that while history often seems to dash hope, occasionally moments of justice and positive change can align hope with reality, making them "rhyme." In her 60s de Beauvois embraced the poetry of what? XIII In her 60s, Simone de Beauvoir embraced the poetry of Nâzım Hikmet. He was a Turkish communist poet who was highly regarded and inspired de Beauvoir. Agnes Callard says the idea that being a woman gives her what kind of standing is relatively unproblematic. Is it informational or managerial? Agnes Callard's perspective on being a woman giving her standing seems to lean towards a philosophical viewpoint rather than a straightforward informational or managerial one. As a philosopher of ancient thought and modern dilemmas, Callard is known for her curiosity, argumentation, and challenging of assumptions. John Kaag and his friend Clancy Martin, quoting a Buddhist master, say a problem with Western culture is that we try too hard to achieve what by ourselves? According to John Kaag and Clancy Martin (quoting a Buddhist master), Western culture's problem is that we try too hard to achieve happiness by ourselves. How did Thoreau's daily routine differ from Marcus Aurelius's? Thoreau's daily routine involved: - Living simply at Walden Pond - Writing, reading, and gardening - Connecting with nature Marcus Aurelius's routine involved: - Governing as Roman emperor - Reflecting on Stoic philosophy - Writing Meditations Their routines differed due to their different lifestyles and responsibilities.