B.L.A.; occasionally A.L.B. Bachelor of Liberal Arts Philosophy and Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist claim that 'existence precedes essence' means which of the following?
- Humans create their own meaning and identity through choices rather than having a predetermined nature (Correct answer)
- Physical existence is more important than abstract ideas
- Human consciousness exists before the material world
- Individual survival takes priority over social obligations
Correct answer: Humans create their own meaning and identity through choices rather than having a predetermined nature
Sartre argued that humans first exist, then define themselves through their actions and choices, rejecting any predetermined human essence or purpose.
Question 2: The philosophical problem of 'the mind-body problem' concerns which fundamental question?
- How the immaterial mind relates to and interacts with the physical body (Correct answer)
- Whether human consciousness can be replicated by artificial intelligence
- How emotions influence rational decision-making
- Whether the brain can exist independently of the body
Correct answer: How the immaterial mind relates to and interacts with the physical body
The mind-body problem addresses the relationship between mental states (consciousness, thought) and physical brain states, most famously formulated by Descartes.
Question 3: In John Rawls' theory of justice, the 'veil of ignorance' is a thought experiment designed to achieve which goal?
- Determining fair principles of justice by imagining we don't know our place in society (Correct answer)
- Arguing that individuals should be ignorant of unjust laws
- Demonstrating that moral knowledge is impossible to attain
- Justifying social inequality based on natural differences in ability
Correct answer: Determining fair principles of justice by imagining we don't know our place in society
Behind the veil of ignorance, rational people choose principles of justice without knowing their social position, ensuring impartial and fair principles.
Question 4: Socrates' philosophical method known as the 'Socratic method' primarily involves which approach?
- Asking probing questions to expose contradictions and lead interlocutors toward truth (Correct answer)
- Presenting systematic lectures on philosophical topics
- Using empirical observation to test philosophical claims
- Appealing to religious or traditional authority
Correct answer: Asking probing questions to expose contradictions and lead interlocutors toward truth
The Socratic method uses systematic questioning and dialogue to expose faulty reasoning and guide people toward a deeper understanding.
Question 5: The philosophical concept of 'moral relativism' holds which position?
- Moral judgments are not universally true but relative to cultural or individual perspectives (Correct answer)
- All moral systems are equally valid and none can be criticized
- Moral progress is impossible because standards change over time
- Individuals are the sole authority on their own moral behavior
Correct answer: Moral judgments are not universally true but relative to cultural or individual perspectives
Moral relativism maintains that moral truths are not objective or universal but vary depending on cultural, historical, or individual contexts.
Question 6: Which ancient philosophical school taught that happiness is achieved by living according to nature and reason, and remaining indifferent to external circumstances?
- Stoicism (Correct answer)
- Epicureanism
- Cynicism
- Skepticism
Correct answer: Stoicism
Stoicism, founded by Zeno of Citium, taught that virtue is the only true good and that emotional equanimity comes from focusing only on what we can control.
B.L.A.; occasionally A.L.B. Bachelor of Liberal Arts Philosophy and Ethics 2
Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist claim that 'existence precedes essence' means which of the following?