Philosophy and Ethics Flashcards
6 cards from real B.L.A.; occasionally A.L.B. Bachelor of Liberal Arts practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Philosophy and Ethics flashcards as text
Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist claim that 'existence precedes essence' means which of the following?
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.
The philosophical problem of 'the mind-body problem' concerns which fundamental question?
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.
In John Rawls' theory of justice, the 'veil of ignorance' is a thought experiment designed to achieve which goal?
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.
Socrates' philosophical method known as the 'Socratic method' primarily involves which approach?
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.
The philosophical concept of 'moral relativism' holds which position?
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.
Which ancient philosophical school taught that happiness is achieved by living according to nature and reason, and remaining indifferent to external circumstances?
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.