BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies Philosophy and Ethics 3

Question 1

In philosophy, a 'valid' argument is one in which:

Accepted Answer

If the premises are true, the conclusion must be true

Answer

Validity in logic means the argument's form guarantees that a true conclusion follows from true premises, regardless of whether the premises are actually true.

Question 2

David Hume's 'problem of induction' challenges the philosophical basis for:

Accepted Answer

Scientific inference from past observations to future events

Answer

Hume argued that there is no rational justification for assuming that future events will resemble past events, undermining the logical foundation of inductive science.

Question 3

The 'social contract' theory of political philosophy, associated with Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau, argues that governmental authority is derived from:

Accepted Answer

The consent and agreement of the governed

Answer

Social contract theorists held that legitimate government arises from an agreement among individuals to form a political community and grant authority to a governing body.

Question 4

Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the 'will to power' primarily refers to:

Accepted Answer

A fundamental drive to grow, create, and overcome obstacles

Answer

Nietzsche used 'will to power' to describe a basic life force oriented toward creativity, self-mastery, and self-overcoming, not merely domination.

Question 5

The philosophical position known as 'empiricism' maintains that knowledge primarily comes from:

Accepted Answer

Sensory experience and observation

Answer

Empiricism holds that all genuine knowledge is derived from sensory experience, rejecting the rationalist notion that reason alone can yield substantive truths about the world.

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies Practice Test

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies Practice Test

BGS, BSGS Bachelor of General Studies Philosophy and Ethics 3