PhB Bachelor of Philosophy Bachelor of Philosophy: The Meaning of Life 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to Susan Wolf's 'fitting fulfillment' theory, a meaningful life requires:
- Maximum pleasure
- Active engagement in objectively worthwhile projects (Correct answer)
- Strict adherence to moral duty
- Complete freedom from social constraints
Correct answer: Active engagement in objectively worthwhile projects
Wolf argues meaning arises when subjective attraction to a project meets objective worth—neither passion alone nor worth alone suffices.
Question 2: In Buddhism, the concept most closely related to questions of life's meaning is:
- Karma alone
- Dharma alone
- The cessation of suffering (nirvana) through the Eightfold Path (Correct answer)
- Reincarnation into a higher caste
Correct answer: The cessation of suffering (nirvana) through the Eightfold Path
Buddhism teaches that life's ultimate aim is liberation from suffering (dukkha) by following the Eightfold Path toward nirvana.
Question 3: The 'objective list' theory of well-being holds that certain things are good for a person:
- Only if they produce pleasure
- Only if the person desires them
- Regardless of whether the person desires or enjoys them (Correct answer)
- Only if they accord with God's commands
Correct answer: Regardless of whether the person desires or enjoys them
Objective list theories maintain that items like knowledge, friendship, and achievement are intrinsically beneficial independent of the subject's attitudes.
Question 4: Jean-Paul Sartre's claim that 'existence precedes essence' implies that humans:
- Have a fixed nature determined by God
- Define their own nature through choices (Correct answer)
- Are determined by biological instincts
- Must follow universal moral laws
Correct answer: Define their own nature through choices
Sartre held that humans first exist without predetermined purpose and then create their own essence and meaning through free choices.
Question 5: Which philosopher introduced the 'will to power' as a key concept related to overcoming nihilism and creating one's own values?
- Schopenhauer
- Nietzsche (Correct answer)
- Hegel
- Marx
Correct answer: Nietzsche
Nietzsche's will to power describes the drive to overcome, create, and affirm life—his proposed antidote to nihilistic despair.
Question 6: The 'ship of Theseus' paradox is most relevant to philosophical discussions of meaning because it raises questions about:
- Causation and free will
- Personal identity and continuity over time (Correct answer)
- The existence of God
- Social contract theory
Correct answer: Personal identity and continuity over time
The paradox challenges our notions of identity persistence, which bears on whether the 'self' that seeks meaning is continuous enough to have a coherent life narrative.
Question 7: Tolstoy's autobiographical account in 'A Confession' describes his existential crisis as resolved by:
- Embracing Stoic philosophy
- Adopting the simple faith of common people (Correct answer)
- Rejecting all belief systems
- Pursuing artistic achievement
Correct answer: Adopting the simple faith of common people
Tolstoy found that the irrational but life-affirming faith of ordinary peasants offered a resolution to his intellectual despair about life's meaning.
PhB Bachelor of Philosophy Bachelor of Philosophy: The Meaning of Life 3
According to Susan Wolf's 'fitting fulfillment' theory, a meaningful life requires: