MEMORIZATION 2023 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS VERIFIED AND
PASSED
SIX THEMES OR PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES - CORRECT ANSWER 1. Human
nature
2. Personhood
3. Mind and body distinction
4. The self and the other
5. Freedom
6. Identity
Rational theory of human nature features versus irrational theory features (And key
philosophers) - CORRECT ANSWER Rationalism claims that human nature is
objective, autonomous, self-evident, able to be known, and based on self-control. It's
major philosophers are Plato and Descartes. Chariot analogy.
Irrationalism or perspectives is a form of relativism that claims that truth or objectivity
about human nature is a myth because no belief can be separated from the writer,
and thus will always be subjective. Major philosophers are Darwin, Freud, and
Nietzsche.
Counterclaim to the rational theory of human nature - CORRECT ANSWER Just
because the theory provides account on how short term gratification can be withheld
for long term satisfaction does not necessitate that rationality is divine or superior.
Some people with disabilities are not able to do this. Reason can be argued to be
complex self-interested instinct.
The blank state theory of human nature and major philsopher - CORRECT
ANSWER Tabula rasa, holds that the axiom of empiricism, rational or irrationalism
, IB PHILOSOPHY PAPER 1 ESSAY
MEMORIZATION 2023 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS VERIFIED AND
PASSED
is bound by nurture or social constructionism. Major philosopher being Locke, Marx,
and Judith Butler, who looked at language as a form of non-male subjugation.
Three approaches to defining human nature - CORRECT ANSWER Rationality -
our ability to reason and grasp the absolute is the defining characteristic of man
Irrationalism - we deal with and select beliefs irrationally
Blank state - rationality is framed by and is a result of nurture.
"All human beings are persons and only human beings can be persons" pro and con
- CORRECT ANSWER Pro: simple definition, clear distinction between what is a
person and what is not
Con: why do we need two words if they mean the same thing? The distinction
implies a distinction occurring in reality. What exact attributes of human beings grant
them the exclusive right to be persons?
"All human beings are persons and some other beings may be persons too" pros
and cons - CORRECT ANSWER Pro: open definition, allows philosophical debate
and delineation, slightly less speciesist or anthropocentric
Cons: Cut-off point problem: if all humans can be persons, why can't all animals be
persons? For instance, why is a non self conscious human still a person, but a non
self conscious animal isn't? What exact attributes make human beings special?
"Most human beings are persons and some other beings are persons" pros and cons
- CORRECT ANSWER Pro: consistent, some specific criteria of personhood that
apply equally to humans, animals and other beings, much less anthropocentric