101 Exam 2: Philosophy 101 Exam 3: Philosophy 101 Exam 4
What are the etymological roots of philosophy? - ANSWER:Love and wisdom
What does G.W. Foote mean when he says that most of our beliefs are accidental? G.W. Foote was the
British freethinker that wrote the book, Infidel Death Beds. - ANSWER:Foote argues that most of our
beliefs are taught to us from our parents, culture, and society. Since we do not choose where we are
born, it appears to be by accident.
What is logic? - ANSWER:Philosophical study of proper thinking and the structure of our thoughts and
arguments
In philosophy, what is feminism? - ANSWER:A re-evaluation of the history of philosophy and
contemporary philosophy from the perspective of sex and gender.
We were introduced to two concepts in philosophy, subjectivity and objectivity. How did we say these
terms apply to beauty? - ANSWER:Objective beauty is when something is seen as beautiful in itself and
everyone should be able to recognize the beauty that is there. Subjective beauty is when what is
deemed beautiful is always relative to the person viewing the object.
What is ethics - ANSWER:Philosophical study of the value of human action, character, and life goals
What is epistemology? - ANSWER:The philosophical study of knowledge and what it means to say I know
something
What does G.W. Foote think we should do when we become rational adults? G.W. Foote was the British
freethinker that wrote the book, Infidel Death Beds. - ANSWER:We should justify all our beliefs using
reason.
What is metaphysics? - ANSWER:The philosophical study of essence and other fundamental questions
What does G.W. Foote say religion uses to convince us to have certain beliefs? G.W. Foote was the British
freethinker that wrote the book, Infidel Death Beds. - ANSWER:Foote says that religion uses the promise
of rewards (eternal paradise in heaven) and the threat of punishment (eternal suffering in hell) to
persuade people.
Why did Professor Agassiz have Samuel H. Scudder make observations about a simple fish all day long for
three days straight? - ANSWER:As a lesson to learn that it takes time to see beyond the obvious and
uncover deeper observations.
Why does Bertrand Russell worry that the working class is wasting it leisure time? - ANSWER:Bertrand
Russell worries that the working class is so tired at the end of the work day that she or he has only
enough energy for very passive leisure time pursuits, like vegetating in front of the tv to watch a
mindless sitcom, rather than more energy intensive pursuits like reading a chapter from a book of
philosophy.
, What two things happened during World War I that caused Bertrand Russell to conclude that people do
not need to work as much and could earn close to the same salary? - ANSWER:The work force increased
considerably and permanently with the addition of many women. The efficiency of factories increased
exponentially. At a minimum, workers could produce twice any many products as before. Thus they
could maintain productivity with just a half day's shift, and there would be enough workers to find
someone to work the other half day.
What is Bertrand Russell's position on leisure time? - ANSWER:Leisure time can be wasted or it can be
put to good use bringing society together, developing insightful cultural artifacts, and studying things like
philosophy.
Why does Bertrand Russell suggest philosophy is an important and useful pursuit in your leisure time? -
ANSWER:Bertrand Russell argues that a study of philosophy brings about a deep appreciation of life.
What is a false dilemma? - ANSWER:A false dilemma is when someone is offered only two options when
there are other unstated options. For instance, someone might force you to answer the question, will
you be a philosopher OR a plumber?
What is Bertrand Russell's middle path? - ANSWER:Bertrand Russell argues society shouldn't split itself
up into the working class and the leisure class. The middle way is to balance in your life both work and
leisure.
We read both a conservative and liberal response to Marco Rubio's statement about philosophy and
welding. What did the conservative and liberal agree upon in their respective responses? - ANSWER:Both
conservative and liberal agreed that one could be both a welder and a philosopher.
We watched a TED talk by Dan Arely. What is his concept of the red button? - ANSWER:Arely says that
we need to figure out ways to engineer our lives to help us avoid temptation. A red button might be not
sitting next to a friend that we are tempted to talk to during class.
What kind of ethical reasoning will sometimes lead to cheating? - ANSWER:Instrumental reasoning.
Someone with the goal of passing a class may start to look for any means to reach this goal.
We watched a TED talk by Dan Arely. What is his concept of reward substitution? - ANSWER:Sometimes
the real benefits of our actions are in the future and though those benefits are far more important than
any suffering we might experience now, they are not enough to compel us to do what is best now. Thus
we substitute in a reward that can be immediate. This reward substitution can help motivate us to do
what is ultimately best for our future self.
Ethical justification that is consequentialist (also called instrumental) will argue: - ANSWER:The ends
justify the means.
What is the etymological root of Ethics? - ANSWER:Ethos (way of life).
Pretend a student is talking to him/herself and says, I need to pass this class or I'll lose my financial aid.
It's just I find the class confusing and I have better things to do. But I have to pass. I'll just copy off my
neighbor. What kind of ethics are they using? - ANSWER:Instrumental
Pretend a student is talking to him/herself and says, I want to cheat, but really I shouldn't if it is wrong.
Does cheating harm anyone? I guess it harms the teacher. The teacher will falsely believe her/his