StraighterLine Philosophy Quiz Practice
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Who is often called the “father of Western philosophy”?
a) Aristotle
b) Socrates
c) Plato
d) Parmenides
Socrates is credited as the foundational figure of Western philosophy
due to his method of questioning and ethical focus.
2. Plato’s theory of Forms holds that
a) reality is only material
b) knowledge is impossible
c) abstract Forms are more real than physical objects
d) all truths are relative
, Plato argued that non-material Forms (like Justice or Beauty) are
eternal realities beyond the changing physical world.
3. Aristotle believed the highest human good is
a) wealth
b) pleasure
c) honor
d) eudaimonia (flourishing)
Eudaimonia, often translated as flourishing or happiness, is achieved
through virtuous activity.
4. The Socratic method primarily involves
a) writing essays
b) performing rituals
c) asking probing questions
d) memorizing doctrines
Socrates sought truth through dialogue and critical questioning to
expose contradictions.
5. Which branch of philosophy studies knowledge?
a) Metaphysics
b) Epistemology
c) Aesthetics
d) Ethics
Epistemology examines the nature, scope, and limits of human
knowledge.
,6. Descartes’ statement “Cogito, ergo sum” means
a) I doubt, therefore I fail
b) I sense, therefore I live
c) I think, therefore I am
d) I feel, therefore I exist
Descartes used the act of thinking as undeniable proof of existence.
7. The “problem of evil” challenges belief in
a) multiple gods
b) reincarnation
c) an all-powerful, all-good God
d) karma
The existence of evil seems incompatible with a God who is
omnipotent and benevolent.
8. Utilitarianism judges actions by
a) their motives
b) divine will
c) their consequences
d) social tradition
Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility.
9. Kantian ethics is based on
a) pleasure and pain
b) duty and universal moral law
c) social contracts
, d) natural instincts
Kant emphasized acting from duty according to universalizable moral
principles.
10. The Allegory of the Cave represents
a) political corruption
b) religious rituals
c) the journey from ignorance to knowledge
d) economic struggle
Plato’s allegory symbolizes moving from sensory illusions to
understanding the Forms.
11. Which philosopher promoted the “will to power”?
a) Kierkegaard
b) Heidegger
c) Nietzsche
d) Hume
Nietzsche described the fundamental drive of life as the will to
power.
12. Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes mainly from
a) reason
b) revelation
c) sensory experience
d) innate ideas
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Who is often called the “father of Western philosophy”?
a) Aristotle
b) Socrates
c) Plato
d) Parmenides
Socrates is credited as the foundational figure of Western philosophy
due to his method of questioning and ethical focus.
2. Plato’s theory of Forms holds that
a) reality is only material
b) knowledge is impossible
c) abstract Forms are more real than physical objects
d) all truths are relative
, Plato argued that non-material Forms (like Justice or Beauty) are
eternal realities beyond the changing physical world.
3. Aristotle believed the highest human good is
a) wealth
b) pleasure
c) honor
d) eudaimonia (flourishing)
Eudaimonia, often translated as flourishing or happiness, is achieved
through virtuous activity.
4. The Socratic method primarily involves
a) writing essays
b) performing rituals
c) asking probing questions
d) memorizing doctrines
Socrates sought truth through dialogue and critical questioning to
expose contradictions.
5. Which branch of philosophy studies knowledge?
a) Metaphysics
b) Epistemology
c) Aesthetics
d) Ethics
Epistemology examines the nature, scope, and limits of human
knowledge.
,6. Descartes’ statement “Cogito, ergo sum” means
a) I doubt, therefore I fail
b) I sense, therefore I live
c) I think, therefore I am
d) I feel, therefore I exist
Descartes used the act of thinking as undeniable proof of existence.
7. The “problem of evil” challenges belief in
a) multiple gods
b) reincarnation
c) an all-powerful, all-good God
d) karma
The existence of evil seems incompatible with a God who is
omnipotent and benevolent.
8. Utilitarianism judges actions by
a) their motives
b) divine will
c) their consequences
d) social tradition
Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility.
9. Kantian ethics is based on
a) pleasure and pain
b) duty and universal moral law
c) social contracts
, d) natural instincts
Kant emphasized acting from duty according to universalizable moral
principles.
10. The Allegory of the Cave represents
a) political corruption
b) religious rituals
c) the journey from ignorance to knowledge
d) economic struggle
Plato’s allegory symbolizes moving from sensory illusions to
understanding the Forms.
11. Which philosopher promoted the “will to power”?
a) Kierkegaard
b) Heidegger
c) Nietzsche
d) Hume
Nietzsche described the fundamental drive of life as the will to
power.
12. Empiricism asserts that knowledge comes mainly from
a) reason
b) revelation
c) sensory experience
d) innate ideas
