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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. At first, what medium does Voltaire use to give humorous expression to his ideas?
(a) short novels
(b) anonymous letters
(c) short plays
(d) essays

2. What does Spinoza say a literal interpretation of the Bible does?
(a) makes it easy to understand
(b) gives it broader meaning
(c) gives no scientific evidence
(d) opens the Bible to errors

3. What is lacking in Aristotle's philosophy that is so evident in Plato's?
(a) a reforming zeal
(b) a clear objective
(c) a means of testing
(d) a good use of rhetoric

4. What motivates Voltaire to accept Prince Frederick's invitation and travel expenses to join him in his court in Potsdam?
(a) his curiosity about German philosophy
(b) a warrant for his arrest in Paris
(c) his sorrow after the death of his mistress
(d) an opportunity to learn German

5. In what way is Bacon's reconstruction thought superior to that of Aristotle?
(a) less detailed, evolving slowly
(b) less idealistic and more severe
(c) more practical than theoretical
(d) more flexible for the people

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Voltaire write The Romances?

2. What drives the Jews out of their natural home?

3. What biological notion does Aristotle reject?

4. What is a special element of soul in the human being according to Aristotle?

5. What becomes the unifying element in Plato's description of justice?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Voltaire's reaction to Voltaire's desire to be a professional writer?

2. How does Spinoza's education come from questions he wants answers to?

3. what methodology marks a difference in the thought processes of Plato and Aristotle?

4. What is a common criticism of Voltaire?

5. How does Plato state the cause of political problems in the world?

6. Briefly describe Plato's ideal rulers.

7. Why is Aristotle's philosophy often criticized as dry and uninteresting?

8. How is Bacon's philosophy comparable to Plato's?

9. Explain why Spinoza gives up everything for philosophy.

10. Describe the idols Bacon identifies and wants to eliminate.

(see the answer keys)

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