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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where does Locke say we see the origin of our idea of number?
(a) Trees in a forest.
(b) Flocks of geese.
(c) Our bodies and minds.
(d) Grains of sand.

2. What do we have when an abstract idea cannot be broken down?
(a) Detailed words.
(b) Complex ideas.
(c) Distinct ideas.
(d) Simple ideas.

3. What does Locke's illustration show?
(a) That hell is other people.
(b) That a man can be deceived about his relation with other men.
(c) That a man can be clear in will but unfree in action.
(d) That fate wears a human face.

4. What happens when you strip away all the details of a thing, in Locke's account?
(a) You have the category of the thing.
(b) You possess the thing as an idea.
(c) You cease to see the thing.
(d) You know the design of the thing.

5. What does Locke say we about words that cannot be defined any further?
(a) They are complex ideas.
(b) They are simple ideas.
(c) They are essential ideas.
(d) They are general words.

6. Why don't most words refer to simple ideas, in Locke's account?
(a) Locke says that most words are general.
(b) Locke says that most simple ideas are too unspecific.
(c) Locke says that simple ideas are too pervasive.
(d) Locke says that there is too little room for interpretation in simple ideas.

7. What does Locke say God gave man in order to fulfill his purpose?
(a) Words.
(b) Weapons.
(c) Images.
(d) Technology.

8. How has God formed man, according to Locke?
(a) To be warlike.
(b) To be devout.
(c) To be sociable.
(d) To be self-seeking.

9. How does Locke say people should use language?
(a) In ways that undermine received truths.
(b) In ways that can be understood.
(c) In ways that lead to interesting visions.
(d) In ways that express personality.

10. What is the effect of a passive power?
(a) Movement of matter.
(b) Freedom.
(c) Determinism.
(d) Transformation of matter.

11. What branch of philosophy derives from Locke's ideas about pain and pleasure?
(a) Socialism.
(b) Existentialism.
(c) Historicism.
(d) Utilitarianism.

12. Where does Locke say our idea of number comes from?
(a) Our idea of unity.
(b) Our idea of origins.
(c) Our idea of variety.
(d) Our idea of derivation.

13. What is the philosopher's most important job, according to Locke?
(a) Recall the steps by which truth was arrived at.
(b) Demolish opponents' arguments.
(c) Arrive at truth.
(d) Clarify meanings of terms.

14. What does Locke say allows us to see ourselves as free agents?
(a) Desire.
(b) Determinism.
(c) Fate.
(d) Will.

15. What happens to love over time, according to Locke?
(a) It leads to marriage and commitment in acts.
(b) It creates freedom.
(c) Unlike other ideas, it remains constant if it is true.
(d) Like other ideas, it fades unless it is renewed.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Locke say our ideas of morality come from?

2. In what way was Locke's perspective unique in the debate between free will and fate?

3. When does desire become action, in Locke's opinion?

4. What does Locke describe as an abuse of words?

5. What does Locke say we use when we define a word?

(see the answer keys)

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