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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. What methods did Descartes use in his work?
(a) Hypothesis and experimentation.
(b) Experiential learning and induction.
(c) Deduction and analysis.
(d) Induction and synthesis.

2. What two fields did Wilson connect in his theory of unified learning?
(a) Philosophy and evolution.
(b) Epistemology and religion.
(c) Evolution and genetics.
(d) Classification and evolution.

3. What interpret does Wilson give the myth of Icarus?
(a) It represents man's daring.
(b) It represents the benefit of age and wisdom.
(c) It represents man's tragic nature.
(d) It represents the value of learning over freedom.

4. What did Enlightenment thinkers tried to link, in Wilson's account?
(a) Science and humanities.
(b) Reason and religion.
(c) Man and animal.
(d) Humanity and philosophy.

5. What does Wilson use the discussion of the unity of species to prepare for?
(a) A discussion of the inevitability of progress.
(b) A discussion of the equality of genders.
(c) A discussion of the unity of sciences.
(d) A discussion of the conscience and society.

Short Answer Questions

1. How can scientists monitor the working brain, in Wilson's account?

2. What does Wilson mean by the Ionian Enchantment'?

3. According to complexity theory, what is the result of living on the edge of chaos?

4. What subject would Wilson like to see more of in undergraduate education?

5. What are the nerve cells in the brain called?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Wilson's theory a consequence of evolutionary theory?

2. What three-part division does Wilson divide the brain into?

3. How did Wilson arrive at his theory of consilience?

4. What is the modern understanding of how the brain works?

5. How does consilience aim to resolve political problems?

6. What ancient sources does Wilson trace consilience back to?

7. How does Wilson use evolution as a parallel for consilience?

8. What does E.O. Wilson mean by the Ionian Enchantment?

9. In what way does Wilson distinguish between evolutionary progress and consilience?

10. How would you describe Rene Descartes' influence on Wilson's idea of consilience?

(see the answer keys)

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