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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 3, The Positive Aspect of Ambiguity, Sections 1-3, The Aesthetic Attitude, Freedom and Liberation, The Antinomies of Action.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Beauvoir note to be the objection of oppressors who are facing overthrow for the cause of freedom?
(a) Overthrowing the order of oppressors threatens to subject all to barbarism.
(b) Overthrowing oppressors will bring neophytes to incompetently administer the principles of law and justice.
(c) Those who overthrow an oppressor are only seeking the power to oppress.
(d) By overthrowing their oppression, the freedom of oppressors is being deprived.

2. What contradiction does Beauvoir suggest will come to those who fight for a cause due to the complexity of the world?
(a) In order to win an urgent victory, one may be brought to leaving a valued friend.
(b) In order to win an urgent victory, one may be brought to sacrifice his principles.
(c) In order to win an urgent victory, one may be brought to the point of fighting against valid causes.
(d) In order to win an urgent victory, one may be brought to face a humiliating defeat.

3. In what sense does Beauvoir claim that every man is free?
(a) In the sense that he spontaneously casts himself into the world.
(b) In the sense that only consequences affect his choices.
(c) In the sense that he can choose his own ethic.
(d) In the sense that he is free to end or continue his existence.

4. How does Beauvoir claim that a slave can exercise freedom?
(a) By showing expertise in a particular field to make his existence more valuable to the slave owner.
(b) By remaining ignorant of the consciousness of his slavery.
(c) By using their influence over other slaves to overthrow the slave owner.
(d) By creating a world of freedom in their minds.

5. What does Beauvoir claim to be the only solution for those who are oppressed?
(a) Avoid the negative consequences of oppression by producing as directed.
(b) Deny the harmony of mankind by revolting against the tyrants.
(c) Negate oppression by willing oneself free.
(d) Assume the Aesthetic Attitude and escape the turmoil of the world for an existence of contemplation.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the two clans that Beauvoir claims to come from oppression?

2. How does Beauvoir establish the relationship between things and man in human action?

3. What does Beauvoir claim comes of an accomplished act that is left behind by an individual?

4. How does Beauvoir compare Marxism to existentialism?

5. How does Beauvoir characterize the fate of the "sub-man"?

(see the answer key)

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