View a FREE sample

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. In what way does Beauvoir consider nihilistic thinking to be right?
(a) In realizing that peace is punctuated by oppression and revolution.
(b) In understanding the obstacles that come from a complex world.
(c) In understanding the future will be marked by violence.
(d) In thinking that the world possesses no justification and that he himself is nothing.

2. How does Beauvoir compare women to slaves?
(a) By pointing out that women base their success on the contentment of their families.
(b) By pointing out that many women choose to be ignorant of the condition of the world.
(c) By pointing out that women are subject to the laws, gods, customs, and truths created by males.
(d) By pointing out that women create an existence in their minds that escapes the reality of the world around them.

3. What does Beauvoir claim comes, "...between the past which no longer is and the future which is not yet,..."?
(a) The ever changing moment of the present.
(b) This moment when (the individual) exists.
(c) The crossroads of reality.
(d) The point at which time ceases to move.

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

5. How does Beauvoir suggest a past accomplishment can be made relevant in the present?
(a) By tracing the affects of the act from the past through to the present.
(b) By ceaselessly returning to it and justify it as part of the project with which the individual is currently involved.
(c) By keeping a record of all accomplishments to reflect upon those experiences with every decision.
(d) By comparing present acts to the acts of the past.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the child's life begin actually become serious according to Beauvoir?

2. How does Beauvoir define nihilism?

3. Who does Beauvoir use as an example of moving through such obstacles?

4. To what conclusion to Beauvoir arrive regarding Sartre's internal choices that are affected by personal passions?

5. How does Beauvoir explain that artists can betray their aim with their aesthetic justification?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 633 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample