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. How does Beauvoir explain what Descartes meant when he said that the freedom of man is infinite, but this power is limited?
(a) That man's mind has no limits in thought, but his physical body does not have the ability to follow the thoughts.
(b) The individual man has the power to follow his desires until his pursuit is obstructed by a more power man.
(c) That the will is defined only by raising obstacles and by the contingency of certain obstacles that let themselves be conquered and others that do not.
(d) That man is free to believe all things, but achieving them is subject to the physical universe.

2. How does Beauvoir introduce the role of God in the discussion of ethics?
(a) By considering the endless pursuit of pure ethics and the failure to achieve such places the power of judgement in the hands of God.
(b) By pointing out that Sartre's view of existentialism ends with man attempting to make himself God.
(c) By suggesting the wide views of the nature of God actually makes God ambiguous.
(d) By pointing out that all ethics end up being an effort to define God.

3. How does the "sub-man" submerge his freedom, according to Beauvoir?
(a) He refuses subjectivity in favor of predictability.
(b) He ignores the ambiguity of his existence.
(c) He accepts the ethics and expectations of society.
(d) He avoids actions that have consequences.

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

5. Why does Beauvoir claim that some individuals have lives that slip into an infantile world?
(a) Because they discover they are incompetent in the direction they choose for their lives.
(b) Because they are kept in a state of servitude and ignorance and have no means of breaking the ceiling which is over their heads.
(c) Because the labor they choose prevents them from using their minds.
(d) Because they never leave the fanciful world they create in their minds.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are some of the causes that Beauvoir points out that oppressors will claim to defend in their battles against those who try to overthrow them?

2. According to Beauvoir, how is freedom present within the drama of choice?

3. What does Beauvoir note to be the objection of oppressors who are facing overthrow for the cause of freedom?

4. What does Beauvoir define as the drama of original choice?

5. What does Beauvoir claim to protect the child from the risk of existence?

(see the answer key)

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