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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Beauvoir suggest that the ends can justify the means.
(a) Only if those taking action consider the consequences before they take action.
(b) Only if the motivations of those taking action are on full display.
(c) Only if the end is completely disclosed in the course of the present enterprise.
(d) Only if the focus of those taking action are on the future.

2. What does Beauvoir mean when she refers to "The Antinomies of Action"?
(a) That actions, not words, are most effective against oppression.
(b) That the intentions of the those who act against oppression must be constantly in check.
(c) That often in the fight for or against oppression, the action contradicts the motivation.
(d) That improper actions against oppression will lead to more oppression.

3. What influence does Beauvoir claim revolt has on the world.
(a) Revolt does not wish to be integrated, but to break the world's continuity.
(b) Revolt affects even those who have adopted the Aesthetic Attitude and forces the realities of the world on every man.
(c) Revolt rises from a detachment from things and eventually leads to oppression through the desire to control things.
(d) Revolt rises from the recognition of oppression and brings freedom to the world.

4. What does Beauvoir report to be Marx' view of the future?
(a) The future will only begin when the socialist state ends prehistory and begins real history.
(b) The future is organic because it is built on the lives and sacrifices of the past.
(c) The future is not stationary because the mind is restless and the struggle for the future never ceases.
(d) The future can only be affected if one accepts the validity of the projects they take as contributing to it.

5. How will an oppressor use history to justify his oppression, according to Beauvoir?
(a) He will subjectively use the past to justify his power.
(b) He will point out only past actions of his benevolence.
(c) He will negative aspects of history that existed before his power was attained.
(d) He will create new history to confuse his enemies.

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

7. How does Beauvoir claim an individual can put himself on the plane of the universal and the infinite?
(a) By considering a system abstractly and theoretically.
(b) By assuring the means and the ends justify each other.
(c) By taking goals that will transcend their lives.
(d) By considering the ambiguity of their decisions.

8. How does Beauvoir suggest violent action against oppression becomes a contradiction to the cause of freedom?
(a) Because those who fight oppression generally desire the power of those they attempt to overthrow.
(b) Because those who fight oppression must oppress those who fight with them to command the battle.
(c) Because conquering enemies requires reducing the enemies to things and those who fight oppression must reduce themselves to things as well.
(d) Because those who see oppressors as being beneficial will believe they fight for freedom in defense of an oppressor.

9. According to Beauvoir, upon what do politicians rely to sustain their influence over individuals?
(a) The subjective use of history.
(b) The guile and persuasion of well constructed statements.
(c) A utopian view of the future.
(d) The power and brutality of police.

10. What example does Beauvoir use to illustrate "The Antinomies of Action"?
(a) Men who commit violence against an oppressor for the cause of freedom become oppressors themselves and must reduce the oppressor as a thing to be removed.
(b) If those who lead actions against oppression are not under continual scrutiny, they will plan insurrections for their own benefit.
(c) That the thinkers who can define the evils of oppression actually become oppressors by making people realize their plight but offering no action to correct it.
(d) That unwise action against oppressors taken without considering the future will lead to more vicious oppression by opportunists.

11. Since human life is finite, with what does Beauvoir suggest the individual should concern himself?
(a) Finding a balance between goals and means.
(b) Will himself free.
(c) Dedicating himself to projects that transcend time.
(d) Finding purpose in ambiguity.

12. What does Beauvoir recognize as the paradox that faces a man who is willing to fight for a valid cause?
(a) Man can only assure better life by causing death to those who would destroy it.
(b) Only sacrifice can lead to achievement.
(c) No action can be generated for man without its being immediately generated against men.
(d) The only way a man can make an important gain is to sacrifice something equally important.

13. What example does Beauvoir use to illustrate "...festivals (that) stop the movement of transcendence?"
(a) Noted festivals through history note the coming decadence and collapse of the societies that embraced them.
(b) Christian festivals that have been implemented during pagan observations separate Christian doctrine from its literary roots.
(c) Pagan festivals that adopt Christian labels ignore the conflict between the two.
(d) The festivals celebrating the liberation of Paris exalted the end of the history of Nazi occupation of Paris.

14. What are projects according to Beauvoir?
(a) Activities in which the individual sacrifices freedom for achievement.
(b) Activities which define history.
(c) Activities in which an individual works to affect others.
(d) Activities in which the individual works toward a goal.

15. When does Beauvoir suggest an individual might adopt the Aesthetic Attitude?
(a) When he recognizes that his freedom is secured when he is not with others.
(b) During moments of discouragement and confusion.
(c) During times of oppression.
(d) During efforts of an individual to will themselves free.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Beauvoir suggest that if man waits for universal peace to establish his existence validly, he will wait indefinitely?

2. According to Beauvoir, if every man is free:

3. According to Beauvoir, what stops an individual's life from appearing as a negligible thing?

4. How does Beauvoir claim a goal is defined?

5. What possibility does Beauvoir claim the fundamental ambiguity of the human condition opens to men?

(see the answer keys)

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