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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. Upon what does Beauvoir claim existence is based?
(a) Ambiguity.
(b) Doing something.
(c) Freedom.
(d) Goals.

2. How does Beauvoir define the present?
(a) The present is the moment in which thought meets matter.
(b) The present is when the Aesthetic Attitude meets its most significant challenge.
(c) The present is the point at which the will meets freedom.
(d) The present is not a potential past, it is the moment of choice and action.

3. Why does Beauvoir claim that no project can be considered to be purely contemplative?
(a) Because a project requires putting action to contemplation.
(b) Because projects are contemplated differently by others who act differently from their perspectives.
(c) Because an individual is continually projects himself toward something in the future through a project.
(d) Because projects are contemplated in the present to be completed in the future and become part of the past.

4. What does Beauvoir mean when she refers to "The Antinomies of Action"?
(a) That improper actions against oppression will lead to more 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 actions, not words, are most effective against oppression.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Beauvoir claim is revealed through art?

2. How does Beauvoir suggest that Christian charity, Epicurean cult of friendship, and Kantian moralism share the same point of views?

3. What does Beauvoir claim to be the meaning and substance of all action?

4. 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?

5. What does Beauvoir suggest to be the motivation of those who adopt the Aesthetic Attitude?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Beauvoir dispute the idea that individual freedom does not lead to anarchy?

2. How does Beauvoir claim that we can best secure our personal freedom?

3. How does the individual who claims to have adopted the Aesthetic Attitude view historical work, according to Beauvoir?

4. How does Beauvoir represent the present in the face of the future?

5. What two views of how history affects the future does Beauvoir note?

6. What does Beauvoir claim becomes of those who adopt the Aesthetic Attitude?

7. How does Beauvoir claim living as an existentialist would affect men?

8. Why does Beauvoir write that the only way way that the oppressed can fulfill his freedom is through revolt?

9. How do societies attempt to help individuals hold onto the present according to Beauvoir?

10. How does Beauvoir characterize freedom that is won through denying freedom to others?

(see the answer keys)

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