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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Beauvoir explain that the Marxist paradox lends to her theory the scheme of man is ambiguous?

2. Upon what does Beauvoir claim that a child's freedom is based?

3. How does Beauvoir characterize the response of Western women when the structures that shelter them seem to be in danger?

4. How does Beauvoir compare Marxism to existentialism?

5. How does human spontaneity give purpose to a human life, according to Beauvoir?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Beauvoir show that the "sub-man" passes into being a serious man?

2. What does Beauvoir report that Sartre taught regarding the being of man?

3. With what quote from Descartes does Beauvoir begin Section II?

4. How does Beauvoir claim that the truly free will is produced?

5. How does Beauvoir characterize Materialists?

6. According to Beauvoir, how have existentialists defined their philosophy?

7. How does Beauvoir explain that willing bad is possible?

8. How does Beauvoir characterize Dualists?

9. How does Beauvoir explain that adult lives can slip by in an infantile world?

10. How does Beauvoir define the serious man?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Beauvoir begins Chapter One, "Ambiguity and Freedom" with a brief review of materialism, dualism, and existentialism and how they either affirm or disregard the ambiguous nature of life. Give choose one of the philosophies and summarize Beauvoir's views on it, then comment on your agreement or disagreement with Beauvoir based upon your perspective of the philosophy you have chosen. Support your argument with proofs from "The Ethics of Ambiguity" and from at least one outside source.

Essay Topic 2

At the end of Chapter Three, Beauvoir examines the role of politics in either establishing and protecting freedom or leading to tyranny. Choose one of Beauvoir's explanations of the role of either politics or violence leading to either freedom or tyranny and give your support or opposition to her view. Support your position with language from "The Ethics of Ambiguity" or from outside sources.

Essay Topic 3

Beauvoir devotes her section on "Ambiguity" to answering criticism of her views regarding its role in personal freedom. Compare and contrast Beauvoir's position to those that she answers both in Chapter Three and earlier in the book. What are of Beauvoir's views on ambiguity as well as those which dissent with her view? What are the disadvantages of each? Do you agree with Beauvoir or her detractors. Explain your answer.

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