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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. What quote from Saint-Just does Beauvoir use to point out the paradox to the fight for freedom?

2. When does Beauvoir claim that science acquires meaning?

3. What influence does Beauvoir claim revolt has on the world.

4. What Beauvoir claim to happen to a democratic regime that defends itself by acts of oppression?

5. What are the two clans that Beauvoir claims to come from oppression?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Beauvoir identify as one of the chief objections leveled against existentialism with regard to freedom?

2. How does Beauvoir show that the complexity of the world affects those who are fighting for a cause?

3. What are the two meanings that Beauvoir gives for the future?

4. What is the main criticism that Beauvoir makes of the Aesthetic Attitude?

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

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

7. What is the one solution that Beauvoir offers to the oppressed?

8. Why does Beauvoir suggest man's life must always be an energetic striving?

9. What is the example of the conservative that Beauvoir uses to illustrate how tyrants will attempt to prevent revolt?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the "Antinomies of Action", Beauvoir shows how actions can both work to achieve and work against a cause. Identify one of Beauvoir's examples of actions achieving a cause and working against a cause and prove Beauvoir's explanation with an example from history or current events.

Essay Topic 2

Beauvoir examines two meanings of the word "future". Examine the two meanings and Beauvoir's contexts for those two meanings and her criticisms against the way they are applied. Choose one of Beauvoir's meanings for "future" and detail how it shapes your attitude toward your projects and efforts to develop your free will.

Essay Topic 3

Beauvoir uses three stages of human development (childhood, adolescence, and adulthood) to explain the progression to free will. Summarize Beauvoir's thoughts on these three stages and give personal examples that prove her observations.

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