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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. When does Plato return to Athens and begin to write?

2. Who in Voltaire's life is the young wife of a French Marquis who is away with his regiment?

3. How does Spinoza explain references to God's halting the natural function of nature on several occasions in the Bible?

4. What does Aristotle say is the need of Motion?

5. What is something Voltaire is noted for with his critics?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the idols Bacon identifies and wants to eliminate.

2. Describe Spinoza's synonymous dichotomies.

3. How can Voltaire's life be compared to that of socrates?

4. Describe Aristotle's idea of what a man's goal in life should be.

5. what methodology marks a difference in the thought processes of Plato and Aristotle?

6. Explain why Spinoza gives up everything for philosophy.

7. Describe Spinoza's identification of three ethical systems.

8. Explain Aristotle's definition of God.

9. Briefly describe Plato's ideal rulers.

10. How does the scope of Bacon's philosophy miss his goal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay on the philosopher in Durant's book that you find the most interesting. Include in your essay examples of that philosopher's work that are of particular interest to you.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on skepticism. Define the term and give examples of ideas philosophers might be skeptical about. Approach this subject objectively showing how skepticism does not only apply to religion but science as well. Use the disagreement over teaching Darwinism in our schools to show skepticism on both sides of the issue.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on Kant's statement: Morality is not properly the doctrine how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy to be happy. Explain what it means and give examples.

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This section contains 822 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample