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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. Under what conditions can a state be democratic, in Bataille's opinion?

2. What does Bataille describe in "The Critique of the Foundations of the Hegelian Dialectic"?

3. What did Bataille and Andre Masson dream about as Bataille was writing "The Labyrinth"?

4. What does Bataille describe as a symptom of cultural crisis?

5. What is classical utility theory inadequate to define, in Bataille's opinion?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize Nicolai Hartmann's interpretation of Hegel.

2. What flaw does Bataille identify in dialectic philosophy in "The Critique of the Foundations of the Hegelian Dialectic"?

3. How does Bataille reconcile the opposition between self and world in "Sacrifices"?

4. What is the essence of Bataille's essay "The Practice of Joy before Death"?

5. How does Bataille describe the individual in "The College of Sociology"?

6. What is Bataille's theme in "The Labyrinth"?

7. How does Bataille portray Engels' interpretation of Hegel's philosophy in "The Critique of the Foundations of the Hegelian Dialectic"?

8. Briefly describe the theory of conspicuous consumption.

9. What aspect of Nietzsche's philosophy did the Fascists appropriate, in Bataille's account in "Nietzsche and the Fascists"?

10. How did Nietzsche respond to the decay of his culture, according to Bataille's essay "Nietzschean Chronicle"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Assess the claim that Bataille's thinking cannot be reduced to a particular theme or set of values. What is the role of multiplicity and contradiction in Bataille's writing?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Bataille's writing style to comment on his literary personality and temperament.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Bataille's political stance. What parties did he support in his day? What parties or policies would he likely support today?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 702 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample