Essay Questions

Question 1

Fully explain the “Semantic Triangle.”

Answer the question by addressing what each corner represents and the relation each corner has to the others.

Answer 1

semantic triangle: a method in philosophy
word in language -> particular in reality -> universal
- “chair” -> this chair -> any chair

Question 2

How do Plato and Aristotle use the term “form”?

Your answer must include an explanation of how each of them use the term and what they precisely they are referring to when they use it. Note similarities & differences.

Answer 2

Forms answer the question of “What is it?”
Plato: “forms exist in a higher plane of reality”
shadows → physical object → idea → FORM
Aristotle: “forms exist in THIS reality; the object holds its form within itself”
The four becauses explain how an object has its form; secondary substabces → forms combined into one particular

Question 3

What is the mind-body problem? Why is it so problematic for understanding the self?

Your answer should include: materiality vs. immateriality, mental vs. physical properties, the direction of causation & their priority.

Answer 3

Question:
the problem: How does the mind and body interact if they’re different substances?
mind: mental, immaterial
body: physical, material
Answers:
Descartes: causation between mental & physical goes both ways (mind causes body to respond & vice versa)
Substance Dualism: mind/body are made of two kinds of substance; constitutes all of what exists
Physicalism: matter > mind (mind is part of body)
Idealism: mind > matter (mind is more known than body)

Question 4

Fully explain Blum’s arguments on racism. What are the views on racism? What is discrimination? Who can be racist? Is all racism equal?

Relate it to issues of power and status (i.e., privilege). Discuss the four “moral asymmetries” and give examples for each one. Address vulnerable and subordinate groups and give examples.

Answer 4

Views:
black: patterns of racial inequality; prejudice + power
- power plays a role in racism, but people can still be racist without power
- external (acts upon intentions) vs. internal (no action)
white: departing from color blindness; bias against races
- four moral asymmetries (historical legacy, positional inferiority, patterns & prevalence, contribution to racial injustice)
- patterns & prevalence; subordinate v. vulnerable
Discrimination:
racial prejudice
Who can be racist? Is all racism equal?
anyone can be racist, but some acts are more racist than others; content of attitudes & beliefs are what makes acts racist (no power involved)