Exam Introduction Unit

Question 1

Mengzi

Answer 1

• Mengzi’s thesis is human nature is good and if you are bad, you are not a person
• principle evidence is real-life examples and metaphors

Question 2

Xunzi

Answer 2

• Xunzi’s thesis is that human nature is evil
• Humans are born with envy hate and love of profit
• They have to be taught to be good or bad

Question 3

Hobbes’ main philosophical concern

Answer 3

problem of social/political order—avoiding civil conflict

Question 4

Locke’s radical conception of political philosophy?

Answer 4

he believes a person gains ownership when he ‘mixes his labour with it’

Question 5

Socratic Method

Answer 5

teaching by asking questions you have the answer to yourself to elicit an understanding by and from the students

Question 6

who does Hobbes say we should give our obedience to & why?

Answer 6

• an unaccountable sovereign
• otherwise, universal insecurity and civil war ensues

Question 7

the singular controversy in the interpretation of Hobbesian philosophy?

Answer 7

• The question is whether humans are naturally self-interested and governed by egoism.
• believes that humans are naturally selfish.

Question 8

What should the role of government be, according to Locke?

Answer 8

contrary to Hobbes, he believes it should be limited to securing life and property of citizens

Question 9

What is Locke’s position on tolerance?

Answer 9

we should have the right to freedom of (or from) religion—criticizes hereditary monarchy

Question 10

What did Locke’s political philosophy lead to?

Answer 10

the separation of church and state, particularly in the American Constitution

Question 11

What is the general topic of Plato’s allegory?

Answer 11

The nature of reality and the process of enlightenment or education.

Question 12

What do the chains symbolize in the allegory?

Answer 12

symbolizes the constraints and limitations that bind individuals to ignorance and prevent them from perceiving the true nature of reality.

Question 13

What does the sun symbolize in the allegory?

Answer 13

• symbolizes the ultimate source of knowledge, truth, and enlightenment
• represents the realm of the Forms or Ideas, which Plato believed to be the true reality beyond the physical world.

Question 14

In the context of our world, what do the ‘shadows’ on the cave wall symbolize?

Answer 14

symbolize the illusory nature of sensory perception and the limited understanding that individuals have of reality.

Question 15

What is/are the point(s) of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave?

Answer 15

• Distinguishing between physical reality and the realm of Forms
• Emphasizing the importance of education and enlightenment
• Encouraging philosophical inquiry
• Highlighting the responsibility of the enlightened to guide others

Question 16

summary of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

Answer 16

• The allegory explores the nature of reality and the process of enlightenment.
• It portrays prisoners chained in a cave, perceiving only shadows on the wall.
• The shadows symbolize the illusory nature of sensory perception.
• A freed prisoner is exposed to the outside world and experiences enlightenment.
• The sun represents the ultimate source of knowledge and truth.
• The freed prisoner may initially suffer and feel angry but eventually embraces the new reality.
• The allegory highlights the transformative power of education and philosophical inquiry.
• It emphasizes the responsibility of the enlightened to guide others out of ignorance.
• The allegory encourages individuals to question their beliefs and seek deeper understanding.
• Its main points include distinguishing between physical reality and the realm of Forms, valuing education and enlightenment, fostering philosophical inquiry, and promoting the guidance of others.