Introduction to Philosophy

Question 1

Sages

Answer 1

earliest Greek philosophers
- demonstrated willing skepticism for traditions
- curiosity about relationship between humans and the natural world
- commitment to reason

Question 2

Saptarishi

Answer 2

Sanskrit for seven rishis “The Seven Sages” and sanatana dharma

Question 3

Sanatana Dharma

Answer 3

the eternal duties

Question 4

Vedic tradition

Answer 4

classical Indian religious and philosophical tradition

Question 5

Indian fundamental forces of nature

Answer 5

energy, ability, strength, effort, and power

Question 6

Upanishads

Answer 6

early foundational collection of text in the Vedic tradition

Question 7

sati

Answer 7

the practice of Indian widows immolating themselves due to the belief that their current life on Earth served no further purpose

Question 8

Confucius

Answer 8

one of the greatest Chinese writers who often refers to ancient sages

emphasized the important of
1. discovery of technical skills essential to human civilization
2. role as rulers and wise leaders
3. for their wisdom

Question 9

the Chinese script for_sheng_, which bears the symbol of an ear as a prominent feature is meant to symbolize ___

Answer 9

the virtue of listening and responding to divine voices

Question 10

Chinese women did see a measure of independence and freedom with the influence of ____ and _____

Answer 10

Buddhism, Daoism

Each of which had a more liberal view of the role of women

Question 11

Henry Odera Oruka

Answer 11

provided the sage tradition in Africa

Question 12

Oruka ____ tribal Africans identified by their communities as sages

Answer 12

interviewed

Question 13

Oruka recognized a tension in what made these sages philosophically interesting:

Answer 13

1. they articulated the received wisdom of their tradition and culture
2. at the same time seeking a rational justification for the beliefs held by the culture

Question 14

Confucianism is highly patriarchal and _____

Answer 14

venerable:

These figures are praised not only for their political wisdom and long rule, but also for their filial piety and devotion to work.

Mencius, a Confucian philosopher, relates a story of Shun’s care for his blind father and wicked stepmother

Yü is praised for his selfless devotion to work

Question 15

Thales of Miletus

Answer 15

The first and most important sage in Greek philosophy:
- Studied with Egyptian priest
- First Greeks to learn astronomy
- brought knowledge of the calendar to Greece
- predicted a solar eclipse in 585 BCE leading to claims of sagacity

Question 16

Solon

Answer 16

1. Introduced the “Law of Release” to Athens, which cancelled all personal debts and freed indentured servants, or “debt-slaves” who had been consigned to service based on a personal debt they were unable to repay
2. he established a constitutional government in Athens with a representative body, a procedure for taxation, and a series of economic reforms
3. He stepped down as leader to not become a tyrant and then fled Athens. When he returned in Exile he said “One ought to count no man happy until he is dead.”