Deck 10: Confucius, Mencius, and Xunzi: Virtue in Ancient China

Question 1

Epicurus thinks an important key to happiness lies in natural science because

A) it leads to technological breakthroughs that enhance the quality of life.
B) it can show us that some of our fears are unfounded.
C) knowledge is something good in itself.
D) we should aim to keep our wills in harmony with nature.

Answer 1

it can show us that some of our fears are unfounded.

Question 2

Hedonism

A) recommends pursuing every pleasure, so as to maximize happiness in life.
B) is a doctrine that disparages pleasure and recommends virtue as the key to happiness.
C) is compatible with denying oneself many pleasures.
D) has nothing to say about pain, fear, or sorrow.

Answer 2

is compatible with denying oneself many pleasures.

Question 3

We do not need to fear the gods, Epicurus says, because

A) they are uninterested in us.
B) gods are by nature loving and kind.
C) there are no gods.
D) when we are, death is not; and when death is, we are not.

Answer 3

they are uninterested in us.

Question 4

According to Epicurus, someone who thinks happiness is pleasure and the absence of pain will

A) be unjust to others, if it will increase pleasure for himself.
B) indulge her every desire.
C) be an untrustworthy friend.
D) be content with having little.

Question 5

A Stoic

A) believes that our happiness or unhappiness is entirely within our own control.
B) says "Grin and bear it," no matter how unhappy something makes you.
C) cares for no one and nothing but his or her own freedom and happiness.
D) prefers nothing, shuns nothing, and is indifferent to everything.

Question 6

When Stoics advise us to keep our wills in harmony with nature, they

A) mean that if something feels natural to us, we should "go with the flow" and "just do it!"
B) deny God.
C) contradict Plato and Aristotle, who emphasize living in accord with reason.
D) are in effect advising us to do our duty.

Question 7

A Stoic thinks we should

A) seek virtue more than happiness.
B) never seek pleasure as an end.
C) always be virtuous, because virtue produces the greatest pleasure.
D) be skeptical of all claims to know what virtue is.

Question 8

A skeptic will

A) assert that nothing can be known.
B) assert that we can know only the contents of our own minds.
C) suspend judgment about what reality is like.
D) refuse to ask why.

Question 9

With respect to the question, "Does a criterion of truth exist?" the skeptic

A) asserts with Xenophanes of Colophon that it does not.
B) claims that an infinite regress is the only criterion available.
C) engages in circular reasoning to prove the existence of a criterion.
D) suspends judgment.

Question 10

Happiness, says the skeptic,

A) is unavailable to humans, since knowledge is unavailable.
B) must be founded on sure and certain understanding of the true nature of reality.
C) is available only to those who have gone through the pangs of skeptical doubt and come out into the clear light of knowledge on the other side.
D) is a by-product of giving up the demand to know.

Question 11

For what kinds of pains does Epicurus believe there is a remedy? And what is it?

Question 12

What one objection does Epicurus have to the atomism of Democritus? And how does he propose to improve atomism to meet that objection?

Question 13

Given that Epicureans think pleasure is the sole good, why do they praise moderation?

Question 14

Epictetus, the Stoic, says that we can be assured of happiness and freedom if we remember always to make one crucial distinction. What is it? And how does making it provide such benefits?

Question 15

Barbra Streisand sings, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." You are a Stoic philosopher. Talk to her.

Question 16

Explain the skeptical "problem of the criterion."

Question 17

What does it mean when the skeptic recommends that we "suspend judgment"? About what? Why? And will that be good for us?

Question 18

How do Epicureans and Stoics differ with respect to the role of pleasure in the happy life?

Question 19

Of the Epicureans, the Stoics, and the Skeptics, which are most like the Sophists? Why? And how are they unlike?

Question 20

Do Plato and Aristotle have an answer to the problem of the criterion? If so, what is it? If not, why not?