Question 1

Which of the following best captures the point of Nietzsche's squib?

Accepted Answer

Nietzsche's philosophy often explores themes of existentialism and the idea that individuals are not inherently accountable for their existence, as existence precedes essence.

Question 2

What is not a way Nietzsche describes moralizing?

Accepted Answer

Nietzsche often critiques moralizing for being naive, bigoted, and ridiculous, but he does not describe it as approving. His philosophy frequently challenges conventional morality, emphasizing the complexity and often hypocrisy within moral judgments, rather than endorsing them.

Question 3

Nietzsche says that value judgments about life are __________.

Accepted Answer

Nietzsche argues that value judgments about life are merely symptoms, reflecting the underlying psychological and physiological states of the person making the judgment, rather than objective truths.

Question 4

What concept does Kierkegaard say is necessary for "leveling" to take place?

Accepted Answer

Kierkegaard argues that "leveling" is a process facilitated by the emergence of "the public," a concept that dilutes individuality and personal responsibility by creating a collective identity.

Question 5

Why does Nietzsche think that existence has no purpose and that life has no meaning apart from what each individual gives it? How might this view change the way a person lives? What good and bad results might spring from viewing life this way?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does Nietzsche think that existence has...

Question 6

In what ways does Sartre think that people are different from tables or knives? In your opinion, does he capture what is distinctive about human beings? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In what ways does Sartre think that...

Question 7

Nietzsche argues that to redeem the world, we must deny God.

Accepted Answer

Nietzsche believed that traditional morality, rooted in religious beliefs (particularly Christianity), was life-denying. He argued that to overcome this and affirm life, one must move beyond the concept of God, which he famously declared as "God is dead." This was part of his critique of religion and its moral implications on humanity, suggesting that the denial of God would lead to a revaluation of all values and the possibility of creating new, life-affirming values.

Question 8

According to Nietzsche, what judgment have those considered the wisest usually come to about life?

Accepted Answer

Nietzsche often critiqued the valuation of life by those he considered the wisest, suggesting they frequently deemed life as lacking inherent value or even as something to be negated, rather than celebrated. This perspective is evident in his critique of traditional moral values and his concept of the "will to power."

Question 9

According to Sartre, if God created us, then __________.

Accepted Answer

Sartre argues that if God created us, it would be similar to a craftsman creating an object with a predetermined purpose, like a table or knife. However, Sartre's existentialism posits that existence precedes essence, meaning humans are not created with a predetermined nature or purpose.

Question 10

Nietzsche begins this selection by saying "in every age the wisest have passed the identical judgment on life: it is worthless." What does Nietzsche mean by echoing this statement? Is it just a frustrated, cynical reaction, or does it imply some serious ideas about life and existence? What are those ideas and what basis might they provide for living well?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Nietzsche begins this selection by saying "in...

Question 11

What does Nietzsche mean by an "immoralist"? How does an immoralist contrast with a moralist? Why does Nietzsche count himself among the immoralists?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does Nietzsche mean by an "immoralist"?...

Question 12

When we choose, says Sartre, we choose __________.

Accepted Answer

Sartre's existentialist philosophy posits that when we make choices, we are not only choosing for ourselves but also setting an example of how we believe one ought to act, thereby choosing for everyone. This reflects his idea that in our choices, we define what it means to be human.

Question 13

Do you think that Nietzsche's criticisms of Western culture are still valid or partially well over a century after they were written? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you think that Nietzsche's criticisms of...

Question 14

According to Sartre, our actions are __________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Sartre, our actions are __________.
...

Question 15

Sartre says that existentialists all share the view that essence precedes existence.

Accepted Answer

Sartre, an existentialist philosopher, famously stated that "existence precedes essence," meaning that individuals first exist and then define their essence through their actions and choices.

Question 16

Some have criticized Kierkegaard's essay because in the two years following its publication, Europe exploded in massive civil unrest. Others think that his essay nonetheless touches on some crucial problems with Western culture and hence is still relevant today. To what extent do you think that his essay is still relevant today? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some have criticized Kierkegaard's essay because in...

Question 17

Sartre says that if God does not exist, then __________.

Accepted Answer

Sartre's existentialist philosophy posits that if God does not exist, individuals are free from preordained essence or purpose and must define themselves through their actions and choices.

Question 18

Would Kierkegaard say that people in our present age live "passionately" and that "revolutionary" activity-activity that brings about profound change in society-is still possible today? Or would he say that we also live in an age of "advertisement and publicity" where what is important is buying the latest consumer goods available to us? Have passion and individuality been replaced by reality TV and Access Hollywood? Does that matter?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Would Kierkegaard say that people in our...

Question 19

When Kierkegaard thinks of the public as a person, he thinks of __________.

Accepted Answer

Kierkegaard metaphorically describes the public as a "lazy, bored Roman emperor," emphasizing his critique of the public's passivity and lack of individual responsibility.

Question 20

Are Kierkegaard's categories of "the public" and "leveling" still relevant? How do you think he would apply each of them to contemporary "global" culture?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Are Kierkegaard's categories of "the public" and...

Quiz 4: Believing