Question 1

Derrida claimed that a true gift is entirely unconditional.

Accepted Answer

Derrida argued that a true gift is given without any expectation of reciprocity or reward, thus making it unconditional.

Question 2

Philosophers use the concept of the p-zombie to question physicalism.

Accepted Answer

Philosophers use the concept of the p-zombie to argue against physicalism, which is the philosophical view that everything, including mental states and processes, can be reduced to and explained by physical properties and laws. P-zombies are hypothetical beings that are behaviorally and functionally identical to humans but lack consciousness. By imagining the existence of p-zombies, philosophers aim to show that consciousness cannot be fully explained by physical processes and must be posited as a separate, non-physical aspect of reality.

Question 3

_____ is the idea that a mental state is defined not by some arrangement of physical matter but by what it causes and is caused by in the network of sensory stimuli, behavior, and other mental states.

Accepted Answer

Functionalism is the idea that mental states are defined by their function or role in a larger system of behaviors, perceptions, and responses. This means that mental states are not reducible to physical states or causes, but are instead uniquely determined by their position in the larger network of mental interactions. Functionalism suggests that mental states can vary depending on their context, the stimuli that trigger them, and the way they affect other mental states and behaviors.

Question 4

Derrida insisted that a gift is an aporia, a paradox.

Accepted Answer

Derrida argued that the concept of gift-giving is a paradoxical and aporetic phenomenon, where the act of giving contains within it both a moment of generosity as well as a moment of obligation or indebtedness.

Question 5

The puzzle of music is the issue of how:

Accepted Answer

The puzzle of music is the issue of how music can express emotions without being representational. This is the fundamental question of music theory and philosophy.

Question 6

Dualism is a physicalist viewpoint in the philosophy of mind.

Accepted Answer

Dualism is actually a non-physicalist viewpoint in the philosophy of mind, as it posits the existence of both physical and non-physical substances.

Question 7

Many analytic philosophers doubt whether dualism is a viable theory.

Accepted Answer

Analytic philosophers tend to reject dualism in favor of physicalism or materialism. They argue that the mind can be fully explained by physical phenomena rather than requiring the existence of a separate immaterial soul or mind.

Question 8

Which of the following views maintains that mental phenomena are physical phenomena within the brain and the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The view that mental phenomena are physical phenomena within the brain and the central nervous system is known as the identity theory. This theory suggests that mental states and processes are identical to specific brain states and processes. Dualism, on the other hand, suggests that the mind and brain are separate entities. Behaviorism focuses on observable behavior rather than mental processes. Functionalism suggests that mental processes can be understood in terms of their function or purpose.

Question 9

Which of the following views maintains that words like "hope," "belief," or "desire" do not refer to things at all, whether physical or nonphysical?

Accepted Answer

Behaviorism holds that mental states like hope, belief, or desire do not refer to anything physical or nonphysical, but rather are simply descriptions of behavior.

Question 10

The problem of interaction is especially troublesome for the philosophical tradition of:

Accepted Answer

Dualism posits that there are two kinds of substances in the world - mind and matter - that interact with each other. However, it is unclear how two fundamentally different substances can interact with one another. This problem of interaction was famously raised by philosopher Gilbert Ryle and has yet to be adequately resolved by proponents of dualism.

Question 11

Derrida asked if the conditions of the possibility of a gift are not also the conditions of its impossibility.

Accepted Answer

Derrida suggests that the very conditions that allow for a gift to exist, such as reciprocity and obligation, also create the possibility for it to become a form of exchange or transaction rather than a pure gift. Therefore, the conditions of possibility for a gift are also the conditions that challenge its pure existence.

Question 12

Aesthetics is also called the philosophy of art.

Accepted Answer

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty, art, and taste, making it also known as the philosophy of art.

Question 13

Identity theory makes it impossible for creatures without brains to be conscious.

Accepted Answer

Identity theory suggests that conscious mental states are identical to physical brain states. Therefore, without a brain, it would be impossible to have conscious mental states according to identity theory.

Question 14

Identity theory and behaviorism are the same.

Accepted Answer

Identity theory and behaviorism are not the same. Identity theory posits that mental states are identical to neural states, while behaviorism focuses on external factors that shape behavior and does not address mental states.

Question 15

Which of the following theories holds that humans do not make choices?

Accepted Answer

Each of the listed theories (causal determinism, neuroscientific determinism, and psychological determinism) suggests that human choices and actions are determined by preceding causes or factors, but they do not claim that humans do not make choices. Instead, they argue that the choices are influenced or determined by various factors, not that choices are nonexistent.

Question 16

Identify a manifestly true statement about the paradox of fiction.

Accepted Answer

The paradox of fiction discusses how people can have emotional responses to fictional characters and situations, despite knowing they are not real. This is a widely observed phenomenon, indicating that fiction can evoke genuine emotions even when its fictional nature is acknowledged.

Question 17

Which of the following forms of determinism holds that your choices are determined by your preferences?

Accepted Answer

Psychological determinism holds that your choices are determined by your preferences, beliefs, and past experiences. This form of determinism is based on the idea that our mental states and processes are causally determined by prior events and conditions. It does not necessarily deny free will, but rather suggests that our choices are shaped by various psychological factors.

Question 18

Gilbert Ryle is associated with the idea of:

Accepted Answer

Gilbert Ryle is associated with the behaviorist perspective, which emphasizes that behavior is the most important aspect of psychology and should be studied in a scientific, empirical way. He rejected the idea of dualism, which posits that the mind and body are separate entities, and criticized identity theory, which suggests that mental states can be reduced to physical states. However, Ryle's work contributed to the development of functionalism, which examines the function and purpose of mental states and behaviors.

Question 19

The Brillo Boxes is a sculpture by Jacques Derrida.

Accepted Answer

The Brillo Boxes is actually a sculpture by American artist Andy Warhol, not a work by philosopher Jacques Derrida.

Question 20

Jacques Derrida is associated with his exploration of:

Accepted Answer

Jacques Derrida is primarily associated with the philosophy of gift, which emphasizes the idea that giving is an act that always involves power dynamics and the potential for hierarchies to emerge. He is also known for his work on deconstruction, which involves analyzing and critiquing the underlying assumptions and power structures in texts and language.

Quiz 17: Four Philosophical Problems