Question 1

Continue the line of questioning in either Dialogue I or Dialogue II by analyzing the meaning of a basic philosophical term.

Accepted Answer

What is the concept of free will and how does it relate to personal responsibility?

Dialogue I:

B: Free will is the idea that individuals have the ability to make choices and decisions of their own volition, without being determined by external forces. It relates to personal responsibility in that if we have free will, then we are accountable for our actions and their consequences. We cannot simply blame external factors for our choices, but must take ownership of them.

Dialogue II:

C: Free will is a fundamental philosophical concept that refers to the ability of individuals to make choices and decisions without being determined by external factors. It is closely related to personal responsibility because if we have free will, then we are accountable for our actions. This means that we cannot simply attribute our choices to external influences, but must take ownership of them and their consequences.

Question 2

Consider the example of contradictory fundamental beliefs, in the paragraph that begins "The third benefit which the study of philosophy can confer . . ." Explain why belief in free will conflicts with belief in causal laws of nature. Can you resolve the apparent conflict? If so, explain how. If not, explain why not.

Accepted Answer

The belief in free will conflicts with the belief in causal laws of nature because free will suggests that individuals have the ability to make choices and decisions independent of any external influences, while causal laws of nature suggest that every event is determined by preceding events in a predictable and deterministic manner. This apparent conflict arises from the tension between the idea of personal agency and the idea of a deterministic universe governed by causal laws.

One possible resolution to this conflict is to consider the concept of compatibilism, which argues that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive. According to compatibilism, individuals can still have free will even in a world governed by causal laws, as long as their actions are the result of their own desires, intentions, and rational deliberation. In other words, free will is compatible with causal determinism if it is understood as the ability to act in accordance with one's own internal motivations, even if those motivations are themselves determined by prior causes.

Another potential resolution is to reconsider our understanding of causal laws of nature. While it may seem that these laws dictate a strict determinism, some philosophers argue that the nature of causality is not as rigid as it may appear. For example, quantum mechanics introduces a level of indeterminacy at the subatomic level, suggesting that the universe may not be as deterministic as classical physics would suggest. This opens up the possibility for a more nuanced understanding of causal laws that allows for the existence of free will.

Ultimately, whether or not the apparent conflict between free will and causal laws of nature can be fully resolved is a matter of ongoing philosophical debate. While compatibilism and reinterpreting causal laws offer potential ways to reconcile these contradictory beliefs, the question of free will and determinism remains a complex and unresolved issue in philosophy.

Question 3

A philosophical question is usually quite vague.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 4

A philosophical question is usually quite general.

Accepted Answer

Philosophical questions tend to tackle big issues such as morality, existence, and knowledge, which are not specific to a particular situation or context.

Question 5

A reasonable belief is justified by reasons.

Accepted Answer

A reasonable belief is one that is not only believed to be true, but is also justified by reasons or evidence.

Question 6

A reasonable belief
A) is a belief that many people have.
B) is a belief that no one else has.
C) is a belief that supports many other beliefs.
D) is a belief for which a good reason can be given.

Accepted Answer

A reasonable belief is one for which a good reason can be given.

Question 7

A highly general belief
A) concerns a narrow class of things.
B) concerns only very important things.
C) concerns a large class of things.
D) is likely to be ordinary.

Accepted Answer

A highly general belief concerns a large class of things, not a narrow or specific category.

Question 8

Why does Russell think that the "practical" person has got things wrong about the value of philosophy? Do you agree?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does Russell think that the "practical"...

Question 9

Take a philosophical question considered somewhere else in this book and explain how it illustrates Russell's view about the value of philosophy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Take a philosophical question considered somewhere else...

Question 10

According to Russell, many of those who doubt philosophy are blind to the importance of things good for the body.

Accepted Answer

Russell does not mention anything about the importance of things good for the body in relation to those who doubt philosophy.

Question 11

The value of philosophy lies in goods of the
A) body.
B) mind.
C) heart.
D) heavens.

Accepted Answer

The value of philosophy lies in goods of the mind. Philosophy helps us to think critically, to examine our assumptions, and to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It can help us to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives, and to become better critical thinkers, communicators, and problem-solvers. While philosophy may have some practical applications in the material world, its primary value lies in its ability to enrich our mental and emotional lives.

Question 12

Some people think that philosophy is
A) trivial.
B) useless.
C) an impossible source of knowledge.
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Philosophy is often criticized for various reasons, including being considered trivial, useless, or an impossible source of knowledge, reflecting the diverse opinions people have about the field.

Question 13

Why does Socrates say that he is not afraid of death? Why is he hopeful that death is good? What do you think about what he says?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does Socrates say that he is...

Question 14

What does Socrates mean when he says that "an unexamined life is no life for a human being to live"? Do you agree? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does Socrates mean when he says...

Question 15

Socrates claims to be an oracle.

Accepted Answer

Socrates never claimed to be an oracle. In fact, he actively sought to discredit the oracles and their influence in ancient Greek society.

Question 16

Socrates thinks that he should be given free meals for the rest of his life.

Accepted Answer

In Plato's dialogue "Apology," Socrates suggests that instead of being punished, he should be rewarded for his service to Athens, proposing that he be maintained in the Prytaneum at the public expense, which effectively means receiving free meals for the rest of his life.

Question 17

Plato is in the audience at the trial.

Accepted Answer

According to Plato's Apology, he was present in the audience during Socrates' trial in 399 BCE.

Question 18

Socrates is on trial for
A) Killing a horse.
B) Robbing the Delphic oracle.
C) Being impious and corrupting the youth.
D) Charging for lessons in oration.

Accepted Answer

Socrates is on trial for being impious (not showing proper respect to the gods) and corrupting the youth of Athens. He was accused of teaching young Athenians to question authority and think for themselves, which was seen as a threat to the stability of the city-state.

Question 19

According to Socrates, he has a
A) large family.
B) divine sign that speaks to him.
C) place in heaven.
D) convincing defense.

Accepted Answer

Socrates believed that he had a divine sign or inner voice that spoke to him and guided him in his actions and decisions. This is a central part of his philosophy and worldview, and he often referred to it in his dialogues with others. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 20

Summarize the reasons Crito gives for thinking that Socrates should escape. Do you find them persuasive? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Summarize the reasons Crito gives for thinking...

Quiz 1: The Nature of Philosophy

Continue the line of questioning in either Dialogue I or Dialogue II by analyzing the meaning of a basic philosophical term.

A philosophical question is usually quite vague.

A philosophical question is usually quite general.

A reasonable belief is justified by reasons.

A reasonable belief

A highly general belief

Why does Russell think that the "practical" person has got things wrong about the value of philosophy? Do you agree?

Take a philosophical question considered somewhere else in this book and explain how it illustrates Russell's view about the value of philosophy.

According to Russell, many of those who doubt philosophy are blind to the importance of things good for the body.

The value of philosophy lies in goods of the

Some people think that philosophy is