Question 1

Camus thinks that the Myth of Sisyphus shows that life is absurd.

Accepted Answer

Albert Camus interprets the Myth of Sisyphus as an allegory for the human condition, illustrating the absurdity of life through Sisyphus's endless and meaningless task of rolling a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down each time he reaches the top.

Question 2

Camus thinks that religion alone can give life true meaning.

Accepted Answer

Albert Camus believed that life is inherently devoid of meaning, a concept central to his philosophy of absurdism, and he argued that individuals must create their own meaning in a universe that remains silent to their demands for order and purpose. Religion, for Camus, was a form of "philosophical suicide" that evaded the fundamental absurdity of life.

Question 3

Sisyphus was a Greek hero who saved Greece by rolling a bolder up Mt. Olympus.

Accepted Answer

Sisyphus is known in Greek mythology for his punishment in the underworld, where he was forced to endlessly roll a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down each time he neared the top, rather than for saving Greece.

Question 4

The Myth of Sisyphus shows that even a harsh life can have meaning.

Accepted Answer

In "The Myth of Sisyphus," Albert Camus argues that life can still be meaningful despite its inherent absurdity, as exemplified by Sisyphus's eternal struggle to roll a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down each time he reaches the top.

Question 5

Not life, but the quality of life is important.

Accepted Answer

The statement reflects the belief that the essence and value of life are determined not merely by its existence, but by the conditions, experiences, and overall well-being that define its quality.

Question 6

The one special object that Sisyphus needs to find fulfilment is Sisyphia.

Accepted Answer

Sisyphus is a figure from Greek mythology who is condemned to roll a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll down again, for eternity. Sisyphia is the name of his wife, and she is the one special object that he needs to find fulfilment.

Question 7

It is rational to fear death.

Accepted Answer

Rationality of fearing death varies among individuals based on their beliefs, values, and personal experiences, making it subjective rather than universally rational or irrational.

Question 8

In Sartre's play, No Exit, he comments on the human situation by saying "heaven is other people."

Accepted Answer

In Sartre's play, "No Exit," the famous line is "Hell is other people," not "heaven is other people." This line is often interpreted to reflect on the nature of interpersonal relationships and the existentialist idea that others' perceptions can trap us in a kind of hell.

Question 9

The thought of death can concentrate the mind, enabling us to live more appreciatively.

Accepted Answer

The awareness of mortality can lead to a greater appreciation of life, encouraging individuals to live more fully and meaningfully, focusing on what truly matters.

Question 10

Albert Camus called Søren Kierkegaard the

Accepted Answer

Albert Camus referred to Søren Kierkegaard as the "father of existentialism" because of Kierkegaard's significant contributions to the development of existential philosophy, emphasizing individual freedom, choice, and responsibility.

Question 11

It is rational to fear an object only if:

Accepted Answer

Rational fear often involves a response that motivates actions to avoid a dangerous situation. If fearing an object leads to behavior that helps you avoid it, the fear serves a protective, rational purpose. Choices A, B, and C describe conditions that might make fear understandable, but not necessarily rational in the sense of being productive or beneficial.

Question 12

According to the text (Chapter 31), Death is evil because:

Accepted Answer

Death is considered evil in this context because it deprives us of the conscious experience of the good things in life, not necessarily because of physical decay or spiritual damnation.

Question 13

The chief benefit of the thought of our death is:

Accepted Answer

The thought of our death helps concentrate the mind by making us aware of the finite nature of life, encouraging us to focus on what truly matters and prioritize our actions accordingly.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is the message of Camus's Myth of Sisyphus?

Accepted Answer

The central message of Camus's "Myth of Sisyphus" is that life is inherently devoid of meaning, and it is up to individuals to find their own purpose and value in existence. This existentialist viewpoint emphasizes the absurdity of the human condition and the importance of personal resilience and rebellion against the meaninglessness of life.

Question 15

According to the Stoics, the most important thing in life is

Accepted Answer

The Stoics believed in transforming the mundane into the sublime by focusing on virtue, wisdom, and living in accordance with nature, rather than seeking external pleasures or wealth.

Question 16

According to Albert Camus, the one truly philosophical problem was

Accepted Answer

Albert Camus considered the question of suicide, or why one should choose to live in the face of the absurdity of life, as the fundamental question of philosophy. He explored this theme extensively in his essay "The Myth of Sisyphus," where he argues that the absurd arises because of the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe.

Question 17

Explain Kierkegaard's development of Existentialism. What is his idea of Subjectivity as Truth?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

What is the significance of the story of the man who discovered his shadow?

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

Explain the difference between Camus' Epicurean interpretation of the myth of Sisyphus and the Stoic interpretation. Which view do you think is closer to the truth? Why?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Explain why Existentialist like Camus believe that life is absurd.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 29: Existentialism and the Meaning of Life and the Fear of Death