THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO

Philosophy 020E	3 hours	
Sections 001, 030, 032, 034, 036, 038, 040		
Introduction to Philosophy	No books or notes	

Sample Final Examination

Part A.  In roughly 2-4 sentences, identify the author of each of the following passages and explain its significance (15 marks):

1. "We see that things which lack knowledge, such as natural bodies, act for an end, and this is evident from their acting always, or nearly always, in the same way so as to obtain the best result."

2. "We have sought in vain for an idea of power or necessary connexion in all the sources from which we could suppose it to be derived….all events seem entirely loose and separate."

3. "It can hardly be doubted that our future historian will include somewhere in his list the failure of the men of our generation to hold steadfastly before themselves the notion of an (even comparatively) unchanging moral idea."

4. "…he does not fulfill himself in his work but denies himself, has a feeling of misery rather than well-being, does not develop freely his mental and physical energies but is physically exhausted and mentally debased."

5. "To this war of every man against every man, this also is consequent: that nothing can be unjust."

Part B.  In a short paragraph answer each of the following questions (30 marks):

6. How does Hume show that we do not acquire an idea of power by examining the influence of the mind over the body?

7. Berkeley refers to primary and secondary qualities. What are they? Be sure to give an example of each.

8. How does Taylor use the example of a pain in the foot to show that only material objects exist in the world?

9. Explain the coherence theory of truth.

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10. Explain Kant's Categorical Imperative.

11. What is Rachels' distinction between psychological egoism and ethical egoism?

12. Explain how Aristotle thinks we can become virtuous.

13. What, according to Benedict, can be learned from the fact that a deviant in one society may be normal in another?

14. Why does Locke think that the state of nature would be a lot more agreeable than Hobbes thinks it would be?

15. What, for Dewey, is the democratic idea of freedom? How does it differ from the usual conception of freedom?

Part C. The questions in this part of the exam are peculiar to each section of the course. In an essay of approximately 750-1000 words, answer the ONE question that is appropriate to your section. (15 marks)

16. (Section 001 – John Thorp) So, what is the purpose of art? 

17. (Section 030 – Sarah Lublink) What is the relationship between philosophical thinking and religious belief?  Defend your view, making reference to the arguments of at least three of the readings.

18. (Section 032 – Jason Marsh) Defend either Tolstoy's or Camus' position on the meaning of life.

19. (Section 034 – Greg Andres/Darren McDonald) Philosophy is more than just the elimination of nonsense. What else can philosophical inquiry achieve?

20. (Section 036 – Simon Lambeth) Kant argued that there is no moral worth in acting according to duty unless one is also acting from the motive of duty. Explain what Kant meant by this and why he took it to be important. Present a criticism against the view and evaluate whether a Kantian could overcome it.

21. (Section 038 – Nick Fawcett) Making reference to the readings discussed in class, what do you think should be permitted in war?

22. (Section 040 – Shannon Dea) Compare Camus’ conception of the self with Descartes’.  What is the rôle of reason in each of these conceptions?

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