Practice Test: Doing Philosophy

Which of the following best defines “philosophy”?

• The art of memorizing facts

• The science of life and evolution

• The love of wisdom

• The ability to see and hear clearly

Answer explanation

The term 'philosophy' originates from the Greek word meaning 'the love of wisdom.' This definition emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, distinguishing it from mere memorization or sensory perception.

What sets humans apart from animals in terms of thinking?

• Sharper eyesight

• Ability to run faster

• Capacity for reflection and reasoning

• Greater sense of smell

Answer explanation

Humans are distinguished by their capacity for reflection and reasoning, allowing for complex thought processes, problem-solving, and planning, which are more advanced than those found in animals.

According to the lesson, philosophy begins in:

• Conflict

• Experimentation

• Wonder

• Obedience

Answer explanation

Philosophy begins in wonder, as it is the sense of curiosity and awe about the world that prompts individuals to ask fundamental questions and seek deeper understanding.

What is not one of the five major branches of philosophy?

• Epistemology

• Biology

• Aesthetics

• Ethics

Answer explanation

Biology is a natural science that studies living organisms, while the five major branches of philosophy include Epistemology, Aesthetics, and Ethics, which focus on knowledge, beauty, and morality respectively.

Which branch of philosophy deals with the nature of knowledge?

• Metaphysics

• Logic

• Epistemology

• Aesthetics

Answer explanation

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, origin, and limits of knowledge. It focuses on what knowledge is, how it is acquired, and the justification of belief, making it the correct answer to the question.

Thales of Miletus believed that the fundamental substance of everything is:

• Fire

• Water

• Earth

• Air

Answer explanation

Thales of Miletus proposed that water is the fundamental substance of all things, believing it to be the source of life and the essence of the universe, making 'Water' the correct answer.

Thales rejected explanations based on:

• Reason and logic

• Personal opinion

• Myths and gods

• Human behavior

Answer explanation

Thales rejected explanations based on myths and gods, favoring rational thought and natural phenomena instead. He sought to understand the world through reason rather than relying on traditional mythological beliefs.

What does the analytic approach to philosophy prioritize?

• Dreams and visions

• Logic and clarity

• Emotion and imagination

• Religious traditions

Answer explanation

The analytic approach to philosophy emphasizes logic and clarity, focusing on precise argumentation and clear definitions, rather than subjective experiences like dreams, emotions, or religious beliefs.

Which philosophical approach is most associated with poetic and intuitive thinking?

• Reductionist

• Holistic

• Speculative

• Analytic

Answer explanation

The speculative approach emphasizes imagination and intuition, making it closely associated with poetic and intuitive thinking. In contrast, reductionist, holistic, and analytic approaches focus more on logical analysis and empirical evidence.

In the holistic approach, understanding cheating involves:

• Punishing the student strictly

• Ignoring the act

• Considering emotional and social context

• Only looking at test results

Answer explanation

The holistic approach to understanding cheating emphasizes the importance of considering the emotional and social context of the student, rather than just punitive measures or test results.