Ancient Greek Philosophers - Unit 1 Challenge 1: Introduction to Philosophy & The Pre-Socratics

Select the statement that reflects a central idea of Parmenides' metaphysics. a.)An ever-changing number of atoms constantly restructure the relationship between humans and the universe. b.)The opinions of mortals are genuinely reliable. c.)The true nature of reality is defined as a paradox. d.)The universe is one unchanging entity.

d.)The universe is one unchanging entity.

"I assert that the stars in the sky are not gods. As for the universe, before it existed it was an undefined mixture lacking form or definition. "This statement most closely represents the views of which ancient philosopher? a.)Anaxagoras b.)Anaximenes c.)Pythagoras d.)Heraclitus

a.)Anaxagoras

Select the statement that is true of Parmenides' metaphysics. a.)Any change we observe in the universe is merely an illusion. b.)Our everyday experiences align with Parmenidean metaphysics. c.)It is possible for something to cease to exist and, likewise, to come into being. d.)Reality is no more than our individual perception of it.

a.)Any change we observe in the universe is merely an illusion.

"Is it wrong to lie to prevent an innocent person from going to jail? "This question would be best answered by which branch of Philosophy? a.)Cosmology b.)Ethics c.)Cosmogony d.)Natural Philosophy

b.)Ethics

"While I do not deny that a god or gods exist, we must search for natural explanations of phenomena, rather than crediting phenomena to the gods. "Which ancient philosopher made this view central to his philosophy? a.)Xenophanes b.)Protagoras c.)Thales d.)Empedocles

a.)Xenophanes

"Nature is but a reflection of mathematics, a series of patterns and numbers. "This statement most closely represents the views of which ancient philosopher? a.)Pythagoras b.)Empedocles c.)Thales d.)Protagoras

a.)Pythagoras

With which statement about metaphysics would Heraclitus have been most likely to agree? a.)The Logos unifies and organizes all things in the cosmos. b.)The Logos is only true because the gods deem it so. c.)The Logos exists in the world we experience with our senses. d.)The existence of the Logos depends upon humans believing that it exists.

a.)The Logos unifies and organizes all things in the cosmos.

Select the statement that best aligns with the themes presented in Parmenides' metaphysics. a.)The world of reality and the world of appearances contradict one another. b.)The universe is constantly changing and has never been the same from one second to the next. c.)The essence of right and wrong can be determined through observation of the natural world. d.)The true nature of reality is discovered through the senses.

a.)The world of reality and the world of appearances contradict one another.

Select the statement that reflects a central theme of the Atomists. a.)Atomists would agree that a butterfly and a caterpillar exist as a collection of atoms, but their atoms are organized differently. b.)Atomists would agree that epistemology provides a defensible explanation of why a butterfly differs from a caterpillar. c.)Atomists would agree that a butterfly and a caterpillar are one in the same since a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. d.)Atomists would agree that during metamorphosis, a caterpillar ceases to exist and a butterfly is spontaneously created in its place.

a.)Atomists would agree that a butterfly and a caterpillar exist as a collection of atoms, but their atoms are organized differently.

Select the statement that reflects a central theme of the Atomists. a.)The atomists believed that all matter in the cosmos was created spontaneously. b.)Atomists believe that all things exist as an indivisible physical entity, or a collection of indivisible physical entities. c.)The atomistic worldview was primarily based on the study of ethics. d.)The atomists believed that each being in the universe is differentiated by the number of atoms of which it is composed.

b.)Atomists believe that all things exist as an indivisible physical entity, or a collection of indivisible physical entities.

Select the statement that reflects a central belief of the Atomists. a.)Atomists would argue that a duck is a duck because of the unique number of atoms of which it is constructed. b.)Atomists would argue that a duck is a duck because of the unique way its atoms are configured. c.)Atomists would argue that a duck is a duck because of the substance of which its atoms are made. d.)Atomists would argue that a duck is a duck because of the unique size of its atoms, which differentiate it from a non-duck.

b.)Atomists would argue that a duck is a duck because of the unique way its atoms are configured.

"Albert Einstein is credited for the Theory of Relativity, but what kind of thing is a theory? "This question would be best answered by which branch of Philosophy? a.)Cosmology b.)Metaphysics c.)Ethics d.)Epistemology

b.)Metaphysics

With which statement about metaphysics would Heraclitus have been most likely to agree? a.)The one true account of reality can only be understood by turning to the gods. b.)Over time, qualities within us change into their opposites. c.)As mortals, our senses cannot help us to uncover the true nature of reality. d.)The Logos only exists if we are aware of its existence.

b.)Over time, qualities within us change into their opposites.

Which of the following is a primary benefit of studying philosophy? a.)Studying philosophy enriches life by enabling individuals to form mere opinions on many topics. b.)Philosophical concepts of just and fair government are the basis of many of the rights and freedoms enjoyed in the United States today. c.)A degree in philosophy provides personal satisfaction, although it does not enhance employability. d.)Businesses can apply philosophical concepts to better advertise their products to consumers.

b.)Philosophical concepts of just and fair government are the basis of many of the rights and freedoms enjoyed in the United States today

Which of the following is NOT a primary benefit of studying philosophy? a.)Philosophy is closely related to the sciences, and has helped to advance many areas of science. b.)Philosophy can be used to discredit those whose answers to society's questions are wrong. c.)Philosophy has contributed to modern concepts of justice and equality. d.)Philosophy has played a significant role in the technological advancement of society.

b.)Philosophy can be used to discredit those whose answers to society's questions are wrong.

With which statement about metaphysics would Heraclitus have been most likely to agree? a.)The Logos exists in the physical world that we experience with our senses. b.)The true reality is that all things are in a constant state of change. c.)The Logos cannot exist if no one is aware of its reality. d.)The Logos is just one of many true accounts of reality.

b.)The true reality is that all things are in a constant state of change.

Which of the following is a primary benefit of studying philosophy? a.)Adoption of the philosophical mindset encourages people to use their emotions to make decisions, which helps them to maintain a consistent worldview. b.)The philosophical mindset teaches one how to become a more successful and financially prosperous person. c.)Adopting the philosophical mindset and seeking justification for beliefs has led to scientific progress and innovation. d.)Philosophy provides the tools necessary to win arguments.

c.)Adopting the philosophical mindset and seeking justification for beliefs has led to scientific progress and innovation.

"How do I know if I have knowledge on a topic, or merely opinion? "This question would be best answered by which branch of Philosophy? a.)Natural Philosophy b.)Metaphysics c.)Ethics d.)Epistemology

d.)Epistemology