1. Across the disciplines, by which field of study is human purpose and meaning explored?
A. Humanities Correct
B. Social science
C. Hard science
D. Psychology
Explanation
Humanities focuses on exploring human purpose, meaning, and experiences through disciplines like literature, philosophy, and art, which directly address these themes. Social science studies human behavior in societal contexts but emphasizes empirical data over philosophical meaning. Hard science focuses on physical and natural phenomena, not human purpose. Psychology examines mental processes and behavior but is narrower than humanities in addressing broader existential questions.
2. Which field of study do people refer to today when they want to make sense of troubling events?
A. Humanities Correct
B. Genetics
C. Mathematics
D. Computer science
Explanation
Humanities provides frameworks like history, literature, and philosophy to interpret and contextualize troubling events, offering narrative and ethical insights. Genetics focuses on biological traits, not event interpretation. Mathematics deals with abstract systems, not emotional or social contexts. Computer science addresses technical systems, not human experiences of troubling events.
3. Which perspective of Western culture did ancient China's Confucianism and Buddhism also reflect?
A. Socialism
B. Romanticism
C. Stoicism
D. Humanism Correct
Explanation
Humanism, emphasizing human dignity, ethics, and individual potential, is reflected in Confucianism’s focus on moral conduct and societal harmony and Buddhism’s emphasis on personal enlightenment. Socialism is a modern economic system, not relevant here. Romanticism prioritizes emotion and nature, not a core focus of these philosophies. Stoicism emphasizes emotional restraint, aligning less with the broader human-centric views of Confucianism and Buddhism.
4. What is a major theme of the classical period?
A. Rationalism Correct
B. Valuing emotions over facts
C. Separation of church and state
D. Democracy
Explanation
Rationalism, emphasizing reason and logic, was a hallmark of the classical period, seen in Greek philosophy and Roman law. Valuing emotions over facts aligns more with Romanticism. Separation of church and state is a modern concept, not classical. Democracy was present but less central than rationalism in defining the period.
5. Which philosophic contribution of the classical period are students using when they write persuasive essays?
A. Rhetoric Correct
B. Dialectic
C. Socratic method
D. Golden mean
Explanation
Rhetoric, the art of persuasive communication developed by classical thinkers like Aristotle, is directly used in writing persuasive essays. Dialectic involves logical argumentation between parties, not essay writing. The Socratic method focuses on questioning in dialogue, not written persuasion. The Golden mean is an ethical principle of moderation, unrelated to essay composition.