Quiz 6 – Chapter 6 – Freedom in Action
- Write about Savater’s definition of freedom (how he defines it originally, before he goes into the 3 versions of the word) and then explain whether or not it matches your own idea of the concept.
- Do you believe in determinism or consider yourself a determinist? Explain why yes, or why no.
- Savater offers 3 definitions of freedom. Write about the definition that you feel makes more sense than the other two, explain why it makes more sense than the other two.
- In this chapter, Savater explained how Schopenhaur defined by their will. Explain Schopenhaur’s view on this & whether or not you agree with it.
- Jean-Paul Sartre came up with ‘existentialism’ that Savater describes as a “radical metaphysical theory of freedom.’ Describe this theory and whether or not you agree with it.
- Savater uses this sentence –“The only choice that is not open to humans is the choice between being free and not being free: we are condemned to freedom for freedom is what defines us as human beings.” – to sum up a certain type of philosophical thought about freedom. Explain this line of thinking and give the name of this type of thinking or the philosopher who came up with it.
- Savater says, “This is why freedom is not only a sort of award but also a burden, and many not very mature adults prefer to relinquish it and transfer it to a leader who will take the decisions and bear the weight of the mistakes.” What is he talking about here? What philosophers perception of freedom is he discussing?
- Savater uses the Greek tragedies Oedipus The King and Oedipus at Colonus in his discussion about freedom and responsibility. How does he use these plays, what does he explain?
- Savater quotes Shakespeare’s Macbeth saying “If it were done quickly ‘tis done, then ‘twere well / If were done quickly. If the assassination / Could trammel up the consequences, and catch / With his surcease success..” What is Macbeth saying here and what does Savater use this situation as an example of? Explain.
- Savater tells a really good story about assigning responsibility, about a woman who is cheating on her husband. Explain the story briefly, and how he uses it to explain “blame”.
Chapter 9 - was opinion questions
Chapter 10 – Lost in Time
- In the beginning of the chapter Savater talks about some of the reasons why its difficult to talk/think about time. Discuss at least one of the difficulties he brings up.
- Discuss some ways that cultures tell time. Savater discusses how this differs by culture and brings up Norbert Elias ideas about how telling time relates to our culture and historical circumstances. Write about this relationship (time/culture)
- According to Savater, why might the way we measure time vary from place to place? Discuss at least one idea that he brings up.
- How is time independent of our conventions and us?
- Savater discuss the concepts of ‘social’ time and ‘natural’ time. What is the difference between the two?
- Discuss how Savater (or St. Augustine) explain how the past and future affect our present.
- How does Aristotle use a navel battle to discuss determinism of future events? Describe the situation he presents and how he uses it as an example.
- Talk about some physical examples – ‘spatial’ examples—of time that Savater discusses. (We use hearts to represent love, which spatial things does he explain we use to represent time).
- Discuss at least one of the contradictions/problems with time travel that Savater discusses.
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