The Human Predicament Exam 1

What are the two subdivisions of the course?

Philosophy and psychology.

What makes human beings constitutionally unique?

The uniquely human characteristic for abstract self-awareness.

What contextual factors affect an individual's situation?

Cultural, social, economic, and personal circumstances.

What does Socrates mean by 'The unexamined life is not worth living'?

A rich life involves understanding one's thoughts, actions, and feelings.

What is epistemology?

The investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.

What is ethics concerned with?

Moral principles that govern a person's behavior.

What distinguishes aesthetics from other philosophical branches?

It focuses on the sensual experience and how we experience pleasure.

How does the title 'This Is Water' relate to David Foster Wallace’s themes?

It examines life's overlooked aspects that are essential to existence.

Define hedonic adaptation.

The ability to return to a stable level of happiness after positive or negative events.

What does the term 'determinism' refer to?

The belief that all events, including human actions, are determined by prior causes.

What does 'causation is not coercion' imply in the context of free will?

Influenced choices are still free if not forced.

What is the Mind-Body problem?

The debate regarding the relationship between the physical body and the non-physical mind.

How does dualism differ from monism?

Dualism posits two categories—physical and non-physical; monism asserts only the physical exists.

What was Stanley Milgram’s Experiment about?

It demonstrated how ordinary people could inflict harm under authority influence.

What does emotional intelligence involve according to Daniel Goleman?

Emotional awareness, management, self-discipline, empathy, and interpersonal skills.

What was the implication of David Foster Wallace's suicide?

It highlighted the correlation between depression and perceived life circumstances.

What does the Cheese-Vomit Experiment demonstrate?

Our emotional reactions can be influenced by context, not just reality.

How does the term 'Naive realism' relate to perception?

The belief that one's perceptions of the world are objective and unbiased.

What is the significance of Dr. John Maltsberger’s analysis on suicide?

It emphasizes rage, despair, and aloneness as contributing factors to suicidal thoughts.

What philosophical issue did Irvin Yalom address in psychotherapy?

Life’s meaning, free will, aloneness, and death.

What does teleology suggest about moral actions?

The end justifies the means in determining moral actions.

What is the definition of abnormal behavior?

Behavior that is statistically rare, dysfunctional, or causes distress.

What does the term 'forgiveness' imply in the philosophical context?

The act of letting go of resentment or vengeance against someone who has wronged you.

What is moral relativism?

The idea that moral principles vary by culture and are not universal.

What is the bystander effect?

A social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when there are others present.

What is cognitive dissonance?

The mental discomfort experienced when holding two or more conflicting beliefs, values, or attitudes.

What is existentialism?

A philosophical theory focusing on individual existence, freedom, and choice.

Define positive reinforcement.

A technique that increases desirable behavior by adding a rewarding stimulus following the behavior.

What is the placebo effect?

A phenomenon where a patient experiences a perceived improvement in condition due to believing they are receiving treatment.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual; extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards or pressures.

What does Maslow's hierarchy of needs illustrate?

A motivational theory that arranges human needs in a pyramid from basic (physiological) to higher needs (self-actualization).

What is self-awareness?

The conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.

What is moral absolutism?

The belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged, and that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong.