Final Exam for PHIL203

 

You have 24 hours to complete this.  You must email your response to me (from your @bridgew.edu account) not later than 1:00 Thursday May 8.   You should use Word to write the exam, then either attach the Word doc to your email, as you did for the writing assignment earlier in the semester, or past from the Word doc to the body of the email message. 

 

  1. Why does Hunt reject the hedonistic conception of egoism?  (2-3 paragraphs should be sufficient.)

 

  1. What does Rasmussen mean by “nexus”?   How can a person discover his or her nexus?  (2-3 paragraphs should be sufficient.)

 

  1. This is from Anthony Robbins’ website, where he explains his philosophy.  Relate each step to a classical philosophical reading you have studied this semester.  (http://www.tonyrobbins.com/Content/OurPhilosophy.aspx)   (One to one-and-a-half pages should be sufficient)

 

1.        Get a clear and compelling vision.

2.        Have strong reasons to follow through.

3.        Have total honesty about where you are.

4.        Get a proven map.

5.        Model experts.

6.        Set high standards.

7.        Get a peer group that will hold you accountable.

8.        Take daily action and consistently measure your progress

9.        Ask yourself: What beliefs, goals or values may be in conflict?

10.     Re-align your psychology so you naturally take action in the direction you want most.

11.     Celebrate your achievements and pay it forward?

 

 

  1. Leo Babauta, who writes the “Zen Habits” blog, suggests avoiding materialism (in the consumerist sense) in favor of  the following.  To what extent is this influenced by Buddhism, and to what extent by other things you have studied this semester?  Assess it.  (From: http://zenhabits.net/2007/06/a-guide-to-escaping-materialism-and-finding-happiness/)  (One to one-and-a-half pages should be sufficient)

A True Path to Happiness
So, if you’re able to escape materialism, how can you find true happiness? There are many ways, and each of us is different, but here are some things I suggest trying:

·         Grateful list. Make a list of things about which you’re grateful in your life. Give thanks for them daily.

·         Think positive. Try eliminating negative thinking from your life, and thinking positive instead.

·         Small pleasures. Make a list of small things that give you great pleasure. Sprinkle them throughout your day. Notice other small pleasures as you go through your day.

·         Kindness. Practice random acts of kindness and compassion. Do it anonymously. Help those in need. Volunteer. Make someone smile.

·         Love. Make an intimate connection with your loved ones. Develop your friendships. Spend time with them, converse, understand them, make them happy.

·         Health. Exercise and eat healthy — it sounds trite, but it can bring great happiness to your life.

·         Meaning. It’s often useful to find meaning, either through a church or spiritual way, or through those we love in life or through the things we’re passionate about. Give yourself a purpose.

·         Flow. Eliminate distractions, and really pour yourself into whatever you’re doing. If it’s writing an article, like this one, really put yourself into it, until you forget the outside world.

·         Know yourself. Become attuned to what brings you happiness. Study yourself. Learn about what you love, and about your ability to love. Increase your capacity for compassion.