ineffable

These aren't J&M's only words on that which can't be spoken...


PW 51-69
1. What Christian idea was "shocking," in contrast to the traditional Jewish view of God as transcendent?

2. What event alleged to relieve humans of ultimate responsibility and "put things right" with God is contrary to ordinary ideas about justice?

3. What is the cornerstone of Christian philosophy?

4. How did Philo reinterpret Bible stories? 

5. Who first interpreted Jesus as God's son, and declared the crucifixion an atonement for human sins?

6. (T/F) Plotinus said even the lowest forms of existence are spiritual?

7. Augustine thought free will was a ______. (blessing, curse, illusion) His significance for later philosophy is seen in his ________ turn, an attempt to gain self-knowledge which would also lead to knowledge of God.

8. Muhammad identified Allah as _____________ (the same as, different from) the God of Christianity and Judaism. Islam originally was _________ (open to, hostile to) Christians and Jews.

9. _____ (Like, unlike) Christians, Muslims believe individuals have immortal souls and that the problem of evil is solved by free will.

10. _____ (Like, unlike) Platonists and neo-Platonists, Muslims say they consider the material world real and good.


11. Mysticism is the deliberate transformation of consciousness in an attempt to gain access to what? Do you think ordinary or everyday thought, experience, and language are incapable of grasping reality?

12. What are the names for Jewish and Islamic mysticism?

13. "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" is an example of what?

14. Zen Buddhism says all things depend on what? What do Buddhists think this reveals about reality?

15. Admirers of Aristotle who walked around with him as he lectured were called what?

16.What Arabic philosopher said literalism was good enough for ordinary people but that the educated required persuasive, reasoned argument?

17. Moses Maimonides attempted to reconcile what?

18. Whose motto was "Faith seeking to understand"? What was the purpose of his ontological argument for the existence of God?

19. Abelard was a __________, contending that only individuals exist. He said those who deny this are tricked by what?

20. Aquinas (like Aristotle) said what should not be accepted in philosophy or theology?


21. What was resurgent in the Renaissance?


22. What was Martin Luther's main philosophical concern? What church practice did he most object to?


23. Who deserves damnation, according to Calvin? Do you agree?


24. What did Erasmus say about happiness? [ATTN: sec. 15. Would he have liked Radiohead? Radiohead & Philosophy blog... nyt]