Social Foundations 1 Sample Mid-Term Exam

Prof. Washburn

Part A. Please answer each question as fully as possible in the time you have.

1. Smith, Hinduism. Some people are satisfied with ordinary pleasures, such as food, TV, a job, and some aren't. What explains the difference, according to Hindus?

2. Smith, Hinduism. How do Hindus prepare for death?

3. Bhagavad Gita. In chap. 10, Krishna explains his nature to Arjuna, but Arjuna is not satisfied. What more does he want?

4. Smith, Confucianism. How does Smith define "li"?

5. Confucius. What does Confucius say is difficult for him?

6. Confucius. Book 15 describes ways a gentleman relates to other people. What are two of them?

7. Siddhartha. Siddhartha says the chief Samana is old. Why does that fact help persuade him to leave the Samanas?

8. Siddhartha. At the end of the story, Siddhartha says there is a small difference between him and other people.

What is it?

9. Smith, Buddhism. What are three important differences between big raft Buddhism and little raft Buddhism?

10. Socrates. What conclusion does Socrates draw from his involvement in Athenian politics?

11. *Optional Bonus. Smith, Buddhism. What attractive qualities did the Buddha have?

Part B. Please answer each question as fully as possible in the time you have.

1. First, find at least one generalization in the following passage. About what group is Smith generalizing? Is the generalization universal or limited? Second, find at least one classification. Is Smith dividing a group into subgroups, or placing an individual into a class?

"All Hindu religious thought denies that the world of nature is self-existent. It is grounded in God, and if this divine base were removed it would instantly collapse into nothingness. For the dualist the natural world is as real as God...