Study Guide for the Third Exam
HUM 127-0G1

Spring, 2009
 

On this exam, there will be several types of questions. 

1. One type of question will ask you to give a fairly straightforward answer about some aspect of the texts that we have covered in class. 
 

2. A second type of question will ask you to explain a quotation from the text.  You will also be asked to name the philosopher who wrote the quotation.

3. A third type of question will ask you to make a comparison between two of the philosophers that we have studied.  For example, you might be asked to contrast Marx’s view of capitalism with West's or to discuss what kind of criticism that an adherent of Marx would make of Nietzsche.
 

4.  This exam is cumulative.  You should review all the material from the earlier study guides.

Here are some questions that will help you with your review:

What is Marx’s view of human nature?
 

What are Marx’s most fundamental values?

What is the theory of alienation?

Why does Marx condemn capitalism?  Is this condemnation still relevant to capitalism as it exists in the U.S. today?

What versions of communism does Marx reject?

Why does Marx not provide a blueprint for communism?

What is Constantinian Christianity?  What is Cornel West's evaluation of it?

What role does West believe that music and literature should play in our lives?  Why?

What is West's concept of deep democracy?  How does it differ from the ordinary concept of democracy?

Why does West emphasize the importance of studying history?  Why does it have moral significance?

Is West both a Christian and a Marxist?  Defend your viewpoint.