Philosophy 33 Midterm Study Guide
Part I Definitions: There are five words to be defined including: a key doctrine in both
Hindu and Buddhist thought; a term that refers to the Buddha’s teachings on the self; a
term that describes the metaphysical outlook of the Upanishads; a Taoist virtue; and a
Confucian virtue.
Part II. Short answer questions.
1. Know the relationship between maya and samsara.
2. Know the relationship between Atman and Brahman.
3. Know the distinction between Nirvana with and without residue.
4. Know Confucius’ view of good government.
5. Interpret a text from the Tao Te Ching.
Part III. Essay question- On the doctrines of karma and samsara as they occur in
Hinduism and Buddhism including how they account for the problem of evil and their
adequacy for motivating personal and social ethics.
Part IV Multiple Choice:
Know- the different forms of Buddhism; Zen meditation; Taoist symbols; the
metaphysics of the Upanishads; Mo Tzu’s central theme; Mencius on character; and a
difficulty for Buddhist view of reincarnation