THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, MONA CAMPUS
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES & EDUCATION
Department of Language, Linguistics and Philosophy
Course Code:
Course Title:
Semester:
PH10F
The Meaning of Life and Existence
I , 2007-2008 Academic Year
TUTORIAL QUESTIONS
1. What is life? Critically evaluate philosophical views on the meaning of life and
existence.
2. Is there a distinction between living and existence? Identify and evaluate any
similarities and/or differences between these terms.
3. Compare and contrast the notion of a person, using western and non-western
views.
4. Explain what is meant by a “good life”. Can a ‘good life’ be viewed as a universal
concept?
5. How has the advances in technology affected human life and existence in the
twenty-first century? Explain in respect to the value of human and animal life.
6. Bearing in mind the individualistic nature of some western societies, can there be
‘ideal’ relationships between humans. If no, why not, if yes, what would these
relationships entail? Explain using various philosophical issues involved in
different kinds of human relationships.
7. Explain democracy from a philosophical and sociological perspective. Critically
analyse the view that democracy is the ‘best’ form of government.
8. Human nature is fixed, therefore, human beings are not free agents. To what
extent is this a valid statement? Critically analyze.
9. How important is the preservation of life? From a philosophical perspective,
should humans be responsible for preserving ALL life?
10. Does democracy limit freedom? Critically discuss.
11. Critically analyze philosophical issues raised on death. Is death the final stage of
human existence? Analyze using the views of various religions existing in the
Caribbean.