Philosophy, Mythology, & Religion

Question 1

Which Ancient Greek philosopher, who taught Plato, innovated the teaching method that leads with a question and answer instead of lecturing?

Answer 1

Socrates

Socrates is seen as one of the founders of Western philosophy, particularly as it relates to ethics and logic.

He was condemned to death by the citizens of Athens, who found him guilty of denying the existence of the gods and of corrupting the minds of the Athenian youth.

The socratic teaching method is still heavily used today to clarify and unpack beliefs, support active rather than passive thinking, and improve critical thinking skills.

Question 2

Which Ancient Greek philosopher founded the Academy in Athens, the Western world’s first institution for higher learning, and wrote the philosophical dialogues The Republic and the Symposium?

Answer 2

Plato

One of the most important figures in Western science and philosophy, he was a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle.

Plato also presented the Allegory of the Cave in his work The Republic, which has become one of the most influential works of political theory and philosophy.

Question 3

Which Ancient Greek philosopher from the 4th Century BC is known for his surviving treatises: Metaphysics, Politics, Poetics, and Physics?

Answer 3

Aristotle

One of the most important figures in Western philosophy, he wrote on many subjects and his writings and philosophy continue to be studied today.

Aristotle was a student of Plato and served as tutor to Alexander the Great.

Question 4

Which 6th-century BCE Chinese philosopher founded an eponymous school of philosophy that teaches a code of ethics, which stresses ancestor worship, family relationships, learning, and loyalty?

Answer 4

Confucius

His teachings evolved into Confucianism, which still governs Chinese culture today.

Question 5

Which 17th-century English philosopher was known as the Father of Classical Liberalism, and made foundational contributions to modern theories of limited, liberal government?

Answer 5

John Locke

(1632-1704)

Locke is often regarded as the founder of a school of thought known as British Empiricism.

He influenced the American Founding Fathers by criticizing the notion of a monarch’s divine right and arguing that governments should depend on the consent of the governed.

He also claimed that the human mind is a blank slate (tabula rasa) at birth and until experience eventually begins to write on it. The tabula rasa theory influenced centuries of research in the field of psychology.

Question 6

What is the name of a belief system that has more than one god?

Answer 6

polytheism

From what anthropologists have been able to determine, during prehistory humans were polytheistic, attributing divine attributes to the weather, fertility, and the like.

Question 7

What is the name of the collection of legendary stories associated with or belonging to a particular religious or cultural tradition?

Answer 7

mythology

These stories are usually concerned with deities and explain natural phenomena.

Elements of Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology have heavily influenced Western culture, arts, and literature and remain an important part of Western language and heritage.

Question 8

Who were the Ancient Greeks’ main deities, who comprised the main gods cast in Homer’s epics and later Greek plays?

Answer 8

the Olympians

Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Ares, Hermes, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hestia lived atop Mt. Olympus.

There are 12 Olympians in total, though conflicting lists emerge from different historical sources.

The Olympians, lead by Zeus defeated the Titans after 10 years of fierce battles (the Titanomachia) and most Titans were thrown into Tartarus as a result.

Question 9

In Greco-Roman mythology, who was the god of the sky and thunder?

Answer 9

Zeus

His Roman name was Jupiter and was seen as the ruler of all Olympian gods.

Zeus was married to Hera and was the brother of Hades, Poseidon, Hera, Hestia, and Demeter.

Question 10

In Greco-Roman mythology, who was the god of the sea and earthquakes?

Answer 10

Poseidon

His Roman name was Neptune and he was married to Amphitrite.

He was the brother of Zeus, Hades, Hera, et al.

Question 11

In Greco-Roman mythology, who was the god of the Underworld?

Answer 11

Hades

His Roman name was Pluto and he was the brother of Zeus and Poseidon.

Hades was married to Persephone.

He also wielded the helm of darkness, which grants invisibility.

Question 12

In Greco-Roman mythology, who was the goddess of love and beauty?

Answer 12

Aphrodite

Her Roman name was Venus and, according to legend, was born out of Uranus’ severed genitals, rising from the sea foam.

Question 13

What was the name of the primary sun god in the Ancient Egyptian pantheon?

Answer 13

Ra

In Ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was Ra incarnate on Earth, and he oversaw a priestly caste that paid homage to gods such as Thoth, Osiris, and Ptah.

Question 14

Which religion asserts a single Supreme Being called Brahman, but incorporates the worship of several gods that represent Brahman’s different aspects?

Answer 14

Hinduism

Approximately 1 billion people practice Hinduism, the majority residing in the Indian subcontinent.

Hinduism can be traced back as far as 2000 B.C.

It is unique among major world religions in that it has no single founder.

Question 15

Which body of texts comprises the oldest scriptures of Hinduism?

Answer 15

The Vedas

Credit: Wikimedia

There are four collections of verses: Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda.

Other important Hindu texts include the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

Question 16

Which nontheistic religion was founded in the 6th century B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama and has around 1 billion practitioners as of 2022?

Answer 16

Buddhism

Gautama was a prince born in what is now Nepal, and was regarded as the Supreme Buddha. “Buddha” signifies “enlightened one” or “awakened one”.

Its founder encouraged his disciples to question his authority and follow their own intuitions.

Buddhism worships no central deity and does not regard worldly things as permanent. It also rejects the notion of a permanent soul that exists before birth and persists after death.

Question 17

What is the term for the head of state and spiritual leader of Tibet?

Credit: Wikimedia

Answer 17

Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama is considered to be the current incarnation of a series of Buddhist tulkus, or high-ranking spiritual teachers, who are manifestations of Avalokitesvara (an enlightened being).

The Dalai Lamas continued to act as the main political institution ruling Tibet for over 300 years, until the time of the 14th and current Dalai Lama.

Traditionally, a new Dalai Lama is selected by senior disciples through visions and spiritual signs.

Question 18

In Buddhism, what is the name for the state of being that’s free from the three fires of ignorance, aversion, and passion?

Answer 18

Nirvana

Nirvana is generally seen as the goal of the Buddhist path.

According to Buddhist beliefs, nirvana can be reached through a lifetime of meditation, mindfulness, and following the Buddhist practices.

Question 19

In Buddhism and Hinduism, what is the name for the total of one’s good and bad deeds?

Answer 19

karma

Karma will affect both a person’s future and into which kind of future life that person will be reincarnated.

Question 20

Which Chinese belief system uses the yin and yang as its symbol?

Answer 20

Taoism

Tao literally means “the way”. The yin-yang represents opposites that complement rather than undermine each other.

Today, Taoism is one of five religions officially recognized in China, along with Buddhism, Islam, Protestantism, and Catholicism.

Question 21

According to Taoist beliefs, what is the name of the life force that flows through any living thing?

Answer 21

Chi

(aka Qi or Ki)

Maximization and control of chi is central to Taoist exercises.

Question 22

What religion did Jesus Christ practice while he was alive?

Answer 22

Judaism

In fact, the Last Supper was actually a Passover Seder. Jesus was basically seen as a dangerous Jewish prophet until his death and resurrection led his followers to form a new religion based on his life and sacrifice.

Question 23

What are the two main parts of the Christian Bible?

Answer 23

The Old Testament and the New Testament

The Old Testament is nearly identical to the Hebrew Bible, and includes the creation of the world and writings of the Jewish prophets.

The New Testament consists of 27 books, beginning with the 4 gospels, which narrate the life of Jesus. The remaining books are comprised of stories from after Jesus’ death, letters, and revelations.

Question 24

What is the name of the rituals that mark important life milestones in the Catholic Church?

Answer 24

Seven Sacraments

The Seven Sacraments are: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.

Question 25

What are the **three major divisions** of Christianity?

Answer 25

1. Roman Catholicism 2. Eastern Orthodoxy 3. Protestantism ## Footnote Christianity split into Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy in 1054 A.D. Protestants began to split from the Roman Catholics in the 16th century, after the publication of Martin Luther's *Ninety-Five Theses*. Catholicism is the most widely practiced form of Christianity, with about 1 billion followers.

Question 26

Which **16th-century German religious leader** founded Protestantism and called for the formation of a new body of Christians?

Answer 26

Martin Luther | (1483-1546) ## Footnote A priest of the Roman Catholic Church, he began the Reformation by attacking the Church for allowing the sale of indulgences. He believed the Church was also opposed to the Bible on the question of justification by grace through faith and the doctrine of transubstantiation.

Question 27

In Christianity, **what doctrine** stipulates that God is one, but has multiple forms?

Answer 27

The Trinity ## Footnote The Doctrine of the Trinity suggests that God has three forms: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Because of this doctrine, people sometimes question whether Christianity is truly monotheistic.

Question 28

What **Christian holiday** celebrates Jesus' resurrection from the dead?

Answer 28

Easter ## Footnote Easter happens the first Sunday after the full Moon that occurs on or after the spring equinox. This religious festivity actually grew out of the timing and practice of Passover from the Jewish practice, coinciding with the Spring harvest meal. In fact, the Latin word for Easter (Pascha) is very similar to the Hebrew word for Passover (Pesach) because it comes from the same roots.

Question 29

What **Christian holiday** celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ?

Answer 29

Christmas ## Footnote Christmas is an annual festival which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on the 25th of December. While it is originally a religious festivity, it is celebrated in many cultures as a joyous event where presents are given to loved ones. It is also a time where Santa Claus makes his appearance and Norway Spruce trees are up for sale in large numbers.

Question 30

What **monotheistic religion** was founded on the teachings of Muhammad?

Answer 30

Islam ## Footnote Islam is currently the second most popular religion in the world, following Christianity. Mohammed was believed to live between 570-632 AD. There are approximately 1.6 billion practicing Muslims worldwide.

Question 31

What is the **name of the central text** of the Islam?

Answer 31

Qur'an | (aka The Koran) ## Footnote Literally meaning "the recitation," it is believed to have been revealed by God to Muhammad over the course of 23 years via the angel Gabriel in the 7th century.

Question 32

What is the **literal meaning** of Allah?

Answer 32

The God ## Footnote Allah is the one and only God in Islam. The name's origin can be traced back to early Semitic writings in which the word for "god" was il, el, or eloah, the latter two being used in the Old Testament.

Question 33

As one of the 5 pillars of Islam, at least once in their lifetime, practicing members must make a pilgrimage to \_\_\_\_\_.

Answer 33

Mecca ## Footnote This city in Saudi Arabia was the birthplace of Mohammed (and of Islam) and today hosts several million Muslim visitors each year. Note that the 4 other pillars of Islam are the acceptance of Allah, the daily prayer, the fasting during Ramadan, and the regular giving of charity.

Question 34

In the Islamic faith, what is the **name for the holy month** during which Muslims do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset?

Answer 34

Ramadan ## Footnote They are also expected to follow the teachings of Islam more closely during this time. Ramadan is determined by a lunar calendar, so it moves back about 11 days each calendar year. The reason for fasting during this holy month is to develop God-consciousness, or Allah's awareness. The month functions as a way to clean your sins.

Question 35

Which **two groups of Muslims** have very different beliefs about who the Prophet Muhammad's successor should be?

Answer 35

Sunnis and Shi'ites ## Footnote **Sunnis** believe that a caliph (head of state) should be elected by the whole community. **Shi'ites** assert that only Allah himself can choose a leader, and that Muhammad's only rightful successors are his descendants.

Question 36

What **monotheistic religion** follows the teachings of the Torah, which is part of the Hebrew Bible?

Answer 36

Judaism ## Footnote There are approximately 14 million Jews in the world today, most of whom reside in Israel, Europe, and the United States.

Question 37

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are all considered \_\_\_\_\_ religions, due to their first communal prophet.

Answer 37

Abrahamic ## Footnote Abraham is the first Patriarch, whose story is told in the Book of Genesis. All three religions can trace their origin to Abraham.

Question 38

Which **religious leader**, considered an important prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, received the Ten Commandments from God?

Answer 38

Moses ## Footnote An Israelite (Hebrew), he is said to have been born in Egypt. After fleeing from slavery in Egypt as a man, he was spoken to by God, who ordered him to return to Egypt and liberate the Hebrews. Following the Plagues of Egypt and the release of the Israelites, he led his people on the Exodus across the Red Sea. He later received the Ten Commandments directly from God while at Mount Sinai, en route to the Holy Land in Israel.

Question 39

What is the **term** used in Abrahamic religions for *the anointed one*, the savior or liberator of a group of people?

Answer 39

Messiah | (or messias) ## Footnote *Jews* believe that a messiah (mashiach, "anointed one") will **one day appear on Earth.** *Christians* believe the Messiah **has already come** in the form of Jesus Christ.

Question 40

In the Jewish faith, what **week-long winter holiday** celebrates the victory of the Jewish revolt against Greek rule?

Answer 40

Chanukkah ## Footnote The Jewish revolt against the Greek rule was against Antiochus IV in the 2nd century B.C. To provide light to rededicate the destroyed temple in the required time, oil was needed. There was only enough oil left in the menorah in the Temple of Jerusalem to burn for one night, but God caused it miraculously to last eight nights. Hence, the Chanukkah practice of lighting a new candle on the menorah each night.

Question 41

In the Jewish faith, what is **Rosh Hashanah**?

Answer 41

The Jewish New Year ## Footnote Rosh Hashanah lasts for two days in either September or October (depending on the Hebrew calendar), and is viewed as a time to reflect on the past year and plan improvements for the coming year. The Hebrew calendar is not exactly aligned to the standard western (Christian) calendar, so the Jewish New Year seems to "move around" slightly each year.

Question 42

In the Jewish faith, what is the **name for the "Day of Atonement",** the most holy and solemn of Jewish holidays?

Answer 42

Yom Kippur ## Footnote Yom Kippur lasts for one day in either September or October (depending on the Hebrew calendar), and is considered the last chance to repent for sins against God from the previous year. Followers participate in a day-long fast and are prohibited from going to work. The fast is to clear one's mind to focus on atonement.

Question 43

In the Jewish faith, what is the **name for the commemoration** of the Jews' Exodus from Egypt, where they had been enslaved?

Answer 43

Passover | (Pesach) ## Footnote Passover is typically celebrated in April, and lasts for one week. During this time, all leaven (substance that allows bread to rise) must be removed from Jewish households. A ritual meal called a seder is shared on the first and (usually) second nights.

Question 44

A Jewish **leader and scholar** who teaches the Torah is called a \_\_\_.

Answer 44

Rabbi ## Footnote Each Jewish synagogue tends to have a lead Rabbi, in the same way that a Christian church might have a lead Minister or Pastor.

Question 45

In Jewish religion, what is the **name for the coming of age ritual**?

Answer 45

Bar/Bat Mitzvah ## Footnote Boys become a bar mitzvah at age 13; girls at age 12. Bar mitzvah = son of the commandment; Bat mitzvah = daughter of the commandment. The ceremony is not required by Jewish law and is a relatively modern invention. And certainly, the wild extravagant themed parties held after the modern bar/bat mitzvah ceremonies are not required by Jewish law either!

Question 46

Which **ancient Chinese general and philosopher** authored *The Art of War*, one of the most influential treatises on military strategy and leadership?

Answer 46

Sun Tzu ## Footnote Some of his famous words include: * "A leader leads by example, not by force." * "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." * "The greatest victory is that which requires no battle."

Question 47

Which **Italian Renaissance philosopher and author** of *The Prince* advised rulers to maintain power by ruthlessly subordinating moral principles to their personal or political goals?

Answer 47

Niccolo Machiavelli | (1469-1527) ## Footnote Today, when someone behaves in an extremely crafty, deceitful, and unscrupulous way to achieve personal ends, he or she may be described as acting "Machiavellian."

Question 48

Which **17th-century French philosopher** made fundamental contributions to modern philosophy and the Scientific Revolution, and is best known for the statement: "I think, therefore I am"?

Answer 48

René Descartes | (1596-1650) ## Footnote The Cartesian coordinate system is named after him. Descartes created the four main principles of science in his treatise "Rules for the Direction of the Mind". * (1) Accept nothing as true that is not self-evident * (2) Divide problems into their simplest parts * (3) Solve problems by proceeding from simple to complex * (4) Recheck the reasoning

Question 49

Which **17th-century English philosopher** and author of the book *Leviathan*, is now regarded as the founder of modern political philosophy?

Answer 49

Thomas Hobbes | (1588-1679) ## Footnote Hobbes is known for his exploration of the challenges of social and political order. He believed that the only way for humanity to not fall into the "state of nature," a state of constant civil war and lack of cooperation, was for society to give full obedience to an unaccountable political authority of some form.

Question 50

Which **18th-century French philosopher** was a leading figure in the Enlightenment and is known for his novella *Candide?*

Answer 50

Voltaire | (1694-1778) ## Footnote Voltaire had a considerable influence on both the French and American Revolutions, and was notable for his satirical wit in championing freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and the separation of church and state. "Voltaire" was a pen name; his real name was François-Marie Arouet.

Question 51

A central figure of the 18th Century European Enlightenment, which **Swiss-born French philosopher** argued that humans are inherently good by nature but corrupted by society?

Answer 51

Jean-Jacques Rousseau | (1712-1778) ## Footnote Influential to modern thought and particularly to the French Revolution, Rousseau is known for his works *On the Social Contract, Discourse on Inequality, Émile*, and his autobiography *Confessions*.

Question 52

Which **Scottish philosopher** wrote *The Wealth of Nations*, considered the first work on modern economics?

Answer 52

Adam Smith | (1723-1790) ## Footnote Smith is known most for his belief that rational self-interest in a free market economy can be the basis for overall economic security and well-being. According to Smith, no government intervention is needed, because the "invisible hand" of supply and demand will consistently restore economic equilibrium.

Question 53

Which **18th-century German philosopher** wrote *Critique of Pure Reason?*

Answer 53

Immanuel Kant | (1724-1804) ## Footnote He aimed to unite reason and experience, as in his mind metaphysics had not arrived at answers on important topics such as free will, God, and the soul.

Question 54

A proponent of Existentialism, which **19th-century German philosopher** challenged Christianity and morality, believing in the idea of "life-affirmation"?

Answer 54

Friedrich Nietzsche | (1844-1900) ## Footnote He is famous for his books *Beyond Good and Evil* and *God is Dead*.

Question 55

Which **20th-century French philosopher**, known as a central figure of existentialism, is famous for his works *Being and Nothingness* and the play *No Exit?*

Answer 55

Jean-Paul Sartre | (1905-1980) ## Footnote Sartre was awarded, but refused, the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature. He is quoted as saying, "a writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution."

Question 56

In Norse mythology, what is the **name of the chief god** of the Norse pantheon and the rule of Asgard?

Answer 56

Odin ## Footnote He is the God of battle, victory, magic, wisdom, and poetry. He is recognizable by having only one eye and rides an eight-legged horse called Sleipnir. Sometimes portrayed with a wide-brimmed hat, a cloak, and a wooden staff.

Question 57

In Norse mythology, what is the **name of the god of thunderstorms**, strength, healing, and destruction who wields the legendary hammer Mjolnir?

Answer 57

Thor ## Footnote Thor's hammer Mjolnir has become a symbol of pagan pride. His appearance and legend is now part of pop culture due to Marvel's creation of Thor as a comic book hero.

Question 58

The \_\_\_\_\_\_ is one of the most **significant mythical creatures** in Chinese mythology.

Answer 58

dragon ## Footnote It is seen as the most powerful and divine creature, with the ability to control water.