M. Kagan, Le Moyne College, PHL 201, Open Format Quiz #1, September 18, 2002

     This is an "open-format" quiz. It can be taken as an "open-book," in-class or take-home, group, individual, or oral [with the following instructions]. Written exams should not exceed one page per answer. (Oral exams will involve follow-up questions, but will not last longer than 30 minutes.)
     If taken in class OR as a take home as an individual effort, answer 1 of the following. All take-homes are to be typed, double-spaced, with citations for sources and assistance).
     The exam may be done by a group containing up to 5 members. The group needs to answer as many questions as there are members in the group. Group take-homes are to be typed, double spaced. If you wish to take this exam as an oral, please make an appointment as soon as possible.

The take-home versions of this exam are DUE Monday, September 23, 2002 in RH436 before 2:30 p.m.


1. Locate the general reading questions on the syllabus. Answer them for Huston Smith's chapter on Taoism OR for Martin Buber's I and Thou.
2. If you tried to live according to the teaching of I and Thou what would you have to do?
3. If you lived according to Taoist teaching, what would you have to do?
4.  According to Buber, what three kinds of beings can we have an I-Thou relation with?  Give an example of each.
5. Give an example of how I and Thou and Taoism are alike OR give an example of how I and Thou and Taoism are different.
6.  Find and read Kurt Vonnegut's "All the King's Horses"  (in his Welcome to the Monkey House anthology).   Explain how the distinction between  "I-it" and "I-Thou" may function in this story.  Also, if you wish, show how wu-wei may be involved.


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