Online Examination Answer Booklet

Student ID: Mcc22005

Course Code: MPU2193
Course Name: Philosophy and Current Issues
Lecturer’s Name: Mrs Ruzanna

Instructions to Candidate:

1. Please fill in the question number and the total number of questions attempted in the “Question No”
column.

2. Arrange your answer according to the sequence of the questions.

3. Please use black ink pen 0.7mm for your hand-written text (if any).

4. Submit your answer in ONE (1) answer booklet.

5. Include your student ID number in the file name, using the following format: [your student ID number]
[Course code] Answer Booklet (for example, DBS12345 – MPU1234 – Answer Booklet).

6. Your answer booklet should be submitted to eLearn. If you face any technical issues during submission
process, please email your answer booklet to your lecturer within the stipulated time. There is one (1)
email address stated on the question paper (additional instructions on Page 2), and email your answers
via the stated email.

7. Students must not collude with others, working with others on completing the examination,
allowing others to copy your work, or sharing your answers. Students must not cheat, copy the work
of others or getting someone else to do your online examination. Any form of cheating in the examination
will not be tolerated and you will obtain a zero for your quiz.

Question No First Examiner Second Examiner Final Marks

Part A 1-20

Part B 1-3
Total number of * * *
questions
attempted:

*Subject lecturer to fill in this box.

Part A

1D

2D

3B

4C

5D

6D

7D

8C

9D

10 A

11 B

12 C

13 B

14 D

15 B

16 D

17 B

18 A

19 C

20 C

Part B

Question 1

a) Empirical/Observational: This source of knowledge is based on direct observation and sensory

experience. It involves gathering information through our senses, such as seeing, hearing, tasting,
touching, and smelling.
 Rational/Logical: This source of knowledge relies on reason, logic, and critical thinking. It involves
using rationality and deductive or inductive reasoning to analyze information, make logical
connections, and draw conclusions.

Testimony/Authority: This source of knowledge is based on information or beliefs obtained from

others. Testimony involves accepting knowledge from trusted sources, such as experts, scholars, or
reliable witnesses. It relies on the authority and credibility of the person or the source providing the
information.

b) Justification: Rose's belief is justified because she obtained the information from a Geography
book, which is a reliable source of information. It provides her with a reasonable basis for accepting
the claim.

Truth: The claim that Mount Everest is 8848m high is true based on current scientific
measurements.

Belief: Rose holds the belief that Mount Everest is 8848m high.

Justification: Raju's belief is justified because he has knowledge of Dr. Mahathir's contributions to
the country. If Raju has studied or researched Dr. Mahathir's achievements and positive impact on
Malaysia, it can serve as a valid justification for his belief.

Truth: The claim that Dr. Mahathir was the best Prime Minister in Malaysia is subjective and can vary
based on individual opinions. It may not have an objective truth value.

Belief: Raju holds the belief that Dr. Mahathir was the best Prime Minister in Malaysia.

c) René Descartes: Descartes is often considered one of the founding figures of modern philosophy.
He emphasized the use of reason and rationality to attain certain knowledge. Descartes famously
employed doubt as a methodological tool to arrive at indubitable truths, leading to his famous
statement "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am).

Baruch Spinoza: Spinoza was a Dutch philosopher known for his rationalist approach to metaphysics
and ethics. He sought to understand the nature of reality through reason and rational analysis.
Spinoza's philosophical system, laid out in works like "Ethics" and "Theological-Political Treatise,"
explores topics such as God, nature, and the human mind.

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz: Leibniz was a German philosopher and polymath who made significant
contributions to various fields, including philosophy, mathematics, and logic. He developed a
rationalist philosophy that aimed to reconcile the existence of evil with the idea of an all-good and
all-powerful God. Leibniz also proposed the concept of monads, which he believed were the
fundamental units of reality.

Question 2

a) Dualism: Dualism is the philosophical view that sees the human being as composed of two
distinct substances or entities: the body and the mind or soul. According to this view, the
mind or soul is separate from the physical body and possesses consciousness, thoughts, and
 personal identity. This perspective suggests that the mind and body interact but are
fundamentally different in nature. René Descartes was a prominent proponent of dualism.
He argued that the mind and body are separate substances, with the mind being non-
material and the body being material. Descartes' famous example is the concept of the
"ghost in the machine," where the mind controls the body like a pilot operating a machine.

Materialism: Materialism is the philosophical view that considers the human being as a purely
physical entity, with no separate existence of a soul or mind. According to materialism, all mental
states and consciousness are ultimately reducible to physical processes in the brain. Materialists
argue that the mind and consciousness are emergent properties of the physical brain. An example of
a materialist view is found in the works of Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes proposed a materialist account
of human nature, arguing that human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can be explained through
mechanical processes in the body. He viewed human beings as complex machines driven by physical
forces and desires.

b) Justification: Justification refers to the reasons or evidence that support a belief or claim. In
epistemology, the question is often asked, "What justifies our beliefs?" The concept of
justification explores the criteria and standards that determine whether a belief is rational,
warranted, or reliable. Different theories of justification, such as foundationalism,
coherentism, and evidentialism, offer different approaches to understanding how beliefs can
be justified.

Truth: Truth is a fundamental concept in epistemology. It relates to the correspondence between a

belief or proposition and the actual state of affairs in the world. Epistemology is concerned with
questions such as "What is truth?" and "How can we know the truth?" Various theories of truth have
been proposed throughout history, including correspondence theory, coherence theory, and
pragmatic theory. Understanding the nature of truth is essential for examining the relationship
between our beliefs and the external world.

Knowledge: Knowledge is the central focus of epistemology. It involves justified true beliefs.
Epistemology seeks to answer questions like "What is knowledge?" and "How can we acquire
knowledge?" The study of knowledge explores the conditions under which a belief can be
considered knowledge, distinguishing it from mere opinion or belief without justification. Theories of
knowledge, such as foundationalism, coherentism, and reliabilism, propose different criteria and
standards for identifying when a belief can be considered knowledge.

C) Logic: Logic is the study of reasoning and argumentation, concerned with the principles and rules
that govern valid inference and sound reasoning. It explores how to construct and evaluate
arguments in a systematic and coherent manner. Logic helps to distinguish between valid and invalid
reasoning and aims to uncover the underlying structure of arguments.

Example: Let's consider a logical syllogism: Premise 1: All humans are mortal. Premise 2: Socrates is a
human. Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal.

This syllogism follows the principles of deductive logic, specifically the logical form known as modus
ponens. By recognizing the logical structure and applying the principles of logic, we can determine
the validity of the argument and conclude that Socrates must be mortal.

ii. Empiricism: Empiricism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the importance of sensory
experience and observation as the primary source of knowledge. It holds that knowledge is derived
from our senses and that meaningful claims should be based on empirical evidence. Empiricists
argue that knowledge is acquired through direct observation, experimentation, and the
accumulation of sensory data.

Example: A classic example of empiricism is the scientific method. Scientists conduct experiments,
make observations, and gather empirical data to formulate theories and test hypotheses. For
instance, a chemist may observe the reactions of different chemicals in a laboratory setting, measure
the resulting changes, and draw conclusions based on the empirical evidence gathered. The reliance
on observation and experimentation aligns with the empiricist perspective in acquiring knowledge.

It's worth noting that there are many more philosophical terms and concepts to explore, but I hope
these examples help to clarify the meanings of logic and empiricism.

Question 3

a) Example of an Inference: Statement: All birds have feathers. Inference: Therefore, if I see a
creature with feathers, it must be a bird.

In this example, the inference is made based on the given statement. By applying the general
knowledge that all birds have feathers, the inference is drawn that any creature with feathers can be
identified as a bird.

Example of a Deductive Argument: Premise 1: All mammals are warm-blooded. Premise 2: Cats are
mammals. Conclusion: Therefore, cats are warm-blooded.

In this deductive argument, the conclusion logically follows from the premises. If the premises are
true, the conclusion must also be true. The argument relies on the general principle that all
mammals are warm-blooded and the specific information that cats are mammals.

Example of an Inductive Argument: Premise 1: Every time I have eaten peanuts, I have experienced
an allergic reaction. Premise 2: I am about to eat peanuts. Conclusion: Therefore, I will likely
experience an allergic reaction.

In this inductive argument, the conclusion is based on observed patterns and experiences. While the
premises provide evidence for a likely outcome, they do not guarantee it with certainty. The
conclusion is probabilistic rather than absolute. Inductive reasoning involves generalizing from
specific instances to make a broader claim.

b) Developing Human Potential: One aim is to nurture and develop the potential of individuals
to the fullest extent. This includes intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and physical
development. The education system strives to equip individuals with the necessary
knowledge, skills, and values to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Example: In the context of Malaysia's National Education Philosophy, the aim of developing human
potential can be seen in the emphasis on providing a balanced and harmonious education that
addresses various aspects of an individual's growth. This involves providing academic knowledge,
promoting character development, and fostering holistic well-being.

Promoting Balanced and Harmonious Individuals: The philosophy aims to produce individuals who
are balanced and harmonious in all aspects of their lives. This includes cultivating ethical values,
promoting cultural understanding, and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Example: The National Education Philosophy of Malaysia explicitly states the aim of producing
individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically balanced and harmonious.
This is achieved through a curriculum that incorporates moral education, values-based teaching, and
activities that encourage cultural appreciation and social engagement.

Inculcating a Firm Belief in and Devotion to God: Many National Education Philosophies emphasize
the importance of instilling religious and spiritual values in individuals. This aim reflects the cultural
and religious context of a country and seeks to nurture individuals with strong faith and devotion.

Example: The quote you provided from Malaysia's National Education Philosophy highlights the aim
of inculcating a firm belief in and devotion to God. In this context, education is seen as a means to
strengthen religious values and foster spiritual growth among individuals.

Fostering National Identity and Loyalty: Another aim often found in National Education Philosophies
is to cultivate a sense of national identity and loyalty towards the country. This includes promoting
patriotism, instilling civic values, and nurturing active participation in the community.

Example: The National Education Philosophy of many countries, including Malaysia, includes the aim
of fostering loyalty towards the country and its leaders. This can be seen in the emphasis on instilling
civic consciousness, promoting national integration, and encouraging active citizenship through
community service and volunteerism.

c) Point of View in the Middle Ages:

Religious Devotion: The Middle Ages was a period of strong religious faith and piety. The Catholic
Church played a central role in people's lives, and religion permeated every aspect of society. The
Church provided spiritual guidance, rituals, and the promise of salvation. The point of view
emphasized the importance of obedience to God, the Church's authority, and adherence to religious
doctrines.

Point of View in Ancient Asian Religions:

Karma: Many ancient Asian religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasize the concept of
karma. Karma is the belief that a person's actions in the present life directly influence their future
experiences and circumstances. It reflects the view that individuals are responsible for the
consequences of their actions and that they can improve their future lives through virtuous
behavior.