Chapter Exam Introductory

Problemset Title	Chapter Exam
Introductory Text
Question 1 Type: Essay		Pico della Mirandola gives an account of God's creation of Man where humanity is given a role in the world from which it is possible to "sculpt thyself into whatever shape thou dost prefer.” Pico della Mirandola then goes on to describe the various directions that this sculpture process can take. Discuss Pico della Mirandola 's account of Man as his own sculptor, paying attention to the three paths that this process can follow. Hint:   Feedback: See pp. 368-370, Chapter 14, Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola , Oration on the Dignity of Man.
Question 2 Type: Essay		The term sentience refers to some beings’ ability to feel or perceive subjectively. As Pico della Mirandola quotes from Mohammed, "it is not the rind which makes the plant, but a dull and non-sentient nature.” Discuss how, noting the meaning of sentience and Pico della Mirandola 's discussion, there may be a process by which Man becomes or is realized to be plant-like. How would you suggest that one might be able to remedy this situation in the cases in which it is already present? Hint:   Feedback: See pp. 368-370, Chapter 14, Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola , Oration on the Dignity of Man.
Question 3 Type: Essay		Pico della Mirandola quotes Mohammed in his discussion of the Man-turned-brute, as he supports the claim that it is "not the hide which makes a beast of burden, but a brutal and sensual soul." Pico della Mirandola characterizes this overwhelmingly sensual Man as one who is "blinded by the illusions of his empty and Calypso-like imagination, seized by the desire of scratching, and delivered over to the senses." How might one explain or expand Pico della Mirandola 's perspective of pure sensuality to reach some sort of conclusion on his opinion about the human body? Is the body, for Pico della Mirandola, a dignified entity deserving of reverence? Support your answer presenting a claim for or against Pico della Mirandola 's account. Hint:   Feedback: See p. 370, Chapter 14, Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola , Oration on the Dignity of Man.
Question 4 Type: Essay		Pico della Mirandola introduces the concept of right reason and offers it up as the foundation upon which heaven is, in fact, situated. He expands this description to include a distinction between those things that are earthly, heavenly, and divine. Specifically, he identifies the distinct roles for body and flesh at each of these points. Using his text, identify and explain the role(s) of body and flesh at each of these three levels of human existence. Is Pico della Mirandola 's account a positive one? Negative? Accurate? Present his views and, using examples from within the text, discuss the repercussions of the view he presents. Hint:   Feedback: See pp. 368-370, Chapter 14, Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola , Oration on the Dignity of Man.
Question 5 Type: Essay		Is destiny a human creation or a reality that we fulfill? Define and expand your understanding of the term destiny. Then, using your definition, determine whether or not it is logically possible that one might be able to choose one's own destiny. Furthermore, explore how your understanding of destiny and how it may or may not be attained is affected or in any way informed by the notions of pride and shame. Do these concepts have a role in human life? Hint:   Feedback: See pp. 366-370, Chapter 14, Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola , Oration on the Dignity of Man.
Question 6 Type: Essay		Is Pico della Mirandola’s claim for Man as self-sculpted positive or negative when it comes to establishing and/or maintaining a sense of social responsibility. Consider contemporary examples of human and the “self-sculptural” choices they make. Might there be factors that affect decisions made and choices that are available or conceivable? Taking these notions into account, explore whether Pico della Mirandola’s image of man is accessible or even possible in a contemporary context. Defend your argument against plausible objections. Hint:   Feedback: See pp. 366-370, Chapter 14, Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola , Oration on the Dignity of Man.