4

Set 4: Central Ideas (Intermediate)

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

The following text is about Existentialism. Existentialism is a tradition of philosophical inquiry that explores the nature of existence by emphasizing experience of the human subject—not merely the thinking subject, but the acting, feeling, living human individual. A central proposition is that 'existence precedes essence,' meaning that individuals are not born with a predetermined purpose; rather, they must define their own meaning in an irrational universe through their actions and choices.

What does the phrase 'existence precedes essence' imply in Existentialism?

A. Humans are born with a fixed destiny they cannot change
B. Thinking is more important than acting
C. Individuals create their own purpose through actions✓ Correct
D. The universe is rational and orderly

Detailed Explanation

Choice C is correct. The text explains it means 'individuals are not born with a predetermined purpose; rather, they must define their own meaning... through their actions.'

Key Evidence:

• "not born with a predetermined purpose"

• "define their own meaning... through their actions"

Why others are wrong: A (Opposite), B (Opposite (emphasizes 'acting, feeling, living')), D (Opposite (text says 'irrational universe')).

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