SAMPLE ESSAY QUESTIONS

 

Sample 20 point Questions:

What are those elementary forms of religion contributing to group solidarity according to Durkheim? Explain the process, as discussed by Durkheim, of how God was created as an outcome of intensive human interaction within a group.  What is the critical factor contributing to this formation? Discuss and explain the implication of Durkheim’s argument that states that when people worship God, they actually worship society.

  

How does Friedrich Nietzsche feel about Christianity and the concepts of “good” and “evil”?  How does his notion of the “Apollonian,” and the “Dionysian” fit into his view?  What about his notion of “Master/aristocratic” and “slave” morality?  How does his concept of the will to power figure into his social thinking?  Finally, what is the result of all of this and what is his solution?

Sample 10 point Question:

Explain Nietzsche’s view that “good” and “evil” are socially constructed.  Be sure to explain the role religion plays in this process.