*~ This is the actual survey itself. Preceding the survey is another, considerably shorter, introduction explaining how I would like the survey answered. This took an average of about 2 hours to complete according to five people still in college. Interestingly enough, no one over the age of 21 answered the survey. ~*
First, you don't have to reply to everyone on the list although your answers will give them a better idea of where you stand and your outlook. If anything, answer the questions for yourself. Second, it's rather long and in depth. Please, do not spout out what you learned in school. The "what's" are good, but the "why's" are the source of the "what's" and, therefore, more important. Do not say, I believe that stealing is wrong. Say, I believe stealing is wrong because. . . Know the reason why something is what it is and write that. I don't want a recitation of your junior year philosophy class. Please write why and think for yourself. Third, oh, nothing.
Body of Survey:
Self:
How do you know that you exist?
What is your telos (end/ultimate goal) or Why are you here?
What is your essence? When your superego (what you've been taught/conditioned to do and believe) is stripped away, what are you at your most basic level?
What are the demands put on a person, given his/her telos? What does
one have to do to fulfill one's telos?
Do other people exist?
What is their telos?
What is their essence?
What is your relationship with them?
What is the relationship's telos?
God
Does God exist?
What is God's telos if God has one?
What is the nature of God, all things remaining equal (keep people
out of it, just God by himself)?
How, if at all, is God connected to people?
What is God's role in people's lives?
Religion
Define religion.
What is religion's telos?
Is religion necessary?
What dictates, if applicable, the validity of a religion?
What should be the demands of a religion over it's followers?
What is God's role in religion?
What is religion's role in dealing with one's self? Is it the be all
and end all of one's actions?
Is one religion perfectly valid?
Why does religion exist?
Afterlife
Define the afterlife. Explain.
What, if any, is the role of God?
Define, if applicable, heaven and hell.
What is in heaven or hell?
What is the origin of heaven and hell?
How does one enter heaven or hell?
General:
You've heard, "human nature is to survive," and "human nature is to self-destruct." Which is it? Are they both partially true?
Discuss the issue of church and state. Where does the authority lie?
What is the importance of the liberal arts (from english to
painting)?
What is the basic human need?
What is the role of the mind (logic to emotions)?
Optional:
Summarize your philosophy towards life. Be as general or as in depth as you please, but always remain concise.
Thanks for doing this or looking at it. . . I'm sure you will gain something from it.
RT