One of the things that makes France so French is the annual philosophy exam that traditionally kicks off the week-long series of tests for the baccalauréat diploma at the end of the lycée (senior high school). While France is a proudly secular state, the questions asked often pose puzzles with ethical aspects that many religions also contemplate. They are usually very broad — some would say impossibly broad — questions, leaving the student to decide how to understand and discuss them in a long essay.

Here are some of the questions the nervous students were given four hours to sweat over today:

• Is it absurd to desire the impossible?
• Are there questions that no science answers?
• What does one gain by exchanging?
• Does technical development transform humans?
• Does language betray thought?
• Does historical objectivity presuppose an impartial historian?

Are 18-year-olds set questions like this in exams in your country? If not, would it be worthwhile to ask them?

(Photo: President Nicolas Sarkozy chats with students during a visit to Galilee High School in the Paris suburb of Gennevilliers on 10 June 2009/ Philippe Wojazer)