Yes, you can use contemporary examples and events in your answers for the Philosophy Optional exam. Incorporating current examples and events can demonstrate your ability to apply philosophical concepts to real-world situations, showcase your critical thinking skills, and make your answers more relevant and engaging.

1. **Relevance**: Using contemporary examples and events helps to establish the relevance of philosophical ideas and theories in the present context. It shows that philosophy is not just an abstract discipline, but has practical implications in various aspects of our lives.

2. **Application**: By using contemporary examples, you can illustrate how philosophical concepts are applicable in current scenarios. For example, when discussing ethics, you can analyze the ethical implications of recent events such as environmental disasters, technological advancements, or political decisions.

3. **Critical Thinking**: Incorporating contemporary examples and events allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills. You can analyze and evaluate these examples from different philosophical perspectives, providing insights and arguments that go beyond mere description.

4. **Engagement**: Using current examples can make your answers more engaging and relatable for the examiner. It shows that you are well-informed about the world around you and can connect philosophical ideas to real-life situations.

However, it is important to use contemporary examples and events judiciously and in a balanced manner. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

- **Relevance**: Ensure that the examples you choose are directly relevant to the philosophical concepts being discussed. Avoid tangential or unrelated examples that may distract from the main argument.

- **Accuracy**: Make sure the examples and events you use are factually accurate and well-researched. Provide proper citations or references if necessary.

- **Objectivity**: Maintain a balanced and objective perspective while using contemporary examples. Present different viewpoints and interpretations, and critically evaluate the arguments and evidence associated with the events.

- **Depth**: While using contemporary examples, delve into the underlying philosophical implications and theories. Connect the events to broader philosophical concepts, theories, or schools of thought to showcase a deeper understanding.

In conclusion, incorporating contemporary examples and events in your answers can enhance the relevance, application, critical thinking, and engagement of your responses. However, it is important to use them judiciously, ensuring relevance, accuracy, objectivity, and depth in your analysis.