Study Guide for Final Exam for Intro to Philosophy

As you recall, we got a late start this semester due to the change in the instructor. Prior to the Midterm, we focused on some basic concepts of logic and arguments, the nature of knowledge, and the existence of God. Since the midterm, we have focused on the topics below, form which questions and prompts for the final exam will be taken:

3. THE PROBLEM OF EVIL

What is the problem of evil, or the argument for the non-existence of God from certain kinds of evils? State and explain this argument.

What is the most reasonable response to the argument? Is it unsound because some theodicies are true? If so, which theodicies are these? Is it unsound because no theodicy is sufficient? Explain how we should respond to the problem of evil. Defend your view with reasons.

4. DO WE SURVIVE DEATH?

Explain how we might be able to survive death, i.e., our minds and personalities continue to exist after death. What are some theories on what we would have to be like in order to survive death? What are some reasons to think that we could not survive death? Should we believe that we survive death or not? Defend your view with reasons.

5. THE PROBLEM OF PERSONAL IDENTITY

Explain the psychological theory of personal identity and the physical or bodily theory of personality. Present one objection to each. Which theory is best? Defend your view with reasons.

6. BODY AND MIND

Explain the soul theory of what our minds consist in and the physicalist or materialist theory of of what our minds consist in. Which theory is best? Defend your view with reasons.

7. COULD A MACHINE THINK?

What are some discussed reasons to think that, one day, a machine (i.e., a complicated computer) could think? What are discussed reasons to think that, one day, a machines (i.e., a complicated computer) could never think? Which view is correct? Defend your view with reasons.

8. THE CASE AGAINST FREE WILL

What is it to be 'determined' to do what you do, i.e., what is the thesis of determinism? What are some reasons to think that our behavior, thoughts and feelings are determined?

9. THE DEBATE OVER FREE WILL

The three main positions on the free will problem are that of "hard determinism," "libertarianism" and "compatiblism." Explain each position by presenting the argument each gives in favor of their position. Which position on the issue is correct? Explain and defend your view with reasons.

Since we were not able to talk about the chapters below on ethics and the meaning of life, but they were assigned to reason, you might be asked to develop a philosophical question about the topics and arguments in each of these chapters and then answer that question. You will be graded on the quality of the question, as well as the quality of your answer! :)

11. ETHICS AND OBJECTIVITY
11.1 Thrasymachus's Challenge 149
11.2 Is Ethics Just Social Convention? 150
11.3 Ethics and Science 155
11.4 The Importance of Human Interests 162

12. WHY SHOULD WE BE MORAL?
12.1 The Ring of Gyges 165
12.2 Ethics and Religion 167
12.3 The Social Contract 170
12.4 Morality and Benevolence 173

13. THE MEANING OF LIFE
13.1 The Problem of the Point of View 180
13.2 Happiness 182
13.3 Death 184
13.4 Religion and the Indifferent Universe 185
13.5 The Meaning of Particular Lives 188