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

Final paper assignment, due at the time of the final:

First, read James Pryor's Guidelines on Writing a Philosophy Paper.

Then, pick one of the articles below and write a 4-5 page paper on it where you (1) identify the author's main thesis, (2) the argument(s) in favor of that thesis and (3) evaluate the argument as sound or unsound and (4) respond to objections.

Daniel Howard Snyder, "Theodicy," in ed. Kelly James Clark, Readings in the Philosophy of Religion (Broadview 2008, 2nd edition).

Without Evidence or Argument: A Defense of Belief in God without Arguments, by Kelly Clark

Is It Wrong Everywhere, Always, and for Anyone to Believe Anything on Insufficient Evidence? by Peter Van Inwagen

Saul Smilansky, "The Ethical Advantages of Hard Determinism", PHILOSOPHY AND PHENOMENOLOGICAL RESEARCH vol.54 (1994), pp.355-363.

Famine, Affluence, and Morality, Peter Singer, Philosophy and Public Affairs, vol. 1, no. 1 (Spring 1972), pp. 229-243

John Simmons, "Reasonable Humans and Animals"

I will find some more sample papers soon!

On Monday, April 27, 2009 at 5:00pm, the Philosophy and Religion Society will feature Lucius T. Outlaw (Professor of Philosophy and of African-American and Diaspora Studies at Vanderbilt University) in the second meeting of the Philosophy and Religion Lecture Series. Dr Outlaw will speak on the subject: “The Academy and Philosophy: Good for Black Folks?”

Dr. Outlaw’s research interests include African and African American philosophy, political theory and social thought. He has published works such as On Race and Philosophy, In Search of Critical Social Theory in the Interest of Black Folks, and “Philosophy, Hermeneutics, Social- Political Theory: Critical Thought in the Interest of African-Americans” (of the Philosophy Born of Struggle anthology)

The lecture will be followed by a reception in the Henderson Lounge of Merrill Hall. All are invited. We encourage you and your students to come (if interested).

Taurean J. Webb

President, Philosophy and Religion Society
Morehouse College