Introduction to Philosophy: Final Exam Study Guide Fall 2018
Short Answer:
1. Explain two of the arguments for dualism (excluding the argument from doubt). What are the main objections to these arguments? Are those objections successful? Why or why not?
2. Explain Searle’s Chinese Room thought experiment. What is Searle trying to prove? How might a critic respond to Searle?
3. Explain the problem of evil. How do the greater good defense and the free will defense attempt to solve this problem? Are these solutions successful?
4. Briefly explain one of the arguments in favor of God’s existence. Explain the most compelling objections.
5. Explain the debate between creationists and evolutionary theorists. What are the key arguments and objections on both sides of the issue?
6. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of moral objectivism and moral relativism. Which theory presents a better case and why?
7. How would a 1) relativist, 2) egoist, and 3) utilitarian justify the following statement: Cheating on a test is wrong.
Short Short Answer:
1. What is functionalism?
2. What is the difference between the strong AI thesis and the weak AI thesis?
3. What is the mind-body problem?
4. What is the Turing Test?
5. What is philosophical behaviorism?
6. What is a category mistake?
7. What is Wittgenstein trying to show with his beetle-in-the-box thought experiment?
8. What is Kant’s criticism of the ontological argument?
9. What is Gaunilo’s criticism of the ontological argument?
10. What is the key objection to the teleological argument?
11. What is irreducible complexity?
12. What is the difference between Young Earth and Old Earth Creationism?
13. What is theistic evolution?
14. What is the difference between natural and moral evil?
15. What is the problem of evil?
16. How does Richard Dawkins view religion?
17. What is a theodicy?
18. What is ethical subjectivism?
19. What is cultural relativism?
20. What is the divine command theory?
21. What is the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism?
22. What is altruism?
23. What is the principle of utility?
24. What is the categorical imperative?
25. What is the key difference between virtue theory and other ethical theories?
26. In the film “Wittgenstein”, what was Wittgenstein trying to do with his philosophy?
27. What is philosophy essentially, according to Wittgenstein?
Format: 4 short answer questions (10 pts each), 12 short short answer questions (5 pts each). Total points: 100.