Philosophy 12: Final Exam Study Guide Spring 2016
Short Answer (quiz length):
1. In your own words, explain the argument in favor of hard determinism. What are the objections to each premise? In your opinion, which theory best explains the problem of free will and determinism?
2. Explain Thomson’s Famous Violinist thought experiment. What is Thomson trying to prove? What reasons are there to agree or disagree with Thomson’s conclusion?
3. If you had the opportunity to live in the world presented in the film Gattaca, and were able to choose between living there as a valid or in-valid, which would you choose and why?
4. Explain one argument for and one against homosexuality and/or same sex marriage. In your opinion, which argument makes a better case and why?
5. Imagine that in the future you could download an app that would, at the press of a button, instantly kill you. Should every adult have the right to download and use this app if they so desired or should it be banned? Should only terminally ill people be allowed to use this app?
6. Briefly explain Just War theory. What problems arise from this theory?
Short Short Answer (one or two sentences):
1. What is hard determinism?
2. What is compatibilism?
3. What is the difference between predeterminism and hard determinism?
4. What is metaphysical freedom?
5. What is theological determinism?
6. What is Thomson’s Giant Expanding Baby thought experiment trying to show?
7. What is the quickening?
8. What is the difference between reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning?
9. What is the slippery slope argument against cloning?
10. According to the Williams Institute, what percentage of the U.S. is gay, lesbian, or bisexual?
11. Name three connotations of the word “unnatural”.
12. What is the difference between passive and active euthanasia?
13. What is the Final Exit Network?
14. Name two ways in which euthanasia could lead to a slippery slope.
15. What is Just War theory?
16. What is jus in bello?
17. What is jus ad bellum?
18. What is Realpolitik?
19. What is pacifism?
Format: 4 short answer questions (10 pts each), 12 short short answer questions (5 pts each), 100 pts total.