Introduction to Philosophy
Study Sheet Two


Part 1. This section of the exam will consist of 11 either true/false or multiple choice questions each worth five points each. The following questions are very similar or maybe even identical to the ones on the exams. You should also review your Telecourse Study Guide for additional assistance. The second exam has the greatest number of videos and readings, so start your preparation early.

1. By "God,"Anselm meant
a. nature
b. the greatest being imaginable
c. an uncaused cause
d. an unmoved mover
e. nothing: he left the term undefined.

2. T / F Rationalism is the view that our knowledge of the universe comes through our senses.

3. T / F Metaphysics, as a branch of philosophy, is the study of good and bad reasoning.

4. According to the video, Is Reason the Source of Knowledge?, one of the greatest intellectual inventions of the 17th century was
a. Epistemology
b. Reason
c. Theory
d. Logic

5. According to the video, Are Interpretations True, historically, an alternative method of interpretations as opposed to a literal interpretation of the Bible was
a. divine interpretation
b. secular interpretation
c. antithetical interpretation
d. allegorical interpretation
e. philosophical interpretation

6. T / F The agnostic holds that the existence of evil proves conclusively that there is no God.

7. Descartes' rules of method do not include
a. Doubt everything that is not clear and distinct
b. Analyze difficulties into as many parts as possible
c. Proceed in an orderly fashion, from the simple to the complex
d. Rely on God

8. What argument argues for the existence of God from the nature of God's being
a. Ontological argument
b. Cosmological argument
c. Design argument
d. Existential argument

9. Concepts such as responsibility, blame, and morality, some philosophers have argued
a. Are only found in Western cultures
b. Are only found in religious systems
c. Depend upon a culture having laws and a constitution
d. Depend upon there being freedom of the will

10. According to the ____________ theory, a statement is true if and only if it effectively solves a practical problem and thereby experientially satisfies us.
a. propositional
b. correspondence
c. scientific
d. pragmatic

Part 2. Sample Essay Questions. You will be given two essay questions on the exam and you will have to answer one. The essay question is worth 20 points.. The following questions are very similar or identical to the ones on the exam and the answers should be based on BOTH the readings and the videos. These questions will also be beneficial for the short answer or definition part of the exam

In grading the essay part of the exam I look for five things: (1) specific illustrative examples from the text or videos, (2) correct use of technical terminology, (3) coherent expression of basic lines of reasoning, (4) explanation of all important claims, and (5) detail sufficient to indicate familiarity with the entire relevant reading and videos.

1. First, summarize the views of David Hume and Immanuel Kant (your answers will be drawn from several parts of the readings) and then discuss the differences and similarities.

2. Explain the ontological argument, cosmological argument, and the argument from design.

3 . Kierkegaard, Tillich, and Daly have different approaches to the study and value of religion. Explain each person's position.

4 . How is Kant's philosophy a synthesis of Rationalism and Empiricism? Be sure to explain what rationalism is, what empiricism is, and how it is a synthesis of the two. What is Kant's synthesis called?

5 . Identify and discuss Thomas Kuhn's five characteristics of what makes something a scientific theory.

6 . Three different theories of truth are discussed in our book. Explain and give an example of each view.

7. Using both the videos and your book, explain the sources of knowledge.

8. Using our readings or videos, define the following terms: ontology, theology, religion, realism, essentialism, falsification, empiricism, solipsism, panentheism, pantheism, induction, primary and secondary qualities, innate ideas, monotheism, agnosticism, ethical test in mysticism, scientific method (Frances Bacon), and Stephen Toulmin

9 0. Using our readings and the video, discuss whether or not the Mind shapes the world.

10. Using both the videos and the readings, explain and discuss the characteristics of a mystical experience. What insights do mystical experiences provide?



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Last Updated 22 June 2008