Phl 201 Essay Questions

PHL 201 ESSAY QUESTIONS

I. Answer one of the following:

1. It is ease to see how the different endeavors described in this book can all make contributions to our knowledge of life and how to live it; but how can these quite different enterprises all be philosophy? In other words, what essential commonalities are shared by all these "schools" of philosophy? What makes each position distinctive?

2. Would you care to defend the position called "skepticism"? Develop the case as far as you can in that direction with logical and epistemological arguments.

3. Among the significant points made by Hume are his arguments regarding causality. If it is the case that "causality has no objective status," then much of our understanding about the real world may have to be revised. So, is Hume right or wrong? To what extent do you think causality is merely a habit of association?

4. What is "Kant's revolution of epistemology"? Can we have knowledge of "things-in-themselves? Do you agree with his "critical idealism" and his "theory of a priori synthetic judgments"?

5. The aphorism from the Taoist philosopher Chuang-Tzu (p.152) is a delightful poetic fantasy, and we have no idea how seriously Chuang-Tzu took the statement. For the sake of thought, assume that it's to be taken seriously. If you had dreamed that you were a butterfly, how could you be sure that you are not now a butterfly dreaming that you are a man or woman still dreaming that you are trying to answer a philosophy question as to where you are a dreaming butterfly? Can you be absolutely sure? How?

II. Answer one of the following:

1. Can we know that God Exist? What are the so-called three rational arguments for God's Existence? Do you agree to them? Suppose a philosopher inquires into the existence of God(and all do, sooner or later). If he concludes that God exists, is he still a philosopher? If he concludes that God does not exist, does he cease to be religious? Do one's philosophic credentials depend upon the questions he asks or the answers he arrives at?

2. Compare some concepts or theories of Eastern religions with of Western religions. Is it possible to have dialogue between these two kinds of religions?

3. Discuss Hume's arguments against reason as the basis of morality. Is it correct?

4. Do you believe that the utilitarian doctrine, as Mill presents it, has value for our times?

5. Examine a contemporary moral issue by some traditional moral theory by some contemporary moral theories, or criticize a traditional ethical theory by some contemporary ideas. 6. What is "alienation" and what is its philosophical importance? Do you agree to it?

7. What is the relationship between justice and legitimacy of the state? What is your opinion for an ideal society?