Exam philosophy

What is the key difference between materialism and dualism according to Descartes?

Materialism posits that only physical matter exists, while dualism argues that both material and immaterial substances (mind) exist.

What phrase does Descartes use to determine that he knows for certain he exists?

Cogito, ergo sum (I think, therefore I am).

How does Descartes argue that he is a 'thinking being'?

Through the acts of doubting, understanding, affirming, denying, and all forms of thinking.

What is the purpose of Descartes' wax argument?

To illustrate that while material properties change, the mind can know the nature of objects better than the body.

What is a 'category mistake' in Ryle's argument against dualism?

It occurs when something is attributed to a category it does not belong to; Ryle argues dualism misplaces mind and body.

What reasoning does Taylor claim leads to dualism?

A separation of mind and body based on subjective experiences.

What reasoning does Taylor argue is better than the dualism perspective?

Holistic reasoning that recognizes the interdependence of mind and body.

What argument does Nagel present regarding the consciousness of bats?

Consciousness cannot be fully understood externally; subjective experience of being a bat illustrates this.

How does Paley argue for the existence of God?

Using the watchmaker analogy, where the complexity of a watch implies a designer, similar to the universe.

What goods does Swinburne argue outweigh the existence of evil?

Goods such as moral growth, free will, and altruism.

How does natural evil fit into Swinburne's free will defense?

It serves as a necessary backdrop for human moral choices.

What is Pascal's wager?

The rational choice is to believe in God, as the potential infinite gain outweighs finite loss.

How does Blackburn criticize Pascal's wager?

He sees it as overly self-interested and simplistic in its assumptions.

How does Zagzebski defend Pascal’s wager against objections?

By emphasizing genuine belief and its moral implications beyond risk assessment.

How does Scriven criticize faith as an alternative route to truth?

He argues faith without evidence lacks a foundation for truth claims.

What problems does McKim associate with God’s 'hiddenness'?

Issues such as the lack of clear divine communication and its implications for belief.

What objections does Philo raise to the design argument?

He questions the validity of inferring a designer from the world's complexity.

What are Philo's main points in his argument from evil?

The existence of evil contradicts the notion of a benevolent designer.

What does Stump mean by 'desires of the heart'?

Deeply rooted desires that drive morality and action related to the problem of evil.

What is the 'problem of hell' according to Adams?

The tension between human nature's inherent worth and the concept of eternal punishment.

What is Minas' position on God and forgiveness?

God fully embodies forgiveness, mirroring human experiences of forgiveness.

How does Cahn argue that belief in God does not establish that murder is wrong?

Moral truths stem from inherent values rather than divine edicts.

What does Cahn assert about the Ten Commandments' morality?

They are considered morally right not because God commands them, but because they align with existing moral truths.

What is the cosmological argument?

Everything has a cause, leading to a first cause, which is God.

What is an objection to the cosmological argument?

Why doesn't the first cause need a cause?

What does the ontological argument claim?

God, as the greatest conceivable being, must exist.

What is an objection to the ontological argument?

Existence isn't a predicate that makes something greater.

What does the design argument suggest?

The universe's complexity implies a designer.

What is an objection to the design argument?

Natural processes like evolution can explain complexity without a designer.

What is the 'problem of evil'?

How an all-good, all-powerful God can allow evil and suffering.

How does Swinburne attempt to overcome the problem of evil?

Through the free will defense, emphasizing moral responsibility and growth.

What does the Turing Test suggest about computers?

Computers can think if they can mimic human responses indistinguishably.

What is Searle’s argument against the Turing Test's implications?

Searle's Chinese Room argument counters this by showing that following rules to generate responses doesn't equate to true understanding or thinking..