Iowa State Phil 2010 Midterm Review

God's Existence

Central to Descartes's philosophy, proving God's existence is crucial for establishing certainty.

Deceiver Hypothesis

Descartes considers the possibility of a deceptive God but ultimately concludes that a benevolent God exists.

Foundation of Knowledge

God guarantees the truth of clear and distinct perceptions, ensuring reliable knowledge.

Non-Deceptive Nature

A perfect God cannot be a deceiver, which supports the validity of human reasoning.

Role in Doubt

God is invoked to resolve radical doubt, providing a foundation for certainty in knowledge.

Descartes' Certainty of Self

"Cogito, ergo sum" - I think, therefore I am.

Hume's Skepticism

The self is a bundle of perceptions; there is no permanent self.

Epistemology

Descartes emphasizes rationalism; Hume emphasizes empiricism.

Method of Doubt

Descartes uses systematic doubt to establish certainty.

Impressions vs

Hume distinguishes between direct experiences (impressions) and thoughts (ideas).

Substance vs

Descartes views the self as a substance; Hume views the self as a process.

Impact on Philosophy

Influenced modern discussions on identity and consciousness.

Legacy

Descartes laid the groundwork for modern philosophy; Hume challenged notions of self.

Skepticism

Doubt about the certainty of knowledge.

Evil Demon Hypothesis

Possibility of a deceiving entity manipulating perceptions.

Clear and Distinct Perceptions

Criteria for true knowledge.

Radical Doubt

Questioning all beliefs to establish certainty.

Stump's Theodicy

Addresses the problem of evil in relation to God's goodness.

Main Argument

God allows evil for the sake of the greater good, such as soul-making.

Evil Types

Distinguish between moral evil (human actions) and natural evil (natural disasters).

Human Experience

Emphasizes the importance of human suffering in developing virtues.

Critique

Challenges the adequacy of soul-making in justifying extreme suffering.

Key Argument

The existence of evil contradicts an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent God.

Logical Problem of Evil

Incompatibility of God's attributes with the existence of evil.

Moral Argument

Objective morality is not dependent on a deity.

Fine-Tuning

The universe's physical constants are precisely set for life.

Probability

The odds of life-permitting conditions occurring by chance are astronomically low.

Multiverse Theory

Suggests multiple universes exist, increasing chances of life.

Design Inference

Fine-tuning implies an intelligent designer.

Aquinas's First Way

There must be a first cause that is not moved.

Unmoved Mover

The unmoved mover is identified as God.

Clifford's Principle

It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.

Moral Responsibility

Individuals are morally accountable for their beliefs.

Skepticism

Encourages critical examination of beliefs and evidence.

Rational Belief

A belief justified by reason and evidence.

Logical Belief

A belief derived from logical reasoning and principles.