Reference no: EM13841559

Introduction to Philosophy First Exam

Address two of the following topics in no more than seven typed pages. Make appropriate use in your answers of the course readings and of the critical analysis of the readings in class

1. How and why does Plato argue against the divine command theory of morality? How do. Plato's critique of the Olympian deities pave the way for the later fusion of Greek philosophy and Judaic-Christianity? Show how the dialogue, the Euthvphro, embodies Plato's conception of philosophy in terms of the allegory of the cave and the divided line.

2. (a) Restate and critically exatnine Astselm's ontological argument for the existence of God.

(b) Restate and critically examine one of Aquinas' first three cosmological arguments for the existence of God.

3. Does Paley's design argument necessarily pmve the existence of God conceived as a supremely perfect being? Why or why not? Consider Dawlcins' and Hume's criticisms of the argument.

How does Aquinas' fifth cosmological argument differ from the eighteenth-century deistic version of Paley? Does it succeed against Dawkins? Why or why not?

4. Is belief in the existence of a supremely perfect deity compatible or incompatible witl natural and moral evil? Justify your answer. Work with Hick and Mackie.