8/10/2019 Midterm 1 Exam Prep Questions Fall 2014

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Midterm 1 Exam Prep Questions Fall 2014

1. Philosophy and science are both activities through which wetry to understand the nature of

reality, its composition, and its organization. Give an account of how science and philosophy differ

that appeals to issues of method and/or possibility.

2. Both philosophy and science are interested in given an enlightening account that is adequate to

explain a given phenomenon or set of phenomena. Often more than one theory is possible. Using anexample, explain how the notions of explanatory power and theoretical simplicity can help us choose

between rival theories.

3. The following passage contains an a simple invalid argument. Do your best to rewrite the

argument in standard form and develop a counterexample that makes clear that the original argument

is invalid. Explain why your counterexample is a counterexample. In the future we will use fossil

fuels to power our civilization or we risk descending into uncivilized barbarism! We will use fossil

fuels. So there is no risk of descending into barbarism.

4. According to Russell it is only in the goodsof the mind and in the effect they have upon people who

experience them that the value of philosophy is to be discovered. One such effect claimed by Russell is

a more just civilization. Explain why Russell thinks that studying philosophy can lead to a more just

society. Is he right? Explain your view.

5. One of the defining features of Descartes version of epistemology is that it uses an artificially high

standard to assess the acceptability of basic beliefs. Explain this standard. Explain why he chose to

adopt this strategy. Do you think that knowledge of reality requires that we use such a demanding

strategy? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

6. Can I be wrong about my sense perceptions? Descartes says that I can always doubt that my sense

experiences tell me anything about the world. Russell, in contrast, suggests that we cannot startanywhere but with our basic sense experiences. Which view is more plausible? Explain your

position.

7. Compare and contrast the explanatory theories about reality presented by Thales and

Anaximander. Which view is superior? Use the 7 criteria for theory evaluation to make your position

clear.

8. Compare and contrast the explanatory theories about reality presented by Anaximander and

Anaximenes. Which view is superior? Use the 7 criteria for theory evaluation to make your position

clear.

9. Compare and Contrast materialism and solipsism as possible explanations of what we experience.

Which view is superior? Give one mor more arguments in favor of your position.

10. Our experiences of the world tend to be regular orderly and predictable. Why might this be a

problem for idealism? How does Berkeleys version of idealism avoid this problem?