Directions: Answer any two of the following four essay questions in substantial detail. Be sure to include supporting reasons for the views described, and explain clearly any philosophical concepts used. If possible, provide examples illustrating those concepts. All answers must be in sentence and paragraph form and in standard English to receive full credit. All lists and diagrams should be explained in such a way that someone not trained in philosophy could understand. ``Explain'' does not mean merely ``state.'' An explanation gives a complete account of the meaning of something. (Complete answers to most of these essay questions would normally be around 400 words, although the adequacy of the answer is not based on number of words.)
- State Aquinas' Argument for Gradation in substantial detail. Explain clearly (not merely state) two objections to that argument. If there is an ultimately good God, would this necessarily logically imply that there is also an ultimately bad god? Why or why not?
- State Anselm's Ontological Argument in detail. Explain in detail two good objections to his argument.
- What is Paley's Watch Argument? What is the difference between prescriptive and descriptive law? Why is this distinction important to his argument? Why does not the existence of ``laws of nature'' necessarily imply the existence of a ``Law Giver''?
- What is the traditional problem of evil? How can we account for the presence of non-moral evil in the world? In your answer be sure to state the problem of evil clearly, and be sure to define and give examples of``non-moral evil.''
NAME
Lee Archie
2009-10-28
