Directions: Answer any two of the following five essay questions in considerable detail. Be sure to include supporting reasons for your view, and explain clearly the philosophical concepts used. If possible, provide examples illustrating, not just mentioning, those concepts. All answers must be in sentence and paragraph form for full credit. All lists and diagrams must be explained. Essay answers for these questions should be at least four hundred words in length.
- How does Hick account for the problem of non-moral evil? In your answer be sure to state the classical problem of evil, and be sure to define and explain (not just mention) examples of ``non-moral evil.''
- Explain thoroughly the differences between philosophy and religion. Is the belief that everything happens for a reason falsifiable? Or is it a tautology? What is a tautology and how is it related to a circular explanation?
- What is Paley's Watch Argument? What is the difference between prescriptive and descriptive law? Explain clearly and thoroughly why the existence of ``laws of nature'' do not imply the existence of a ``Law Giver''?
- State any one of Aquinas' arguments in substantial detail. Explain clearly and thoroughly two objections to that argument.
- Explain Anselm's Ontological Argument in detail as discussed in the Web tutorials. Explain in detail two good objections to his argument.
Lee Archie
2009-06-03
