...Response Paper McCloskey Article Anthony Powers PHIL 201- C09 November 6, 2015 Response Paper McCloskey Article In his article, On Being an Atheist, H.J. McCloskey attempted to prove how that holding an atheistic pattern of thought was much easier than holding a theistic worldview. McCloskey even referred to theism as a “comfortless spine-chilling doctrine.” Since McCloskey stated that proofs do not hold a vital role in the belief of God. I would question what would play a role in the belief of God for McCloskey. Since he believes that theists come to the belief of God based on other reasons and factors rather than just believing in God for a basis of our religious beliefs, then where does the Christian philosopher fit in? As a theist we are to move away from the point of proving Gods existence and rather explain why we hold to the theist view. Relating to Forman’s presentation, the best explanation approach is the best possible way to combat this view that the proofs should be abandoned. Although we may not be able to fully establish the case for the existence of God, we are able to give reasons to believe in the God of the Universe. The amount of proof that is necessary for McCloskey to form a belief of atheism, should be examined because like theism, it can not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The explanation of the beliefs of theism is most likely the best explanation as to why a God exists. Although there is many explanations as to Gods existence, the best way...
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...Here's what I am looking for (and perhaps more importantly what I don't want to see). First of all, you must follow, thoroughly and exactly, all of the precise directions in the "Response Paper Instructions" document, which can be found under Course Content > Assignment Instructions. There is no substitute for reading and following all of the Instructions there. After you have read that Instructions document, you can move on to consider what I share below. I want you to succeed. The following is to help you avoid some common mistakes and shortcomings I've seen from past students. Note the following dos and don’ts.... 1. DO stick with the outline in the Instructions: you could even turn the five questions into headings (and sub-headings if necessary). DON’T go down rabbit trails. Avoid peripheral issues. I do not want to see a general article on the existence of God, I want to see an article responding precisely to the points that were specified. 2. DO focus on understanding and applying the arguments and concepts in the course materials. DON’T just repeat arguments verbatim from the book. I want you to refer to the book in your answers, however I don’t want you to just copy an argument out of the book and feel like you answered the objection. Explain how this argument from the book answers this particular claim. 3. DO take the article seriously and treat all “sides”...
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...The Matrix, Plato, and Descartes Whether one elects for the “red pill of truth”, or the “blue pill of deception”, the battle for the human mind is being waged. Similarities between the motion picture, The Matrix, “The Allegory of the Cave” from Plato, the Republic, Book VII, 514A1-518D8, and Meditation 1 of The Things of Which We May Doubt, from Rene’s Descartes, Meditations on the First Philosophy 1641, include the existence of the opposing force that seeks to deceive the human (mind) soul, and hold the body captive by existing in a state of illusion. Each character confronts the enemy of deception and must choose what to do with the truth revealed to them. In contrast for some, the reality of the truth will prove to be too much. The knowledge of the truth can still be rejected and living the illusion of a lie can still be accepted. Neo was born enslaved in a pod, physically stored in liquid, and controlled by the artificial intelligence of computers and machines. Neo serves as an energy source and is fed artificial images that hold him in an induced dream state of a virtual reality. Like Neo, the prisoner of Plato’s cave, has been held in bondage since birth. The prisoner is bound with chains in a fixed position, given only the illusion of reality from dancing shadows on the walls from those outside the cave. The cave consists of people holding others captive to a physical existence and mental prison limited by their physical senses. Unlike Neo being bound by...
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...Study Guide: Lesson 16 Philosophy of Religion: Introduction Lesson Overview: With this lesson, we begin our unit on philosophy of religion. Religious questions are among the most important for the vast majority of persons: Is there a God? Is there an afterlife? Why does God allow evil and suffering? How can we know God? Are miracles possible? What is the relation between faith and reason? In this first lesson, we explore exactly how philosophy and religion relate to each other. Can we objectively explore religion from a philosophical vantage point? We will critically examine 2 extreme answers to this question and then arrive at a proposed way that religious beliefs can be philosophically investigated. Tasks: Read chapter. 1 of Philosophy of Religion: Thinking About Faith, “What is Philosophy of Religion?” As you read, make sure you understand the following points and questions: * Explain the distinctions between philosophy of religion and sociology, history, theology, and religious philosophy. * Explain the arguments for and problems with fideism. * What 2 factors do Evans and Manis raise in answering the fideist claim that critical reflection about religious beliefs is arrogant and presumptuous? * According to Evans and Manis, is it possible to be completely neutral, and is it valid? * How is critical dialog a balance between fideism and neutralism? * What are some criteria for testing basic religious beliefs, suggested in Evans and Manis’...
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...Fate or Free Will? Unit 4 Individual Project Grislen Dominguez Professor Stephen Ripley Introduction to Philosophy – PHIL201 March 10, 2013 Scientists, philosophers, and sociologists struggle to find the answers to the following questions, what is freedom? How free is the individual within a society? How much of human behavior is determined by environment and genetics? (M.U.S.E, 2010). In my perspective, freedom is the ability for a human being to act as desired, in other words having self-determination and no restrains. In society, individual’s rights are protected by the first amendment of the constitution, which gives freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and so on. However, there are laws that humans must abide by to prevent consequences. Human behavior has been influenced by the environment and genetics to a certain degree, however, every individual is a unique mind or as I call “a different world”, it all depends on an individual perspectives and reactions to certain circumstances. Socrates: What is the definition of determinism? Grislen: Determinism consist that every event has a cause; therefore if human actions are to be considered events, then, all choices made are determined by cause and not free will. Nothing in life is predetermined, the choices we make in life is the only one that can alter our future. Socrates: What is the definition of free will? Grislen: The philosophical term of “free will” consists...
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...Logical Fallacies American InterContinental University - Online PHIL201-1204A-02 October 20, 2012 Earl Barnett Logical Fallacies Fallacies are statements that might sound reasonable or sketchily true but are actually weak or dishonest. I will discuss and give me interpretation of some common logical fallacies. Mere Assertion & Circular Reasoning Mere Assertion is an argument that lacks factual support. It’s merely an opinion that is formed more so by belief then logical evidence. For example, “Robert is a vampire; I can feel his cold blood when I touch him.” This argument has no real logic behind it, only reasoning that makes sense to the person stating it. Circular Reasoning is an argument that aids support to a statement by repeating itself in a bolder definition. For example, I am human because my mother is human and my mother is human because I am human. Using the method of circular reasoning states that because I was conceived by my mother I am human as well. Both statements in my argument prove each other to be true, which makes my conclusion and premises the same. Ad Hominem & Red Herring Ad Hominem is an argument used to negatively portray ones character. This method of argument redirects ones attention from a certain topic by providing unrelated accusations about the person in support of the topic. For instance, in a court dispute over which parent should be granted full custody of their child, the defending lawyer states that the father...
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...UNIT 3 INDIVIDUAL PROJECT PHIL201-Introduction to Philosophy by Kendra M Hutchins AIU Online 11-25-2012 Because philosophy is so important in our society, we have to study also the logical errors that will occur. Upon research of fallacies, I have learned they are statements or ideas that may sound reasonable or sketchily true but are actually weak or dishonest. If there is any error in an idea, than a logical fallacy is apparent. Depending on how the fallacy is formed or what it is geared around, determines the type of fallacy the argument or idea is. These come up in the philosophy world very often. This is why philosophers have different categories for them. Depending on how the error comes about determines the type of fallacy it is. Mere Assertion is an argument that lacks factual support. It’s merely an opinion that is formed more so by belief then logical evidence. For example, Robert is a vampire; I can feel his cold blood when I touch him. This argument has no real logic behind it, only reasoning that makes sense to the person stating it. Because this statement is not backed by facts of Robert being a vampire, then it is a mere assertion. With not giving enough information in an argument, this can cause confusion. Robert could just have cold blood, that does not mean he is indeed a vampire. Circular Reasoning is an argument that aids support to a statement by repeating itself in a bolder definition. For example, I am human because my mother is human and my...
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...A Life’s Knowledge with Love Christy Lambert AIU Online A Life’s Knowledge with Love Do we really know the difference between knowledge and beliefs? We all believe we do, but are we sure? Every day we use our senses to observe the world around us, which helps us to determine if what we see, feel, and touch is real. But in our daily lives we also have beliefs that we except because of our innate ability to reason. Because of this I agree with recent philosophers when they say that knowledge is “justified true belief.” (Solomon & Higgins, 2010) The Love We Share We all share our love with family members or our spouses. Some people even share their love with their pets. Is it returned? I feel it is. As a child I felt that love came from my mother. It was a love that was always there no matter what I did. I just knew she cared whether I understood why she did or not. But as I grew I began to feel what the depth of her love meant to me. She was always there when I needed her to be. She helped me through the hard times as well as the good ones. All I had to do was to ask and she would do what she could. For this I feel her love was unconditional. It was not until she became sick with cancer that I realized what her love really was to me. Because even being sick it did not change. She was still willing to give to me what she could. For all my life I have loved this woman and she me. With the thought of her sickness possibly taking...
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...Individual Project 1 Kevin Hensley AIU Online PHIL201 July 25, 2013 Earl Barnett Individual Project 1 Over the years, I have asked myself many questions about life, its meaning and where I will or want to go in life. Many I have answered, and many which I have no answers to just more questions. In this paper I will try to express the times I have asked questions and come to what I feel are reasonable answers. Metaphysics When I was young, my Grandfather died quite unexpectedly. The night after the funeral I was lying in bed with my back facing the door to my room. I heard my Grandfather’s voice calling my name. When I rolled over, he was standing there in my room. He said, “Kevie, you be good and take care of your mother.” And then he was gone. After many more experiences of this kind, I have come to the conclusion a person’s soul does go on after death. How this is possible, however, I have not yet come to a reasonable conclusion other than our bodies are merely a vessel we use for time. Epistemology My daughter once asked me, “Dad, how do you know so much?” This question, for some reason, made me stop and think for a moment. How did I know or have the knowledge of the things I spoke of or acted upon? The conclusion I came to was I had the knowledge through several ways. Some knowledge was gained by life experience, while another bit of knowledge was gained by a teaching of some sort. My Grandfather teaching me about engines and how to work on them is an example. Ethics Over...
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...Chase Vanzant Phil201 August 16, 2013 To Torture or Not??? According to the Utilitarianism perspective, “the utilitarian is concerned with maximizing the benefits for the maximum number of people” (Holmes, Pg. 43), which invokes an appropriate theoretic principle for the probability of diminishing the resolve of the prisoner through torture. These efforts of torture would also be associated with consequentialism, which is results oriented; driven to achieve the best results by any means necessary and doing whatever is needed to get the job done by allowing the ends to justify the means. Obtaining the needed information by means of torture for the benefit of saving human lives would be the underlying principle of achieving the greatest good for the greater number of individuals involved. Kantian duty-based ethics states, “we must act out of regard for duty and respect for moral law, (…) always treat persons as ends and not just as means” (Holmes, Pg. 63), which would be associated with deontology that is ruled based. As an American being threatened with terrorist attacks, which would cause massive loss of life, a duty to America and its citizens would be to obtain any and all necessary intelligence that would aid in preventing such an act. Acting on a moral and civic duty to country and person(s) as well as a respect for life, deontologists would not necessarily be against...
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...Ashley Valdez PHIL201 August 31, 2014 Mere assertion: A mere assertion is statement said to be true and believed but has no factual evidence or validation to back it up. Example: He would never cheat on his wife because they are happy and he loves her very much. Circular Reasoning: A circular reasoning is when the argument is the same as the resolution. Example: Mother- “This is what is best for you and I know what is best for you.” Ad Hominem: The term Ad Hominem is the Latin translation for “against the person”. It means when a claim during an argument, that is a personal attack or allegation and is not logical and is irrelevant. Example: “President Obama held a press conference to talk about the serious issue of ISIS but he obviously did not take it that serious because he wore a tan suit and not a grey or black one.” Red Herring: The term refers to fox hunting, when a smoked herring is dragged on the route of hunting to distracted the hounds’ scent. The argument is a sidetrack comment used to deflect from the actual issue at hand. Example: “I know I shouldn’t have spent this much money on a dress, but does it not accentuate my figure nicely?” Pseudo Question: A pseudo question is an open-ended question that has no answer. Example: If god loves all of us, why does he make some people struggle more than others? False-Cause: A false-cause is coming to the conclusion that something occurred by an inaccurate observation. Example: The...
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...Vanessa Robateau 2-28-14 Phil201 Midterm paper The topic of this paper will be on the beliefs that have been defined by the philosopher Epictetus. There were fifty three points on how the good life can be achieved by adjusting a person’s yearnings to fit the world liking. The happiness that consequences from the good life are also thought to be not just any desire but some kind of happiness that is worthwhile. From reading Epictetus beliefs I think he would agree with that statement. The topics that were presented I mostly agree with because he came up with ethical claims but, some of Epictetus beliefs were harsh. I went through his beliefs and picked out three that stood out the most to me. From these three beliefs I will explain my thoughts upon what he has stated and give further elaboration on his thoughts through examples and personal views. “Ask not that events should happen as you will, but let your will be that events should happens as they do, and you shall have peace” this is Epictetus eight statement in the manual theory of a good life. I feel as if Epictetus means by this theory is, a person needs to let things fall into place as God plans. Don’t try to force plans, this way you will have a happier life. For example, I changed my major from physical therapy and wasn’t too fond of it. So I let my life sort itself out and it lead me to another path which is in the field of psychology. Now I feel as if I let my life fall into a better place. With this...
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...How do we identify Logical Fallacies? By: Tabitha Harris American InterContinental Online University July 16, 2013 Abstract This purpose of this paper is to identify and explain what literature experts call Logical Fallacies. This document will include reasonable vocabulary, logical definitions, and sound examples of how to and how not to include these fallacies into your writings. There will be some suggestions made to assist with recognizing and examining some of the logical fallacies located within the writings of others, as well as in your own. By the end of this paper, your thoughts will be enlightened, and your knowledge of logical fallacies stronger, whether you’re a reader, writer, or just someone looking to learn. How do we identify Logical Fallacies? Logical Fallacies are arguments or false statements that appear to be true, when in fact, they’re not. Logical fallacies can also be accurate and are used to pursue someone to accept a single thought or feeling. People use logical fallacies to prove a point and to support reasoning behind a thought. There are different types of fallacies that I will go over in this paper. Fallacies often dilute arguments and by learning to recognize them in your own writing helps boost your ability to identify them in others’ writings, as well. This document will point out and explain key fallacies to look for in your writings and literature in general. (Career Education Corporation [CEC], 2010) LOGICAL FALLACIES: ...
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...Similarities and Differences of The Matrix, Plato and Descartes Frederick Kinley PHIL201-C10LUO March 17, 2014 The Matrix was a film created by the Wachowski Brothers that dealt heavily with the thought of epistemology. Epistemology is a philosophy of origin, nature and limits of human knowledge. In the Matrix the limits of human knowledge was pushed with the question of reality. Is reality real? Is what we see and do true? The question was portrayed in the film by Neo a computer hacker that had a life time nagging question inside that he just could not shake. Neo met Morpheus, a leader of an organization that could help Neo answer his question. Morpheus proposed Neo a plan to follow him take the “red pill” and find the truth or take a “blue pill” and forever stay the same. Neo agrees to take the “red pill” then is launched into a world like he had never seen before. The “Matrix” was a world where humans were only living virtual reality lives. Giant computers were placing thoughts, feelings and everyday life circumstances into their minds. Through their virtual lives they could work, play and even die. Is our reality real today? Are we just victims of a larger, grander scheme? The Allegory of the Cave is a synopsis of The Republic where people live their whole lives in the opening of a cave. The prisoner’s feet and necks are chained so they cannot leave or even turn their heads. Their whole lives the only truth they know...
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...The Branches of Philosophy Joe Bess AIU Online Abstract There are six branches of philosophy, they are Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics, Aesthetics, Political, and Social. Each one of these branches asks a particular question that we seek the knowledge of ourselves, unknown to us probably every day of our lives. The Branches of Philosophy The six branches of philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, aesthetics, political, and social. In dealing with each branch they ask certain types of questions that we no doubt ask ourselves each and every day. Metaphysics asks the question, what is real? In our earliest childhood we are taught by our parents that we should believe. Once we got older either one continued to believe or questioned our belief. As in heaven and earth, though we live in a physical world, do we still believe in the spiritual world? This would depend on ones beliefs. The soul is what makes us what we are inside, this I believe is where our conscious comes from, and in other words the soul makes up what we are in the physical and spiritual world. People were born to have freewill and the consequences that come along with it. But as fate may have it, it can be taken. The branch Epistemology ask the question how do we know. We know because we were taught by parents, siblings, in laws, teachers, Sunday school, and church. We learned by opening books, magazines our experiences going through life. These experience and lessons learned...
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