Midterm 1 Exam Prep Questions Fall 2014

1. Philosophy and science are both activities through which we try 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 an
example, 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 goods of 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 start
anywhere 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?