Introduction to Philosophy

Submit the assignment on Canvas by 4/30/2015

Your file should be in MS Word format with your last name as a title.

Some Hints for Effective Writing

I. Prepare to write. Think your position through carefully. Ask yourself: What do I really want to
say or to accomplish in this essay?
II. Help the reader understand your position. Rely on simple phrases and sentences and avoid “high
style” expressions. Do not assume that your reader knows more than you.
III. Try to organize your essay in a logical way. If you are presenting an argument, your main point
should be the conclusion and the rest of the essay should provide sufficient support for that
conclusion. Eliminate pointless introductions and conclusions.
IV. Rewrite. Try to finish your essay at least a day before the deadline. Read your essay the next
day and you will be surprised by the number of things you would like to change.
V. Do not simply reiterate what you have read. Try to demonstrate that you have comprehended
the main issues and ideas.
VI. Try to understand the essence of the assignment and concentrate on it.
VII. Identify your sources at the end of your essay. Include: author, title, publisher, edition, and
year of publication.
VIII. Any form of plagiarism will automatically result in a failing grade.

Write a short (5-6 page double space) essay on one of the following SUGGESTED topics.
Use your knowledge of philosophy gained in class. Write an abstract (3-4 sentences) of your
essay. Summarize the goals and the method of your essay.

1. Assess our knowledge of the world today? Use your knowledge of the traditions of
rationalism and Empiricism. You may choose to compare scientific theories with religious
beliefs. We live in the 21st century and religious beliefs are still very popular. Why? Provide
reasons for your answer.

2. Assess Hume’s legacy in modern philosophy. What is the most significant problem for us
in Hume’s philosophy? Identify a possible solution to this problem.

3. Assess the prospects of creating artificial intelligence (AI). Address Searle’s main
argument against the program of strong artificial intelligence. What are the prospects of
creating artificial intelligence?

4. Present and evaluate the position of ethical relativism. Provide examples in support of
the theory of ethical relativism. What are the dangers of ethical relativism? Defend your
position.

5. Explain the theory of Ethical Egoism. Provide examples of situations in which people
fail to follow their rational self-interest. Explain the concept of evolutionary stable
strategy.
6. What is existentialism? Explain some of the basic concepts of existentialism: existence
precedes essence, authenticity, despair, forlornness. Provide examples to illustrate your
explanations. Is existentialism relevant to people today?

7. Explain the essence of Kant’s Deontological Ethics. Provide examples to illustrate the
main concepts of Kant’s position.

8. What is Utilitarianism? Do you agree with the claim of John Stuart Mill: “It is better to
be a human being dissatisfied, than a pig satisfied; Socrates dissatisfied, than a fool
satisfied.” Defend your answer.

9. Explain the problem of negative responsibility. Use the examples provided by Bernard
Williams in Utilitarianism and Integrity. Provide examples. You may consider the issues
related to medical experimentations on human beings, embryonic stem cell research and
cloning.

10. Provide a moral assessment of the American entertainment industry. Focus on one
type of entertainment, e.g., music industry, movies, TV shows, etc. Does the entertainment
industry destroy the traditional moral values of the American society?

11. What is social justice? Explain at least one of the theories discussed in class, e.g., John
Locke, Robert Nozick, John Rawls, etc. Is the American society just? Give reasons for your
answer. Consider at least one possible objection.

12. Describe a person who has had a positive influence on your life. Explain how this
person’s sacrifice has influenced your life and your values. Is the awareness of another
person’s sacrifice a good method of moral education? Explain.

Printed Outline (optional)

Outlines for the final paper should include the following parts:
1. Statement of the topic and the goal of the paper. If you are going to defend a point, try to
formulate it as a thesis.
2. Description of the problem addressed.
3. Description of the strategy of the paper.

Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:

1. Critical thinking
2. Clear presentation of the theoretical analysis of the problem
3. Ability to relate the knowledge of philosophy to particular examples
4. Overall strategy and planning
5. Clear ideas expressed in grammatically correct sentences