Philosophical puzzle
Philosophical Essay: You will write a two-part 5-6 page essay using our Library Guide for PHIL101 and our Online Library to answer one of the following questions:
Please be sure to carefully read the syllabus assignment instructions prior to submission, as well as review the example in the syllabus of the Philosophical Essay Part 1.
1. Consider the following philosophical puzzle: “If a tree falls in the forest and there’s no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?” (1) How is this philosophical puzzle an epistemological problem? And (2) how would John Locke answer it? Quote and cite the primary texts, Locke in particular, to illustrate points and demonstrate your familiarity with these texts.
2. Evaluate the movie, The Matrix, in terms of the philosophical issues raised with (1) skepticism and (2) the mind-body problem. Explain how the movie raises questions similar to those found in Plato’s and Descartes’ philosophy. Do not give a plot summary of the movie – focus on the philosophical issues raised in the movie as they relate to Plato and Descartes. Quote and cite the primary texts, Plato and Descartes in particular, to illustrate points and demonstrate your familiarity with these texts.
3. Socrates asks Euthyphro, “Are morally good acts willed by God because they are morally good, or are they morally good because they are willed by God?” (1) How does this question relate to the Divine Command Theory of morality? (2) What are the philosophical implications associated with each option here? Quote and cite the primary texts to illustrate points and demonstrate your familiarity with these texts.
4. Explain (1) the process by which Descartes uses skepticism to refute skepticism, and (2) what first principle does this lead him to? (3) Explain why this project was important for Descartes to accomplish. Quote and cite the primary texts, Descartes in particular, to illustrate points and demonstrate your familiarity with these texts.
