Philosophy 100
Introduction to Philosophy
Fall 2006


						Study Guide for Third Exam  (rev 12/11)
						

						      
						      
1.	State the Likelihood Principle. Give an example in which the Likelihood 
	Principle gives the right result. That is, (a) describe some evidence and 
	two hypotheses; (b) say which hypothesis the evidence best supports; (c) 
	explain why the Likelihood principle also says that the evidence best 
	supports that hypothesis.


2.	Present and Explain the Argument from Design (Design vs. Chance version), as 
	applied to the vetebrate eye.


3.	Present the Argument from Design (Design vs. Evolution version), 
	as applied to the vertebrate eye. Provide a rationale for the first premise. 
	Provide a reason to think that the second premise is false.


4.	Define "Chance process." Give an example of a chance process. Explain why 
	evolution is not a chance process.


5.	Define "Chance process." Give an example of a chance process. In class we 
	discussed the suggestion that each particular arrangement of matter, 
	including an arrangement in which the vertebrate eye has the features we 
	observe it to have, is very likely on the chance hypothesis. Explain this 
	suggestion in more detail. Do you think it is right? Why or why not?


6.	Present the Argument from Evil. Give a rationale for the first premise.


7.	We discussed several challenges to the rationale for the first premise. 
	Choose two of them (other than versions of the free will defense). Do the 
	following for each of the two challenges you've chosen: (a) state 
	that challenge. (b) answer the following question: does that challenge 
	succeed in providing a reason God could have to permit so much pain and 
	suffering? Why or why not?


8.	PEE the argument that acting freely is not itself a good thing, based on the 
	scenario of Chris the Criminal.


9.	State the free will defense (second version). State one question we 
	discussed about the free will defense (second version). How might a theist 
	answer this question? Do you think this is a good answer? Why or why not?


10.	[question on the grandfather paradox canceled.]

11.	PEE the first argument that time travel into the past is impossible.