Briefly summarize Aquinas’ argument that there must be some necessary being that doesn’t get its necessity from any other being. What reasons does he give to support this claim? Do you think this is a sound argument? Why or why not?

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Answer 3 of the following five questions. Each answer should be a minimum of 300 words.

1. Briefly summarize Aquinas’ argument that there must be some necessary being that doesn’t get its necessity from any other being. What reasons does he give to support this claim? Do you think this is a sound argument? Why or why not?

2. Taylor argues there is a distinction between two kinds of truths or facts. What are these two kinds of truths? Why is this distinction important?

3. In the Ethic of Belief, William Clifford argues “’it is wrong, always, everywhere, and for anyone to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.” What arguments does he use to show this? Do you think this is a sound argument? Why or why not?

4. In The Will to Believe, William James writes about a “genuine option.” Why is this concept so important to James? Do you believe this concept is as important as James claims? Why or why not? Please give reasons to support your position.

5. In Male Chauvinist Religion, Mathieu argues that women have often been excluded from public office or high level management positions. Men often are encouraged to work in the well rewarded public sphere, while women are often encouraged to work in the home or take low paying “care” jobs. For instance, women are encouraged more often to become nurses. Whereas men are encouraged more often to become doctors. She claims that religions, particularly Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are responsible for the inferior role of women. What argument does she give to support her claim? Do you think it is a sound argument? Why or why not?