In the next 250-400 words, from an analytical/logical perspective explore the strengths and weaknesses of the basic assumptions. Evaluate the worldview in terms of implications for your professional area, noting the difference to your personal worldview if there is a difference.

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Critique on Theism

Suggestions for written report/critique:

(1) Introduce the topic by stating 2 or 3 of the major basic assumptions of the worldview under discussion (or major influences to be discussed) – 200 words.

(2) In the next 250-400 words, from an analytical/logical perspective explore the strengths and weaknesses of the basic assumptions (or the reasons for/positive and negative aspects of the influences under discussion). This section of the critique should not be based on your feelings but on a genuine and reasonably defensible analysis of the issues.

(3) The last 150 words should evaluate the worldview in terms of implications for your professional area, noting the difference to your personal worldview if there is a difference.

(4) Use APA or Turabian style and AU format in presenting your report and making reference to any resources to which you refer.

(5) As noted in the assessment criteria, remember that creativity, careful presentation, and well-reasoned argument are the basis of a good grade.

Do you agree that every event has an explanatory cause? How do you define human choice? How do you define human event? Are they different? Do you agree that to have an explanatory cause is to not be free? How do you define free?

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Discussion Board

For this Discussion Board, you will write a dialogue between yourself and an imaginary Socrates. You will debate the question of free will versus determinism. Remember that the Socratic Method involves asking a series of questions to clarify key words and ideas. In your dialogue, the imaginary Socrates should be asking clarifying questions, and you will be answering them. Refer to the excerpt from Plato’s Meno as an example to model your dialogue. This post should be 200 words.
Your post should be a dialogue, which may address the following questions, using the Socratic Method:

Do you agree that every event has an explanatory cause?
How do you define human choice? How do you define human event? Are they different?
Do you agree that to have an explanatory cause is to not be free?
How do you define free?
Do you think that free will and determinism can coexist in any way?
Is it possible to have external determinism and internal free will?
To have cohesion and reach solid conclusions, your imaginary Socrates may ask you more questions than the ones listed above. Be sure to include all of the above ideas in your dialogue.

Critically examine Sartre’s account of radical human freedom. What objections could be offered to Sartre’s view of human freedom? Can it be defended

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Sartre’s account of radical human freedom

Critically examine Sartre’s account of radical human freedom. What objections could be offered to Sartre’s view of human freedom? Can it be defended

Critically assess the theory of emotivism. Is quasi-realism able to explain and justify “realist-sounding” language? What is Mackie’s argument from queerness? Is it persuasive? Should we accept an error theory about morality?

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Moral philosophy and Philosophy of Mind

Moral Philosophy -Answer one of the following:

1. Critically assess the theory of emotivism.

2. Is quasi-realism able to explain and justify “realist-sounding” language?

3. What is Mackie’s argument from queerness? Is it persuasive?

4. Should we accept an error theory about morality?

Philosophy of mind – Essay question: DUALISM: Address ONE of the following two questions:

(a) Can the Knowledge Argument (Jackson) and/or the Zombie Argument (Chalmers) withstand the Phenomenal Concept Strategy (Balog) response? (Note, you’ll have to clearly explain the relevant argument(s) is(/are) and how the PCS is supposed to work.)

(b) What do you take to be the strongest objection to property dualism from either Churchland or Bennett, and does it work?

Socrates argues that knowledge is more valuable than mere true belief because knowledge is more stable. Explain his argument. Why does Socrates think that knowledge is more stable? Then raise an objection to Socrates’ argument. How would Socrates respond to that objection? Should we accept Socrates’ response against the objection? Why or why not?

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Knowledge is more valuable than mere true

Socrates argues that knowledge is more valuable than mere true belief because knowledge is more stable. Explain his argument. Why does Socrates think that knowledge is more stable? Then raise an objection to Socrates’ argument. How would Socrates respond to that objection? Should we accept Socrates’ response against the objection? Why or why not?

If the captain says “no” he will, in all likelihood, continue on his way and leave the captain and refugees alone. What will the captain do if he chooses Utilitarianism and if he chooses Deontology? what would you do in his place? Why?

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Utilitarianism or deontology

The captain of a boat is smuggling a family of refugees from Nazi Germany. A German naval boat comes alongside the captain’s boat and an officer asks if there are any refugees aboard. If the captain says “yes,” the Nazi officer may come aboard and shoot them. If the captain says “no” he will, in all likelihood, continue on his way and leave the captain and refugees alone. What will the captain do if he chooses Utilitarianism and if he chooses Deontology? what would you do in his place? Why?

 

Write a reflection or philosophical commentary on one or more philosophical themes propsed by Tolkien in The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers.

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The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers

Write a reflection or philosophical commentary on one or more philosophical themes propsed by Tolkien in The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers.

What are some specific elements that create the gap? What are some of the reasons that may be advanced in favor of interreligious communication and understanding? What are some of the commonalities among religious belief systems that might form a basis for communication? Do the differences among various religious belief systems outweigh the commonalities?

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Write a Position Paper

The study of various world religions and religious movements, along with the accompanying belief systems, cultural practices, and social phenomena that arise from religion, brings up an important set of questions for philosophical consideration. For this final assignment, write a “position paper,” which is a particular style of argumentative essay, of somewhere between 1600 and 2000 words that addresses the controlling question and related considerations listed below. (A controlling question raises the main or central idea of an essay or position paper.)

Here is a link to a detailed article, including an example, that explains how to write a position paper. Also, please be sure to review the grading rubric for this assignment to ensure that your paper fulfills all evaluation criteria to the best of your ability.

Here is your controlling question:

A consideration of the history of world civilization as well as current world events suggests that there exists a chasm, a very wide gap, which must be crossed in order for interreligious communication to take place. In your view, given that the different historical backgrounds and cultural settings of people around the world entail that at least some sort of gap or divide does indeed exist, should there be an effort to bridge this to allow for interreligious communication? Is closing this gap even possible?

What are some specific elements that create the gap?

What are some of the reasons that may be advanced in favor of interreligious communication and understanding?

What are some of the commonalities among religious belief systems that might form a basis for communication? Do the differences among various religious belief systems outweigh the commonalities?

Should the cultural diversity stemming from such differences be valued and maintained, or should attempts be made to overcome or even erase some of the differences that make interreligious communication difficult?

Here are the specific guidelines for writing the paper:

Write a position paper of @ 1600-2000 words in response to the controlling question and related considerations listed above. A position paper is one in which you take a stand on a particular issue or question that you identify in your introductory paragraph, and your thesis statement [included in your introductory paragraph] asserts your position clearly and concisely.

In the body of the paper, support the position you take in your thesis; support may be in the form of facts (historical, political, aesthetic, sociological, psychological, etc.), statistics, expert opinion and argumentation, personal experience, logical deliberation, and so on.

It is a good idea to bring in specific examples of religious beliefs and attitudes and refer to particular historical or current events to illustrate your supporting points or premises.

Additionally, in a separate section of the paper, first present, and then respond to, at least one other possible position in response to these questions. Typically, this will be a position in opposition to yours, but it may simply be an alternative view that does not necessarily oppose your view. It should, however, be a view that you reject in favor of the position you have asserted in your thesis. Be sure to answer any objections or counterclaims to your view that you raise in this section. If you have no response to an important objection, you may need to change your original position.

Finally, summarize the argument(s) you have made in support of your thesis and re-state the thesis in an expanded form in your concluding paragraph.

Two essential components of this paper are (a) demonstration of your attainment of the Course Learning Outcomes that are relevant to your argument(s); and (b) the incorporation of any relevant philosophical insights you have gained from the assigned readings and other learning materials you have studied throughout the course.

Cite at least three credible sources outside the course text and include at least two citations from different sections of the course text, Living Religions (9e) by Mary Pat Fisher. Your sources should be from credible and academically respectable sources. Please note that Wikipedia is not acceptable as one of the three required sources. Use Wikipedia for basic information and as a starting point for more advanced research and a guide to other reliable sources. You may use MLA, APA, or CMS documentation style and formatting guidelines. Choose whichever style best suits your purposes, but note that philosophy papers generally use MLA or CMS.

Approach the assignment in a spirit of critical inquiry, which implies a receptive, reasonable, discerning frame of mind that is open to considering different perspectives. A concern for accuracy, precision, and truthfulness is assumed.

As a reminder, here are the Course Learning Outcomes:

Analyze differences and similarities among familiar religious traditions and other, less familiar or foreign, religious traditions.

Analyze different ways of understanding the concept of the divine through cognitive, experiential, and emotional pathways.

Explain how the idea of “having” or “being” a soul, conceived as the basis or essence of personal identity or ego, informs one’s worldview and behavior towards others.

Analyze what the various world religions understand by the term or concept, “God.”

Evaluate the value and importance of religious belief and practice in human society both historically and in the present day.

Create notions of how tolerance for people of other religious traditions can be built through understanding those traditions while reflecting on the value of religious tolerance itself.

Discuss how the Athenian conception of justice clearly holds (political/group) power as the source of enfranchisement or disenfranchisement. Discuss how West and Curry could be argued to demonstrate the power in (and oppressive potential of) conceptions of human difference – which nuance, distinguish, but also ultimately categorize and make capacity/agency distinctions.

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ANSWER ALL PARTS BELOW:
In developing a conception of enlightenment, Kant presents a model of individual dignity and agency that is to be given its rightful political place:

a) Discuss how the Athenian conception of justice clearly holds (political/group) power as the source of enfranchisement or disenfranchisement;

b) Discuss how West and Curry could be argued to demonstrate the power in (and oppressive potential of) conceptions of human difference – which nuance, distinguish, but also ultimately categorize and make capacity/agency distinctions;

c) Discuss whether Marx seems to you to be bringing in a politics into economic analysis (as Weber would/should caution against as “unscientific”), or is Marx pointing out the political/interest divides that are discovered with historical and systemic analysis. Argue your case.

What are some specific elements that create the gap? What are some of the reasons that may be advanced in favor of interreligious communication and understanding? What are some of the commonalities among religious belief systems that might form a basis for communication? Do the differences among various religious belief systems outweigh the commonalities?

/in /by

Write a Position Paper

The study of various world religions and religious movements, along with the accompanying belief systems, cultural practices, and social phenomena that arise from religion, brings up an important set of questions for philosophical consideration. For this final assignment, write a “position paper,” which is a particular style of argumentative essay, of somewhere between 1600 and 2000 words that addresses the controlling question and related considerations listed below. (A controlling question raises the main or central idea of an essay or position paper.)

Here is a link to a detailed article, including an example, that explains how to write a position paper. Also, please be sure to review the grading rubric for this assignment to ensure that your paper fulfills all evaluation criteria to the best of your ability.

Here is your controlling question:

A consideration of the history of world civilization as well as current world events suggests that there exists a chasm, a very wide gap, which must be crossed in order for interreligious communication to take place. In your view, given that the different historical backgrounds and cultural settings of people around the world entail that at least some sort of gap or divide does indeed exist, should there be an effort to bridge this to allow for interreligious communication? Is closing this gap even possible?

What are some specific elements that create the gap?

What are some of the reasons that may be advanced in favor of interreligious communication and understanding?

What are some of the commonalities among religious belief systems that might form a basis for communication? Do the differences among various religious belief systems outweigh the commonalities?

Should the cultural diversity stemming from such differences be valued and maintained, or should attempts be made to overcome or even erase some of the differences that make interreligious communication difficult?

Here are the specific guidelines for writing the paper:

Write a position paper of @ 1600-2000 words in response to the controlling question and related considerations listed above. A position paper is one in which you take a stand on a particular issue or question that you identify in your introductory paragraph, and your thesis statement [included in your introductory paragraph] asserts your position clearly and concisely.

In the body of the paper, support the position you take in your thesis; support may be in the form of facts (historical, political, aesthetic, sociological, psychological, etc.), statistics, expert opinion and argumentation, personal experience, logical deliberation, and so on.

It is a good idea to bring in specific examples of religious beliefs and attitudes and refer to particular historical or current events to illustrate your supporting points or premises.

Additionally, in a separate section of the paper, first present, and then respond to, at least one other possible position in response to these questions. Typically, this will be a position in opposition to yours, but it may simply be an alternative view that does not necessarily oppose your view. It should, however, be a view that you reject in favor of the position you have asserted in your thesis. Be sure to answer any objections or counterclaims to your view that you raise in this section. If you have no response to an important objection, you may need to change your original position.

Finally, summarize the argument(s) you have made in support of your thesis and re-state the thesis in an expanded form in your concluding paragraph.

Two essential components of this paper are (a) demonstration of your attainment of the Course Learning Outcomes that are relevant to your argument(s); and (b) the incorporation of any relevant philosophical insights you have gained from the assigned readings and other learning materials you have studied throughout the course.

Cite at least three credible sources outside the course text and include at least two citations from different sections of the course text, Living Religions (9e) by Mary Pat Fisher. Your sources should be from credible and academically respectable sources. Please note that Wikipedia is not acceptable as one of the three required sources. Use Wikipedia for basic information and as a starting point for more advanced research and a guide to other reliable sources. You may use MLA, APA, or CMS documentation style and formatting guidelines. Choose whichever style best suits your purposes, but note that philosophy papers generally use MLA or CMS.

Approach the assignment in a spirit of critical inquiry, which implies a receptive, reasonable, discerning frame of mind that is open to considering different perspectives. A concern for accuracy, precision, and truthfulness is assumed.

As a reminder, here are the Course Learning Outcomes:

Analyze differences and similarities among familiar religious traditions and other, less familiar or foreign, religious traditions.

Analyze different ways of understanding the concept of the divine through cognitive, experiential, and emotional pathways.

Explain how the idea of “having” or “being” a soul, conceived as the basis or essence of personal identity or ego, informs one’s worldview and behavior towards others.

Analyze what the various world religions understand by the term or concept, “God.”

Evaluate the value and importance of religious belief and practice in human society both historically and in the present day.

Create notions of how tolerance for people of other religious traditions can be built through understanding those traditions while reflecting on the value of religious tolerance itself.