Question 1

Carefully explain two of the arguments that Descartes uses to undermine the reliability of sense experience, and two of the arguments that he uses to undermine the reliability of mathematical reasoning. What is Descartes' ultimate purpose in formulating these arguments?

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Question 2

Describe the method that Descartes uses to discover his first indubitable truth in the Meditations. What is the first truth that he discovers?

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Question 3

Carefully explain the fundamental differences between rationalism and empiricism. Name one philosopher who was a rationalist and one philosopher who was an empiricist.

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Question 4

Explain carefully Locke's distinction between primary and secondary qualities. What are Berkeley's principal reasons for rejecting this distinction?

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Question 5

Compare and contrast Berkeley's views on the nature of knowledge with Descartes' views. Which of their positions seems most reasonable to you? Explain your answer.

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Question 6

What are Berkeley's principal reasons for denying the existence of physical objects? How does he explain the continued existence of perceptions without appealing to the existence of physical objects? Do you find his reasoning convincing? Why or why not?

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Question 7

Carefully explain what Peirce says about believing, doubting, and the purpose of inquiry. How do Peirce's views on the purpose of inquiry differ from Descartes' views on the purpose of thinking?

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Question 8

List and carefully describe the four methods of resolving doubt that are discussed by Peirce. Which of these methods does he believe to be the most effective in overcoming doubt? What advantages does this method have over the others?

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Question 9

Compare and contrast the pragmatic theory of truth with the intellectualist (or correspondence) theory of truth. Which of these theories of truth does James defend, and what are his basic reasons for doing so?

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Question 10

Carefully explain James' account of how an idea becomes true. Under what circumstances might an idea that has become true later become false? Do you believe that James' views on truth are correct? Why or why not?

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Question 11

Compare and contrast Vasconcelos' views on the nature of knowledge and truth with the views of James. Which of their views comes closer to your own views about the nature of knowledge and truth? Explain your answer.

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Question 12

Carefully explain Vasconcelos' views on the nature and significance of art and aesthetic judgments. What can aesthetic judgments reveal to us that analytical judgments cannot?

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Question 13

Identify and carefully explain the four modes of being human that Jaspers describes. What is the meaning or theory of truth that relates to each mode?

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Question 14

Explain as clearly as you can what Jaspers means by authentic selfhood. How, according to Jaspers, can one become authentic? Would you describe yourself as authentic? Why or why not?

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Question 15

Identify and carefully describe the four types of knowledge that are discussed by Benally. What, according to Benally, is the ultimate purpose of human existence?

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Question 16

Compare and contrast Benally's views on the nature of knowledge and truth with the views of Jaspers. Which of their views is closer to your own views? Explain your answer.

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Question 17

Explain carefully what Valadez means by metaphysical imperialism. How, according to Valadez, does metaphysical imperialism lead to political oppression?

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Question 18

What exactly does Valadez mean by a multicultural perspective? Why does he believe that it is important to adopt such a perspective? Do you agree with him on this point? Why or why not?

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Question 19

Describe the events that take place in "The Parable of the Arrow." What circumstances lead the Buddha to tell this parable? What point is he trying to make?

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Question 20

Carefully explain the Buddha's main reasons for questioning the possibility and importance of theoretical knowledge. Do you agree with the Buddha's reasoning? Why or why not?

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Quiz 3: Knowledge and Truth