L A N C A S T E R UNIVERSITY

1999 EXAMINATIONS

PART I

PHILOSOPHY (3 hours)

100 Introduction to Philosophy

Answer THREE questions: TWO from Section A and ONE from Section B.

SECI ION A

1. Discuss the following argument:

'Free' doesn't mean 'uncaused' - it means 'unconstrained'. But there are plenty of acts that are unconstrained and therefore free. Therefore, determinism does not undermine our belief in human freedom.

2. Identify a film (or play, or novel) which explores at a challenging level the theme that computers have their limitations. Explain why it is challenging.

3. Explain the notion of proof by induction and deduction and discuss what limits there may be to these methods of proof.

4. Discuss the claim that belief in God is more like believing because one has seen than believing because one has been reasoned into belief.

5. Explain the main points of Armstrong's central state materialism. What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of this theory as an answer to the mind body problem?

6. "The concepts of folk psychology - belief, desire, fear, sensation, pain, joy, and so on - await a similar fate, according to the view at issue. And when neuroscience has matured to the point where the poverty of our current conceptions is apparent to everyone, and the superiority of the new framework is established, we shall then be able to set about reconceiving our internal states and activities, within a truly adequate conceptual framework at last."

(PAUL CHURCHLAND) Discuss.

7. Can a dualist explain how it is possible for us to know what other people are thinking and feeling?

8. Is it possible to know the truth of propositions about the future?

Please turn over

 

2

SECTlON B

9. By sheer chance you have caught sight of your exam paper two weeks before you are due to take the exam. What would you do and why? Compare your answer with what you should do according to one or more of the moral theories discussed in the course.

Suicide

Abortion

Euthanasia

Vegetarianism

Animal experimentation

Multi-culturalism

Sex discrimination

Race discrimination

Aid to the third world

Breaking promises

Telling lies

Punishment.