Final
Introduction to Philosophy
Dr. Lee Basham
Please answer the follow to the best of your ability. And be sure to listen to our review. I cannot replicate our many (more than 100) lectures, but it will put us all in the right direction!
https://drlabasham777.podbean.com
And thank you all. You’ve been great. I hope to see in our classrooms next semester!
- What is the Earth distance fine-tuning argument for the existence of a hyper-powerful, intelligent designer? What’s the mistake here? What is the physical constant fine-tuning argument for the existence of God? How does it dodge the Earth-distance mistake? Please provide the premises of the physical constant fine-tuning argument. What questions do these premises make us ask? What do you think this fine-tuning argument shows, and what does it not show? What is Saint Anselm’s argument for the existence of God? What is the issue about “greatest possible”? What is William Rowe’s evidential problem of evil? How does Steve Wykstra reply with the “beyond our ken (understanding)” response? Does God exist, not exist, or you are not sure either way? Please explain.
- What is the Transhumanist argument for immortality? What is the outline of the Dragon-Tyrant story by Nick Bostrom. How does, for Bostrom, the child’s remark settle the debate? How do Transhumanists deal with concerns about (1) population growth and (2) boredom with life(s). If you had the opportunity (see, for instance, video link) would you opt for potential immortality or not? Please explain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRt7LjqJ45k
- What is the definition of a conspiracy? What is the definition of a conspiracy theory? What is the prior probability of conspiracy? Give examples. What is the “UFO” conspiracy theory? Give an example of it at work. What is Baker’s “No Planes” conspiracy theory? What is his various evidence? (see video link or listen to audio supplied). What is at stake, epistemologically? Were there planes on 9/11 or not? Please explain why you think there were or not.
- Thanks so much! Again: Hope to see you in-class next semester. Miss you all.