part One: Select three sets of questions.
I. Based on Anselm's ontological argument, what is the nature of the contradiction in the states of mind of an atheist? Gaunilo claims that, for Anselm, the conceivability of any concept X logically implies its actual existence. Is that a correct interpretation of Anselm? Explain your answer. Why is the ontological argument considered as an a pri theistic argument"?
2. Give accounts of the two a posteriori theistic arguments that we covered in class. For the cosmological argument, you can either give an account of Aquinas' argument for the existence of a necessary ing or an account of Aquinas' argument for the existence of the first efficient cause. For the teleological argument, you need to give an account of Paley's analogical version of it and accounts of two of Hume's objections to the teleological argument. How do current scientific theories (e.g. evolution and multiple universes) challenge the two a posteriori theistic arguments?
3. Considering that God, for Pascal, is infinitely incomprehensible, what then is the role of Pascal's Wager in the formation of a belief in God's existence? Does theoretical reason have a role in the formation of such a belief? Give an account of Pascal's psychology of belief or his understanding of the belief- formation process.
4. Give a brief account of Euthyphro's view on the relationship between morality and religion. Based on Socrates' responses to Euthyphro, what is wrong with Euthyphro's view? In Plato's Euthyphro, what, for Socrates, is the relation between morality and religion?
Part Two: Select two sets of questions.
1. What is the significance of Hume's thought experiments about the person who was briefed about the nature of God prior to birth and the one who was not briefed about the nature of God prior to birth? Based on the reading from Hume, what are the four circumstances of evil? What is the relevance of such circumstances in Hume's formulation of the problem of evil?
2. What are the differences between Augustinian theodicy and Irenaean theodicy? Which of the two kinds of theodicy does Hick favor? Why does he favor one over the other? What is Hick's soul- making theodicy?
3. Give an account of the problem of evil as an argument for atheism. What the difference between the logical problem of evil and the evidential proble of evil? Why do many philosophers think that the logical problem of evil is weaker version than the evidential problem of evil?