Problem
Part I
• What is the cosmological argument as distinguished from the ontological and teleological arguments for the existence of God? Explain it in relation to logical positivism that stimulated the analytic philosophy of religion.
• What is Cartesian scepticism? Explain it briefly by referring to René Descartes' sceptical doubt towards the conclusion of cogito ergo sum in his Discourse on the Method and Meditations on First Philosophy.
• What is (i) the conclusion of John Searle's ‘Chinese Room' thought experiment, and (ii) why the conclusion undermines ‘functionalism' (i.e. finding a causal relation or intrinsic reason why computers may have mental states for their programmed functions)? Explain the two points briefly.
• Explain briefly John Locke's argument for the identity of oneself or one's ‘finite spirit', according to ‘Of Identity and Diversity', ch. 27 of An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.
• J.S. Mill, in his Utilitarianism, argues for (i) hedonism (pleasure-maximising) and (ii) ‘the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest Happiness Principle' (utility-maximising). But also he claims that (iii) ‘it is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.' Explain briefly why Mill's utilitarianism is all consistent from (i) to (iii) as a dissatisfied Socrates?
Part II
Critically evaluate Berkeley's argument about occasional causes in comparison with Malebranche's occasionalism.
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.