1. Both Western and Eastern traditions, in their mystical variants, talk about the 'true self' verses the 'false self', which might be described as the 'ego'--that conglomeration of sensations and associations about ourselves as a subject and the world as an object. Both encourage finding, as it were, the true self (getting past the false self). In this context, how might we characterize the 'true self'? What do you think about this idea?
2.Philosophically, is God Identical to Brahman?:
Given the many attributes that are said to belong to Brahman, could the Judeo-Christian/Islamic notion of God allow it to be considered identical to God? Similar? Why or why not?
3.In its classic form, the problem of evil (POE) is an argument against the existence of God that goes something like this:
1. Evil exists.
2.God exists.
3. God is: a) all knowing b) all powerful & c)all good.
4. If 3a), God would know evil exists.
5. If 3b), God would be able to do something about it.
6. If 3c), God would want to do something about it.
7. Since it still exists, then either 2) is false or one of 3a,b, or c, is false.
Of course, theologians and philosophers have tried to find a way around this problem so that 1-6 remain true and 7 false.
Of the many Western solutions presented in the unit, which one is most compelling, why? Or are any of the solutions compelling? What are their particular strengths or weaknesses?