Philosophy of religion
Answer each of the following questions in essay style, with precise and complete details. No one-word answers, except where the question asks for one.
*** Label each part of the answer by the number, letter and subnumberof each question.
I will grade both main questions together as one answer.
1.Because science deals with observable events that occur in the physical universe the attempts to prove the existence of God through the concept of Design can be a scientifically logical form of reasoning.
tA) Answer,in one word, whether the statement above is Trueor False.
tB) Explain why you answered A) as you did by
(i)presenting the analogical argument that forms the basis for Paley’s reasoning about the watch.
(ii) explaining how the concept of designplays a key role in the watch argument’s proof of God’s existence.
(iii) considering the extent to which the analyses in (i) and (ii) may or may not lend support to Statement 1. above, that is to say the requirement that any scientifically logical form of reasoning must involve reference to observable events in the physical universe.
Reminder again: satisfactory answers to either (i), (ii) or (iii) require full and precise details of reasoning. No one- or two-line answers, but complete well-reasoned paragraphs.
2.Clifford’s ship owner example can be used to show that the most desirable belief about anything is the one that the believer is the most comfortable in having.
tA) Answer,in one word, whether the statement above is True or False.
tB) Explain why you answered A) as you did by answering each of the following:
(i) Describe the ship owner example, including specific details about what the
ship owner believed and why he believed them;
(ii)Look up a meaning of the word ‘comfortable’: present it briefly.
(iii)Then apply the meaning of ‘comfortableness’ to the statement about Clifford’s
shipowner example above, by explaining what Clifford’s view would be about the relationship between the most desirable belief and comfortableness.
tC) “. . . The universe is no longer a mere It to us but a Thou, if we are religious.”
(i) Identify the author of this quote, in one word.
(ii) Explain what the quote means.
(iii)Explain whether the author of the quote would agree with Clifford’s analysis of comfortableness and its relationship to religious belief. (Your answer should explain what the terms Thou and It mean and how they relate to the author’s conception of religious belief.)
Once again, your answer must define and explainrelevant concepts, andpresent and analyze relevant reasons, precisely and completely, to receive maximal credit. Short, sketchy, uninformed and undeveloped answers will receive little or no credit.
!!NOTE about PLAGIARISM: While you are permitted to consult the Lessons, Feedbacks, and Textyou are notpermitted to COPY or PASTE word-for-word parts from any of these sources. This would be plagiarismand will earn an automatic F for the entire exam. In addition, there is a computerized program in this exam that detects copying between submissions made by two or more students. So, be sure to express your ideas in your own words.
