Exam I Study Guide 

Format 
This exam will have two parts:1) an objective, multiple choice section consisting of
20 questions and 2)  two essay questions.

Instructions: Part I
Part I consists of 20 multiple choice questions.  Each question in Part I is worth four
points.  This section is worth 80 points.  Please bring a scantron sheet to class.
Questions for this portion of the exam are based on the central concepts and
arguments from chapters 1-2 of the text.  Be sure that you are familiar with all of
the vocabulary at the end of each chapter, as well as the fallacies addressed in
chapter one of the text.  Many sample questions and answers can be found at the
textbook webpage:
http://www.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199765225/student/ (link opens
in another window)
 

Instructions: Part II
For Part II of the exam you will be asked to write essays that completely and
critically address some of the prompts below.  You will be required to write on two
of the essays below—you will not have a choice as to which essays you will write
on, but they will be selected from the prompts below.   If you prepare answers to
the essay questions, I will be glad to review your answers to make sure that you
are on track and will do well on the exam.  Any answers must be submitted to me
at least 72 hours prior to the exam to ensure that I will have time to respond to
you.   Please bring an empty greenbook to class to write your answer in. 
Greenbooks may be purchased at the college bookstore.  Each essay question is
worth 40 points, making this section of the exam worth 80 points.  It is thus
possible to earn 160 points on the exam, though the exam itself is worth 150
points—10 points of extra credit are built into the exam.
 
Essay Prompts
1. In The Trial and Death of Socrates the concept of Socratic ignorance
was discussed and contrasted to an alternative strategy that involves
deliberately hiding one’s ignorance.  Since Socratic ignorance is intended to
help us lead a life worth living, consider which of the two strategies mentioned
above are most likely to lead to a “successful life.”  Be sure to explain what
Socratic ignorance is and to explain what criteria you are using when
discussing a “successful life.”
2. Towards the end of The Trial and Death of Socrates, Socrates argues
 that death is not to be feared. Summarize this argument and provide a critical
evaluation of Socrates’ reasoning. Do you find the argument to be persuasive
or not?
3. Explain either Aquinas’ argument from motion or causality for the
existence of God.  Critically evaluate it.  Do you find it convincing?  Why or
why not?
4. Explain the teleological argument as presented by Paley.  Consider at
least two objections that Hume raises to the teleological argument.  Does this
argument provide convincing evidence that God must exist?  Why or why not?
5.  What is the problem of evil?  How are the free will and soul-making
defense intended to resolve this problem?  Critically evaluate the adequacy of
these defenses.