For my philosophy class, I have to write 3 essays on the questions before. Any insight or help with them would be greatly appreciated. I love learning what everyone has to think about philosophy.
1. Describe and defend Descartes' "cogito ergo sum." Work through the logical steps of his method focusing on how he grounds the claim that he must be certain he exists. Take a position on whether Descartes was an epistemic realist and defend it. Talk about Descartes' foundationalist epistemology and describe what makes him a foundationalist. First talk about what foundationalism is and then how Descartes fits that model. Finally, briefly give me your own opinion on Descartes' method. Do you think it works? Why or why not?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogito_ergo_sum
2. Describe and defend Locke's theory of perception. Clearly describe Locke's use of sense datum and how ideas are formed and relate. Describe how Locke differs from Descartes. Why is Locke not a "pure empiricist?" Relate Locke's position with Chisolm's adverbial similarities between Chisolm and Locke's position on secondary qualities. Finally, state your opinion on Locke's theory of ideas. What is helpful about it and where do you disagree?
http://home.myuw.net/himma/phil3604/trans008.htm
3. Describe and defend Hume's argument against miracles. Work through each step in the argument and briefly describe how each step builds his case against miracles. Also explain whether you believe Hume is making an ontological or epistemological claim and why. In your discussion, bring in Hume's general theory of ideas and explain how his general theory relates to his position on miracles. Finally, tell why you agree or disagree with Hume's position. In stating your position, write a brief rejoinder to Hume.
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/hume-miracles.html
This final is on Tuesday and I'll be studying all of today and tomorrow. Any help would be appreciated!
Philosophy Final
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trashtalkr
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"If there were no eternal consciousness in a man, if at the bottom of everything there were only a wild ferment, a power that twisting in dark passions produced everything great or inconsequential; if an unfathomable insatiable emptiness lay hid beneath everything, what would life be but despair?"
Soren Kierkegaard
Soren Kierkegaard
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AYHJA
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Damn, if it had not been so long since I've studied these things, I'd be of better assistance...Got a refresher link..? I'll be glad to lend my thoughts, but I can't come off the top with anything of substance...
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trashtalkr
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I just added a couple quick links that I found that might help you shed some light on it
"If there were no eternal consciousness in a man, if at the bottom of everything there were only a wild ferment, a power that twisting in dark passions produced everything great or inconsequential; if an unfathomable insatiable emptiness lay hid beneath everything, what would life be but despair?"
Soren Kierkegaard
Soren Kierkegaard
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Aemeth
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trashtalkr
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Yup. I took the final today and aced it. I'm really happy about it. I know you would have helped if you could though....
"If there were no eternal consciousness in a man, if at the bottom of everything there were only a wild ferment, a power that twisting in dark passions produced everything great or inconsequential; if an unfathomable insatiable emptiness lay hid beneath everything, what would life be but despair?"
Soren Kierkegaard
Soren Kierkegaard
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AYHJA
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