Philosophy Questions
1- First assignment you need to read a philosopher’s perspective then answer the question in bold.
This Greek philosopher is noted for having said:
“Death need not concern us because when we exist death does not, and when death exists we do not.”
Epicurus and Epicureanism, has suffered for many years from a misapprehension about what his philosophy teaches. Epicureanism is a hedonistic philosophy in that it teaches that pleasure is to be sought, but only to the extent that pleasure is the freedom from pain and fear. Epicurus also taught on the gods and death. Epicurus is famous today for his questions regarding the problem of evil existing if there are gods and for this statement about death. Because death, being dead rather than dying, involves no pain, for Epicurus the state of death is a good thing (or at least not to be feared). Epicurus is well beloved of atheists and humanists today because of his rational outlook. In the Roman period, tombs of Epicureans would have this carved on their tombs- I was not. I was. I am not. I do not care.
What is your response to this philosopher’s perspective? Answer the question in 5-6 sentences.
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2- Do human interests outweigh animal interests? Explain your position. Answer the question in 5-6 sentences
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3- Read the following scenario then answer the question in bold.
THE INMATE DECISION
You are an inmate in a concentration camp. A sadistic guard is about to hang your son who tried to escape and wants you to pull the chair from underneath him. He says that if you don’t he will not only kill your son but some other innocent inmate as well. You don’t have any doubt that he means what he says.
What should you do? Explain.
Answer the question in 5-6 sentences
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3- For this assignment you will read an article (which would be attached) then Choose one of the following for your writing assignment. You are to respond to both a and b of your choice.
1.
a. Summarize, in your own words, what you understand Russell to man by the “instinctive man” and how this approach to life affects humans who follow it (in terms of their thinking).
b. Do you agree or disagree with Russell’s view on this? Explain clearly, identifying your reasons.
Answer the question in 5-6 sentences
OR …
2.
a. Explain, in your own words, what you think Russell means when he says that philosophical contemplation “makes us citizens of the universe, not only of one walled city at war with all the rest.”
Answer the question in 5-6 sentences
b. Do you agree or disagree with Russell’s view on this? Explain clearly, identifying your reasons.
Answer the question in 5-6 sentences
