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PHIL 1381: Introduction to Philosophy
Midterm Exam
1. In the beginning of the course, we examined three different basic descriptions of the practice of philosophy:
a) Philosophy is the love of wisdom.
b) Philosophy begins in wonder.
c) Philosophy is the search for ultimate causes and explanations.
Describe a memorable occasion in your own life experience that put you into any one of these philosophical dispositions.
Write no fewer than 200 words.
2. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Lucretius. Compose a well-motivated question that any one of these ancient philosophers would, if given the chance, propose to any one of the others. Make sure to explain the motivation of the inquirer using evidence from material we studied. Also, compose a reply from the point of view of the other philosopher based on material we studied.
Write no fewer than 250 words.
3. In your own words, summarize three of Lucretius’ arguments for why one should acknowledge the existence of bodies that cannot be seen.
Write no fewer than 150 words.
4. In your own words, summarize Lucretius’ arguments that (a) space is infinite, (b) the number of atoms is also infinite, but (c) the number of different types of atoms is finite.
Write no fewer than 150 words.