philosophy

Introduction to Philosophy

Reaction Paper #1

Option #1:

Throughout the term, we have discussed several authors that have tried to prove that a god

exists. How do you feel about their efforts?

Do you think that this task is possible? Is there merit in the use of different styles of the “proof”

based arguments, or is it the case that one style of argument alone (such as the cosmological argument)

is sufficient to prove the existence of a god? If so, is evidence necessary to prove a god exists? What

could count as evidence in a religious argument?

Do you think the task is impossible? Is there any way to prove that a god exists? Is the effort

simply bankrupt (and if so, why)? Is the existence of a god something that is merely a matter of faith? If

a god does exist, would it have a type of existence that is simply too different than our own, and,

therefore be inconceivable?

Remember, the focus of your paper is to answer 2 questions: 1) is it possible to prove a god

exists, 2) an explanation of your answer. You do not need to review the assignments we covered in

class, unless you share the same thoughts as one of our authors. You are not graded on your ability to

summarize what others have said, but rather your ability to present a solid, thoroughly explained

philosophical argument.

Option #2:

Throughout the term, we have discussed several authors that have tried to prove that they

understand why things in life (and even life itself) have meaning and value. How do you feel about their

efforts?

Why do you think things becoming meaningful? Do you agree with our authors that the idea of

death threatens our identity or do you think they are making too much of the simple fact that all people

must die? Do you agree with Tolstoy in that we must find something outside of our lives to give our

lives meaning? Or do you agree with Camus and believe that we must struggle to give our lives their

own meaning and accept the difficulties and draw backs that come with that philosophy?

Remember, the focus of your paper is to answer 2 questions: 1) why do things gain their

meaning and value, 2) an explanation of your answer. You do not need to review the assignments we

covered in class, unless you share the same thoughts as one of our authors. You are not graded on your

ability to summarize what others have said, but rather your ability to present a solid, thoroughly

explained philosophical argument.