The exam will be held from home and covers every unit discussed so far (see the syllabus for exact dates). I have included the instructions for the exam below. As a general reminder, this is an essay exam. An essay question requires full-page answers, not just a few lines or a single paragraph. In answering a question say as much as you know in as much detail as possible. Aim for your answers to each question to be at least 600 words. Students who do not provide full-length answers to the essay questions will see it reflected in their grades.
A few study tips: Go through each unit individually. Write yourself a note sheet that contains any concepts I discuss (including definitions). Also get a complete understanding of the different theories we’ve discussed. Finally, go through your notes and try to memorize what you’ve written down. Each day return to your note sheet until you can explain every concept fully.
HUM 1020 Exam I: I shall choose two of the following six questions for you to write on. You should therefore be prepared to write on any possible combination of these questions. Be prepared to write out full-length answers to each question (minimum 600 words per question). Answers that fall far short of expectation will severely lower your grade. Put answers in your own words rather than large quotes from the slides, although it is fine to quote definitions. I cannot give you credit for answers that largely copy the slides. This is important. There should be clear evidence that you have read the assigned material in your answers. Please do not try to use outside sources as this will not help. The answers to these questions only come from the reading and lecture.
When the exam window opens you will see the exam below. Your questions will be randomly generated. You will have three hours to answer both questions. Before starting make sure that you have an reliable internet connection (which was a requirement for this class). In the event that you experience problems with your internet connection you will be able to reconnect, but the clock does not stop. You may want to learn how to turn your phone into a wi-fi connection in case your regular connection goes down. Here are some useful links to help with that.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204023
https://www.androidauthority.com/mobile-hotspot-setup-631280/
1. Explain the classic definition of philosophy. How does rationality fit into this definition and how can this be observed via Thales and Socrates? What two functions does the reading for unit 1 assign to rationality? Explain each function as they are discussed in the reading. Finally, pick any three techniques for rationality from the reading and explain them. How do these techniques fit with the larger picture described in the reading and the video lecture?
2. Explain the difference between premises and a conclusion. What is a deductive and inductive argument as they are explained in the material for unit 2? What two criteria are used to evaluate arguments? Explain and give definitions for the following terms: Valid/Invalid, Sound/Unsound, Strong/Weak, Cogent/Uncogent. Explain how logic and critical thinking are used in part 2 of the reading for this unit.
3. Define and explain the concept of a logical fallacy, cognitive bias, and bad faith. Give at least one example of each from the lecture, but note that giving an example is not the same as explaining it. Aim to do both. In part 1 of the unit three reading the author makes two strong recommendations when dealing with logical fallacies. Explain the point of that article. Part 2 of the reading discusses belief in beliefs. What is belief in belief and why does the author consider it important to rationality? Discuss both readings in as much detail as you can.
4. What is epistemology? Explain the notion of a truth condition. How do truth conditions help create a theory of meaning that clarifies the concepts of belief, truth, and reality. Use these terms to explain the correspondence theory of truth discussed in part 1 of the reading in unit 4. In what way do experimental predictions factor into this account? How does part 2 of the reading reinforce this point in our behavior? Give a thorough explanation of what it means to make your beliefs pay rent.
5. What is global skepticism? How does the skeptic construct an argument that causes people to doubt their access to reality? Discuss the strategy the skeptic uses to get this argument off the ground. What can be said in reply? Explain what a fallibilist would say and the concept of distorting meaning. What is a pseudo-proposition? Explain how pseudo-propositions sometimes cause trouble. How can we avoid these problems through “the process?”
6. What is the problem of free will? Explain both sides of this dilemma by going into detailed description of the notion of free will and determinism. How does the illusion of control and the fallacy of causal oversimplification help us to understand this dilemma? How do distorted perceptions explain it? Borrowing from some of the ideas used in part 1 and part 2 of the reading in unit 6, how does the author think we ought to treat the issue of choice?
Advice for Doing Well
(1) Use exact definitions from the reading and lecture. (2) Make sure you answer each part of the question; skipping parts will hurt your grade. (3) Bring the parts of each question together into a single coherent essay. (4) Your answer should clearly demonstrate that you have read the essays and watched the lecture. (5) Make sure your study process is detailed and complete. (6) Write out the first paragraph of each question before you sit down for the exam and then use this when you take it. The most time-consuming part of writing is getting started. (7) Sometimes people copy my lectures word for word thinking that this is a good way to answer the questions. While you are encouraged to quote definitions, copying entire answers word for word would fall under the plagarism policy for the class and would result in an F.