Midterm Introduction To Philosophical Ideas Widener University

2.

What is an argument?

A confrontation between two persons or more
An opinion
A systematic arrangement of sentences
None of the above

Correct Answer

A. A systematic arrangement of sentences

Explanation

An argument refers to a systematic arrangement of sentences that presents a logical and coherent series of statements or ideas to support a particular viewpoint or claim. It involves presenting evidence, reasoning, and counterarguments in a structured manner to persuade others or to engage in a rational discussion. This definition aligns with the given correct answer option.

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3.

What is ontology

The theory of knowledge
The theory of reality
The philosophy of mind
All of the above

Correct Answer

A. The theory of reality

Explanation

Ontology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of being and reality. It examines the fundamental categories of existence and the relationships between them. The theory of reality is the most accurate description of ontology as it focuses on understanding the nature of reality and what it means to exist. The theory of knowledge and the philosophy of mind are related fields but do not encompass the entirety of ontology.

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4.

What is the mind/body problem?

An argument advanced by Plato against the possibility of knowledge
A theory about the connection between the idea of God and our own existence
The problem of explaining the relationship between mental states and physical states
None of the above

Correct Answer

A. The problem of explaining the relationship between mental states and physical states

Explanation

The mind/body problem refers to the challenge of understanding how mental states, such as thoughts and consciousness, are related to physical states, such as brain activity. It questions whether the mind and body are separate entities or if they are interconnected. This problem has been debated by philosophers and scientists for centuries and has yet to be fully resolved.

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5.

The claim "justified true belief" refers to

A theory about the nature of knowledge
The nature of religious experience
Gilbert Ryle's claim concerning Descartes' theories of the relationship between the mind and the body
None of the above

Correct Answer

A. A theory about the nature of knowledge

Explanation

The claim "justified true belief" refers to a theory about the nature of knowledge. This theory suggests that in order for a belief to be considered knowledge, it must be justified, true, and believed by the knower. It emphasizes the importance of evidence and reasoning in forming beliefs that can be considered knowledge. This theory has been widely discussed and debated in the field of epistemology, which is the study of knowledge.

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6.

Rene Descartes argues that reality could be a dream, and that it is very hard to know whether it is a dream or not, if we only rely on our previous experience and senses.

True
False

Correct Answer

A. True

Explanation

Rene Descartes' argument suggests that reality could potentially be a dream, making it difficult for us to determine whether it is real or not solely based on our previous experiences and senses. This implies that our perception of reality may not always be reliable, and there is a possibility that what we perceive as real could be an illusion or a dream. Therefore, the statement "True" aligns with Descartes' argument.

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7.

Thomas Aquinas believes that the best way to establish the belief that God exists is by appealing to our intuitions about logic and conceptual analyses of the concept "God."

True
False

Correct Answer

A. False

Explanation

Thomas Aquinas actually believed that the best way to establish the belief that God exists is through a combination of reason and empirical evidence, rather than solely relying on intuitions about logic and conceptual analyses. He argued that faith and reason are not contradictory but rather complement each other in understanding the existence of God. Aquinas used philosophical arguments such as the cosmological argument and the teleological argument to support his belief in the existence of God. Therefore, the given statement is false.

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8.

Philosopher Edmund Gettier maintains that we can have a certain belief, and we can have justification for believing in the truth of that belief, and yet we may not have knowledge.

True
False

Correct Answer

A. True

Explanation

Edmund Gettier argues that having a belief and justification for that belief does not necessarily equate to having knowledge. This challenges the traditional understanding of knowledge as justified true belief. Gettier's position suggests that there can be instances where a belief is justified and true, but due to certain factors or circumstances, it does not qualify as knowledge. Therefore, the statement "we can have a certain belief, and we can have justification for believing in the truth of that belief, and yet we may not have knowledge" is true according to Gettier's perspective.

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9.

Anselm of Canterbury believes that once we understand the concept of God properly, we must conclude that God exists

True
False

Correct Answer

A. True

Explanation

Anselm of Canterbury argues that once we have a proper understanding of the concept of God, we are compelled to conclude that God exists. According to Anselm, God is defined as the greatest conceivable being, and existence is a necessary attribute of a being that is truly great. Therefore, if we truly comprehend the concept of God, we cannot deny His existence. This aligns with Anselm's famous ontological argument, which asserts that the very concept of God implies His existence. Hence, the statement is true.

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10.

Rene Descartes maintains that we know the nature of our own minds in a more intimate way than we know the nature of material bodies

True
False

Correct Answer

A. True

Explanation

Rene Descartes believed that we have a more direct and immediate understanding of our own minds compared to our understanding of material bodies. This is because our awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and consciousness is immediate and first-hand, while our knowledge of material bodies is mediated through our senses and can be subject to doubt. Descartes argued that our knowledge of our own minds is more certain and indubitable, forming the foundation for his philosophy of dualism. Therefore, the statement "Rene Descartes maintains that we know the nature of our own minds in a more intimate way than we know the nature of material bodies" is true.

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Midterm Introduction To Philosophical Ideas Widener University

What is epistemology?

Quiz Preview

What is an argument?

What is ontology

What is the mind/body problem?

The claim "justified true belief" refers to

Rene Descartes argues that reality could be a dream, and that it is very hard to know whether it is a dream or not, if we only rely on our previous experience and senses.

Thomas Aquinas believes that the best way to establish the belief that God exists is by appealing to our intuitions about logic and conceptual analyses of the concept "God."

Philosopher Edmund Gettier maintains that we can have a certain belief, and we can have justification for believing in the truth of that belief, and yet we may not have knowledge.

Anselm of Canterbury believes that once we understand the concept of God properly, we must conclude that God exists

Rene Descartes maintains that we know the nature of our own minds in a more intimate way than we know the nature of material bodies