Phil 111 Intro to Philosophy (Vailati) Spring 2013

Paper topics.

Write on one and only one of the following topics. For length and due date, consult syllabus.

1. How would W.D. Ross deal with the case of the Danish Fisherman discussed in class? What’s your view? Discuss.

2. After the painful death of his beloved wife, C. S. Lewis, the famous Christian apologist, was personally presented with the problem of evil and almost thrown into despair. In A Grief Observed, he noted that he was is in little danger of becoming an atheist. Rather, he said that the real danger is coming to believe dreadful things about God, namely that He is like a “vivisectionist” or a dentist who uses no anesthetic. He noted: “The conclusion I dread is not, ‘So, there is no God after all,’ but, ‘So, this is what God’s really like. Deceive yourself no longer.’” Provide a philosophical discussion of Lewis’ statements.

3. Do you think that morality depends on religion? Explain.

4. Watch Christopher Nolan’s film “Memento” (US, 2000). Do you think that the protagonist retains his personal identity throughout the story? Discuss. (Note that in the movie the black and white sequences move temporally forward, while the color sequences move temporally backward).

Remember that in order to write a successful paper,

· You need to study (i.e., read and think about) the relevant readings.

· You must use arguments to support your views.

· You must make clear, direct, and relevant references to the readings.