Phil 134 Spring 2007
Philosophy of Religion
Instructor: Meg Wallace
Second
Paper Topic
Assignment:
Please choose ONE of the following paper topics. Papers should be 4-6
pages in length, due by midnight April 11, 2007. Rough drafts are
strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. I will be accepting rough
drafts no later than Monday,
April 9. Drafts will be accepted only during my office hours,
NOT over email. I will have extended office hours (which I will give
more details about in class). Please email me or talk to me if you have
any questions.
1. Explain Pascal's Wager. Is this a good reason to believe in God? Why
or why not? What assumptions does this argument make about beliefs? Do
you think this assumption is right? Why or why not? What is one of the
most challenging objections to Pascal's Wager? Is there a response to
this objection? Discuss.
2. Lay out and discuss the Problem of Evil. What are some of the
inadequate responses to the problem, and why are they inadequate?
Explain what you think is the best response to the problem of Evil. If
you would like, discuss in detail the free will response (you can leave
out discussion of the other responses if you choose to write on
this). How is Free Will supposed to solve the Problem of Evil? Do
you think it is a good response? Why or why not? Discuss.
3. Explain Divine Command Theory. How is the Euthyphro Problem supposed
to challenge to this theory? Do you think it is a successful challenge?
Why or why not? Discuss.
4. Choose any of the topics we discussed about the attributes of God:
eternity and timelessness vs. timelessness, Free Will and Omniscience,
the Paradox of Omnipotence, Omni benevolence and God as
Rewarder/Punisher, etc. What is the problem or issue with these
attributes? Is there a ready solution? Discuss.
5. Explain what Nietzsche's project is in On the Genealogy of Morals. Where
does he think our concepts or ideas of 'good' and 'bad' come from? In
your summary, make sure to explain what Nietzsche means by the
following: pathos of distance, slave morality, transvaluation of
values. What does Nietzsche think of our ideas of 'guilt' and 'bad
conscience.' Make sure you explain his views on punishment and
suffering, and you describe what he means by 'will to power.' Do you
agree with anything Nietzsche says? If so, what, and why? Do you
disagree with him? If so, what, and why? Discuss.
6. Free-Wheeling
Incorporating the material that we have covered in the readings and in
class the last few weeks, construct your own thesis. Make sure that you
(i) you have a clear thesis, (ii) that you argue for and support your
thesis adequately, and (iii) that you show mastery of the material
covered both in class and out.
Note: you should come see me before picking this topic to ensure that
your paper adequately satisfies (i)-(iii).
Page Last Updated: March 27, 2007