You will need to answer 3 of the following 6
questions for this exam. A good answer will
address every part of the question
fully, and will probably take 1-1.5 pages, double-spaced,
per answer. The exam
is worth 25% of the final grade, with each of the essays making up a
third of
that grade. The exam will be run through plagiarism detection software, and I
am good enough at catching cheaters that I have done so even when the software
didn’t catch it. Don’t cheat. It’s a miserable experience for everyone. I look
forward to seeing what you all
think and seeing how well you have grasped the
ideas we’ve encountered so far.
1.
Feynman- Explain what Feynman
means by the phrase “cargo cult science.” Discuss
the features of scientific
integrity that Feynman claims such science lacks. Say whether
you agree with
Feynman’s views on such science and why or why not.
2.
Pierce- What does Pierce believe
is the aim of belief? Why does he think the methods
of science are the best way
to satisfy that aim? Do you agree with him on these points?
Why or why not?
3.
Hobbes’ view of knowledge and
reason influence his view of the nature of the mind.
Explain his views on the
sources of knowledge, and explain how these influence his views on human
nature. Then say whether you agree with the overall account or not and why.
4.
Hobbes’ view of the state of
nature is heavily influenced by his account of human
behavior. Explain what his
view on each is and how they relate to one another. Then say
whether or not you
agree with Hobbes, and why.
5.
Armstrong defends a view known as
“functionalism” when it comes to the mind.
Explain what functionalists claim
mental states are, and why they think this is
compatible with physicalism. Then
say whether or not you agree with this view and why.
6.
Duflo- Esther Duflo claims to have
found the solution to three specific social problems. Explain at least one of
these in depth, focusing on how a scientific approach to social
policy is
effective at addressing such problems. Then say whether or not you are
convinced by Duflo’s case and why. (https://www.ted.com/talks/esther_duflo_social_experiments_to_fight_poverty/transcript)
***There are reading files and some notes down in the attachment. Have a look at the
note before you start the paper.
***IF YOU DECIDED TO USE OUTSIDE SOURCE TO GIVE YOU IDEA TO ANSWER THOSE
QUESTIONS, PLEASE CITE THE SOURCE. THE TEACHER GRADES REALLY HEAVILY ON THAT
PART.
***IF YOU SAY TOO MANY COMPLICATED STUFF WITHOUT THE SOURCE, THE TEACHER WILL
GIVE A SUBSTANTIAL DEDUCTION FOR CITATION FAILURES!!!
***YOU SHOULD ANSWER ALL 3 OF THAT 6 QUESTION IN A SINGLE WORD FILE.
***MESSAGE ME IF YOU NEED ANYTHING ELSE!!!
