William Jamison - Instructor

Test 1

Directions: Answer any three of the questions below in three essays. Essays may be as long as you feel necessary, but should be at least 300 words each, and should demonstrate an understanding of the main point of the question and it's relevance for us today. They can be e-mailed to: wsjamison@ALASKA.EDU

1. How would you describe the differences between the Medieval period and the Modern period in philosophy? In your description argue that the differences are significant or mostly a result of later historical interpretation.

2. Explain whether Galileo felt the geocentric and heliocentric models were mutually exclusive and only one model could be truthfully descriptive of the universe or if both models were useful for different reasons. How would Postmoderns view this issue today? 

3. Describe Descartes’ ontological argument. What are its weak points, if any?

4. What do you consider Descartes’ major accomplishment? Why?

5. Hobbes can be viewed as an Aristotelian in contrast to Descartes’ Rationalism. Describe his theory of knowledge.

6. Descartes or Hobbes, which of the two do you think most compatible with current neuroscience?