Second Paper Assignment
Final list of questions, 10/25/07.
Select one of the following topics on which to write a paper approximately five pages long. You must also bring a hard copy to your discussion section on Nov. 8th or 9th. Bear in mind that you are responsible for the methodology described during the lectures the week of Sep. 18th - 20th) on writing philosophy papers.
Be sure to take into consideration your teaching assistant's response to your first paper, as well as the following documents:
My Tips on Writing Philosophy Papers
Guidelines for Submitting Papers for Philosophy 2
My Grading and Academic Integrity Policies
Late Papers Policy for Philosophy 2
- Does Kant's argument on p. 102 successfully refute Hume's compatibilism? [Note, you may not use Hume's response, as presented in lecture on Oct. 16th as any part of your discussion. If you want to consider some aspect of Hume's response, write on topic #2.]
- Is Hume's argument that morality presupposes psychological determinism ("necessity") a convincing argument? [Note, you may not use Kant's argument on p. 102 as any part of your discussion. If you want to consider that argument, write on topic #1.]
- Hume argues that his account of freedom better accords with the ordinary meaning of the words "liberty" and "free." Is he right? Why or why not? (Do not forget to spell out Hume's conception or definition of freedom in detail.)
- Hume writes, "’Tis not contrary not contrary to reason to prefer the destruction of the whole world to the scratching of my finger" (Hume, p. 463). Is Hume right about this? Why or why not? (Remember that this question is not about whether this preference is immoral, but rather about whether it's irrational. Because this question is phrased in general terms, it might be tempting to descend into vague generalities in answering it. Don't! Be specific in your defense or critique of Hume.)