Assignment 2 - Skepticism/Religion

Assignment 2 - Skepticism/Religion

Write responses to each of the following questions based on the readings and lectures for this module, as well as the previous module. Be sure to answer all questions thoroughly.

These assignments are graded anonymously, so please do not include your name or any other identifying information in your submission. Responses should answer all questions thoroughly and show thoughtful critical engagement with the ideas - see the Assignment Guidelines for an example. 

1) Explain and critically discuss the problem of hiddenness, and one response to the problem. Does the problem provide good reason to be skeptical about God's existence? Why or why not? 

2) Explain and critically evaluate the Design Argument, and how Darwin's Theory of Evolution threatens to undermine it (including explanation of the basic principles of natural selection)

3) What is Descartes' "evil demon" hypothesis? Why does he introduce this into his discussion? 

4) Explain and critically discuss one of Berkeley's arguments for his idealistic theory. 

5) Is it possible for us to truly know that the material or physical world exists? Why or why not? Support your answers with reasons, and include discussion of Berkeley's/Descartes arguments. 

 Briefly describe one of the symbolic actions carried out by Ezekiel, as described in chapters 4-5.  Why would a prophet do such a thing?  Drawing on the discussion of the assigned reading by Petersen, when and where is Ezekiel doing these strange things and how can that help us understand why he is doing them?