Philosophy V
MIDTERM
NAME: Rick Wagner
USERNAME: guardianlxxii
WEB ADDRESS: www.guardian72.com/homework/PHILO5/
ANY EXTRA CREDIT:
1. How does superstring (or super membrane) theory reconcile Einstein's
general theory of relativity with quantum mechanics? More precisely, how
does superstring theory reduce the four forces of the universe (name them)
into one super force?
2. How did Plato influence "idealist" philosophy?
3. In LOOKING AT PHILOSOPHY, Donald Palmer provides an outline of philosophy
from the Pre-Socratics to the present day. I want you to create a fictional
story using 8 philosophers from Palmer's book which focuses on the idea
of God. Be sure that each philosopher is true to his voice (be accurate,
don't have Plato talking like Sartre). You can be wildly creative in your
story and you MUST invoke DIALOGUE.
4. Why is Heisenberg's principle of uncertainty important in understanding
quantum theory?
5. How does the theory of evolution contribute
to the idea that consciousness is the result of neural interactions? In
other words, how does the theory of evolution help explain the material
basis of human awareness?
6. Explain the differences between algorithmic reasoning
and non-algorithmic reasoning. Exemplify the differences by using an illustration
(clue: think of the differences between science and religion). In addition,
provide an example from your own life where you have reasoned algorithmically
and where you have reasoned non-algorithmically.
7. Explain Darwin's theory of evolution by natural
selection. Can you show me the possible loopholes in the theory? If so,
be factual (not opinionated) in your critique.
8. How do the books UNIVERSE IN A NUTSHELL
(or ELEGANT UNIVERSE), DARWIN'S DANGEROUS IDEA, and THE ENGINE OF REASON
form a materialist trilogy? More precisely, how do these three books correlate
in providing an empirical view of the universe and human beings? How would
a spiritual view differ?
9. Explain how "memes" work and how they apply to
cultural evolution. (Clue: think Darwin's Dangerous Idea).
10. How does Paul Churchland explain the "neural"
basis of consciousness?
11. Place
ALL OF YOUR POSTS (so far and their respective dates [when posted] on
to your website either by direct links or by pasting them.
12. What does Hawking mean by "imaginary" time versus "real" time?
How is the concept of imaginary time useful in understanding the implications
of Einstein's theory of relativity?
13. What does your teacher mean by the phrase,
"Don't confuse neurology (brain states) with ontology ("reality" states)?"
In what ways do the first four books of this class support this observation?
In what ways do the books contravene the statement?
14. Hawking made the intriguing observation that M-theory has as much
evidence for its claims as astrology, yet Hawking thinks astrology is
more or less bogus. Why, then, does Hawking believe that M-theory is
most likely correct and NOT claims of the paranormal? Read Hawking carefully
before you leap.
15. Your teacher has repeatedly made the argument
that science must always be potentially wrong. He juxtaposed that insight
with the argument that religion (in general) tends to resist admitting
its mistakes, especially concerning their core revealed texts (from the
Quran to the Bible). Name and describe and explain EXCEPTIONS to
this general observation. In other words, cite examples where certain
scientists have tried NOT to admit their mistakes and where certain religionists
HAVE admitted their errors. This will require you to do some new research.
Clue: http://www.google.com
BONUS (not required):
Do a digital film which answers the following question:
Where did "You" come from?