Study Guide
Second Exam
You should be able to:
Explain
what Cartesian Substance Dualism is. Discuss the properties that minds and
bodies are supposed to have according to this view, and what it means to be incorrigible
about the mind.
Explain
some alleged problems with Cartesian Dualism, especially the problem of causal
interactionism. Explain what physicalism (materialism) is and understand
the various formulations of this view.
Explain
what Ryle means by “the ghost in the machine,” and why Ryle thinks that the
Cartesian picture is an example of a category mistake (know what Ryle means by
“a category mistake”).
Understand
the distinction between rationalism and empiricism, and be able to name at
least one philosopher we’ve studied who supports each of these positions.
Understand
what a criterion is. Say a little about Locke’s criterion of personal identity.
Explain Locke’s distinction between the person and the man.
Discuss the problem of apparent memory. Explain Hume’s position on
personal identity.
Explain
the example of the ship of Theseus. Be prepared to defend some opinion
of this case. Understand why this example is relevant to the debate over
personal identity.
Explain
the major types of criteria for personal identity. Know the implications of
holding each of these views. You should be able to comment on the following
views: immaterial self, brain criteria, animal criteria, bodily criteria,
memory criteria, space-time worm.
Be
prepared to discuss the fission, fusion and the teletransporter cases. Be
prepared to say what effect the various views of personal identity have on
beginning and end of life cases. Be prepared to discuss these cases in terms of
necessary and sufficient conditions.
Explain
Gretchen Weinrob’s criticisms of Sam’s dualism, especially the argument for
groundlessness. Be prepared to explain and discuss the chocolate analogy and
the argument from possible metamorphosis. Explain how making a distinction
between metaphysical claims and epistemological claims is helpful to this
discussion.
Discuss
Peter Goodman and Mary Godwin’s view about personhood. Explain why Mary Godwin
brings up issues about the status of women in the 18th century.
Understand
the distinction between being a person in the primary and literal sense and
being a person in a secondary sense.
Explain
Taylor’s parody of Paine and Wolstoncraft (Godwin). Understand Paine and
Godwin’s reasons for expanding rights (and personhood) to all human beings.
Explain what a slippery slope argument is and why Taylor’s argument is
an example of such an argument.
Explain
what the Turing Test is. Understand what assumptions are being made by the
Turing Test. Comment on Dennett’s test for a great city, and explain how this
analogy is relevant to the Turing Test.
Know and be able to comment on the argument from impaired humans, the cast of millions argument, and the Chinese box argument. Present Mary Godwin’s response to these arguments.