Exam 7: God

Aquinas claims that any proof of the existence of God must be based, at least in part, on an appeal to faith.

Is it morally acceptable to try to make yourself feel something for reasons of self-interest?

What is Anselm's response to Gaunilo, and does it succeed? Explain.

According to Scriven, religious and scientific knowledge

Philo and Demea agree that there is much misery in the world.

Do you agree with Pascal that if one finds it hard to believe in God on the basis of his argument, then one should adopt the religious way of life as a means to inducing this belief? Explain.

Anselm's argument appeals to facts about the world

Zagzebski points out that you would never choose a rich person and then try to make yourself love that person. Is this similar to trying to make yourself believe in God, for reasons of self-interest? If it is similar, is this morally all right? If it is not similar, what is the difference? Faith and Reason Michael Scriven

If you are choosing between atheism as well as more than one religion,

Paley claims that a fish's eye is an even more awesome example of an intricately designed object than is a watch.

According to Zagzebski, objections to Pascal's wager come from

According to Scriven, the theist must show that

If God says actions are right because they are right, then God is subject to moral standards.

Cleanthes offers an a priori argument for the existence of God.

Is it degrading to anthropomorphize God? Why or why not?

Nagel finds several theistic arguments convincing.

Why do agreement and strong feeling not establish the truth of one's beliefs? Do you agree? Explain.

According to Blackburn, the scenario imagined in Pascal's wager

Blackburn finds Pascal's wager compelling.

Explain Pascal's wager in your own words. Do you find it compelling? Explain.