The exam is next Monday. We’ll adopt the same format as last time: around 30 multiple choice plus an essay. Please bring a scantron form (plus an extra!) to the exam.

The following questions should help focus your studies:

1. Briefly explain how the ontological (Anselm’s) argument for the existence of God, the cosmological argument for God’s existence, and the argument from design are supposed to work. What distinct observations (or premises) do they rely upon? In your reasoned opinion, what significant objections can be raised against each?

2. How does Descartes go about in Meditation I subjecting all sensory knowledge to doubt (be sure to state clearly the purpose of the "dream scenario")? What is this doubt supposed to accomplish? What remains after Descartes is done? How might an empiricist respond?

3. What is rationalism, and how does it differ from empiricism? How is the consideration of the piece of wax in Meditation II supposed to exemplify the rationalist's method? Explain whether or not it succeeds. What are some other examples of the rationalist's method in the Meditations?

4. Explain Descartes' Third Meditation argument for the existence of God. What are its premises, its conclusion, and significant assumptions? How might one reasonably object to this argument?

In addition, explain the significance of the argument. To what use does Descartes put the argument? Explain why this might be problematic.

5. What is "the problem of evil," and what does it have to do with Descartes' Fourth Meditation? How does Descartes address the problem in that Meditation? Is his reply a wholly satisfactory solution to the problem of evil?

6. Why does Descartes talk about triangles in the Fifth Meditation, and how does this discussion relate to that Meditation’s proof for the existence of God? Present that (Meditation V) argument for the existence of God? What, in your opinion, are some of the significant objections or challenges that can be raised against it?

7. According to Descartes, what is the relationship between the mind and the body? Explain Descartes' reasoning or arguments for arriving at this position. What are some of the significant objections or problems that face Descartes' conclusion? What are some alternatives to his position?