Study Guide for Final Exam

PHI 213, Introduction to Philosophy

 

 

Do

 

1. Review all 3 quizzes, and the Alternative Assignment for Quiz #1 (not to be confused with the extra credit assignment, which is not part of the final)

 

2. Review all our readings in Morris. In particular, be clear about what answers exist for each of the key queries raised in the major Parts of the text. Thus, be ready to describe and explain or expand on
1. how do we know anything? (epistemology: rationalism vs. empiricism vs. skepticism)
2. what is the good? (axiology/ethics: virtue ethics as laid out by Morris in particular)
3. are we really free? (ontology: determinism vs. indeterminism vs. compatibilism vs. agency)
4. what is a person? (metaphysics: materialism vs. dualism)
5. is there life after death? (metaphysics: philosophical consolations vs. philosophical possibilities)
6. is there a God? (metaphysics: naturalism vs. theism)

 

3. Review Gaarder’s Sophie’s World. In particular, be clear about the themes we discussed in class, such as the importance of his section on “The Two Cultures”, the role of “Berkeley” and his idealism—both in the book for Sophie and for philosophy in general, and the purpose(s) served by “The Garden Party”. Consider how what we discussed in Morris found points of contact with the novel.

 

4. Remember to prepare a one-page set of notes, if you wish, to bring along to the exam.

 

5. Remember that you have until 5:00pm, Wednesday, 19^th June, to earn participation points by contributing substantively to the web discussion forum. (Contributions after that time are welcome, but won’t count towards participation scores.)

 

Don’t

 

6. panic—recall that this exam is only 25% of the course’s grade weight

 

7. give up trying to understand—many pieces will begin to fall into place (or, to use another metaphor, the light will go on) only after you begin reviewing for the exam

 

 

Final Exam details

 

The Exam comprises 3 parts. Part I is worth 45 % of the exam, and will be objective in nature: true/false, multiple choice, matching, short answer, etc. The questions will be very similar to (in fact, some questions will come directly from) the quizzes.

 

Part II is worth 30% of the exam, and will require you to write one essay of 2-3 pages in length. You will choose that one essay from a list of three, which will themselves be whittled from the six themes noted in point 2, above.

 

Part III is worth 25% of the exam, and will require you to write one essay of 2-3 pages in length. You will choose that one essay from a list of three, which all focus on themes in Sophie’s World (per point 3, above).

 

You also will be asked to assess your level of participation in the course. I have a mark in mind for you, but you will have a chance to provide input, as well. Be prepared to tell me what participation mark you have earned, and why.

 

You will write your answers to Part I on the exam paper, itself. You will write your essays for Parts II & III on separate sheets of paper, so please bring 5-6 blank pieces of paper with you (no bluebooks, please). Also, please use ink rather than pencil for writing your exam, and use a color other than red or purple or pink or … (you get the idea).