PHI 101: Introduction to Philosophy

More Discussion Papers

Paper Five

Al-Ghazali, "Deliverance from Error" (Kessler p. 312ff.)

Answer all of the following:

a. What does Al-Ghazali mean by "prophetic revelation"?
b. How is it related to other ways of obtaining knowledge?
c. What is the proof of prophecy, and do you find the proof convincing? Why or why not?

Paper Six

Plato, from The Republic (Kessler p. 443ff.); Shankara, "The Crest-Jewel of Discrimination"(Kessler p. 451 ff.)

Answer both a and b:

a. What is the relation of the soul/mind/consciousness to the world of direct experience (i.e.the material world) according to Plato?
b. What is this relation according to Shankara?

Paper Seven

Rawls, from A Theory of Justice (Kessler p. 175ff.); King, "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (Kessler p. 197ff.)

King's "Letter" is a reply to a group of prominent clergy who objected to King's use of nonviolent direct action. Answer both a and b:

a. Identify their specific objections to King's tactics.
b. Using Rawls' concept of the " veil of ignorance," explain whether King's tactics are justified or not.