Midterm Study Guide
Philosophy 364
The midterm for this course will have two parts. The first part will be a series of
ten short-answer questions worth one point each. These questions will primarily
concern historical facts about the philosophers we’ve discussed. For example:
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True or False? Aristotle is famous for holding that all is water.
Multiple choice: Who is famous for holding that all is water?
(a) Thales. (b) Heraclitus. (c) Elea. (d) Ellamenopeah.
Fill in the blank:
is famous for holding that all is water.
The best way to prepare for this part of the exam is to closely review your lecture
notes—all of the questions will come directly from class.
The second part of the midterm will be a single essay question worth thirty
points. I will give you a choice of two prompts from the following list. You will
then select one of those two prompts to write on.
1.
Present, explain, and evaluate Heraclitus’ Flux Argument. In evaluating the argument, you should discuss at least one objection.
2.
Present, explain, and evaluate Parmenides’ Argument Against Generation. In explaining this argument, you should also present and explain the arguments for the second and third premises. In evaluating
the argument, you should discuss at least one objection.
3.
Present, explain, and evaluate Melissus’ Argument against Qualitative
Change. In evaluating the argument, you should discuss at least one
objection.
4.
Present, explain, and evaluate Zeno’s Dichotomy Argument and his
Arrow Argument. In evaluating these arguments, you should discuss
at least one objection to each.
5.
Present, explain, and evaluate Democritus’ Argument for Atomism.
In evaluating the argument, you should discuss at least one objection.
6.
Present, explain, and evaluate two of Plato’s arguments for the immortality of the soul. In evaluating these arguments, you should discuss at least one objection to each.
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