Topics:
(1) Consider chapter 5, “Free Will, Determinism, and Moral Responsibility.” Watch the film Detour (1945) by Edger Ulmer. Do you think, as Al Roberts argues, that his “fate” was determined and that he had no control over the unfortunate events that occurred?
(2) After Reading chapter 4 watch the film Boomerang!, (1947) by Elia Kazan. How does this film argue in favor of Kantianism and radically against Utilitarianism? (Hints: Think about Kant’s view of persons and the respect that we owe them as members of the moral community. Think of the accused man and the district attorney’s decision to defend him. Why would Kant recommend such a defense? Why would Utilitarian recommend against such a defense.)
(3) Consider Modern philosophical skepticism as discussed in chapter 8. Could someone disprove radical external world skepticism? If yes, how? If not, why not and what does this mean?
(4) Consider chapter 9. Is “death” a bad thing? If so, then when is it bad? Why is it bad?
0 comments