Problems of Philosophy 
Test #2 Study Questions

1.) To what extent is Demea (in Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion) an example of
the Kierkegaardian religious ideal?  In answering this question make sure that you tell me what
the Kierkegaardian ideal is as well as what Demea's position is in the Dialogues.

2.) What is Pascal's wager?  To whom is it directed?  How does it provide a rational motivation
for pursuing religion?  

3.) How according to Kierkegaard is reason antithetical to (in direct opposition to) the true goals
of religion?

4.) What is the approximation argument that Adams attributes to Kierkegaard?  What, according
to Adams, is the mistake in the argument?

5.) Why does Adams feel that the Kierkegaardian ideal of infinite passion is an impossible ideal?

6.) What is Cargile's  criticism of Pascal's wager in section E of "Pascal's Wager"?  Remember that
a complete answer must describe the relevant features of Pascal's wager.  (See lecture notes)

7.) What is the project that Descartes sets for himself in the Meditation I?  What is his negative
goal?  What is his positive goal?  What is his methodology?

8.) Explain how the dream/evil demon hypothesis might undermine one's knowledge of the
external world.

9.) What is the sole foundational belief upon which Descartes must rebuild his knowledge in the
meditations?  What is it about this belief that it can serve as the foundation for his knowledge?

10.) How does Descartes characterize the epistemological problem with regard to the external
world in mediation III?  To what does Descartes appeal in solving this problem?

11.) Does Descartes think that the mind is the same thing as the physical body?  If they differ how
do they differ?  If they differ what is their relationship?

12.) Compare and contrast Pascal's notion of the cultivation of religious belief with Kierkegaard's.