write a paper on one of the following topics:
1. Many commentators see Descartes as promoting skepticism, even though this is clearly not his aim. Explain Descartes’ rationalist theory of knowledge in order to demonstrate that he is really attempting to avoid skepticism and establish actual knowledge. Then explain Hume’s empiricist theory of knowledge, which relies heavily upon skepticism. How do Descartes and Hume differ? In your view, which position is preferable and why?
2. Both the Bhagavad-Gita and Kant’s Deontic ethics discuss morality in terms of duty. Explain the role of duty in each theory. List and explain at least two similarities and at least one difference (other than the obvious difference of culture and religious tradition). Be specific. (110 points)
3. Explain the Mind-Body Dualism theory laid out by Descartes in Meditation 6. Explain the major pros and cons surrounding the Mind-Body Dualism theory. Which side has the stronger case? Would you reject or accept this theory?
4. Explain Utilitarianism from the perspective of Bentham and Mill. (Be sure to recognize the differences between the two thinkers.) In what way is Marx influenced by Utilitarianism? Why is Rand so adamantly opposed to Utilitarianism and Communism?
5. Explain Anselm’s attempt to prove the existence of God through the Ontological Argument and Aquinas’ attempt to prove the existence of God through the Cosmological Argument. How do these differ from Boethius’ earlier formulations of these arguments? Evaluate the arguments. Which are the most convincing? Which are least convincing?
