1. 
Philosophical Essay–
You will write a two-part 6- 8-page essay using our Library Guide for PHIL101 and our
Online Library to answer one of the following questions:

• 
  
• Consider the following
       philosophical puzzle: “If a tree falls in the forest and there's no one
       around to hear it, does it make a sound?” (1) How is this philosophical
       puzzle an epistemological problem? And (2) how would John Locke answer it?
• 
  
• Evaluate the movie, The
       Matrix, in terms of the philosophical issues raised with (1) skepticism
       and (2) the mind-body problem. Explain how the movie raises questions
       similar to those found in Plato’s and Descartes’ philosophy. Do not give a
       plot summary of the movie – focus on the philosophical issues raised in
       the movie as they relate to Plato and Descartes.
• 
  
• Socrates asks Euthyphro, “Are
       morally good acts willed by God because they are morally good, or are they
       morally good because they are willed by God?” (1) How does this question
       relate to the Divine Command Theory of morality? (2) What are the
       philosophical implications associated with each option here?
• 
  
• Summarize the problem of evil
       and critically evaluate how it is said to undermine the traditional
       characteristics of God.
• 
  
• Explain (1) the process by
       which Descartes uses skepticism to refute skepticism, and (2) what first
       principle does this lead him to? (3) Explain why this project was
       important for Descartes to accomplish. 
• 
  

Part 1: At the end of week four you
will turn in (1) a clearly articulated thesis statement, and (2) a selected
list of appropriate sources using our Library Guide for PHIL101 and our
Online Library, as indicated below:

1. 
Identify
at least one encyclopedia, or similar work, providing a big picture overview of
key issues your topic needs to address.

2.  Identify at least one secondary
source, an interpretive work, addressing your topic which was written by
someone other than the philosophers identified in your topic.

3.  Identify at least one primary
source, from a major philosopher identified in your topic choice. Be sure that
the primary source selected pertains to the issues raised by your topic.

4.  Identify at least one journal
article database, available in the APUS Online Library, where contemporary
philosophical articles pertaining to your topic, can be located.

Explain briefly how the content of
each source will assist you with your Philosophical Essay Assignment. Provide a
complete reference in MLA style for each work, 1-3, selected.

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Continue to next page for an example of what is due at week four –

The following is an
example (do not copy and use) of what is due at week four: