You will need only:
The 10 short answer questions will be taken from the reading questions from the Epistemology readings only. A complete answer will normally be possible in a few sentences.
The 2 essay questions will be selected from the following sample questions below. A complete answer will normally be possible in 1 1/2 to 3 pages, depending on handwriting.
1. Give the traditional account of knowledge, and explain why each of
its three conditions is supposed to be necessary for knowledge. Then
give and explain an example that is supposed to show that these three conditions
are not sufficient to guarantee knowledge. Finally, explain at least
one way of modifying the traditional account that also fails, being sure
to include what initially motivates this modification.
(The most helpful readings for addressing this essay will be Gettier
and Pollock.)
2. Explain Descartes' method of doubt. What is he trying to do
by doubting? Explain how he comes to doubt all of his sense-based
beliefs and how he comes to doubt mathematical beliefs. What does
he find impossible to doubt? Why does he find this indubitable?
(The most helpful reading for addressing this essay will be Descartes.)
3. Locke, Berkeley, and Hume each place great importance on our abilities
to perceive and to have experiences, but they each draw very different
conclusions about what our experiences provide us. What does Locke
think we learn from experience? What does Berkeley think we learn
from experience? And what does Hume think we learn from experience?
(The most helpful readings for addressing this essay will be Locke,
Berkeley, and Hume.)
4. Clifford's views on the Ethics of Belief suggest a reason for pursuing
Philosophy and Russell's views on the value of Philosophy also suggest
reasons for studying Philosophy. Explain both Clifford's view and
Russell's view as it specifically relates to the study of Philosophy and
then sketch a way that their views might be extended to suggest an appropriate
attitude towards areas of life besides Philosophy.
(The most helpful readings for addressing this essay will be Clifford
and Russell.)
How to write a good essay:
Respond to each part of the prompt.
Do not get off the topic. Stay focused on what the prompt actually
asks.
Define any specialized terms that you use.
Explain. Explain. Explain.
Do not assume that I know anything about the topic. Write as
if your audience were a friend not in the class.
Do not give unsupported opinions. Always give reasons.
It would be highly unusual for only 1 page to answer completely the
questions in the prompt and also highly unusual for more than 3 pages to
be necessary for a complete answer. Cover each part that is necessary
and nothing that is off topic and you will be fine.
Proofread for spelling and grammatical mistakes.