.PHIL
100: Introduction to Philosophy
For your final term paper
choose one from the following topics:
A)
Descartes, Turing And Hofstadter on Thinking Machines. Descartes argues in the Discourse that machines cannot think. Several contemporary
philosophers would disagree with him. Explain Descartes�s
arguments and consider whether or not Turing and others addressed the issues
Descartes raised.
B)
FALSITY.
Philosophers� ambition is to find the truth. Falsity, nevertheless, seems to
have significant role in many philosophers� approach. Consider the role of
falsity in Descartes�s Discourse and Meditations
and in Mill�s On Liberty. You might
also take into consideration Plato�s Euthyphro.
C)
Literary Excursion.� You can select a novel (or other literary
work as drama, poem, etc) and present a philosophical analysis based on some of
the reading we discussed during the quarter (i.e. on Plato�s, Descartes�s, Dennett�s, Sanford�s, Turing�s, etc. work).
Explain how literary works can support or undermine philosophical theories.
IF
YOU SELECT OPTION C, YOU MUST DISCUSS YOUR SELECTION WITH ME ASAP (before
Thanksgiving).
DEADLINE:
Formal
requirements and evaluation are the same as before.
Please,
pay special attention to my Statement
on Plagiarism, available on my web-site.
[Home
| Philosophy Department | University Homepage]