Backup Quiz, Sep 10

1. (T/F) Extreme sceptics (skeptics) like Pyrrho thought it best to avoid holding firm opinions on anything. LH 15

2. The point of moderate skepticism (unlike Pyrrho's extreme version) is to get closer to what? LH 20

3. (T/F) Epicurus said it's reasonable to fear death. LH 23, P 34

4. (T/F) "Epicurean" originally meant someone who indulges in luxury and sensual pleasure. LH 24

5. What will wise persons always base their belief on, in the view of (among others) David Hume? P 27

6. Did Epicurus say belief in God should be treated like a gambling proposition? P29

BONUS:

7. Who said “I would prefer an intelligent hell to a stupid paradise" and “All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone" and "The eternal silence of these infinite spaces frightens me.” - ???

DQs:

1. Do you find it comforting or troubling to identify with strong opinions?

2. "Don't believe everything you think." Good advice? What should you believe? How should you decide what to believe?

3. Do you fear death, or dying, or oblivion? Why or why not? OR, Do you agree that death is not an event to be experienced in life?

4. Do you have any expensive tastes? If so, how do you satisfy them? If not, is that because your time is worth more to you than anything else?

5. Do you agree with David Hume that a rational person should believe a miracle has occurred only if its non-occurrence would be a greater miracle? When do YOU think it's rational to believe in miracles? Was it a miracle when the U.S. beat the U.S.S.R. in hockey at the '80 Olympics?

6. Can you make yourself believe something just because you've decided it's a safer bet? Should you? Can you think of examples when it's better to convince yourself of something you don't believe?