Describe an experience in which adversity or hardship has taught you an important lesson or helped you become a stronger or wiser or more compassionate person.

Final Exam: Due April 8, 2022 *1,500-2500 words (typed)

Philosophy of Religions and Social/Political Philosophy
(Ch 7 and 10 from Chaffee’s The Philosopher’s Way)

Answer the following five essay questions, based on your reading and Notes on Chapters 7 and 10. Use your own words. Each of the five answers should be at least 1 page long, typed (300-500 words). Submit your answers in one document You must use your own ideas, notes and the material from Chapters 7 and 10 in answering these questions. *I will send the book in pdf format*

1. (Chapter 7, section 5, pp 369-377) According to philosopher and theologian John Hick, the sorrows, tragedies and disappointments of this world are necessary ingredients in “soul-making.” Do you agree with this way of thinking? Why or why not? How have the tragedies or disappointments in your own life influenced you? Describe an experience in which adversity or hardship has taught you an important lesson or helped you become a stronger or wiser or more compassionate person. Do your own religious or spiritual views reflect what you have learned? Do they help you in difficult times?

2. Write a short 1 page essay that answers each of these questions: What is your general definition of religion? (should work for all religions not just your own) What do you think is the purpose of religion? What are your religious beliefs (or if you prefer, identify your religion and denomination — Buddhist/Zen, for instance, or Christian/Methodist)? How do you view other religions (for instance, if Muslim how do you view, say, Native American religions or if Christian how do you view, say, Buddhism or Doaism)? What is the relationship of your religion or spiritual beliefs to your daily life?

3. Philosopher John Stuart Mill (Chapter 10 section 5, pp 570-578) in his influential essay “On Liberty” argues that the core principle of a just society is social utility, meaning — the promotion of the public welfare of the greatest number of citizens and that this goal is best achieved by maximizing the individual liberty of each member of society. “Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign.” (page 573) “That the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.” (page 573) How might this principle, known as the Harm Principle, guide policy or law ( say in identifying what is a crime or in determining how best to handle a pandemic )?

4. How would you define (choose one): a. the idea of ‘the common good’ or b. the idea of ‘egalitarianism’? How important do you think that idea is in the laws and policies that govern a free and just society? what do you think is the best way for a society or nation to promote respect for differences in viewpoints, life experiences, and personal choices? Give a concrete example to illustrate you answer.

5. What do you think with clarification and explanation existentialist philosopher Soren Kierkegaard might mean by this remark: “But to really exist… that is truly difficult.”

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