Part I. Fallibilism. Describe a fictional situation in which it would be reasonable for a person to believe the following claims are true, whether they are are or not. Include events in the person’s life, information the person possesses, and any evidence that the person might have that supports the belief. The best answers will be thorough. In general, we think a person is more justified in believing a proposition when they have more evidence for it, and their belief is corroborated by different sources. Assignments should be typed and double-spaced.
Example: A. Fever is caused by demon possession.
Jane, who lives in 14th century France, has seen many people with a great fever. The priests in her village say that the fevers are always caused by demon possession. Sometimes the priests perform sacred rituals on the people with fevers and they get better. Jane’s parents and family all believe, and have told her, that demons cause fevers. And they can be trusted to tell the truth. It makes sense, she reasons, that being possessed by a demon causes great harm and discomfort to a person’s body; demons are very malicious.
Example: B. Paris is the capitol of France.
Susan believes that Paris is the capitol of France because her 4th grade textbook said it is. Her teachers in elementary school reiterated the claim. Her uncle once went to Paris, and he claimed it was the capital; he told her about visiting the capitol building there.
Do all of these:
1. Bad things happen to people who walk under ladders.
2. It takes approximately 12 earth years for the planet Jupiter to make a complete orbit around the sun.
3. Penicilin cures infections.
4. MTV hosts the Video Music Awards every year.
5. Witches are capable of casting spells and curses.
Part II. Give the best reasons you can think of for disbelieving these claims. A good answer will:
? be thorough
? be detailed
? directly address the claim and why it is false.
? give counter evidence from reliable sources.
? give counter evidence from a variety of sources.
6. Al Gore is the president of the United States.
7. The earth is flat.
8. Smoking is non-addictive and safe.
9. 12 + 13 =26.
10. Positive thinking can help you win the Lottery.
Part III. Problems 11-13: Give three examples of statements that you believe it is reasonable to suspend judgment about. Make sure these are complete sentences.
