Philosophy

Answer two questions. Each question is worth 50 points. You should write no more than a two
pages for each question.
1. Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a movement dedicated to a number of social justice issues.
In what ways does the movement reflect Mills’ understanding of the necessity and
importance of Black Philosophy. So be sure to:
a. Explain Mills’ criticism of western philosophy
b. Explain the ways the notion of black lives matter, is continuous with or reflects
some of the issues in black philosophy
2. We have talked about the meaning of life and the kinds of challenges that we face in
trying to live meaningful lives.
a. Explain why it appears that life has no meaning and explain the skeptical position
to the general view that life is meaningful
b. Explain a view or two that seeks to rebut the claim that life is meaningless
c. Which answer is the most plausible response the argument that seeks to show that
life isn’t meaningful
3. Nagel argues, following the stoic view on death, that death isn’t to be feared and that it
likely irrational to be worried about death. I argued that Nagel’s view is mistaken.
a. Explain Nagel’s position
b. Explain why he might be wrong – that is explain any of the considerations from
lecture or the readings or the TED talk that give us reason to be worried about
death and that suggest that fear of death might be rational
4. John Rawls offers a theory of justice that, he claims, lies within the social contract
tradition. And it seeks to offer a theory of justice that locates justice in institutional
design rather than in character (for instance, as Plato does in the Republic).
a. Explain the reasoning that Rawls provides to support his contention that the two
principles of justice are the correct principles to organize institutions.
b. Critically consider Rawls’ principles. What worries do they generate and is there
a way for Rawls to respond to them? (note: you should explain no more than two
objections)