1. The Problem of Evil: Explain how the two following beliefs may be in conflict with each other and how this conflict reflects the problem of evil. Then provide an argument for how you would solve the problem. A. God is all-powerful. B. God is all-good/benevolent. 2. Moral Objectivism: For the following quote, explain how a Subjectivist, a relativist, a nihilist, a skeptic, and an objectivist about morality would each evaluate it. Then provide an argument as to which explanation you think is right. Were right and theyre wrong. Its as simple as that... moral relativism does not have a place in this discussion and debate. --New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani, Address to the United Nations Assembly in response to the terrorist attacks in the US on 9/11/2001. Part III: Socrates & Sophocles 1. Socrates argues that the unexamined life is not worth living. Explain what Socrates means by this, drawing from specific evidence in Platos Apology. Then explain whether Oedipus (or the Chorus) in Oedipus Tyrranos would agree, using specific quotes or citations from Sophocles play. 2. Platos student, Aristotle, often refers to the Oedipus in identifying the features of a good tragedy. He identifies the following three things as features of an ideal tragedy: The finest tragedy should (a) represent terrifying and pitiable events... and (b) bring about these feelings of pity and fear in the audience. It should also have (c) a plot that involves a change from good fortune to misfortune, not because of wickedness but because of a great error by the main character, e.g. Oedipus. (Poetics 13) Using specific quotes or citations from the Oedipus, explain how the play exemplifies these features. Provide an argument about whether and why you think Oedipus really commits a great error or tragic flaw. Explain how Sophocles Oedipus Tyrranos addresses both the problem of evil and the problem of free will, citing specific passages as evidence.

1. The Problem of Evil: Explain how the two following beliefs may be in conflict with each other and how this conflict reflects the problem of evil. Then provide an argument for how you would solve the problem.

A. God is all-powerful.
B. God is all-good/benevolent.












2. Moral Objectivism: For the following quote, explain how a Subjectivist, a relativist, a nihilist, a skeptic, and an objectivist about morality would each evaluate it. Then provide an argument as to which explanation you think is right.

Were right and theyre wrong. Its as simple as that... moral relativism does not have a place in this discussion and debate.

--New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani, Address to the United Nations Assembly in response to the terrorist attacks in the US on 9/11/2001.







Part III: Socrates & Sophocles


1. Socrates argues that the unexamined life is not worth living. Explain what Socrates means by this, drawing from specific evidence in Platos Apology. Then explain whether Oedipus (or the Chorus) in Oedipus Tyrranos would agree, using specific quotes or citations from Sophocles play.











2. Platos student, Aristotle, often refers to the Oedipus in identifying the features of a good tragedy. He identifies the following three things as features of an ideal tragedy:

The finest tragedy should (a) represent terrifying and pitiable events... and (b) bring about these feelings of pity and fear in the audience. It should also have (c) a plot that involves a change from good fortune to misfortune, not because of wickedness but because of a great error by the main character, e.g. Oedipus. (Poetics 13)

Using specific quotes or citations from the Oedipus, explain how the play exemplifies these features. Provide an argument about whether and why you think Oedipus really commits a great error or tragic flaw.





Explain how Sophocles Oedipus Tyrranos addresses both the problem of evil and the problem of free will, citing specific passages as evidence.