1. Select one of Cliffordâ€™s examples (either the ship ownerâ€™s case or the agitating society â€“ not both) and explain how Clifford uses it to illustrate the principles of his ethics of belief. Your discussion should include some commentary on Cliffordâ€™s central claim that â€œbelief is not a private matter.â€

2. Based on our reading, explain Jamesâ€™s notion of â€œprecursive faith.â€ What does he mean by that expression, and how does this help us clarify where exactly he parts ways with Clifford? To properly answer this question, you should make some reference to Jamesâ€™s train robbery example.

3. In our reading, what is meant by â€œmicrocosmâ€ and â€œmacrocosmâ€? What is the relation between these two? And why is this relation important for Schopenhauerâ€™s metaphysics of the will?

4. At the end of his account, does Schopenhauer recommend suicide? Is Schopenhauerâ€™s take on suicide consistent with his previous commentary on human existence? What does Julian Young have to say about this issue?

5. Please follow these steps:

1) Go online and watch the short clip â€œBill Oâ€™Reilly SCARED by Richard Dawkinsâ€ on You Tube, at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FARDDcdFaQ&feature=related

2) Write a commentary on that clip, in which you answer one of the following questions:

a) How would W.K. Clifford situate himself in this discussion? Would he side with Oâ€™Reilly or with Dawkins? If neither, how would Cliffordâ€™s stance relate to the views expressed by these two debaters?

b) How would William James situate himself in this discussion? Would he side with Oâ€™Reilly or with Dawkins? If neither, how would Jamesâ€™s stance relate to the views expressed by these two debaters?

Further Instruction:

Regardless whether you choose question a) or b), your answer should address both of the following points:

â€¢ Oâ€™Reillyâ€™s claim that Jesus is â€œhis truth.â€
â€¢ Dawkinsâ€™ claim that religion is a â€œbane to civilization.â€

1. Select one of Cliffordâ€™s examples (either the ship ownerâ€™s c...