The Allegory Cave Discussion:

In Plato’s “ Allegory of the Cave” the truth is held to be valuable both instrumentally and intrinsically. We have power and choices when we know the truth that we don’t have when we don’t know the truth. And knowing the truth, even an ugly one, is still better than being victim to a beautiful lie, even when there is no instrumental value to be had in knowing the truth. Do you agree? Is it always better to know the truth, even when it is ugly and disturbing?

A few specific examples may serve to underscore the importance of the question and to demonstrate what is at stake. You need not answer all these questions, but you may find that responding to one of them will help you answer the overarching question of whether it is always better to know the truth:

• If your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife was cheating on you, would you want to know? Why or why not?
• If your government or religious administration was corrupt would you want to know? Why or why not?
• If your friends really thought poorly of you would you want to know? Why or why not?
• If God does not exist, would you want to know? Why or why not?

(Please note: students must first create a thread in order to view other threads in this forum. Only after your post will you be able to post your comment to another student’s thread.)

Philosophy of Religion Discussion:

In this Discussion Board, students will demonstrate their understanding of the various arguments that seek to prove God’s existence, and then argue on behalf of a specific position regarding whether or not you think there is sufficient evidence to prove God’s existence.

Note: No argument that we look at in this learning module is perfect. There are criticisms of all of the arguments that seek to prove God’s existence, and the problem of evil – which is often used as an argument that seeks to prove that God does not exist – has several good explanations as to how God and evil could coexist. Thus, the assignment asks whether or not there is sufficient (not certain, but “enough”) evidence to prove God’s existence.

As always, be sure to back up your position with good, substantive reasoning.

(Please note: students must first create a thread in order to view other threads in this forum. Only after your post will you be able to post your comment to another student’s thread.)