PHIL 2010: Introduction to Philosophy Through Film Study Questions

Instructions: Your final exam will be completed in 1 hour.

The exam will be comprised of four questions, selected at random, two from each question set. You will be asked to write two answers, one from each question set. Strategically , this means you must prepare 3 answers from Question Set 1, and two answers from Question Set 2.

(1) Bring a large, unmarked blue book in which to take the exam.

(2) Successful answers will address the question by making arguments and engaging class texts and films.

Question Set 1:

1. Nagel argues for the existence of "Moral Luck." In class, I suggested that events of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance might have involved moral luck. Explain why you think this is true or not true.

2. Carefully consider the movie Hero, and explain whether or not you think the emperor in the movie is justified by the consequences of his actions. Compare your view with Rawls and/or Nozick.

3. In Brigham City, the sheriff undertakes extreme measures in pursuit of a serial killer. Argue whether or not he is justified by reference to the views of Rawls, Nozick, and/or Taylor.

4. Explain what the meaning or moral of Groundhog Day is, and justify your explanation.

Question Set 2:

5. Under what, if any, circumstances would it be appropriate to have memories removed by a procedure like that in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? Relate your answer to Grau's discussion.

6. Apply Carroll's account of art horror to Alien. Does it fit perfectly? Are there elements of Carroll's account that do not fit well with Alien? Discuss.

7. Is the kind of eternal survival that the characters in After Life have worth having? Are some of the characters correct to resist choosing?