Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which epistemological source is flawed due to the possibility of illusions?
Which epistemological source is flawed due to the possibility of illusions?
The Allegory of the Cave suggests that growing up is an easy process.
The Allegory of the Cave suggests that growing up is an easy process.
False
What metaphor is used in the Guide for the Perplexed to illustrate access to truth?
What metaphor is used in the Guide for the Perplexed to illustrate access to truth?
light and dark
According to the teleological argument, the complexity of the universe implies a __________.
According to the teleological argument, the complexity of the universe implies a __________.
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Match each thinker to their main argument:
Match each thinker to their main argument:
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Which argument suggests that every finite thing must be caused by something else?
Which argument suggests that every finite thing must be caused by something else?
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Pascal's Wager argues that believing in God is illogical.
Pascal's Wager argues that believing in God is illogical.
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What does the term 'Mandela effect' refer to?
What does the term 'Mandela effect' refer to?
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According to Rambam, the first cause is __________.
According to Rambam, the first cause is __________.
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What is the main takeaway regarding faith and ethics?
What is the main takeaway regarding faith and ethics?
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What is the primary argument presented by Shalom Carmi regarding faith?
What is the primary argument presented by Shalom Carmi regarding faith?
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Cognitive faith is related to personal belief and emotions.
Cognitive faith is related to personal belief and emotions.
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According to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, what is essential to develop a serious relationship with Hashem?
According to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, what is essential to develop a serious relationship with Hashem?
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The three types of faith discussed by Rabbi Norman Lamm are cognitive, affective, and ________.
The three types of faith discussed by Rabbi Norman Lamm are cognitive, affective, and ________.
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What metaphor does Rabbi Lamm use to describe faith?
What metaphor does Rabbi Lamm use to describe faith?
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Frozen doubt refers to a state of actively engaging with questions about faith.
Frozen doubt refers to a state of actively engaging with questions about faith.
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What does Rambam suggest is necessary to develop a relationship with God?
What does Rambam suggest is necessary to develop a relationship with God?
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Match the authors with their main arguments:
Match the authors with their main arguments:
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What does ‘liquid doubt’ refer to?
What does ‘liquid doubt’ refer to?
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The term 'ani maamin' is associated with the ________ of faith.
The term 'ani maamin' is associated with the ________ of faith.
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Study Notes
FAITH AND REASON TEST 1 REVIEW
- Test Format: 23 multiple-choice questions, matching section (mashal and nimshal), and 3-4 short-answer questions (relating quotes to thinkers).
Epistemology
- Epistemology: The study of knowledge and how we know what we know.
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Epistemological Sources and Flaws:
- Perception: Can be illusory.
- Introspection: Subjective and influenced by factors like phantom pains or psychedelics.
- Memory: Subject to inaccuracies like the Mandela effect.
- Reason: Relies on premises; flawed premises lead to flawed conclusions.
- Testimony: Can be false (lying).
- Main Takeaway: Faith and ethics often transcend these categories, leaving us at a loss when trying to understand them.
Plato's "Allegory of the Cave"
- Argument: The transition from ignorance to enlightenment is challenging and painful.
- Key Concept: Growth and enlightenment are difficult processes.
- Context: The text discusses the transition from ignorance to enlightenment. The allegory presents a journey through the darkness to the light, illustrating difficulties.
Rambam's "Guide for the Perplexed"
- Argument: Truth can be metaphorically visualized using light and darkness.
- Key Concept: Five levels of truth, with the highest being Moshe.
- Key Concept: We are on the fourth level, seeing reflections not the actual truth. The lowest level is comprised of people unable to grasp intellectual reality.
Rabbi Bachya Ibn Pakuda's "Chovot Halevavot"
- Argument: The universe has a designer, the teleological argument.
- Key Concept: The universe's design points to a creator.
- Metaphors Used: Irrigation wheel and splattered ink are used to illustrate purposeful design, with the notion that there must be a designer.
Rambam's "Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah"
- Argument: God is the first cause, initiating the chain of causality.
- Key Concept: God is the uncaused cause.
Rational Proofs for God's Existence
- Teleological Argument: The universe's order and design point to a designer.
- Problem: The possibility of an infinite universe undermines the argument's certainty.
- Cosmological Argument: Everything has a cause. There must be an uncaused cause (God).
- Problem: The argument doesn't definitively prove infinity or God.
Howard Singer's "With Mind and Heart"
- Argument: Reason can't definitively prove or disprove God, but the teleological argument makes the belief reasonable.
Pascal's Wager
- Argument: Belief in God is the best bet.
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Problems:
- Betting doesn't equate to belief.
- Faith isn't a race or a wager.
- Multiple religions exist, with conflicting claims.
- Unclear rewards and punishments.
- Potential losses.
Shalom Carmi's "Letter to a Philosophical Dropout from Orthodoxy"
- Argument: Important decisions often originate from intuition not just reason or logic.
- Key concept: The heart's logic is intuitive knowledge that's not provable.
Cheryl Berman's "Reasonable Doubts"
- Argument: Faith is non-rational; reason shouldn't be applied to faith, just like a theorem shouldn't be applied to Gemara.
Rav's "And From There You Shall Seek"
- Argument: Understanding faith involves intuition; like a baby trusting his father's care without questions.
Rambam's "13 Principles of Faith"
- Point: Rambam outlines 13 principles in Jewish faith.
Rambam's "Knowing and Loving God"
- Argument: Understanding and loving God requires effort, encompassing Torah, science, and philosophy.
Rabbi Norman Lamm's "Faith as Marriage"
- Argument: Risk and uncertainty are inherent in faith, similar to a marriage commitment.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel's "God in Search of Man"
- Argument: God desires a relationship with humanity; faith is a reciprocal desire.
Rabbi Norman Lamm's "Faith and Doubt"
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Three Types of Faith:
- Cognitive: Intellectual belief.
- Affective: Emotional belief.
- Functional: Belief integrated into life.
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Doubt: In cognitive faith, doubt is positive; essential for functional or affective faith, it can lead to a stronger faith.
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Liquid Doubt: Thoughtful, often leading to stronger faith.
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Frozen Doubt: Lack of engagement or consideration of belief.
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Description
Prepare for your Faith and Reason Test with this comprehensive review focusing on epistemology and Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave.' This quiz includes multiple-choice questions, a matching section, and short-answer questions that link key thinkers to their quotes. Understand the sources of knowledge and the challenges of moving from ignorance to enlightenment.
