- 1. Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion is a philosophical work written by the Scottish philosopher David Hume, published posthumously in 1779, which explores the nature of religion, the existence of God, and the relationship between faith and reason through a series of dialogues among three characters: Cleanthes, Demea, and Philo. The dialogue format allows Hume to present a variety of perspectives on the arguments for God's existence, particularly the teleological argument that posits the order and complexity of the universe as evidence for a divine creator. Cleanthes advocates for the teleological argument, using the analogy of a watchmaker to suggest that just as a watch implies a watchmaker, the universe implies a divine designer. In contrast, Demea takes a more orthodox view, emphasizing the importance of faith and the limits of human reason, while Philo, the skeptic, challenges both positions, questioning the validity of inferring divine qualities from the world around us and emphasizing human ignorance of the divine. Through these dialogues, Hume examines the implications of empirical skepticism for religious belief, ultimately suggesting that our understanding of God and the universe is limited and that the rational basis for religious belief is deeply problematic. The work has profound implications for the philosophy of religion, encouraging readers to question the certainties of faith while recognizing the complexity of human belief systems.
What is the primary subject of the Dialogues?
A) The nature and existence of God
B) The nature of human emotions
C) The principles of empiricism
D) Political theory and governance
- 2. Which character defends the argument from design?
A) Pamphilus
B) Cleanthes
C) Demea
D) Philo
- 3. Which character is the most skeptical about our ability to know God's nature?
A) Philo
B) Pamphilus
C) Demea
D) Cleanthes
- 4. What is the 'problem of evil' primarily used to challenge?
A) The validity of the design argument
B) The existence of the soul
C) The benevolence and power of God
D) The logical necessity of a first cause
- 5. Which character is presented as a rigidly orthodox theologian?
A) Demea
B) Philo
C) Cleanthes
D) Pamphilus
- 6. What is the main criticism of comparing the universe to a human artifact?
A) It was first proposed by atheists
B) It is a mathematically unsound proposition
C) It is a heresy condemned by the church
D) It is an weak analogy based on limited experience
- 7. How does Demea's theological method primarily differ from Cleanthes's?
A) Demea relies on faith and revelation, Cleanthes on reason and experience
B) Demea uses empirical science, Cleanthes uses scripture
C) Demea is an atheist, Cleanthes is a theist
D) They have the same method but different conclusions
- 8. What does the constant and seemingly pointless conflict in nature suggest to Philo?
A) That nature is perfectly designed for all creatures
B) That conflict is an illusion
C) That the designer is still perfecting the universe
D) That nature may not be the product of a benevolent designer
- 9. What literary form does Hume adopt for this work?
A) Sermon
B) Essay
C) Treatise
D) Dialogue
- 10. Which ancient philosopher's style is Hume imitating in the Dialogues?
A) Cicero
B) Epicurus
C) Aristotle
D) Plato
- 11. Cleanthes compares the universe to what?
A) A book
B) A mathematical proof
C) A dream
D) A machine
- 12. Philo's criticisms primarily target which argument?
A) The moral argument
B) The argument from design
C) The ontological argument
D) The cosmological argument
- 13. What does Demea emphasize about God?
A) God's mortality
B) God's physical nature
C) God's similarity to humans
D) God's incomprehensibility
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