1- Referencing the readings from this week, tell us if you find skepticism persuasive? How do you know if you
are a brain in a vat or not?
2- Hilary Putnam’s thought experiment about the brain-in-the-vat should sound familiar, as its early
philosophical influences also influenced the movie the Matrix. Pretend you are at a dinner party with a friend
who has not studied philosophy. Share with them the argument of Putnam's article and how it might have
influenced movies like the Matrix. Be sure to include a summary (in your own words) of what Putnam’s article is
about. (150 words)
3-In this part I want you to practice thinking about the strongest arguments against your beliefs. Although this
kind of thinking is challenging, it helps you to develop even stronger beliefs, as you have considered even the
strongest counterarguments. Instead of defending an argument from a friend playing devil's advocate, this time
you play devil's advocate against an argument that you support.
Are you persuaded that there is an external world? If so, then give me your best argument that you are a brainin-a-vat? If you do not think there is an external world, then what do you think would convince you that there is?
Sample Solution