Phil 105 Quiz #1, Up: Jan. 15. Due: Friday, Jan. 22 by 4 pm.
NAME ___________________________________________

Start here. (1) Read this passage, from the Textbook, on p. 7:

(2) A brief summary: There are several related claims in the passage that you should make a serious attempt to understand. Reading the whole chapter (Chapter 1, pp. 6-9) will help you understand this passage, which was taken from that chapter. One central claim in this passage (among others) is that a rational belief is one for which you have good evidence, all told, after these pieces of evidence (sometimes called “the reasons” for the belief) have received some critical examination. You should also read the document “Rationality” in the Additional Material folder, which makes similar points.
(3) Once you have mastered Chapter 1 and the “Rationality” document, turn to the “Preface” of the textbook (pp. 3-5); read it carefully. The Preface makes two important claims (or two assertions) about the textbook. First, that the textbook IS a textbook. And, second, that the textbook is NOT a textbook. (Both are asserted by the textbook about the textbook.)
(4) Finally, the questions:
4a. Is the belief or assertion that the textbook IS a textbook rational? Remember, it is a rational belief only if there is good evidence for it. Can you find good evidence for it in the textbook itself (i.e., can you find evidence or reasons provided by the author of the textbook)? (Rely mostly on pp. 3-9; browse through the book for some other relevant clues.) What, exactly, is the content of the belief being defended?
4b. Is the belief or assertion that the textbook IS NOT a textbook rational? Remember, it is a rational belief only if there is good evidence for it. Can you find good evidence for it in the textbook itself (i.e., can you find evidence or reasons provided by the author of the textbook)? Rely mostly on pp. 3-9; browse through the book for some other relevant clues.) What, exactly, is the content of the belief being defended?
Label your answers “4a” and “4b” to correspond with the questions. Ten points each. The total numbers of words (counting both 4a and 4b) must not be greater than 350.