PHI-103 Study Guide – Exam 1: Topics 1-2
This Study Guide provides a general list of topics for you to review and study in preparation for Exam 1.
Please note that (1) not every topic given below necessarily appears on your particular version of the
exam; (2) some topics, ideas, and terms below may vary somewhat from those utilized on the exam; (3)
topics may originate from instructor-provided Class Notes, Topic Overviews, course textbook chapters,
and if designated, additional materials or resources (e.g., assigned articles, videos, or other media); and
(4) you are expected to begin and expand your study of topics using this Guide rather than assuming
sufficient understanding simply by reviewing this Guide (it’s not an answer key). Using the list of topics
below, review first the Class Notes, then Topic Overviews, then textbook chapters and supplemental
materials.
Be sure to utilize the Guide for its intended purpose—to help you focus on the noted subject-matter
areas for study and reflection. Using 3 x 5 cards, Quizlet, and self-quizzing, and working with a “study
buddy” are some best practices for doing well on the test.
* = Mainly or solely based on classroom presentations and instructor-provided Class Notes
List of topics to study/know for Exam 1: Topics 1-2
1. Philosopher famous for the statement on “The Unexamined Life”
2. Definitions or explanations of “what is philosophy?”
3. The elements/parts of a philosophical argument
4. Making normative judgments in philosophy
5. Advantages of appealing to reason on important issues
6. *Four major sub-disciplines of philosophy and their basic descriptions
7. *The three primary laws of logic/thought, claims, and examples of each law
8. *Five types of valid arguments and two types of invalid arguments, their
symbolic forms, and examples of each
9. Requirements for “sound” or “good” deductive arguments
10. Distinctives of deductive arguments and distinctives of inductive arguments
11. *Steps and Criteria involved for Inference to the Best Explanation reasoning
12. *J. Warner Wallace’s use of Inference to the Best Explanation about God’s
existence, including four major categories and two sub-categories under each
13. *Ten types of informal fallacies discussed in class, including explanations
and examples
14. *Two major views concerning the relationship of God and logic, including
arguments supporting/opposing each perspective
15. *Jesus and Logic, including assumptions underlying responses to whether
Jesus is the smartest person who ever lived
Page 1 of 2
This Study Guide provides a general list of topics for you to review and study in preparation for Exam 1.
Please note that (1) not every topic given below necessarily appears on your particular version of the
exam; (2) some topics, ideas, and terms below may vary somewhat from those utilized on the exam; (3)
topics may originate from instructor-provided Class Notes, Topic Overviews, course textbook chapters,
and if designated, additional materials or resources (e.g., assigned articles, videos, or other media); and
(4) you are expected to begin and expand your study of topics using this Guide rather than assuming
sufficient understanding simply by reviewing this Guide (it’s not an answer key). Using the list of topics
below, review first the Class Notes, then Topic Overviews, then textbook chapters and supplemental
materials.
Be sure to utilize the Guide for its intended purpose—to help you focus on the noted subject-matter
areas for study and reflection. Using 3 x 5 cards, Quizlet, and self-quizzing, and working with a “study
buddy” are some best practices for doing well on the test.
* = Mainly or solely based on classroom presentations and instructor-provided Class Notes
List of topics to study/know for Exam 1: Topics 1-2
1. Philosopher famous for the statement on “The Unexamined Life”
2. Definitions or explanations of “what is philosophy?”
3. The elements/parts of a philosophical argument
4. Making normative judgments in philosophy
5. Advantages of appealing to reason on important issues
6. *Four major sub-disciplines of philosophy and their basic descriptions
7. *The three primary laws of logic/thought, claims, and examples of each law
8. *Five types of valid arguments and two types of invalid arguments, their
symbolic forms, and examples of each
9. Requirements for “sound” or “good” deductive arguments
10. Distinctives of deductive arguments and distinctives of inductive arguments
11. *Steps and Criteria involved for Inference to the Best Explanation reasoning
12. *J. Warner Wallace’s use of Inference to the Best Explanation about God’s
existence, including four major categories and two sub-categories under each
13. *Ten types of informal fallacies discussed in class, including explanations
and examples
14. *Two major views concerning the relationship of God and logic, including
arguments supporting/opposing each perspective
15. *Jesus and Logic, including assumptions underlying responses to whether
Jesus is the smartest person who ever lived
Page 1 of 2
