Philosophy 353

1. Philosophers are not generally in the business of collecting empirical evidence or in the designing of particular experiments for the production of such evidence. Nor are philosophers generally in the business of producing works of art or literature unconstrained by empirical fact. But if the primary concern of philosophy is neither the collection and generation of empirical evidence nor the production of art broadly construed--what is the object of philosophy?

2. In no more than three pages, describe and defend your view on the question--What is the object of philosophy? Try, as much as possible, to provide an answer that is distinctive to philosophy, i.e. one that would distinguish philosophy from say history, mathematics, or anthropology, etc.

Extra directions: Complete this homework on separate paper. Remember to pledge your work!

Due: Monday, April 15th, at the beginning of class.

Value: 30 points