Philosophy 101
Study questions:  Hume's Dialogues..., Parts VII-IX


1.  In Part VII, Philo develops an account of the origin of the universe that he offers as an
       alternative to Cleanthes' argument from design.  What is this account, and how does he
       defend it?  What is his purpose in developing this alternative?

2.  Take a minute to reflect on Cleanthes' argument from design and the objections that Philo
       has raised against it.  What do you take to be the most serious objection against the
       argument?  How might Cleanthes respond to this objection?  To what extent would
       his response be adequate?

3.  In Part IX, Demea chimes in with an alternative argument of his own--an argument a priori.
       How does this argument go? (What are the main premises?).  What objection does
       Cleanthes raise against this argument?