PHIL-1301-042

Intro to Philosophy Essay Assignment

Fall 2012

Class Essay -- Essay Due Date: November 15, 2012

Written Assignment:

A "rough draft" of the essay can be submitted, if you like. A rough draft is optional, not mandatory. The rough draft should be submitted by November 8, at the latest, to ensure the return of timely feedback.

Select one of the 6 following essay questions listed below. Write an essay that answers your chosen essay topic. The length of the essay should be in the 600 - 900 word range.

This essay assignment should be considered as both an exercise in philosophical argumentation as well as an exercise in clear writing style. Important Note: While reading supplementary articles is acceptable for learning more about the subject matter, the essay must be written "in your own words" to receive credit.

(1) Epicurus advocates a philosophy of life centered around "moderate hedonism". Epictetus advocates a philosophy of life centered around acceptance of fate with strength of character. What is your philosophy of life -- and how would you rationally defend your philosophy?

(2) Explore the metaphysics of Plato and/or Plotinus. Describe and analyze. Does the metaphysical foundation of Plato's (or Plotinus') worldview make sense? Is it accurate? What does it help explain? What are the strengths and weaknesses? (If you would like to approach this essay option from the standpoint of Aristotle's criticisms, that is certainly acceptable.)

(3) St Thomas Aquinas lists two objections that provide an obstacle to a rationally-based understanding of God's existence. One of them is the problem of evil. How can evil exist in a world created by an omnipotent, omniscient, and omni benevolent God? For this essay topic, explore the dilemma and examine whether there is a solution to the problem.

(4) Rene Descartes employs a phenomenological approach to analyzing human "Knowledge", as we can see in his Meditations On First Philosophy. Using a similar narrative style as Descartes, explore the topic of human knowledge from your vantage point. What can we know? How do we obtain knowledge? Does knowledge imply certainty? Can we ever be certain of anything?

(5) Present an expository research essay on a "non-western" philosopher; i.e., a philosopher outside of the western tradition that is the main focus of the assigned reading this semester. The selected philosopher should be one of prominence, and should be selected from one of the many rich philosophical traditions from all over the world (Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Native American, Latin American, etc.)

(6) Present an expository research essay on one of the "western" philosophers that we are not studying this semester; e.g., George Berkeley, G.W.F. Hegel, Soren Kierkegaard, Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Jacques Derrida, etc.

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This page was last updated 09/04/2012 12:15:00 by Andrew Christie.