Basic assignment: Write a 4-6 page (typed, double-spaced) paper explaining and supporting your position on some issue raised by one of the texts we have read since the last paper was due.
Some guidelines:
Your paper should contain your thoughts and opinions, not just Plato’s or Aristotle’s or someone else’s. Tell me what you think, not just what other people have said.
At the same time, I do want you to address the texts we are studying: your topic should be reasonably related to something some ancient philosopher said, and your paper should take some care to show that you have understood what that writer said. Give references to the text to support your interpretation of their view(s).
Be sure that the question or issue your paper is addressing is clear and well focused.
Be sure that you have provided a clear statement of your position on that issue (or your answer to that question).
In addition to explaining what you think, your paper should contain reasons why you take the position you do. Your main job is to explain why a reasonable person should agree with the opinion or position you are expressing.
Whatever your position is, there will be other points of view on the issue or topic you are discussing. (This is philosophy!) So, include in your paper at least one (more would be better) objection to your view and a reply to that objection. How might someone who disagreed with you criticize your argument? And how can you respond to that criticism?
You are not required (or encouraged) to consult any other sources besides those already assigned for class reading. If you do use any other sources, give them credit for whatever you take from them: list them in a bibliography at the end of your paper and give specific references for any ideas you have borrowed. (Use the standard numbering system for your references to Plato’s and Aristotle’s texts.)
Some possible topics:
What, according to Aristotle, is ‘the function’ of a human being? How does he use this idea to define happiness for a human being (and, thus, ‘the human good’)? What do you think of his definition?
Are some virtues non-relative, i.e., necessary to any person who wants to lead a good life, regardless of cultural differences? Or are virtues always relative to one’s time and place? Consider some of the virtues on Aristotle’s list. How might Aristotle defend the claim that the virtues are the same in every time and place? How does this fit with his discussion of the differences in the virtues of men and women and masters and slaves?
Discuss Aristotle’s ‘doctrine of the mean’? Is it true? Useful? [A good discussion will include a clear and concise account of what Aristotle means when he says that virtue lies in a mean and that the mean is ‘relative to us’?]
Whether Aristotle is right to say that virtue and vice are ‘up to us’.
Discuss Aristotle’s account of friendship (or some part thereof). Some possible points to consider: Whether Aristotle is right to identify three types of friendship and to claim that one of these is best. Whether he is right to say that only virtuous people can be true friends. Whether he is right to say that friendships should be broken off under certain circumstances.
Discuss Aristotle’s account of justice (or some part thereof).
The Declaration of Independence says that it is self-evident that “all men are created equal.” Aristotle says, “…from the hour of their birth, some are marked out for subjection, others for rule.” Discuss.