Papers should be typed (or printed from a wordprocessor) double-spaced with adequate (but not excessive) margins for written comments. Please read my general discussion on Writing Philosophy Papers.
Generally speaking, papers for this course should consider and discuss one or more texts that have been read and discussed in class. While you may wish to use other texts to enhance your understanding, you are not obligated to do so; however, you must give references to any texts that you do use, including any sources, commentaries, etc. found on the InterNet. (See Standards for Research Papers.)
Your paper should follow a general outline which provides the reader with a clear sense of the topic or question you want to consider. It should also demonstrate (1) a clear understanding of the relevant portions of the texts being discussed and (2) a reflection upon this material from your own point of view and including your own reasoned arguments.
PLEASE NOTE: The first three papers are all approximately 3-4 pages and should deal with a well limited topic that you can thoroughly explore or argue within that length. The final paper is somewhat longer and more comprehensive.
Grading --- Ordinarily, I do not penalize students for failing to hand a paper in on the precise due date assigned. If you have a problem with time commitments, etc., please simply finish your paper as quickly as you can and get it to me. Excessive lateness of a paper may result in a grade penalty.
(Write on one of the topics suggested below or have me approve a topic of your own)
(A) The Classic Age of Athens began around 480 BC after Athens successfully led the Greeks in expelling the Persians by sea. Throughout the next fifty years, Athens grew large and powerful, far outstripping its traditional roots as a typical Greek city state, or polis. Clearly discuss the kinds of problems involved in this transition as they are reflected in works we have read. [For this topic, you will probably need to use some historical source(s) beyond those assigned.]
(B) Sophocles wrote the Theban plays in the second half of the Fifth Century BC, using traditional stories about events centuries earlier. In this way, he could balance contemporary issues with traditional mores. This was especially appropriate since the plays were performed in the Festival of Dionysus, itself a traditional celebration of the natural world order. Using this context, discuss either of the tragedies or common threads in both, with the aim of understanding Sophocles' point(s).
(C) Consider one or more of the Heraclitus fragments in some depth.
(D) Consider the concepts of reality, knowledge, and truth as poetically discussed in the Parmenides fragments.
Paper #2 Socrates and Plato
This is due on March 15th.
(Write on one of the topics suggested or have me approve a topic of your own)
(A) Compare, contrast, or interpret the concept of "love" as developed in Plato's dialogues Lysis, Phaedrus, and Symposium.
(B) Compare, contrast, or interpret the philosophical techniques of Socrates and Plato.
(C) Consider any one of the themes in the dialogues read thus far and attempt to resolve the issue(s) involved. E.g., what is the essence of friendship? How can we define piety?
(D) Was there any truth to charges brought against Socrates? Explain thoroughly.
(E) Was Socrates really obligated to remain in prison and await execution?
(F) Give a critical discussion of Plato's theory of Ideas (like 'beauty') and, consequently, his doctrine of recollection.
Paper #3 Plato's Republic and the Ethics of Aristotle
This is due on April 26th.
(Write on one of the topics suggested or have me approve a topic of your own.)
(A) Since both Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Ethics consider education and, in particular, virtue, write an essay that compares and contrasts the two works. (Since this is a short paper, you will have to select a limited aspect of the works.)
(B) Critique the analogy between the virtues of an individual and of a state that Plato uses in his argument.
(C) Do you agree with Plato that reason (wisdom) is the best foundation for statecraft as well as for leading a moral (just) life?
(D) Describe and discuss Aristotle's theory of human happiness.
(E) Presuming that, as a young person, one has habituated good behavior, how is an older person instructed to master good behavior as a virtue and, hence, secure practical wisdom as a matter of character?
(F) Critique one or more of the virtues, as Aristotle describes them, in the context of another philosopher or your own experience.
Paper #4 Final Paper
This paper is 6-8 pages in length and should attempt to deal with a larger topic, preferably a topic that sums up some issues from the course as a
whole (that is taken over the three main philosophers studied).
Remember that ALL senior papers are due no later than Friday, May 10th.
Paper #4 for all other students is due no later than Thursday, May 16th, 5:00 PM.
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Updated on January 16, 2002.