English/bibliography and titling information.

English/bibliography and titling information.

bibliography and titling information.

Option One: The Connection Between Ethics and Politics

Compare and contrast Aristotle and Plato/Socrates on the relationship between ethics and politics. Which of the two do you find more persuasive and why? In your answer, be sure to include discussions of the city/polis, virtue, and happiness.

Option Two: The Person of Socrates

Much of Western philosophy takes Socrates has the emblematic paragon of what it means to be a “good” philosopher. Based on the texts that we have read, do you think Socrates is deserving of his place in the Western canon? Why or why not?

Option Three: Hobbes or Locke?

Hobbes and Locke both offer very different conceptions of the “state of nature,” a hypothetical setting for their developments of the ordering of society. Which of the two explanations do you find more compelling, and, based on your answer, what would the implications be for an overall hostile (Hobbesian) world, or a (Lockean) world that is characterized by abundance?

A few things to think about:

• I welcome any and all positions, provided they are supported with relevant details, premises, arguments, etc. I will say again, however, that merely having an opinion does not make said opinion good—or even justifiable. As such, your paper would need to advance reasons you hold this position, and show why you are making the argument
• Please do not try to write a paper to impress me, or one that you think I will like to hear/agree with. I care more that you have each struggled with these issues than just heard these things that I’ve said and regurgitated them.
• Textual evidence (utilized in the form of quotes) must be used to support your position. I will not accept papers that fail to use textual evidence.
• If at all possible, please try to avoid giving personal examples when writing argumentative papers. I do not mean to suggest your relationship with whomever or your experiences are trivial, but only that these things will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to help convey your position and make your argument.
• In academic writing it is generally advisable to write from a position of near-certainty regarding one’s own position. This is not to say you should write “I’m right, dammit!” but that you should avoid language that implies hesitancy on your part. In other words write, “I assert…” “It is my position…”; NOT “I hope in/feel/believe.” The latter implies you aren’t sure what you’re arguing, or that your position is too wishy-washy.
• Please refrain from using valorized language or to assume, carte blanche, the person about whom you’re writing is male. If you know their gender, then please use it if you prefer. The general trend is to use the feminine form for examples about the metaphysical “subject.” You may, if you think it appropriate, use the singular “they” but be aware that some professors consider this to be stylistically awkward. Gender-neutral pronouns, such as “ze” and “zir” are also appropriate, but using them can be a little difficult at first because we’re not really taught about gender neutrality in English.
• Finally, because this is a formal assignment, please use formal language throughout the course of your paper. Try to avoid the use of contractions and Internet lingo.