Philosophy Midterm Paper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Answer one of the following questions as thoroughly as possible using the guidelines
provided below. Points will be deducted from essays that are not properly developed.
This essay is worth 40% of your final grade.
Exams that are not received the due date will not be graded.
Plagiarized papers are NOT ALLOWED.
FORMAT: The essay should be 6 to 7 full pages in length, using proper essay format
(typed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced with one-inch margins all
around, with MLA parentetic citations and bibliography). Number every page. Cite all
quoted and paraphrased information used to answer any portion of each question. An
essay with missing/incomplete citations or bibliography will automatically receive a
grade of zero. Please answer all parts of the question for credit.
STRUCTURE: For the question, be sure to touch upon a major philosophical concept or
definition within the assigned readings. Include a brief historical or comparative
perspective using academic resources other than the primary text; draw comparisons
between different philosophical trains of thought and the one presented in the primary
text. When explaining your position, be as thorough as possible. Have a clear, focused
thesis or main point and to use authoritative secondary sources to defend it. Do not
summarize the text.
QUESTION:
What is the difference between Ethical Egoism and Ethical Altruism? Using the information
discussed in class, the primary text, and authoritative supporting documents, please explain the
following: (A) What is the difference between Ethical Egoism and Ethical Altruism? (B) Is a
Utilitarian necessarily either ethical or unethical? (C) Using Aristotle’s “Five Aspects of the
Human Being,” explain how each can achieve Eudaimonia by following their distinctive paths.
Begin by defining all main terms. Use examples from Plato, Aristotle, and related philosophical
sources to formulate your response.
