Select five quotes from an assigned course reading(s) with the aim of addressing the chosen topic (see list below) and write a 5-page paper
Topic
• 1.) “Reason over authority in how we live our lives.” Plato’s Euthyphro Explain the dialogue that takes place between Socrates and Euthyphro. Why are they at the courthouse? Detail the direction of their discussion and any other important points about the reading that were highlighted in class. What is the Socratic Turn and why did Socrates and the ancient Greeks decide that reason should be the bar/standard by which we should adopt a belief and not authority? You may also reference course notes or Power Points to assist you in addressing this topic.
Reference the attachment” Plato’s Euthyphro” for quotes for the above topic
• 2.) “The good life as Aristotle sees it.” Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics What are the different approaches to the good life that Aristotle covers?
Do you think he has got it right? Why or why not? What is the place of money and pleasure?
What is the role of self-improvement in the theory? explain this in reference to Aristotle’s understanding of what a virtue is.
In the end, give some critical analysis and write on what you think is right or wrong (if anything) about Aristotle’s position. You may also reference course notes or Power Points to assist you in addressing this topic.
Reference the attachment “Aristotle’s ethics” for quotes for the above topic
General Essay Structure
In the first paragraph, give an introduction and let the reader know what it is that you will be doing in the essay. Basically, state the topic you have selected and then write something like: “In this essay I will be selecting five quotes from Russell’s The Value of Philosophy with the aim of explaining what philosophy is.”
In the body of the essay, go through and cite a quote and then state what the quote means to the author and more importantly, how it helps explains the topic you have selected. Select short and prominent quotes rather than obscure ones that require a lot of context/explanation. For example, Socrates in Crito says, “You know it has always been true that I paid no heed to any consideration I was aware of except that argument which, on reflection, seemed best to me.”(2). In this quote, Socrates is emphasizing the place of reason/argument over that of emotional appeal; this is one of the most important features of philosophy.
Spend the last paragraph or two of the essay concluding how the quotes you referred to address your topic
