Assignment

Choosing a Philosophical Question

     The Final Project gives you a chance to write about one of our discussion questions in greater depth and detail than in the forums. In Stage 1, due in Week 4, you are asked to pick a question and submit a brief topic proposal. In Stage 2, due in Week 6, you are asked to submit an outline of your final essay that lists and analyzes arguments on both sides of your question. In Stage 3, due in Week 8, you are asked to compose and submit an essay that uses philosophic techniques to argue for a specific answer to your question. 

    Begin Stage 1 by selecting a question from the list below; you may pick one you have already worked on in the forums, or you may instead decide to work on a fresh one; either way is fine. Your proposal should state clearly which question you have picked and in at least 100 but no more than 200 words explain why the question, text, and philosopher interest you and how you plan to answer the question. Include at the end a list of two or three sources you plan to use in preparing your essay. Save your proposal as a docx file and upload it to the designated folder by the end of the fourth week of class on Tuesday at 11:59 pm ET. 

Week One

Philosopher: Plato Text: Republic, Book 7

1. What is the difference between truth and opinion? How far should I be allowed to go in trying to get others to agree with my beliefs?

2. Is it right to try to convince someone of something you believe is true even if it harms them? Why or why not?