Philosophy ethic

UCOR 2500 PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON WINTER 2022

Is the Highest Goal of Human Life to Live Ethically?

Write about 4 pages/1,400 words (double-spaced, 12pt font) on the following topic:

In Problema I and II of Fear and Trembling, Kierkegaard argues that our ethical duties

may be suspended in the pursuit of “absolute” (religious) duties. Explain how he arrives

at this conclusion through his analysis of Abraham as a knight of faith, and then offer

commentary on whether you think Abraham was justified in so acting.

Your essay should offer an accurate and nuanced analysis of Abraham’s faith and trial (by,

e.g., analyzing the righteous and ethical interpretations, and/or explaining Abraham’s

paradox of will); your essay should explain why Abraham is not a tragic hero, nor an

aesthetic individual, and should explain and contrast the aesthetic, ethical, and religious

ways of life. Finally, do you agree that there exist “higher” non-ethical duties (religious or

otherwise) that warrant suspending our ethical duties? You may answer this question

through an analysis of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac or through another example. In any

case, you should provide an argument (pro or con) whether you think Abraham (or

persons generally) are ever justified in suspending their ethical duties to satisfy non-

ethical commitments. In other words, your thesis should address the following question:

Is the highest goal or purpose of human life to live ethically?

General advice about writing this assignment:

A good paper will present what Kierkegaard says in the relevant passages (both by means of quotes

from the text AND clear, original statements of his claims in your own words), and will interpret

his argument in clear and simple terms, perhaps including original examples to illustrate the

relevant points. Your paper should make sense to someone who is not familiar with Fear and

Trembling.

Make an outline before writing out the assignment. The essay should be organized in focused

paragraphs with clear, straightforward topic ideas/sentences. An introductory paragraph should

be brief and indicate the central idea(s) that will be developed in the rest of the paper. Care should

be taken with grammar and spelling.

Due Monday, March 14, at the beginning of class.

Late Policy: Essays will be penalized 1/3 of a letter grade for each day they are late.

Assessment Criteria:

An “A” paper is an outstanding piece of writing that has the following characteristics:

1. Grasp of the Material:

• The paper offers an accurate and nuanced analysis of Abraham’s faith and trial that brings out some of the fundamental tensions involved.

• The analysis accurately explains why Abraham does not act as a tragic hero or the aesthetic individual on Kierkegaard’s analysis.

• The paper accurately explains and contrasts the aesthetic, ethical, and religious ways of

life.

• The paper offers a novel, nuanced, and cogent defense of the thesis statement concerning

the issue of justification.

UCOR 2500 PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON WINTER 2022

2. Organization and Structure:

• The paper has an introduction that accurately and clearly expresses the thesis to be

developed in the rest of the paper.

• The paper is clearly organized in focused paragraphs, demonstrates the ability to use

transitions effectively, and develops points persuasively.

3. Use of the Text:

• The paper draws from the text judiciously and effectively.

• All quotation, paraphrase, and summary of the text are properly cited.

4. Writing Style and Mechanics:

• The paper controls sophisticated sentence structures effectively, employs excellent word

choice, is free of significant grammatical and mechanical errors, and also maintains a

fluent style that illuminates the material.