Spring 2008 201 Paper Topics

1st Philosophical Analysis Topic

Summarize the problem of "objectivity" in the Euthyphro. Are essences real? Would the gods be bound by them if they were? Give an account of your view and show how it relates to or differs from Plato's position. (4-5 pages typed, double spaced. Due Feb 7)

Phaedo Topic

Imagine a short dialogue between Socrates and his guard. You may use the brief comments Socrates makes about the guard as a creative starting point for imgagine what they may have discussed. The guard could be a fictional vehicle for a contemporary perspective. Socrates could be imagined as willing to say things to the guard that he might not say to his philosophical companions. Use your imagination, and make sure you have a philosophical point. 4-5 pages, typed, double spaced, due in two weeks. (posted Feb 12)

Stoicism and Epicureanism

Compare and contrast the Stoic and Epicurean accounts of the causes of human suffering and the conditions for human happiness. What elements of their theories of virtue, pleasure and happiness would you consider adopting or rejecting? Why?

Buddhism

Topic A: Write a paper on the Buddhist theory of dependent origin, evaluating it in both literal and metaphorical terms. Does it have explanatory power? Consider how it might suggest specific insights that support the Buddhist philosophical point of view.

Topic B: Reconstruct and evaluate the Buddhist rationale for the 8 fold path.

Descartes and Radical Doubt

Follow Meditations 1 and 2 in your anthology and then read a little bit about what philosophers have said about Descartes' meditations (use the Wikipedia & Routledge Encyclopedia (through Foley). Also, consider the Grau article. Then choose a focus for a paper which evaluates Descartes process of doubt and his claim to have grounded the certainty of knowledge. You might give a "close reading" of Descartes text or you might focus on an issue connects generally with Descartes' project but takes you in a different direction. In any case, develop your own philosophical views in some depth and detail. Don't just state claims; give reasons for reasons. If possible, follow some of the implications of your views. Always consider other viewpoints as you focus your thinking.

The Problem of Induction in Empiricist Epistemology

After reading Hospers, "A Pragmatic Solution to the Problem of Induction," and Kahane and Tidman, "The Problem of Induction - Old and New," evaluate Hospers solution to the problem of induction and make your own statement about the problem, drawing upon your reading.

Empiricism and other sources of knowledge

This topic description will be filled in on the basis of our work in class.