Project description
The essays are intended to be around 450-600 words long. To do the essays, you will consider the topic for that week (for example, “Is a Just Society Possible?”). You will answer that topic in any essay which clearly identifies the topic, says what your position will be, and then explains that position. Your answer to the question must refer to at least one of the selections we have discussed that week. Your answer should include believable reasons, as free as possible from cultural or religious biases.
A “believable” reason is one that someone could believe, regardless of whether or not they happen to share the same cultural or religious traditions with you. This doesn’t mean the person will believe it – it just means they could without changing their culture or religion. For example, an argument which depends on how much you love Jesus will mean absolutely nothing to a Muslim or a Hindu or an atheist – so if that’s the only reason you have, it won’t be much of a believable reason.
Introduction: The essay has a clear introduction which identifies the topic to be discussed and clearly states the position to be taken. (10 points)
Content: The essay clearly explains the content of the position, including what the position is, how it relates to the topic, and identifies, with a properly cited quote, at least one selection from that week which is relevant to your position. (50 points)
Reasons: The essay has clear and relevant reasons to support the position taken. These reasons are as free as possible from religious or cultural biases. The reasons should be believable. (30 points)
Style: The essay is written at a stylistic level appropriate for a college course. This means that it makes proper use of spelling, grammar, word choice, etc. Previous stylistic comments are followed. Quotes are properly cited. (10 points)
The buddha: “the four noble truths”, plato: “the apology”, Aristole: “nicomachean ethics”, and wolf: “meaning in life” in order to complete this essay.