Philosophy of Human Nature
1 of the 4 following questions must be answered in a 4-5 page, double spaced argumentative essay. Be sure to
consider objections to your position.
In considering the following questions, I need the writer to be very familiar with Philosophy and philosophers. This
far in the class we have studied: 1. The first few Chapters of the Plato Republic, 2. Epictetus, 3. Aristotle, 4.
St. Paul, 5. St. Augustine, 6. St. Thomas, 7. Richard Hooker. It’s extremely important that you understand the
concepts below from the point of view of these philosophers, so it may be beneficial that you have read one of more
of the books about these philosophers.
If you’d like to help me with this paper, please indicate in your notes with the bid which question you would like
to answer.
1. Which of the philosophers that we studied do you think has the best account of the relationship between human
happiness and misfortune? Justify your answer in part by showing why your choice is superior to at least two of the
other philosophers’ views.
2. Does an adequate account of human nature need to make reference to a supernatural end? Justify your answer in
part by showing why it is superior to that of at least two of the philosophers we have studied who disagree with
you. Make sure that you offer a philosophical justification for your answer.
3. Which of the philosophers that we have studied offered the best account of justice? Justify your answer in
part by showing that your philosopher’s answer is superior to that of his rivals.
4. How should the fact of human evil affect our view of human nature and our ability to achieve happiness? Is
the universe ultimately morally absurd, or must/does justice win out in the end? Construct your answer with
specific reference to at least two of the philosophers that we have studied, and be sure to offer a philosophical
defense of your position.