For this assignment, I would like you to take a position on one (or two) of the assigned readings from the first section of the course (Epistemology and Metaphysics), and write a well argued, critical essay of around 1000 words (below or above by 100 words is permitted), (12 point font, in Times New Roman, 1.5 spacing, with a Works Cited section at the end).

For your paper, you are required to take a position on one (or two) of the philosophers that we have examined so far in the course.

What this means is that you can write your paper on one of the following philosophers:

1. Plato (The Allegory of the Cave)

2. Epicurus (Letter to Menoeceus)

3. Kierkegaard (Fear and Trembling)

Or, you can compare two of these philosophers’ theories:

1. Plato and Epicurus

2. Epicurus and Kierkegaard

3. Kierkegaard and Plato

The main point of the assignment is that you take a position in your essay on the reading(s).

From the texts that we have examined, clearly and accurately describe the theories of the philosopher (or philosophers) that you have decided to write about.

Also, tell me why you agree or disagree with the philosophy in question? (You may agree with some aspects of a philosopher’s theory, but disagree with others. Or you may entirely agree or disagree with their main philosophy).

Also in your paper, argue for the applicability (or inapplicability) of the philosophy in the world today, and in our contemporary society.

Above all, take a clear argumentative position, and make this clear in your essay.

As mentioned in the assignment description, you are free to develop your own original topic for the essay, as it relates to the philosophers and the readings we have examined in this first part of the course.

However, here are two suggested topics that may also help guide you with the assignment:

1. (Plato and Epicurus)

Both Plato and Epicurus write about the “good” and the “good life” in their writings, specifically in the Republic (380 BC), and Letter to Menoeceus (341-270 BC), respectively. How do these terms relate to each philosopher’s theories about knowledge and life? Also, how does each philosopher think we should live the best life possible? How should we act? And what is the purpose of life for each philosopher? Are there any similarities or differences between them? And most importantly, do you agree or disagree with them?

(Use examples from the text to support your arguments).

2. (Kierkegaard and Plato)

How do Kierkegaard’s and Plato’s philosophies relate, if at all? What is the main aim of knowledge in Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” in the Republic (380 BC)? And also, what does Kierkegaard have to say about knowledge in Fear and Trembling (1843)? What is the highest purpose in life for each philosopher? Are there any similarities or differences between the stories both philosophers recount? (The “Allegory of the Cave,” and the “Story of Abraham?”). Most importantly, do you agree or disagree with each philosopher? And can you apply their ideas about knowledge (and “faith”) to your own life and the world today?

(Use examples from the text to support your arguments).