First Paper Assignment
Select one of the following topics on which to write a paper approximately five pages long. You must also bring a hard copy (print-out) of your paper to your section meeting on Oct. 4/5.
Be sure to consult the following documents, as well as your notes from the week of Sep. 18/20:
My Tips on Writing Philosophy Papers
Guidelines for Submitting Papers
My Grading and Academic Integrity Policies
- We saw that according to Aquinas neglecting to deliberate about whether and how to perform an action is an example of "ignorance of evil choice" (p. 55, Sept. 13 lecture). What should we say, however, about a case in which one is overcome by rage, "loses one's head," and cannot deliberate? In such a case, is the action one performs voluntary, involuntary, non-voluntary, or should it be put in some fourth category (which you define and defend, of course)?
Clarification: As part of your response, it is legitimate to argue that the assumption in the question – that rage can make it so that we cannot deliberate – is false. - Aristotle considers the objection that "pleasant things and fine things force us, since they are outside us and compel us" (p. 3). What is this objection, how does Aristotle respond to it, and is his response convincing?
Question: Is it legitimate to use the objection that Aristotle considers – that "pleasant things," etc. – as the objection required by the paper's format?
Answer: No. The thesis of the paper must address the question whether Aristotle's response to the "pleasant things" objection is convincing. A restatement of that original objection would not be an objection to Aristotle's response. Objections must always introduce new considerations that aim to undermine the previous stage of the argument.
- On pp. 53-4 Aquinas argues that when we suffer weakness of will and give in to temptation, we act voluntarily. Consider the following objection to Aquinas:
But isn't strength of will a natural characteristic of a person? So, how can Aquinas hold us responsible for what we do from weakness of the will? After all, we have no control over the strength of our will. He might as well hold us responsible for our height.
Evaluate this objection to Aquinas's position on the voluntariness of actions performed in consequence of incontinence.