PHILOSOPHY AND LIFE
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION
In the last section of this course, we have primarily focused on how philosophy might
apply to our daily life. In my opinion, that is the primary purpose of philosophy—to
make our lives better. I don’t see it as a separate discipline or worldview from all others,
but as something that integrates with all aspects of our life. Philosophy is the search for
a method, after all, as we discussed in the first lecture. You might say that it is just thinking
critically about what we believe and do or, to put it another way, that it is an attempt to
fully understand the best way to live.
For this last paper, your task is to reflect on the course, but specifically the material we
have studied in the last section. Several important questions arise from these readings
and discussions:
1. Is it better for you as an individual to act morally? In other words, is being moral
necessary for well-being? (See readings from sections VI in the and VIII in the
textbook as well as the readings (Plato’s Republic) from module 11.)
2. Does well-being/happiness require satisfying all desires or limiting them in some
way? (See readings from section IX in the textbook.)
3. How should the desires and needs of others factor into the actions that we
choose? (See readings from sections VI and VIII in the textbook.)
Taking each of these questions in turn, your task is to consider their importance to
living a meaningful and happy life.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
The paper should include…
1. An introduction, conclusion, and three paragraphs –one paragraph for each
question above.
2. Within each section you must incorporate at least one reading from the textbook
or the course (e.g. the selections from Plato’s republic). I would expect you will
use the readings we have already studied. However, if there is another that is of
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interest, you are welcome to use it. Above, I mentioned the relevant sections
from the textbook you might want to explore.
3. Specific requirements:
a. Each paragraph should be at least 150 words and no more than 250.
b. Within each paragraph:
c. explain the author’s view from the reading and how it answers the
question for that section.
d. examine the author’s view, critique any points with which you disagree
and/or provide a detailed example of this view in practice.
i. Note that simply agreeing with the author is not enough. Examples
should be clear and include an explanation of how the author’s view
applies.
e. discuss your own view—which may or may not incorporate other
readings—and show why it improves/expands upon on the view
discussed in the previous paragraphs. In particular, provide one—and only
one—in depth example of how this applies to daily life and our actions.
4. The minimum word requirement is 800. Only count the words IN the content portion
of the paper! Headings, sources, etc. do not count!
5. Please make sure to include a title with your name, date, etc. in the left-hand
corner.
6. Double-space! (or 1.5 spacing – I actually prefer this.)
7. 12-point font.
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