HZB 301
Course Culminating Activity
PHILOSOPHERS THAT MATTER
THE RATIONALE
Does Philosophy matter? Are Philosophers more than just a bunch of old sceptical wordy guys? Are the
arguments and ideas that they engage in really worth the paper they’re printed on? Are exercises in
rationality, and logic merely mental gymnastics or do they provide means to chart through muddied
ethical/intellectual waters? Does mind matter?
Let’s assume an affirmative to at least one of the above questions. One way to explore and articulate
contributions of philosophy is by way of studying the philosophers themselves. An examination of their
life work offers conceptual lenses to view cotemporary issues. This culminating activity is an exercise in
putting on a “Philosopher’s glasses” and fixing your gaze on a current social event or issue. The
successful completion of the activity will depend on the application of the research, comprehension,
analysis and synthesis skills developed throughout the course.
You will be compiling a book on your personal philosophy. This assignment is worth 10% of your total
grade.
THE TASKS: OVERVIEW
Complete the following tasks and hand in all components together.
STEP 1
Create a collage cover page that represents your philosophy. (Use images that represent your beliefs,
time period, philosophy, personality, associations, quotes and image.) 1 page 8x11(make sure that you
name is on it)
STEP 2
What is your personal philosophy? Using a variety of resources used in the course this semester you will
answer the 4 major questions that we studied.
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4

Human Nature - What is it to be a Person?
Ethics - What are Good & Evil?
Art & Aesthetics - How do we know what is beautiful in art, music, and literature?
Society & Politics - What is a Just Society?
Include at least one philosopher and theory for each of the unit questions. You must use examples
from class discussions and from your personal experiences to justify your responses.
 1 page (250 word per question minimum)
Include a complete bibliography of ALL sources used submitted in MLA or APA style
RUBRIC
Criteria
Knowledge/
Understanding
The philosopher
write up
demonstrates an
understanding of
concepts,
principles, and
theories related to
the philosopher
Level 4
(80–100%)

 Addressing all
components of the
biographical data, in a
clear organized
manner.
 Clearly and accurately
Level 3
(70–79%)
 Addressing some
components of
biographical data
on philosopher
 Clearly and with very
few errors,
explaining the
historical period in
which the
philosopher lived.
explaining the
historical period in
which the philosopher
lived.


Level 2
(60–69%)
Addressing very minimal
aspects of the philosopher’s
biographical data.
Level 1
(50–59%)
 Addressing at
minimal detail on
the philosopher’s
biographical
background.
Explaining, with few errors,
the historical period in
 Explaining with
which the philosopher lived
minimal detail the
historical period in
which the
philosopher lived.
10 MARKS
Communication:
The personal
commentary
aspect of the
assignment
demonstrates an
ability to
communicate
information and
ideas with a sense
of purpose and
understanding by:
 Presenting ideas in a
highly original and
innovative manner
 Clearly making
connections between
the issues raised and
the individual student
 Raising several relevant
philosophical questions
 Providing some analysis
or critique of
contrasting viewpoints
on the philosopher

 Presenting ideas in



10 MARKS
Application
The philosopher
collage title page
demonstrates an
ability to transfer
concepts and
skills and to make
connections by:
 Selecting visual images,
which accurately
reflect the theme of the
philosopher
 Making clear connections
between the ideas of
the philosopher and art



an original and
innovative manner
Making connections
between the issues
raised and the
individual student
Raising some
relevant
philosophical
questions
Providing some
analysis or critique
of a viewpoint on
the philosopher
Selecting visual
images, which
reflect the theme of
the philosophers
self.
Making connections
between the
theories of the
philosopher and art

 Presenting ideas in a clear and

 Presenting ideas with
organized manner with
limited originality
 Making at least one
connection between the
issues raised and the
individual student
 Raising a few relevant
philosophical questions
 Providing limited analysis of
a viewpoint on the
philosopher
limited originality
and with little
creativity
 Explaining, although
with several errors,
contrasting views
of the philosopher
 Raising only two or
less philosophical
questions on the
philosopher
 Selecting visual images,

 Selecting visuals
which some what capture
the philosopher
 Making limited connections
between the philosopher
and art.
which minimally
reflect the themes
of the philosopher
 Making little or no
connection to the
philosopher and art
10 MARKS
Thinking/Inquir  Making highly effective
y The
use of research and
philosophers
information to capture
overview of
the personal view
major
points of the
contributions and
philosopher
detailed
discussion of a
 Cleary explaining major
specific element
contributions of the
or argument of
philosopher
the philosopher
demonstrates the  Raising several relevant
use of criticalarguments of the
and creativephilosopher
thinking skills by:
10 MARKS
 Making effective use
of research and
information to
capture the
personal view
points of the
philosopher
 Making effective
 Making adequate use of
research and information to
capture the personal view
points of the philosopher
 Addresses only a few of the
major contribution of the
philosopher.
reference to major  Raising a few relevant
contributions of the
arguments of the
philosopher.
philosopher
 Raising some
relevant arguments
of the philosopher
 Making limited use
of research and
information to
capture the
personal
viewpoints of the
philosopher.
 Does not effectively
explain major
contributions of the
philosopher
 Raising only minimal
arguments of the
philosopher.