Introduction to Ethics, 2012-2013
Essay #1 (2000-2500 words, double-spaced)
Best two out of three essays will earn 60% total, i.e. 30% each, provided all 3 essays pass; otherwise I will simply take
an average of the three grades.
Due via email (dthunder@unav.es) and in hard copy at 20:00 on Wednesday, November 28th 2012
MAKING THE GRADE:

A (10) means excellent, truly outstanding both in content and execution
A- (9.2) means impressive in content and execution, but in need of minimal revisions
B (8) means competently written, but in need of minor revisions
C (6.9) means weak in content and/or execution, in need of major revisions; or between 80% and 95% of the required
length
D (5) means extremely weak paper: more or less on topic, but the argument is extremely difficult to follow; or
between 50% and 79% of the minimum length required.
F (0) means failing paper: the argument is barely intelligible, if at all, or off topic; or under 50% of the required
length

Extension Policy: Essays submitted late without my prior authorization will drop in value by 0.5 points per day, e.g.
an A- (9.2) paper submitted two days late becomes roughly a B paper (8.2).
QUESTION:
Using textual evidence from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and using the proper citation system,
answer one of the following questions:
1. What is moral virtue according to Aristotle and how does it contribute to a happy, well-lived human
life? Give concrete examples to illustrate your answer, and ensure that your interpretation of Aristotle
is well-supported throughout by textual evidence.
2. Describe the different types of friendship, according to Aristotle. Which type, in Aristotle’s view, is
superior, and how does it contribute to a happy, well-lived human life? Give concrete examples to
illustrate your answer, and ensure that your interpretation of Aristotle is well-supported throughout by
textual evidence.
HINT: You should use your introductory paragraph to both draw the reader into the topic, and state in
compressed form, what your answer to the question is.
“QUALITY CONTROL” CHECK LIST
(1) Have you re-read the relevant text, highlighting or typing out the most relevant quotes?
(2) Have you reflected on all parts of the question, taking notes or doing a “free-write” to get your thoughts moving?
(3) Have you formulated a clear thesis within the introductory paragraph?
(4) Is your introductory paragraph intriguing rather than flat or predictable?
(5) Have you provided the reader with a brief overview of the paper, explaining upfront what you are going to do to defend the
thesis?
(6) Have you supported your interpretation of the text with relevant textual evidence, nicely integrated into the flow of your
writing?
(7) Does each paragraph make one basic point, expressed in a topic sentence, rather than meandering through several loosely
related points?
(8) Are transitions between paragraphs smooth rather than abrupt or sudden? Have you used transitional sentences or phrases
to link paragraphs in a logical succession?
(9) Does the conclusion pull the threads together, offering some closing reflections on the subject (e.g. noting some practical
ramifications) and reiterating your thesis, rather than simply repeating your thesis?
(10) Have you weeded out vague, confusing, and unclear sentences, keeping in mind that making simple, transparent
statements is much more impressive than using fancy words and expressions?
(11) Have you edited the paper carefully? Did you print it out and edit it at least twice before handing it in?
(12) Have you inserted page numbers and stapled the pages together?