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 and three sections—one section for each set of questions above.a.Please separate each section with a heading.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 often use the readings we have already studied. However, if there is another that
2| P a g eis of interest, you are welcome to use it. Above, I mentioned the relevant sections from the textbook you might want to explore.3.Per section requirements:a.Each section should be 3 paragraphs. Each paragraph should be at least 200 words and no more than 300.b.1st paragraph: explain the author’s view from the reading and how it answers the question for that section.c.2nd paragraph: 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.d.3rd paragraph: discuss your own view—which may or may not incorporate other readings—and show why it improves 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.i.For this paragraph, you may incorporate outside sources where relevant.4.The minimum word requirement is 1800 (plus introduction). 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!7.12-point font.
