Assignment:
Respond to one of the following prompts in a three to five-page standard*
essay.
Option
1: The Elements of the Right Life in the Style of “Letter to Menoeceus”
In
“Letter to Menoeceus”, Epicurus offers practical wisdom to those who wish to
live the good life.
Following
Epicurus’ example, you will discuss your own specific ideas and prescriptions
for living the good life. What do you believe are the keys to living the good
life and finding happiness and why do you believe this? Please note: the ideas
contained in your work must be your own, do not simply repeat Epicurus’ ideas
from “Letter to Menoeceus”. Your work should include at least three but no more
than five specific ideas for living the good life and should provide an
explanation for not only the ideas themselves but how these ideas will result
in the good life.
Option
2: The Problem of Fear and other Troubling Beliefs
According to Epicurus, the
pleasant (good) life is one in which the body is free from pain and the mind is
free from disturbance. To achieve an untroubled mind, one must “banish those
beliefs through which the greatest tumults take possession of the soul,” with
the fear of death being but one example. Reflecting on the degree to which you
live the good life, and having examined your own beliefs and fears, discuss
those beliefs or fears that cause you the greatest disturbance. What ideas,
beliefs, or fears are the greatest sources of your own suffering and ultimately
prevent you from living your good life? Your discussion should also include the
practicalities of how you might “banish” these troubling beliefs or overcome the
fears.
Option
3: The Qualities of Good Character
Identify
three character traits (virtues) you believe are essential for an individual to
have good character and live well. Provide a specific definition for each
character trait and explain why these specific character traits are essential. Do
not use any external sources for the definitions; you must provide a
definition of your own for each virtue. Having discussed three virtues
essential for good character and living well, discuss the extent to which you
embody these virtues. For example, if you state that the virtue of courage is
essential, you should discuss to what degree you embody the virtue of courage.
Option
4: Professional Case Study Analysis
Begin by
indicating your intended area of study and desired vocation. For example, you
might indicate that you are studying computer science with the goal of
designing online games or studying chemistry with the goal of working in the
biotech industry. Be as specific as possible. Then, briefly describe a specific
ethical issue or dilemma that you might expect to face in this profession. What
ethical issues will you have to deal with that are specific to your vocation? Finally,
discuss how you would resolve this ethical dilemma or deal with this ethical
issue.
Option
5: Personal Ethical/Moral Obligations
Identify a
specific ethical or moral obligation that you believe you have in each of the
following areas: (1) obligation to oneself, (2) obligation to other persons
(individuals or groups; spouse, siblings, co-workers, friends, etc.), (3)
obligation to humanity. Explain what each of these obligations entails and why
you believe you have these obligations.
Typewritten, one-inch margins, number 12 font, First person Language is permitted.