Instructions:
[a] Guidance for your two essays is
contained in Nick Smith’s, Writing,
Rewriting, and Grading Philosophy Papers [posted on Blackboard’s “Content”
Section]. Your essays are to be no less than two-and-a-half (2½) pages nor
longer than three-and-a-half (3½) pages in length. These page limits do not
include your Works Cited page or your cover page. Your papers also must
adhere to the requirements contained in your text by Lewis Vaughn, Writing Philosophy: A Student’s Guide to
Writing Philosophy Essays and in Nick Smith’s essay, Writing, Rewriting, and Grading
Philosophy Papers, {on Canvas}
[b] You will require at least one (1) citation or
footnote written in correct MLA
style. (See the link at: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
)
[c] Page numbers are required and placed in the lower
right-hand corner of the pages. All margins, horizontal and vertical, are one-inch (1”) in depth or width, as
appropriate. Please use Times
Roman font at 12-point size. Staple your paper in the upper left-hand corner, as
viewed by the reader. Double-space your essay.
[d] Write your
thesis statement as advised in Professor Nick Smith’s article Writing, Rewriting, and Grading Philosophy Papers.
Essay # 1—Due 29 February 2024 at the beginning of class
Read the
following: [1] Plato’s Socratic dialogue Euthyphro, [2] Plato’s Socratic
dialogue Apology, and [3]
Plato’s Socratic Dialogue Crito. Then
address and answer fully the following:.
Socrates argues, in Plato’s Apology, if he were put in
the position of having to choose between obeying the authority of the laws and
the authority of the gods (or, God), he would be right to choose the authority
of the gods (or, God). Yet in Crito, Socrates claims we are bound by our just agreements, and
he has made an agreement with the city to obey its laws. Can these two
positions be reconciled? How?
[Note:
This prompt is taken from study notes of MIT Prof. Sally Haslanger]
{Advice: This prompt requires some thought. If one starts
her/his essay shortly before the essay’s due date, the writer will most likely
receive a poor grade. Re-read your Nick Smith essay before beginning your task.}