Read all the information and instructions contained in this page. Some information may not be relevant to you, but it is still your responsibility to read throughout to make sure you meet all the expectations.
Using the sources that you reported on your annotated bibliography, you will have to elaborate on one topic throughout your paper. You are welcome to choose your own topic. In case you need assistance in selecting a topic, you will be provided with general prompts throughout the content module. It is your responsibility to review the content modules to identify the prompts (use the content pages to identify topics to write about, e.g., Hobbes’ view of the Social Contract, Pico della Mirandola’s view of human nature). Two additional prompts are provided below.
Expectations
Your paper should focus on one primary topic, and up to three subtopics. All of the subtopic must contribute to the presentation of the primary topic. You must use at least one substantive quote (3-8 lines) when discussing the central notions of your topic.
Your paper must include an introduction stating what is your main topic, and stating what are the different parts in which your presentation of that topic will proceed througout your paper. This paper should tell your reader about the organization of your paper, NOT a background history about the philosopher’s life.
The body of your text must be organized in thematic paragraphs (at least, but most likely more than, 6 paragraphs of at least 6 well-written sentences each). This means that each paragraph should elaborate one primary idea, that relates to the primary topic. Make sure your paper is at least 750 words in lengt.
You paper must include a conclusion, in which you summarize in a punctual manner what you have established in your discussion of the topic. Your conclusion must NOT BE a commentary on the value of the topic you wrote about. Instead it should bring together all the main ideas, and restate them in a straightforward and concise manner. It must read along the lines of the following structure: “In this paper I have explained idea X, by showing how ideas W (state W concisely), Y (state Y concisely), and Z (state Z concisely) contribute to understanding the idea that X (state thesis about X concisely) “.
Your paper must include the word count (papers without word count will be decuted 1 pt)
Your paper must be submitted in .doc, or .docx if you would like to receive feedback. Otherwise you will only receive a grade following the rubric.
Review your paper according to the rubric before submiting to make sure you are meeting all the expectations for the grade you wish to obtain.
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If you receive feedback on your annotated bibliography, stating that the texts you selected are not appropriate for your midterm paper here you have two options to choose from to write your midterm paper:
Option 1. Pico della Mirandolla’s view of human nature
What does Pico della Mirandola say about human beings? Is human nature fixed or changeable? How distinct is human nature from divine nature? How distinct is human nature from other creatures and things? Is there a limit to the potentialities of human nature? If so, what are such limitations?
Option 2. Human Growht and/or Acceptance of Reality in Epictetus’ Enchiridion
What is Epictetus advice on telling apart what we, as human beings, have power over, and what we do not? What can human beings can do to improve themselves and live more fully their lives? How can humans become more confortable or content inspite of facing adversities and hardships in life?
Primary Source
Enchiridion by Epictetus (link to the text via Project Gutenberg’s site).
Secondary source 1
Long, A. A. (2006). From Epicurus to Epictetus : Studies in Hellenistic and Roman Philosophy. Clarendon Press (Links to an external site.). Specifically, chapter 18. (Link to E-book via HCC Library)
Secondary source 2
Epictetus (55–135 C.E.) by Seddon, K. H. The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, ISSN 2161-0002, https://www.iep.utm.edu/, June 14th, 2020.