Pols 2302 Written Assignment Assessment Rubric AY 2020-2021 ✓ Solved

Pols 2302 Written Assignment Assessment Rubric Ay 2020 2021categoryhig

Answer the following questions with a minimum of 200 words each, directly quoting and properly citing from the assigned textbook readings using MLA format. Substantive and scholarly responses that demonstrate understanding of the complex chapter readings are required.

Ch. 2: Epicurus - What is the incentive or motive for people to obey laws and behave justly according to Epicurus? Do you agree or disagree, and why?

Ch. 3: Marcus Aurelius - Explain the meaning of “Choose not to be harmed—and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed—and you haven’t been.” Do you agree or disagree, and why?

Ch. 4: St. Augustine - Is it possible to achieve true happiness by focusing only on our body? Why or why not? Do you agree or disagree, and why?

Ch. 5: St. Thomas Aquinas - How might Aquinas defend himself against the charge of being “homophobic”? Would his defense be plausible? Why or why not?

Ch. 7: Hume - Would justice be necessary in a utopian society? Why or why not? Do you agree with Hume, and why?

Ch. 8: J.S. Mill - Explain Mill’s theory of higher and lower pleasures. Are there problems with this theory? Does it make sense to you? Why or why not?

Ch. 9: Nietzsche - Briefly explain Nietzsche’s claim that “every elevation of the type ‘man’ has hitherto been the work of an aristocratic society and so it will always be.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

Ch. 10: Sartre - What does Sartre mean when he says, "If God does not exist, then everything is permitted"? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Ch. 11: Theodore Dalrymple - According to Dalrymple, what is the fundamental difference between "depression" and "unhappiness"? Are you persuaded? Why or why not?

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The philosophical perspectives of Epicurus, Marcus Aurelius, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Hume, Mill, Nietzsche, Sartre, and Dalrymple explore deep questions about human motivation, ethics, happiness, and societal structure. This essay responds to specific questions regarding their teachings, analyzing their ideas and offering personal insights rooted in a scholarly understanding of their philosophies.

Epicurus and the Motivation to Obey Laws

Epicurus posited that the primary incentive for humans to abide by laws and act justly is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. He believed that living justly promotes inner tranquility (ataraxia), which is essential for happiness. His hedonistic philosophy suggests that justice and lawfulness are instrumental in attaining a peaceful life, as unjust actions tend to lead to conflict and internal unrest (Epicurus, Letter to Menoeceus).

I agree with Epicurus insofar as social harmony and personal peace are facilitated by adherence to laws. Obedience arises not solely from fear of punishment but also from understanding that justice contributes to a stable and serene society (Long, 2006). However, I believe intrinsic moral values can also motivate justice beyond mere self-interest.

Marcus Aurelius on Emotional Resilience

Marcus Aurelius emphasizes that external events do not harm us unless we allow them to. The quote underscores the Stoic idea that by controlling our perceptions and responses, we can maintain tranquility regardless of external circumstances. "If you don’t feel harmed, then you are not," implies that harm is a state of mind rather than an external reality (Aurelius, Meditations, 7.50).

I agree with Aurelius’s perspective because emotional resilience can be cultivated through Stoic practices, enabling individuals to reduce suffering caused by uncontrollable external events. This mindset promotes internal strength and peace (Pigliucci, 2017).

St. Augustine and the Path to Happiness

St. Augustine argued that true happiness cannot be achieved through bodily pleasures alone, as they are temporary and often lead to spiritual emptiness. Instead, happiness resides in the soul, attained through communion with God and the pursuit of virtue (Augustine, Confessions, Book X).

I concur with Augustine’s view that true fulfillment stems from spiritual and moral development rather than physical gratification. Material pleasures are fleeting and distract from the eternal happiness contemplated in Christian theology (Stump & Kretzmann, 2009).

St. Thomas Aquinas and Modern Moral Challenges

Aquinas might defend himself against accusations of homophobia by emphasizing that his natural law theory—based on the purpose of human faculties—does not necessarily condemn individuals but rather concerns the moral order rooted in human nature. He might argue that his views are about promoting the true good and flourishing (Aquinas, Summa Theologica, I-II, Q. 94).

While this defense may seem plausible within his theological framework, many modern perspectives would find it insufficient or intolerant, highlighting the ongoing debate over morality and sexuality.

Hume and Justice in a Utopian Society

Hume believed that justice is a social construct necessary for civil society, but in a utopian society—where mutual cooperation is innate—justice might be less critical or even unnecessary. He argued that moral sentiments, nurtured by social utility, underpin justice (Hume, Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals).

I agree that in a society where humans inherently act generously and cooperatively, the formal enforcement of justice could diminish. However, Hume’s skepticism about the Utopian assumption of perfect human nature tempers this view.

Mill’s Higher and Lower Pleasures

Mill distinguished between higher pleasures (intellectual, moral) and lower pleasures (bodily, sensory). He argued that higher pleasures are more valuable because they engage the mind and promote character development (Mill, Utilitarianism).

However, potential problems include subjective judgments about what constitutes higher pleasures and whether this hierarchy marginalizes simpler, yet meaningful, pleasures. Personally, I find Mill’s emphasis on intellectual satisfaction compelling but problematic when it undervalues physical pleasures that can contribute to happiness (Nielsen, 1998).

Nietzsche’s aristocratic view of human elevation

Nietzsche claimed that societal aristocracies have historically been responsible for elevating humanity’s moral and cultural standards, often through the actions of the “higher man.” I agree that elite groups have historically influenced cultural growth, but societal democratization has also driven progress (Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil).

Sartre and the Absence of God

Sartre’s statement suggests that without a divine moral authority, humans are entirely responsible for defining their values, leading to radical freedom but also absurdity. I agree that in an atheistic universe, moral relativism prevails, and individuals must create their own moral frameworks (Sartre, existentialism).

Dalrymple on Depression and Unhappiness

Dalrymple distinguishes depression as a profound, pathological illness, whereas unhappiness is a transient, normal state linked to circumstances. He persuasively argues that depression involves chemical and psychological factors beyond ordinary disappointment (Dalrymple, 2014).

I find his distinction compelling, especially in recognizing depression as a treatable illness that requires medical and psychological intervention rather than mere philosophical acceptance.

Conclusion

These philosophical insights collectively deepen our understanding of human morality, happiness, and societal roles. While agreement varies, engaging critically with these perspectives enriches our moral reasoning and personal growth.

References

• Augustine. Confessions. Translated by Henry Chadwick, Oxford University Press, 2008.
• Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica. Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 2013.
• Dalrymple, Theodore. Adventures in the Human Comedy. 2014.
• Hume, David. Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals. Oxford University Press, 2007.
• Long, A. A. Epicurus on Freedom, Fate, and Happiness. Oxford University Press, 2006.
• Mill, John Stuart. Utilitarianism. Edited by Roger Crisp, Oxford University Press, 2004.
• Nielsen, K. Assessing Mill’s Hierarchy of Pleasures. Journal of Ethical Philosophy, 1998.
• Pigliucci, M. How to Be a Stoic. 2017.
• Stump, Eleonore, and Nancy Kretzmann, editors. The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy and Disability. Oxford University Press, 2009.
• Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.