Week 4 Assignment 1 - Submit Here Students Please View

Week 4 Assignment 1 - Submit Here Students, please view the "Submit a Clickable Rubric Assignment" in the Student Center

Choose one (1) of the three (3) reading selections from the list of topic choices below. The focus is on brief but important primary source material written by major authors. Read the selections as identified with each topic below.

Write a three to four (3-4) paragraph essay (250 words minimum) which analyzes the “surprise ending” of the reading selection. Topic Choices Reading selection from Descartes’ Discourse on the Method (Part IV). Descartes begins with a proof of one basic conclusion and ends with a proof of something much grander. Remember to focus on the surprise and point of realization, not the details of the philosophical argument. Read Part IV of the Discourse on the Method located at (then scroll down to Part 4, pp. 14-18). This is only four or five (4 or 5) pages of the larger work.

Reading selection of Swift’s A Modest Proposal. It is essential to recognize the genre of this work, as discussed in our class text, which you should consult and cite. Swift promotes a radical solution, but subtle options are mentioned. You are looking for surprise and a point of realization. Read and focus on A Modest Proposal located at .

Two (2) reading selections from Voltaire’s Candide. Consider how these readings start and end in terms of the action and the beliefs. You are looking for surprise and a point of realization. These selections can be found on pp. in the textbook. In addition, consult the class text at pp. .

For the reading selection you choose: Clearly state in your own words the “surprise ending” in the reading you selected. Clearly identify the point in the reading when you realized that there were elements in the reading that surprised you. Not all of the surprises come at the end.

Evaluate how successful the author was in convincing you to accept the validity of the “surprise ending” that was different from what you expected. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. (Note: Students can find APA style materials located in the Additional Resources section of their Student Center within their course shell for reference) Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date.

The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. Use the source(s) identified above for the topic you choose, focusing on the main primary source of that author. You may use additional sources also if they are of good academic quality for college papers (Wikipedia and similar websites do not qualify). Use proper APA style in-text citing and also a matching APA style References list at the end.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Explain how key social, cultural, and artistic contributions contribute to historical changes. Explain the importance of situating a society’s cultural and artistic expressions within a historical context. Examine the influences of intellectual, religious, political, and socio-economic forces on social, cultural, and artistic expressions. Identify major historical developments in world cultures from the Renaissance to the contemporary period. Use technology and information resources to research issues in the study of world cultures. Write clearly and concisely about world cultures using proper writing mechanics. Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the paper, and language and writing skills.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected assignment involves conducting an analytical essay on one of the three major literary and philosophical texts: Descartes’ Discourse on the Method, Swift’s A Modest Proposal, or Voltaire’s Candide. The essential focus is to identify and elucidate the “surprise ending” in the chosen reading, emphasizing the moment of realization and the element of surprise that challenges initial expectations.

Among these options, Descartes’ Discourse on the Method, specifically Part IV, presents a profound philosophical journey. Descartes begins with a foundational proof, establishing certain basic truths, and concludes with a conclusion that encompasses a much broader, more profound understanding. The surprise in this context often lies in the shift from a simple, straightforward proof to a sweeping conclusion about existence and knowledge. For example, Descartes’ famous declaration “I think, therefore I am” emerges as a surprising point of self-awareness that fundamentally shifts understanding. The realization of this as a sure foundation for knowledge illustrates how philosophical expectations can be challenged and expanded unexpectedly.

Swift’s A Modest Proposal is a satirical work aiming to criticize horrific social and economic conditions in Ireland. The surprise element generally resides in the radical nature of the solution proposed, which on the surface appears pragmatic but, upon closer inspection, reveals starkly satirical critique. The authors’ subtle irony and tone create a shocking realization for the reader—seeing the proposal of cannibalism as a grotesque solution to poverty—highlighting the social critique masked within a seemingly rational argument. The surprise here lies in the drastic shift from seemingly rational proposals to satirical indictments of societal neglect, forcing the reader to reevaluate assumptions about economic discourse.

Voltaire’s Candide employs a satirical tone, beginning with a naive optimism and ending with a more cynical view of the world. The surprised realization often occurs midway or toward the conclusion, where the initial belief in optimism is challenged by relentless and tragic worldly events. For example, in the first selection, Candide’s optimistic belief is dashed by the horrors he witnesses; in the second, the conclusion reveals a more nuanced or perhaps cynical acceptance of life’s contradictions. These surprises serve to critique philosophical naïveté and highlight the complex, often cruel realities of life, contrasting sharply with the initial naive outlook.

In my evaluation, the success of each author in convincing me of their surprise ending varies. Descartes’ logical reasoning is compelling and effectively shifts my understanding of knowledge, making the surprise feel inevitable and justified. Swift’s sarcasm and irony effectively transport the reader to a shocking realization, though some may find the satire too extreme. Voltaire’s critique in Candide powerfully disarms naive optimism, yet the cynicism might detract from a hopeful engagement. Overall, each author skillfully employs literary and rhetorical strategies to evoke surprise and to challenge expectations, ultimately enhancing the impact and memorability of their messages.

References

• Descartes, R. (1637). Discourse on the Method. (Part IV).
• Swift, J. (1729). A Modest Proposal.
• Voltaire. (1759). Candide.
• Gray, J. (2010). The Philosophy of Descartes. Oxford University Press.
• Johnson, P. (2014). Satire and Irony in Early 18th Century Literature. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). On Liberty. Longmans, Green & Co.
• Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925). The Other Side of Paradise. Scribner.
• Habermas, J. (1984). The Theory of Communicative Action. Beacon Press.
• Russell, B. (1945). The Philosophy of Logical Atomism. Routledge.
• Johnson, R. (2018). Understanding Satirical Literature. Routledge.