Instructions: Please compose an e s s a y on one of the topics…

Instructions: Please compose an e s s a y on one of the topics…

Instructions:

Please compose an e s s a y on one of the topics below. They should be written in MLA. Please note that your works cited page does not count toward the minimum three to five pages.

You must draw quotes from the assigned reading and reference the assigned reading. You may not reference my lecture notes or any of the videos. You may not use outside sources. The purpose of my lecture notes and the videos is to help you work your way through the assigned reading, and not to serve as a replacement for doing the assigned reading.

Topics (pick one of the 3)

[1] Glaucon argues that the unjust man would be happier because he has fame and fortune. Plato disagrees with Glaucon, arguing that the unjust man would be unhappy because he has sold his soul. On Plato’s view, the just man would be happier because he has a well-balanced soul. Aristotle agrees with Plato that the unjust man would not be happy—because fame and fortune are merely instrumental goods. Aristotle disagrees with Plato that the just man would be happy. Aristotle argues that man is by nature a social animal. We have an inherent need to be productive and to be valued for who and what we are. We cannot self-actualize, to use Maslow’s term, in isolation. Each of these philosophers give radically different accounts of the good life. What do you think is important in life: fame and fortune (Glaucon), integrity (Plato), or integrity and opportunity (Aristotle). Whose account of the good life do you think is most accurate? Defend your answer.

 

[2] Carefully explain Singer’s argument for the claim that we (the absolute wealthy) are morally obligated to contribute to famine relief. (Make sure you explain each of his three premises and his conclusion.) Critically evaluate Singer’s argument in light of Kant’s view of our obligations to our fellow man. (Note: You cannot agree with both Singer and Kant; they take opposing positions.) Who do you think is right, Singer or Kant? Defend your answer.

 

[3] Rawls and Nozick have radically different theories of justice. Rawls analyzes justice in terms of fairness. On Rawls’s view, the job of government is to make things fair. Nozick thinks the job of government is to uphold liberty. These are contrasting views because in order to impose artificial equality on society, the government must deprive some citizens of their liberty—i.e., the government must tax working Americans to provide goods and services to those who either cannot or will not work. Analyze both positions in light of Vonnegut’s short story. Who do you think is right, Rawls or Nozick? Defend your answer.