Mid-Term Assignment - Assignment Task only

Mid-Term Assignment

Length: 5-6 pages (double spaced)

Due Date: April 8th

In this 5-6 page essay you are required to engage critically and thoroughly with the course readings. This means that you will have to develop and defend a thesis.

I have listed a number of sample essay questions/topics that you may choose from. Answer these questions (or your own) directly and in your own words. When referring to the course text, use a parenthetical reference--for example, (Meditations, p. 3). You don't need to include a works cited page if you are only citing the texts distributed in class. If you do use a source outside of the course material (i.e., an essay, internet page, wikipedia entry, etc.), you must cite it.

All cases of plagiarism are met with an F for the assignment.

Sample topics: If you would like to develop your own topic, you are free to do so. However, if you want to write on a different topic, you must run it by me first.

1. "I now know that even bodies are not strictly perceived by the senses or the faculty of imagination but by the intellect alone, and that this perception derives not from their being touched or seen but from their being understood; and in view of this I know plainly that I can achieve an easier and more evident perception of my own mind than of anything else."

(A) Why does Descartes say this? What arguments are given to support the claim?

(B) Do you agree with him? If so, why? If not, what is wrong with his argument?

2. In discussing the first two meditations we made a distinction between the cause and the content of our perceptions.

(A) What is the difference between the cause and the content of our perception? What arguments does Descartes give for claiming that we cannot know that the content of our perception matches, mirrors, or corresponds to its cause?

(B) Is his argument convincing? Why? Why not?

3. Descartes' method, as outlined in the first meditation, proceeds by doubt and skepticism.

(A) What are the stages of Descartes' method? Why does Descartes approach the project of securing certain knowledge by way doubt.

(B) Do you agree that this method will give us secure knowledge? Why? Why not?

4. Throughout The Prince Machiavelli claims that the prince will initiate "new modes and orders."

(A) Describe Machiavelli's new modes and orders of virtue? With reference to Plato briefly describe what is new about what Machiavelli claims.

(B) Who do you