Students should demonstrate that they can distinguish the relevant points that
form a logically coherent argument. They should also be able to construct
criticisms which effectively undermine, through the use of appropriate counter-
examples, some premise of that argument.
Your assignment is to read any ONE of the following four articles:
Roads to Serfdom
The Frivolity of Evil
How and How Not to Love Mankind
What We Have to Lose
Then, FOR THE ARTICLE YOU CHOOSE TO WRITE ON, you will type a
1000-1500 word response in which you address EACH of the following
points IN YOUR OWN WORDS: 1) What is the author’s main argument? 2) How
does he support his main argument (evidence, ancillary arguments, etc.)? 3)
Do you agree or disagree with him? 4) Why or why not? 5) Apply the insights
of at least two of the readings we have studied in this course (in chapters 1-9)
to your analysis. Make sure to give a substantive explanation of how the
philosophers’ insights are relevant to the topic you are discussing.
A WORD OF WARNING: These articles are rather long and complex. The author
likes to make extensive use of his rather copious vocabulary, so I strongly urge
you to have dictionary.com handy as you work your way through your chosen
article. The purpose of this essay assignment is for you to demonstrate your
ability to discuss, analyze, and evaluate complex philosophic arguments. I am
confident that the reading assignments, tests, and discussion boards will have
prepared you for this final, and no doubt challenging, essay assignment.
Note: I only allow one attempt on this assignment. Students who do not fully
address all of the components of the assignment as stated in the instructions
as well as the grading rubric below will have to be content with the grade they
earned.
Please use MLA format.
