Class: Philosophy Date Due:
Academic Challenge: Communicating a Belief
The Question: How can a belief be communicated clearly and effectively?
The Challenge: You have read the works of Plato, Aristotle, Rand, Seneca and
Montaigne, all of whom used concrete examples and analogies to support and
clarify their beliefs. In Plato, you have seen the use of two allegories to
enhance the meaning of important Platonic views. It is now time to write
philosophically about your own views.
Your paper should contain an
introduction to your belief, reasoning which documents the validity of the
belief (logic, quotes from great thinkers, personal experiences, concrete
analogies) and an original allegory which clarifies a
main point of your reasoning or the belief itself, and a conclusion which
explains how this self-knowledge will effect your actions in the future.
Use Ayn
Rand's astronaut as your guide; where are you? (What do you believe to be
true?), How do you know? (What is your reasoning?), and what will you do now?
(What actions will you take in the future based upon this belief?)
This assignment is meant to be
difficult and it is only the start of your journey to self-knowledge. Other
assignments will be similar in structure, if not in content. At the end of this
quest, you will have a map of your learning about philosophy, about others and
about yourself.
Please have the paper ready to share
in class on the due date.
Minimum Product Standards:
á The paper is word-processed.
á The paper contains an introduction, a personal belief, reasoning,
and personal experiences that document, clarify and support the belief.
á The paper contains an original allegory that helps explain or
support the belief.
á The paper contains a conclusion that suggests future action.
á The paper is on time.
á The paper is shared in class.
á The paper conforms to standard usage of the English language.