Instructions
Critical Response Paper #1
PHIL 2020 – Self and Values
Topic: Aristotle’s Theory of Human Nature, 56-71. Be sure to carefully read the Critical Response Paper Guidelines. Read: Aristotle’s Theory of Human Nature, 56-71
Critical Response Paper Question. The primary interaction is on Aristotle’s Theory of Human Nature, 56-71, but will also incorporate features from Week 5 on Augustine.
What does Aristotle mean by teleos and how does this inform his notion of the Forms? How is his conception of the Forms different from Plato’s? Why is this significant? How does Aristotle’s different conceptions of causation inform his view, and how does this relate to his Nicomachean ethics? How does this inform Aristotle’s functionalist account of human nature? Why is this a critical issue? What is at stake?
Finally, what features from Aristotle does Augustine incorporate into his view of human nature? How does his notion of free will and the great chain of being enhance, modify, or bring clarification and correction to Aristotle’s view on human nature?
Notice that this is different from the reflection notes. The purpose of the critical response paper is to be as specific and nuanced with the above questions as possible. Do your best to address each question from an appropriate philosophical perspective based on an informed understanding of the readings.
Additional Considerations
Your critical response paper should accurately identify the philosophical stance held by the opposing points of view. The paper should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the different positions and include carefully reasoned arguments that give evidence of the various tensions and problem inherent to the topic. Notice the critical response paper does not require you to take particular position on the matter at hand, although you are free to indicate your leanings if you so choose. Rather, the purpose of the paper is to give evidence of critical thinking from a philosophical point of view. Show your awareness of the philosophical difficulties inherent to both natural law and legal positivism, and what may be some of the rational deliverances and/or objections to either position. The paper should also make as many connections as possible to course materials, including specific references to the readings assigned to date.
The purpose of a written assignment is to write. So, while there is a minimum of 1500 words, you are strongly encouraged to produce a paper of sufficient length to cover the critical nuances necessary clearly and concisely for a substantive discussion of the question.
As all good philosophical arguments go, the conclusion is only as good as the premises from which it follows. If we reject the truth of the premises or premises, or if the premise is expressed as a definition, we find inadequate or objectionable on good rational grounds, it’s difficult to make a rational defense for the conclusion. For example, which premises of the hypothetical social contract do you think are most likely to be challenged and why?
Be sure to carefully define your terms. A good deal of critical analysis is about asking the right kinds of questions and thinking through various implications.
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