Length: 750-800 words, typed, double-spaced throughout.
Topic: Critical thinking about Dialectic in Hesiod
As we have stated in class, an important method of expression in critical thinking is through one
of the forms of dialectic.
Your task in this essay is to apply the principles of Hegelian dialectic to Theogony and “Works
and Days.”
– “Hegelian dialectic” (which Hegel attributes to Kant!) is a synthesis consisting of a
problem (Thesis), reaction (Body of the Essay) and solution Conclusion.
Procedure:
1. Choose from the list of topics below; choose two topics from Theogony and one topic from
“Works and Days” to treat:
Theogony:
384-405 (the story of Styx, Ocean’s daughter) 537-565 (Zeus & Prometheus)
573-620 (Pandora; attitude towards women) 649-667 (War speeches of Zeus & Kottos)
781-812 (Styx’s role)
“Works and Days”
1-41 (The two Strifes) 42-57; 316-355 (Addresses to Perses)
130-234 (The “Ages of Humanity”) 247-315 (Justice & Injustice)
419-421; 458-459; 769-780 (Attitude towards women)
2. After thinking about your chosen topics, fashion a thesis/problem concerning the thought of
Hesiod; this is a “problem” in the sense that it is something to think about & write about.
– The “problem” takes the big picture of Hesiod’s work. What does he want us to know?
How does he want us to act? What attitudes does he was us to have towards the gods, life, work,
war, speaking, etc.?
3. Compose a synthesis of three paragraphs, each containing one of your chosen topics This is
your “reaction” to the “problem.”
4. Your brief “solution,” a summation of your thought and its answer to the thesis/problem.
Format:
– If you wish to get a good grade on this essay, you will follow the directions.
1. Your problem/thesis paragraph. It ought to be brief (3 sentence, maximum) and indicate the
position you’ll be taking on Hesiod’s thought.
2. Body: Three paragraphs, in each of which you treat one of your topics in light of your
problem/thesis. This is your reaction.
3. Solution/Conclusion: A brief (3 sentences, maximum) in which you affirm or deny your thesis
in light of the reaction paragraphs.
Miscellaneous (Follow Directions):
– Every word that does not come from within yourself must be cited. Place citations within the
text of your essay, in parentheses. Citation formats follow:
(Theog 175-250): Note Italics! (W&D 175-250) (Class notes)
– Do not quote! Paraphrase or explain Hesiod’s though in your own words.
– Use only these three sources. Do not use any outside or secondary sources.
– No bibliography or “Works Cited” page
– The first thing the reader ought to see is the first line of your essay.
– Place your name at the end of the paper.