Description: This is a reflection paper on Hobbes, Descartes, Pascal, Conway, Newton, and Leibniz. The goal of the paper is for you to reflect on what resonated with you from at least two of the philosophers we’ve studied thus far. Explain what resonated with you and why. The primary topics are listed below, yet, you may write on what you wish. While it is a reflection, this is an academic paper written. Therefore, you must defend what resonates with you by using evidence (quotes from the readings) and a line of reasoning.
Topics
1. Epistemology: the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion. What can we know and what do we do with what is yet unknown and what is perhaps forever unknowable?
2. Metaphysics: the branch of philosophy that examines the fundamental nature of reality, including the relationship between mind and matter, between substance and attribute, and between potentiality and actuality.
3. Mind-Body Problem: The mind–body problem is a debate concerning the relationship between thought and consciousness in the human mind, and the brain as part of the physical body. The mind-body problem still has no universally accepted solution.
Line of Reasoning: In your paper, you will take a position on at least two of the philosophers we have studied.
1. Thomas Hobbes
2. René Descartes
3. Blaise Pascal
4. Anne Conway
5. Isaac Newton
6. Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
As you develop your rational defense of your position, please keep in mind that it is not merely a matter of taste, opinion, what you’ve always believed, etc, but rather it must be a position you can defend with textual evidence (quotes) and a line of reasoning.
“1 of “2
How to Prepare: Review the readings and use the questions below to excite your thinking. Also, please review the study questions, slides, lecture notes, and resources provided on the slides and lectures notes to be sure you understand the material (on Canvas under “Modules”)
General Criteria
1000 to 1500 words (4 to 5 pages)
Times New Roman or Arial 12 point font
Double Spaced
1” Margins
You do NOT need to use any particular style (e.g., APA or MLA) You may use first person “I”
Upload on Canvas
15 points