Take-Home Essay Exam and Paper #5

 

 

Take-Home Essay Exam (for Nonmajors)

 

Write a separate essay for each of the following topics. Each essay must contain at least one citation from our reading.

 

1. Humanism is one of the central features of the renaissance. Define humanism, and explain the manner in which it represents a shift away from medieval thought and a return to ancient Greece and Rome. How does Pico use theological claims to support this increased focus on the human being? Conclude by briefly describing the aspects of humanism are reflected in Machiavelli’s thought. (Minimum 1.5 full pages.)

 

2. Summarize Montaigne’s description and defense of Pyrrhonian skepticism. What is skepticism? How do Pyrrhonian and Academic skepticism differ from one another? How does Montaigne argue in support of the former and criticize the latter? (Minimum 1 full page.)

 

3. The debate between Luther and Calvin, on one hand, and Erasmus, on the other, brings together elements from our earlier discussions of free will, the problem of evil, the nature of God, and the relation of faith and reason. Summarize in some detail Erasmus’ defense of free will, and the criticisms of free will developed by Luther and Erasmus. Then evaluate the debate: Which side presents the best arguments? Justify your claims. (Minimum 1.5 full pages.)

 

 

Paper (for Philosophy Majors)

 

As we have noted, the middle ages are one of the most neglected periods in the history of philosophy, and this is due in part to the criticisms made by Erasmus and others. Briefly summarize these criticisms and use them as a backdrop against which to evaluate the significance of medieval philosophy: Are these criticisms justified? What is the greatest shortcoming of medieval philosophy (besides its close connection to religion, if you see that as a shortcoming)? What is its greatest or most original contribution? In connection with the last question, philosophy majors should also discuss the legacy of medieval philosophy: What are some of the ways that it influences early modern, 19th century, or 20th century philosophy?

 

No citations are required.

 

 

Guidelines for Take-Home Essay Exam and Paper:

 

1. Length – Minimum of 4 full pages, maximum 7 pages. If you use formatting or stylistic devices which artificially inflate the length of your writing – such as titles or headers, footnotes or citations within the text, or extra spaces between paragraphs – you will need to expand the length of your essay or essays to make up the difference.

 

2. Citations – Provide full citations for any quotation or paraphrase (not including class lectures), using any standard method that provides all of the relevant information (including exact page numbers). Sample: Augustine, “On the Free Choice of the Will,” in Medieval Philosophy, 4th edition, ed. Forrest E. Baird and Walter Kaufmann (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2003), p. 81.

            Place full citations in endnotes or a bibliography placed at the very end of the paper. Citations in the text or in footnotes should include only the author’s last name and the page numbers.

 

3. Formatting – Number pages and staple; 12 point type; Double-spaced; 1-1.5 inch margins