Essay 30 pts.

Directions: Answer any two of the following five essay questions in considerable detail. Essay length should be about 400 words. Be sure to include supporting reasons for your view, and explain clearly the philosophical concepts used. If possible, provide examples illustrating those concepts. For full credit, use complete sentences and paragraph form. All essays must be entirely your own work. If you quote material from other sources, you must provide proper citation--see the syllabus section on plagiarism for specific policies. Also, see ``What Counts as a Good Essay in the FAQ.''

http://philosophy.lander.edu/intro/faqCT.shtml#fifteen

1. According to Socrates what should one be concerned with in life? Explain in detail the Socratic Paradox and give at least one extended example where a person seeking what seems to be in his or her own interest but is not really so. Would Socrates agree that getting caught for a dishonest action would be in the individual's own interest? What is paradoxical about the Socratic Paradox?
2. Explain in detail the reasons Socrates gives for believing death is a good. State his argument clearly. Why does he rule out the possibility of hell in the afterlife? Evaluate his argument as to its persuasiveness. How would Socrates account for the ``sinful nature of man''?
3. Explain what Russell means by the ``enlargement of self.'' How is this term related to the ``practical person''? What are some of the ways the philosophic mind differs from the practical mind? Finally, explain in some detail a specific example of how the practical and philosophical approaches to life would differ.
4. According to Tolstoy, how can one obtain the meaning of life? Thoroughly explain and interpret his answer. According to Tolstoy, why can't philosophy provide a meaning for life? What is an ``arrest of life''? Characterize it in psychological and philosophical terms. Explain whether or not having career goals would solve an ``arrest of life'' for Tolstoy.
5. What does Camus mean by the ``Absurd''? How can one find meaning in life in spite of the Absurd? How is the Absurd related to the Myth of Sisyphus? Explain with a specific example situation Camus' authentic response to the Absurd?