Write any type of essay on one of the topics we covered so far. Most students write a thesis defense essay in which they explain an issue and defend their view (see below).

Suggested Topics (you are not limited to these topics)

Explain and evaluate one of the arguments for God’s existence (Chapter 8). Is the argument strong or weak?

Explain and evaluate Augustine/Aquinas’ Idea of Evil (Chapter 8). Is this concept of evil strong or weak?

Write a paper defending (or critiquing) rationalism or empiricism (Chapter 9).

Write a paper explaining and defending (or critiquing) Descarte’s Cogito and Method of Doubt (Chapter 9).

Try to persuade me that I am not in a dream or simulation as in The Matrix or Descartes’ Demon Thought Experiment.

Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism are good philosophies/religions.

Compare/Contrast any two philosophies.

Explain the different meanings of life and what, in your opinion, is the best meaning of life.

Stoicism is/is not a good philosophy to follow.

Explain one of the arguments for/against God’s Existence and then defend or critique it (i.e Ontological, Cosmological, Mystical Experience, Teleological, Evil Argument).

Explain Aristotle’s 4 Causes and why they are important today.

Evaluate Descartes’ Cogito.

Can we know anything for certain?

Which is best: rationalism or empiricism?

Explain and evaluate Kan’ts Metaphysical or Ethical Philosophies.

Defend or Critique Plato’s Theory of Forms.

Who was the best PreSocratic and why?

Compare and contrast Plato and Aristotle’s Theory of Forms.

What are the problems with moral relativism?

What are the problems with subjectivism?