1) Write a 2-3 pages paper in which you explain the argument Socrates gives for the immortality of the soul in 78b-84b*, Simmias objection against it (85e-86d), and Socrates’ reply to the objection (91e-95a). Make sure to point out any flaws you see in the arguments and perhaps suggest how they could be improved. OR 2) Write a 2-3 pages paper in which you explain Socrates’ last argument for the immortality of the soul (it goes roughly from 102b to 106e)*, raise an objection against that argument, and attempt to answer the objection you raised. * = This is the Stephanus pagination. To understand what these numbers and letters mean, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHXt80hPH7M ______ It is not difficult to find external resources that could help you write the paper; nevertheless, do not use them. Read the text and try to understand it yourself. You can only truly learn what a text is saying and the realities that it purports to signify, if you take it seriously and do the hard work yourself. If you are stuck, confused, or otherwise unsure about what you are reading or writing, email me. We can exchange emails or schedule a Zoom meeting to clarify it. You will be graded for showing that you grasped what the text is saying, that you were able to break down its main ideas and arguments, and that you were able to apply your reading by assessing arguments cogently, offering relevant counterarguments, using your own examples (instead of those found in the text), etc. Your grade will also reflect the quality of your writing. You have to convey clearly the purpose of your paper, organize well your ideas, write consistent paragraphs and sentences, choose your words accurately, and use your sources correctly. (See the attached rubric for more details.) In your paper, whenever you need to quote passages from the dialogue, use the Stephanus pagination. (See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHXt80hPH7M) Papers must be submitted through Blackboard (.pdf or .docx), not through email. Late papers will not be accepted. Your paper will be checked for plagiarism. If you are found to have plagiarized, you will fail the course. Format: 12-pt Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, double-spaced, a title is not necessary. ____ Outcome (“milestone”): A written paper on arguments taken from Plato’s Phaedo. Skills: This paper will assess your writing and reading skills, in the context of questions and texts arising in the study of the Philosophy of Human Person.
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