Paper 2
Paper 2
Interpretation and Analysis
Introduction to Philosophy
Due Friday April 21
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Assignment: Please respond to one of the following prompts in a 1-page, double spaced paper. The interpretative paper asks that you develop a close reading of one text we have studied, focusing on the details of the author's argument. Provide at least one quotation as evidence to support your interpretation. (15 points).
(1) Jean-Jacques Rousseau argues that the origin of inequality is a social process, rather than a natural law. What does he mean by this? What causes, institutions, and behaviors led to an unequal world?
(2) Rene Descartes argues that he cannot doubt his own existence. What does he mean by this? Why is the thinking self the foundation of all knowledge?
(3) Friedrich Nietzsche argues that we should call into question the origin, and value, of our moral code. To do this, he adopts an historical method that shows transformations regarding the meaning of good and evil. What changes occurred to morality over time?