Topic :What is it to be human? For Russell and Plato, to be human is to wonder and explore the intellectual possibilities of life. Later in our readings we will see that Buddha agrees with Aristotle that to be human is to live a life of moderation. We will also see that for Confucius and the Bhagavad-Gita, to be human is to follow duty. All imply that to be human not only is to think beyond what is merely needed to survive, but also requires a sense of responsibility: intellectual honesty/open mindedness, moderation/rejection of extremism, and public and private duty towards others. With that being said, what do you believe are the qualities that distinguish us as human beings? Use the readings from the textbook as a beginning place to come up with your own version of what it means to be human. You are welcome to use the existing qualities listed above, add your own, or come up with a totally different set of criteria. Whatever the outcome, the grade for your essay will depend heavily on the logic of your justification for the qualities you present.
Do not use first-person language (e.g., “I”, “We”, “Our”, etc.) that renders your argument arbitrary and subjectively based. It is already understood by the reader that you stand by what you write. Stressing the first-person perspective weakens your position. You want the reader to accept your view not because YOU happen to present it but because it is reasonable to accept it.
Do not use words linked to first-person language that further render your argument arbitrary and subjectively based (e.g., “I believe”, “I feel”, “I think”, etc.). You want the reader to accept your view not because YOU happen to believe it but because it is reasonable to accept it.
Do not use acronyms without first spelling them out. For example, do not simply throw out the acronym “PAS” without defining it. Write “physician-assisted suicide (PAS)” and then you may simply use the acronym throughout the rest of the essay.
Do not use colloquialisms (e.g., “rehab”, “idiot”) unless part of a quote.
Do not use contractions (e.g., “don’t”, “can’t”, “I’m” – a double no-no since first-person AND a contraction, etc.) unless part of a quote.
Do not write about a topic that is not one of the approved topics from the course textbook.
Do not plagiarize the works of others. There might not be any need to cite. The purpose of the essay is to develop your own thought process. However, if you do refer to the works of others – including those from the course textbook – then you must provide both in-text sources and a “Works Cited” page.
Do not submit a paper that you have written and submitted in any other course.
Do not appeal to authority to justify your view. Saying something is right or good because it is the law, or because it comes from your religion, or because it is tradition, or because Mom said so, does not constitute a justification. That only tells us the source, not why it is right. The same goes for rejecting ideas because they are from another religion, or another country, or said by someone from another race. “Good” and “Right” ethics are determined by their justifiability – not their source. Giving a source as your justification (for example: “The Bible says…”), will result in a “0” for the essay.
