Plato’s Euthyphro dialogue

The final paper will be due by midnight on Sunday, November 21. This is an opportunity for you to apply the lessons we have covered in class so far. In terms of the topic for the paper, I am going to strongly recommend that you write it on Plato’s Euthyphro dialogue, the entirety of which is in the textbook for the class. Here are the main questions that you should consider in your paper:
What is the general argument of the dialogue?
What are some of the main attempts at definitions that Euthyphro offers to Socrates?
What problems does Socrates bring up about these attempts?
Do you agree with the problems that Socrates brings up? Why or why not? Is there a way to surmount these problems?
As well as these questions, feel free to bring up anything we have studied in class so far that you think might be relevant (i.e., are any fallacies committed by either Euthyphro or Socrates in the dialogue, what kind of definitions are offered, etc.)
If you have some other topic you would prefer to write about, I am open to that if you speak to me about it ahead of time. There are many other possibilities of topics that relate to issues we have covered in class, but if you are in doubt, please just stick to my recommendation of writing about the Euthyphro.
Format of the paper:
I would like you to compose the paper in a word-processing program, preferably Microsoft Word if you have it, and upload the assignment as a file. The paper should be 3 – 4 pages, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12 point font (this should come out as approximately between 1000 and 1200 words). You should use the traditional, five-paragraph essay structure to organize the paper (one introductory paragraph ending with your thesis statement; around three body paragraphs, each of which addresses a specific point that supports your main thesis statement; and a concluding paragraph reiterating your main thesis). There are all kinds of more specific descriptions of the five paragraph format online if you are unfamiliar with it, but I’m assuming everyone is coming into this class having written at least a couple of papers that follow this general structure.
I will grade your paper on four different areas (25 points each) –
a. overall quality of argument – how original and interesting is your thesis, how much do you incorporate your own voice while also staying on topic and using the material we have covered in class
b. organization – how well does it follow the general structure of a five-paragraph essay (doesn’t actually have to be exactly five paragraphs), how easy is it for the reader (i.e., me) to follow the argument
c. style – how good is the overall quality of the writing, does it follow traditional academic guidelines while also managing to be interesting and hold the reader’s (i.e., me again) interest
d. mechanics – is the paper generally free of needless spelling and grammatical errors
(For more information on these, please consult the attached grading rubric, located underneath this assignment in the module)
Okay, I think that’s basically it, but as always, please let me know of any questions you may have or clarifications that I might offer.
Best,
Duncan Gale

Last Completed Projects