Write a critical essay answering the following topic question:
“What is Hume’s argument for the claim that suicide is at least sometimes permissible, and how might
a defender of the impermissibility of suicide respond to it. At the end of the day, is Hume’s argument
sound? If so, explain why. If not, explain why not”.
[Max 1000 – 1050 word]
It’s based on a popular ancient philosopher, David Hume’s short reading called “On Suicide”.
The reading (attached below) is only 4 pages long and after doing it, you should be fairly equipped to answer the first part of the topic question.
Some helpful tips:
– My professor’s lecture notes are also attached below (you may take ideas from it as well, or for clarity)
– Please use in-text citations to cite direct quotes/paraphrases from Hume’s reading directly (either APA or MLA style).
– If taking ideas from lecture notes, please cite them in-text as well [for eg: (Lecture, 2012)]
– Please structure your thoughts and ideas in the paper in a logical and structured way (it’s a philosophy course).
– I suggest using 3 – 3.5 pages for writing on Hume’s argument for the claim (as you’ll find all the stuff on this directly from the reading), and then 1 – 1.5 pages for speaking on whether his arugment is sound or not.
Please note:
The paper must answer the above topic question.
Since this is a philosophy course, critical ideas/evaluations of the text are welcome.
The reading “On Suicide” is most likely going to be sufficient to answer the first part of the topic question.
For the “explain” part of the question, though there is not cut-throat requirement to use lots of outside sources — you may use a couple of outside sources to support your argument.
But, do not rely entirely on the outside sources to drive the whole argument. They should only be limited to supporting small claims/args.
If outside sources are used, please make sure they’re credible (and not some other students college paper on sites like CourseHero, etc.). And don’t froget to cite.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT PLAGIARISE. I cannot stress this enough. Pls don’t cheat and pls cite all sources you use.
All in all, it should be a pretty straightforward assignment given the reading is pretty short.
Aside:
For the Works Cited/Bibliography page, use the following 2 ready-made citations for Hume’s reading and prof’s lecture notes:
1. Hume, On Suicide in Jackman (ed), Phil 1100: The meaning of Life, Course Kit, 2012, pp. 1-4
2. Jackman, H. 2012. “Lecture Notes Hume”, Online Lecture Notes, Fall 2012.
— (If you used outside source too, you can add it here yourself).
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