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Philosophy Essay Practices
Re-visit the tips for writing philosophy papers (posted on Blackboard).
Submit a paper on one of the following topics. In these questions you are asked to
state and explain the author’s views on the subject. You are also asked to spend at
least one of the pages explaining and defending your own view of the matter.
Accuracy, clarity, and evidence of careful thinking, as well as the cogency of your
position are the crucial features in these essays. If you intend to submit this paper for
WPE consideration, ensure that you spend enough space showing your
understanding of the central concepts without resorting to mere paraphrase or
summary. Be sure to use quotations to support your interpretation of the authors,
where appropriate.
Philosophy Essay Practices 1
Evaluate how Richard Taylor uses the ancient myth of Sisyphus to explore
whether life is meaningless. How does Taylor reinvent the myth of Sisyphus in
order to get readers to think about life differently? Does Taylor think that we need
an afterlife or God to render life meaningful? Why or why not? In Taylor’s eyes,
what does make life meaningful and why does he interpret it as superior to views
that he rejects? What do you see as the strengths and pitfalls of his position and
why?
Philosophy Essay Practices 2
How does Nagel explore the so-called absurdity of human existence? Why does
Nagel criticize Camus’ responses to the phenomenon of absurdity? Making sure to
explain what Nagel means by self-fulfillment, how does he think it helps to get
around the notion of meaninglessness? How can self-fulfillment be attained to a
greater degree in Nagel’s estimation? How can self-fulfillment be squandered?
Can self-fulfillment make life worth living even in the face of absurdity (as Nagel
contends)? Why or why not?
Philosophy Essay Practices 3
Explore E.D Klemke’s reasons for challenging transcendental sources of meaning.
Are his arguments convincing? Why or why not? How does Klemke defend the
notion that life can still be worthwhile if it appears to lack objective meaning? Why
does Klemke champion subjective meaning over objective meaning? In your
estimation, can subjective meanings be enough to make for a meaningful life?
Why or why not? (Be sure to use some concrete examples to make your case).
Philosophy Essay Practices 4
Both Viktor Frankl and bell hooks highlight the importance of love in the search
for meaning. Compare and contrast how they tie love into meaning. Make sure to
explain what both thinkers define as love. What do you see as a strength and a
pitfall regarding their perspectives? Do you think the modern United States
presents any obstacles to such visions of love? Why or why not? Do you see love as
crucial for living a meaningful life? Why or why not?
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