Overview
Essay 1
Instructions: Answer one of the following essay prompts in 500-1000 words, no more and no less, in complete and well-written sentences. All components of the essay prompt you choose must be addressed in your essay.
**Please note that this paper requires in-text parenthetical citations. Generally, these are accomplished by placing the author’s name and the page number*, where you are referencing the author’s idea either in a direct quote or paraphrase in your essay, in parentheses immediately after your reference. No ‘works cited’ page or the like is necessary for this assignment. **
*When citing Kant, cite his name and the paragraph number instead of the page number. For example, (Kant, 7)
*When citing Plato, cite his name and the line number instead of the page number. For example, (Plato, 59e)
- In his essay, “What is enlightenment?”, Immanuel Kant claims that while the society of his time did not live in an enlightened age, they were, nonetheless, living in an age of enlightenment. What is the difference between these two concepts, in Kant’s view? In your answer, you should explain the following: (1) how Kant defines enlightenment, (2) what Kant claims is required for enlightenment, and (3) the difference between public and private reason.
- In his letter, Dr. MLK Jr., draws a distinction between unjust and just laws. What is the difference between an unjust and just law, in King’s view? In your answer, explain (1) the nature of the agreement or lack thereof between black Americans and US segregation law, (2) compare King’s and Socrates’ views about just agreements, (3) evaluate the differences between King and Socrates in their views about unjust laws.