Overview
Choose one of the writing prompts below and write a paper in response.
Prompts:
1) What does it mean for humans to be naturally political animals? Answerdrawing on Aristotle’s argument from the beginning of the Politics. Do you think Plato’s Socrates would agree with Aristotle about ournaturallypolitical nature? Why or why not? (Hint: check out the RepublicBook II).
2) Are the causes of war rooted more in “human nature” or in contingent circumstances like political forms, leadership,or education? First articulate how you think Thucydides would answer this question; then articulate whether you think Plato’s Socrates would agree or disagree with Thucydides’ assessment. Finally, argue for whose answer you find more convincing and why.
3) Is Plato a feminist? Setting aside the anachronism of the question, make an argument in favor of Plato’s credentials as a feminist. Then, make a counterargument, imagining how a feministmight take issue with his account of women and the family in Kallipolis. Finally, argue for which perspective you find most convincing and why.