Here are some final paper topics. (You are also welcome to come up with your own but it must be related to at least one of the assigned texts.)
Consider at least three major criticisms of Plato by Aristotle in his Politics. To what extent do you regard Plato or Aristotle as having the better argument? How fair is Aristotle to Plato? In what way do Aristotle’s criticisms point to the main elements of his own theory of politics?
“From his earliest through his last dialogue dealing with politics, Plato was consistent in using a philosophic criterion as the basic for his anti-democratic political theory. But he chose the wrong criteria for what constituted knowledge, virtue, and truth. For this he was justly criticized by Aristotle.” Discuss this statement. Define key terms and make your argument by reference to passages in the texts of Plato and Aristotle. You may use secondary works to supplement the assigned texts.
Discuss and evaluate the concepts of private property in two of the following theorists: Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Machiavelli.
Discuss the relation between slavery and political rule in Plato, Aristotle, and Augustine.
What is the relation between the inner man and the outer man in Augustine? How does this relation influence Augustine’s concept of human nature?
Examine the passages in which Machiavelli discuss “the people.” What is his attitude toward the people and their interests? How does he portray them? How does he portray their opposites, the nobles?
Why is the prince’s public image important to Machiavelli? What should a prince do to maintain a good reputation? How should the prince present himself to the people he rules?
The page requirement is the same as the midterm papers: 4-6 pages. (If you want to write a longer paper, that’s fine too.) Double-spaced. 12pt font. Times New Roman. 1 inch margins. Citations (Stephanus, Bekker, and page numbers for Thucydides, St. Augustine, and Machiavelli) and Works Cited page.
