Short Essay Assignment: “Other Traditions”
Analyze non-western and non-traditional philosophies and philosophers (including, but not limited to: Feminism, Eastern Philosophy, Medieval Islamic Philosophy) to gain an understanding of how philosophical questioning and thinking extends beyond the confines of the Greek and European Traditions; emphasis will be placed on how culture influences the basic principles of ethics and reason/logic
Students must use one primary source text and at least one secondary source text.
A primary source for our purposes is an original philosophic work, such as any of the writings of Plato, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, Kant, Nietzsche, etc.
Secondary sources involve analysis, synthesis, interpretation, or evaluation of primary sources. They often attempt to describe or explain primary sources. Secondary sources include our textbook, peer-reviewed academic journal articles, etc. Non-scholarly sources, such as Wikipedia, History.com, or the dictionary, are unacceptable.
While paraphrasing is fine, the body of your paper should not contain more than 10% worth of direct quotes from outside sources. I want to seeYOUR analysis in YOUR own words.
PARAMETERS
The essay must be a minimum of 500 words plus a Works Cited page. The essay must be formatted in standard MLA format: 1” margins, Times New Roman font, 12-point font, double-spaced, pages numbered at top right with last name, first page formatted with information and centered title. Citations should be parenthetical and follow MLA conventions.
Students should decide on three elements to successfully complete the assignment:
Choose a non-Western or non-traditional philosophy/philosopher in the realms of axiology (including ethics, aesthetics, and social/political philosophy) or reasoning/logic.
Identify three notable aspects of this philosophy or philosopher, using examples from primary sources. Develop this into a working thesis. Example: “Khalil Gibran’s understanding of religion, love, and political freedom demonstrate that he was deeply influenced by Christianity, Islam and Baha’i.”
Discuss connections between the historical and cultural context of that philosopher or philosophy and your current historical-cultural context in twenty-first century America. Creativity and non-linear thinking are encouraged for this assignment
SUGGESTED NON-TRADITIONAL PHILOSOPHERS OR PHILOSOPHIE
