In your first paper, you summarized Friedrich Nietzsche’s doctrine of happiness as it is expressed in Birth of Tragedy. For your second paper, in 8-12 double-spaced pages (12 pt. font), respond to Nietzsche drawing from the materials discussed in class. What is authentic happiness, and what does this imply about the nature of the human person and the nature of reality? Where is Nietzsche insightful and where does he go wrong? How can philosophy and Christian theology recontextualize Nietzsche’s concerns in order to direct the way to true happiness?
· Papers should draw from at least three of the authors/sources discussed in class, including one artist/poet (Sophocles, Hopkins, Eliot, Beethoven, Wagner, Raphael, Waugh, etc.), one pre-Christian philosopher (Aristotle, Plato, Seneca) and one Christian writer (Phillipe, Therese, Pope Benedict XVI). Papers should reflect the course of the conversation throughout the semester.
· In articulating Nietzsche’s views, these papers can excerpt from and/or summarize content from your earlier papers. However, they should not simply reproduce those papers.
· There are no stipulations as to the order of approach, but papers should make sure to include the following elements:
o A brief re-statement of Nietzsche’s doctrine of happiness, including some discussion of its contemporary relevance, its strengths and weaknesses.
o A philosophical critique of Nietzsche’s doctrine from the perspective of one of the philosophers discussed in class.
o An articulation of the Christian response to Nietzsche from the perspective of one of the Christian writers discussed in class.
o Some reference to works of art (poetry, music, painting, literature, etc.) discussed in class in support of one or more of the above sections.
o A final statement of the true nature of happiness derived from the content of class lecture and discussion this semester.
· Within these parameters, students can exercise a wide range of freedom in composing their papers. A number of different approaches are conceivable so long as they include the necessary elements.
A rough draft or outline should be presented to the professor before the individual meetings.
Papers will be graded on completeness, grammar and style, and depth of analysis.
