Prompt 1:
Aristotle and Rene Descartes both make strong claims about human identity. For Aristotle we are “rational animals” while Descartes rejects this term and concludes that we are fundamentally “thinking things”. Write a 4 page paper discussing how and why these two conceptions differ. Your paper should have the following parts:
- A section discussing how Aristotle defines human beings. Be sure to discuss the link that Aristotle draws between reason, language, and community. Make sure that you quote from Aristotle Excerpt 1 which is available on blackboard.
- A section discussing Descartes’ project. what he means by the term “thinking thing,’ and why he concludes that he is a thinking thing rather than a rational animal.
- A section discussing whether Descartes successfully shows that his definition is more appropriate. Do you agree that thinking thing is a better term for human beings than rational animal? Why or why not?
Your paper will be evaluated on the following points: 1. Clarity of writing and presentation, following format instructions. 2. Accurate portrayal of motivations and arguments. (e.g. Does it say what Descartes believes and why he believes it?) 3. Use of the text to support your portrayal of motivations and arguments. 4. Critical examination of arguments and motivations. (e.g. Does it discuss whether or not Descartes’ reasons do indeed justify his conclusions?)