System-builders

  Many of the thinkers we have encountered are system-builders. That is, they have a whole system in place: a theory of knowledge, a metaphysics, and an ethics and political philosophy. Plato is the most obvious example, but there are plenty of others on our syllabus who also fit this mold. Now, it is your turn. For your final exercise, I want you to build a philosophical system. There is, however, one preliminary constraint. Theory of Knowledge: I won’t allow you to be a global skeptic, since global skepticism will not allow you to build up any system (or so it seems). With that constraint in place, you need to build a system with these three components. [1] Metaphysics: Are you a substance monist or a substance dualist? If you are a substance monist, explain what your single kind of substance is. Try to give me reasons why your choice is the best choice. [2] Human Nature and Ethics: Identify a theory of human nature and ethics which is compatible with your chosen metaphysics. Make sure that you explain why your choice for [2] is compatible with your choice for [1]. Remember that your theory of ethics should make it explicit what it is that is most valuable, and it should at least give us some sense of what sorts of actions we should take. [3] Political Theory: Do you agree that humans are naturally social animals? If not that, would you at least agree that humans live best when they live in certain kinds of groups? If so, what political organization will allow us to flourish to the greatest degree possible? Remember that an account of flourishing is a theory of human nature and ethics. So, you need to convince me that your choice for a political organization fits with your answer to [2].