Assignment:
Background: A central part of this course has involved an in-depth examination of the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. As part of our inquiry, we have focused on Aquinas’s conception of the two forms of the highest human good or, in his language, the final “end” of human beings. This paper will ask you to examine and analyze Aquinas’s thought on this theme, and to come up with your own constructive response to the following question: What is the final purpose of human life, the ultimately goal, beyond all other goals, that should define every individual’s existence? In particular, the paper should draw on the assigned readings and class notes to address, clearly and concretely, the following questions, in this order:
1) How Does Aquinas define an “end” both in and of itself and in relation to human beings, and how/why does he think that all human beings have the same end?
a. Be sure this section of the paper discusses the relationship between an “end” and Aquinas’s conception of “happiness.”
2) How does Aquinas define the FINAL end of all humans?
a. Be sure this section of the paper discusses:
i. The definition of, and relationship between, “natural/imperfect perfection” and “supernatural/perfect perfection”, and what makes the final human end “final.”
ii. The reasons why Aquinas ultimately SELECTS the definition of the final human end he does, and the reasons why he REJECTS the alternatives (e.g., wealth, power, pleasure, the soul itself), etc.
3) How do YOU define the FINAL end of all humans?
a. Be sure this section of the paper discusses:
i. Your DEFINITION of the highest human good and a REASONED DEFENSE of that definition (that is, why you believe what you believe).
1. It is crucial here not only to state your position, but also to DEFEND it! Imagine you are trying to convince a sympathetic but skeptical audience that you have found the answer to the question of what defines the ultimate purpose of human life.
ii. How you think AQUINAS would RESPOND to your definition/argument.
1. If you DISAGREE with Aquinas, be sure you clearly identify HOW and WHY you disagree. THEN imagine how Aquinas might provide a counterargument to your position, THEN respond to that counterargument (that is, come up with an argument for why you think Aquinas’s counterargument would be wrong).
2. If you AGREE with Aquinas, be sure you clearly identify HOW and WHY you agree (one way to do this is to come up with your own original example to explain why you think he is right). THEN imagine the strongest possible counterargument to your and Aquinas’s position, THEN respond to that counterargument (that is, come up with an argument for why you think that counterargument is wrong).
Writing Assignment Instructions
I) Develop your paper around the topic below.
a. There is NOT one right answer to the question. There are, however, stronger and weaker arguments, so be sure to make your case clearly and forcefully with adequate supporting evidence.
II) Structurally, each paper should have an INTRODUCTION that both introduces the reader to the problem the paper intends to address and shows why that problem is important. It is crucial that the introduction also contain a THESIS statement—that is, a sentence or two that describes, concisely and precisely, what your principal argument is in relation to the question.
a. The paper also must have several BODY PARAGRAPHS (there is no “correct” number of body paragraphs—just make sure you have enough to get the job done) that do the following:
1) Put the problem in context (what, in more detail, is the problem you intend to address in the paper? How does the problem arise? In what text or texts do you see the problem appear?)
2) Make your position on each point clear (given the nature of the problem as you have defined it, what solutions do you offer?). This part of the paper usually has at least two components:
a. Make an argument about how best to INTERPRET the authors/ideas the paper is engaging in relation to the overall question the paper is addressing.
b. ASSESS and EVALUATE the authors/ideas you are engaging both in relation to each other and individually.
3) Provide evidence for BOTH the INTERPRETIVE and EVALUATIVE positions in the paper (why should I be persuaded that the answer you’ve provided is satisfying? On what grounds are you supporting your argument?)
4) Consider one or two possible counter arguments to your main points (how might someone who disagrees with you respond to your argument?); and
5) Respond to the counter argument(s) (why does that person who disagrees with you fail to undermine your position?)
b. Finally, the paper must also have a CONCLUSION—that is, a final paragraph or two that concisely summarizes the most important points you’ve made in your paper, restates your position in its fullest, most compelling form, and illuminates avenues for further inquiry
III) Logistics: papers must be between 2200-2400 words, 12-point Times Roman font, and double-spaced in MICROSOFT WORD format. Grammar and spelling mistakes WILL be considered in the final grade, so please PROOFREAD in addition to revising for content and style.
