Choose (3) from the following (7) options: Plato’s Apology, Aristotle’s Rhetoric, Marcus Aurelius’ Mediations, Epictetus’ Handbook, both the Dao de Jing and Zhuangzi passages, or Higgins’ “Negative Virtues” essay, or the film Thank You For Smoking in the context of logic/fallacies/rhetoric. Pick the three that most interest or puzzle you. If you complete this assignment early, it will help prepare you for the test.

1-Each response paper will be one full page. (Each paper is 3 pages long, but will be subdivided into one-page critical response mini-essays.)

2-Divide the page into two main paragraphs.

3-In the first paragraph, you are to summarize the reading. Questions that should be answered: What is the reading about? What is the topic? If there is an argument, what is it? What is the author trying to do? The purpose of the first paragraph is to show me that you understand the reading and that you can restate it in your own words. Do not quote the text but put it in words in a way you would when describing it to a friend or family member.

4-The second paragraph is the critical or philosophical component. I want you to “react” to the paper. But–not just an emotional reaction, but I want you to give me reasons for your response. Possible ways to respond: Is there something wrong with the argument? Should it be criticized? Should we believe what the author is saying? If not, why not? Is this reading relevant to your understanding of yourself or your place in the world? Does it present us with new perspectives? Explain. Make sure this paragraph is a claim, not just a mere opinion. Imagine you are trying to convince me or someone else that your claim is worthy of belief.

(3 pages, double spaced, 12 point font)

MLA citation format

I have added some of the options that you can write about (Plato’s Apology, both the Dao de Jing and Zhuangzi passages, Higgins’ “Negative Virtues” essay)