Pick one of following topics and write a 2 page paper fulfilling the tasks assigned.

Your paper is due in the beginning of class on Wednesday, January 31st.


Topics:

1. In Plato's dialogue, Euthyphro, Socrates offers a refutation of Euthyphro's definition of piety as what all the gods love. The argument appears midway through the dialogue following Euthyphro's claim "Yes, I should say that what all the gods love is pious and holy, and the opposite which they all hate, impious." It culminates in Socrates' speech that begins with "But, friend Euthyphro, if that which is holy is the same with that which is dear to God...". In your own words, explain Socrates' argument. Discuss only this section of the dialogue. Be sure to account for all of the necessary premises, and explain the strategy Socrates employs in showing that Euthyphro must abandon his definition.

2. In "Right and Wrong," Chapter 7 of What Does It All Mean?, Thomas Nagel offers a general argument against harming other people. The argument appears on pages 64-66 of the handout, and begins with the question "How would you like it if someone did that to you?" In your own words, explain how this argument is supposed to work. Discuss only this section of the chapter. Be sure to explain all of the moves Nagel makes in arguing from the initial question to the conclusion that you should not steal someone's umbrella, and you ought to feel guilty if you do. Pay special attention to the moves made on page 66.