31 Aug Describe Agathon’s main points and show how Socrates generates objections to them. Socrates’ objections (prove / fail to prove) that Agathon’s speech is wrong.
major essay details:
- Thesis: Defend a position as true or false. Agree or disagree with the arguments from our class readings..
- Interpretation: Clearly summarize all the relevant arguments from the text. Cite where each idea comes from. Explain each argument from the thinker in your own words.
- Arguments: Use your own arguments and evidence to prove your thesis. State facts and explain clearly how your arguments connect to the reading. Provide evidence, don’t just state your opinion.
- Good Argument: The fact that humans are creative is evidence that they could generate the idea of a perfect being on their own. [provides evidence]
- Bad Argument: I think Descartes is wrong because I don’t think God exists [fails to provide evidence]
- Objection and Reply: Clearly state an argument that might show your thesis to be false. Clearly state it as an objection. Then, provide a new argument that clearly shows the objection to be false and the thesis to be true. Clearly state that you are making a reply and explain how it refutes the objections.
- Conclusion: Re-state your thesis and its most useful insights.
