Write a 2-3 page paper (double-spaced, standard borders and font, not including title or works cited) on one of the following topics. Please read the topics carefully and consider your own view. The questions in each topic provided are meant to prompt your own thinking. Do not answer the questions as if in a list. This will not earn you a passing grade. You may consult the discussion forums if you like.

The paper should have an introduction and a conclusion, but since this is a short paper, those sections should be short. The paper should be composed in such a way that it clearly advances a thesis with support from the assigned readings and minimal external research. If any external research is used, it must be cited in a works cited page. Each paragraph should address a separate topic and they should build to a logical conclusion.

Use a word processing software to write the paper, then attach it to this assignment. Please make sure that you save your file with a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf ending. There is no guarantee that I will be able to open any other file type.

Topic: 

Aristotle argues that happiness is the ultimate good and purpose of human action. He believes that virtue is the way to achieve happiness. Does this view offer a reason for thinking that ethics might have a general character that can be applied to all people, places, and times? Can someone be fully happy (in Aristotle’s sense, that is, fulfilled, excellent, flourishing) even though others might consider them wicked?

This paper will be graded according to the following grading components:

Knowledge: The paper demonstrates a basic knowledge of the concepts, terms, readings, and ideas presented so far in the class. The author properly identifies sources of these ideas.

Understanding: The author appreciates how the concepts, terms, and ideas relate to one another. The paper demonstrates the relative value and connections between ideas as they are presented.

Reflection: The author considers applications of the ideas to real life scenarios.

Critical analysis: The author considers other viewpoints. The author challenges premises and arguments, considering counter examples. The author questions the consistency of the ideas presented.

Argument: The paper advances a thesis with supporting evidence. Paragraphs build toward a logical conclusion.

Composition: The paper is written clearly and in a consistent voice. A priority should be placed on communicating ideas directly and economically, avoiding ambiguity or vagueness, and avoiding errors that detract from the ability of the reader to understand what the author is saying.