Assignment: Philosophy of the Human Person
Reflection paper guide 5-7 pages
Write a reflection paper on what it means to be a human person. This is not a research paper!!!
Brainstorm:
Be inspired by one of our readings in Man's Search for Meaning or a phrase from Heidegger or Plato. Explore this idea or text by expanding on our classroom discussions and analysis by thinking more critically. Organize this idea into a reflection on what makes a meaningful life for everyone for the most part and for you as an individual in particular. Add what is meaningful for the individual at end. Note: the passage is simply a point of departure; it isn't necessary.
Theme: How does a person devise what is meaningful through constraints of all sorts- both tragic and mundane-and choices-both individual and communal? Define, and then formulate the key components or structures that are operative in what is meaningful for all and lastly, what is particular to the author( yourself )
Format: Word doc., one-inch margin, 12-point font, double-spaced, approximately six pages; more important than the length of the paper is that the points below are addressed. If you employ any text in the paper, identify the page of the text with an in-text citation, e.g.( Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning 45, Heidegger, Kant and the Problem with Metaphysics,38, Plato, Apology 17a5) .
Since this reflection paper discusses " What is meaningful" in general, avoid heavy reliance upon unique personal experiences. In other words, while some personal experience is appropriate, write a reflection that is applicable to most people. Avoid 1st person ("I think that ....") and 2nd person (" when you....") narration, for the focus is on meaningful life.
Paper introduction:
- Have an interesting introduction and a clear thesis statement. What is the major point or claim of the paper? E.G. " This paper will argue that a meaningful life is...."
The definition and components of meaning:
- Define or describe what "meaning" is. This can be qualified in many ways.
- What comprises meaning? E.g. What makes something meaningful? How is meaning formed? What are its parts? What human skills are operative with meaning-making?
Evidential experience of meaning:
- What type of experiences would help to illustrate or give evidence for the previous section?
- Do tragic experiences affect meaning and identity; do joyful experiences affect meaning? What is the relationship between meaning and identity, agency, and ethics?
- To what extent can a personal experience relate to all of us?
Paper conclusion:
- Does the conclusion of the paper match the thesis statement?
- Does the body of the paper support the thesis statement in the conclusion?
Paper development and composition:
- Does the paper develop one idea per paragraph with transitions between paragraphs?
- Are grammar and syntax correct?
Attachment:- Heidegger-Kant-and-the-Problem-of-Metaphysics.rar