Order Description
In an essay of 1500-2000 words analyze the following passages in light of your understanding of the texts from which they come and of issues raised in tutorial and in colloquia:
Since society exists as a network of social roles, each one of which can become a chronic or a momentary alibi from taking responsibility for its bearer, we can say that deception and self-deception are at the very heart of social reality. nor is this an accidental quality that could somehow be eradicated by some moral reformation or other… But it is also true that authentic existence can take place only within society. All meanings are transmitted in social processes. One cannot be human, authentically or inauthentically, except in society. And the very avenues that lead to a wondering contemplation of being, be they religious or philosophical or aesthetic, have social locations. Just as society can be a flight from freedom or an occasion for it, society can bury our metaphysical quest or provide forms in which it can be pursued. We come up once more on the persistently Janus-faced paradox of our social existence. (Berger, Invitation to sociology, pp.145,149).
[A] ll rational beings stand under the law that each of them should treat himself and all others never merely as a means but always at the same time as an end in himself. Hereby arises a systematic union of rational beings through common objective laws, i.e. a kingdom that may be called a kingdom of ends (certainly only an ideal)… Hence morality consists in the relation of all action to that legislation whereby alone a kingdom of ends is possible. This legislation must be found in every rational being and must be able to arise from his will, whose principle then is never to act on any maxim except such as can also be a universal law… In the kingdom of ends everything has either a price or a dignity. Whatever has a price can be replaced by something else as its equivalent; on the other hand, whatever is above all price, and therefore admits of no equivalent, has a dignity. (Kant, Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, pp.39-40)
In your essay you are expected to analyze the language, assumptions, perspectives, and arguments of the assigned passages, as well as of the texts from which they are taken. Neither merely general statements about the assigned passages and texts (i.e. statements that are not supported by a close reading of the assigned passages and texts) nor mere paraphrases (i.e. mere rewordings) of the assigned passages and texts are acceptable. To analyze passages and texts means to present a critical commentary on them such that you demonstrate your understanding of their basic principles of their basic principles, ideas, and implications.
Essays must be formatted in 12 point Times or Times New Roman font. Please use double-spacing and leave one inch margins on all four sides of each page for your instructor’s comments. All citations from the works under consideration must be identified by page number (in brackets or in more formal notes). You are urged not to make use of additional books in your essay.
Academic Integrity Checklist
In order to assist you in ensuring that you have adhered to the university’s policies regarding academic integrity we provide the following checklist for you to consider prior to submitting your essay. The list is meant to serve as a supplement to the Academic tutorial and need not be handed in to your instructor.
[ ] All ideas taken from sources other than the assigned texts – other sources might include library books, lecture notes from other classes, or the internet (Wikipedia, spark notes, cliff notes…) – have been identified and the sources cited.
[ ] The reference entries in my bibliography account for every idea and/ or quote that I have taken from, including any paraphrases of, secondary materials.
[ ] I have checked my work against my notes to be sure that I have correctly referenced all direct quotes and/ or borrowed ideas.
[ ] Direct quotations from all sources have both opening and closing quotation marks and are fully referenced.
[ ] I am responsible for all the material in my essay
[ ] I have kept my research notes, outlines, and early drafts. (should questions of academic integrity arise, you may be asked to provide these to your instructor).
