Requirements
• Length: 700 (Absolute maximum length is 800 words. Longer essays will
not be accepted.)
• Write in your own words using your own ideas.
• Use grammatically correct complete sentences and paragraphs; do not
use point form.
• Word or PDF format; double-space; 1” margins; NO pictures, illustrations, or
colour; use Ariel or Times New Roman font
• Do NOT include a cover page.
• Do NOT use headers and footers.
§ Submit both an electronic copy through the Blackboard dropbox and a
paper copy in class on the due date.
§ Late papers will not receive comments.
§ Refer to philosophers by their surnames, not first names (unless they
have only one name).
Topic
Explain and criticize a main idea of one of the following two theories of
love: Plato – Speech of Aristophanes; Aristotle – Self-love. (Essays about
other topics will not be accepted.)
Structure:
1) Thesis 1: Develop a thesis that states a principle idea of the theory of
love you have chosen to discuss.
2) Development and Defense: Present and explain points (reasons or
examples from the theory) used by the philosopher to support the thesis.
3) Thesis 2: Develop a thesis that states your criticism (positive or
negative) of the principle idea you have chosen to discuss. Your thesis
may agree, disagree, or do some of both.
4) Development and Defense: Present your reasons for your stand.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a research paper. The goal is for you to
read one of the course readings and analyze it. You may use quotations
from the course readings, but not more than 10% of the total word count.
Quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and cited in text using
the philosopher’s last name and the page number from the textbook in this
format: (Name of philosopher/author, title, page number in textbook). Do
not quote course lecture notes.