Philosophy 100 
Introduction to Philosophy  
Fall 1999
Professor David A. Salomon
Shorter Essay #2

Choose ONE and only one of the following questions. Answer it in a complete and thoughtful
essay. Your essay should be a well-developed, clear, logical and complete idea developed from a
definite thesis statement. Use the text where appropriate to support your answer. You need not
consult secondary sources for this paper, but if you do, give credit for the information you use.
Do not forget to cite any Internet information you use as well. 

Use specifics from the texts to support your answers, but do not merely summarize the text. 

Essays should be typed (double-spaced) and approximately 4-6 pages in length. This paper is due
on Monday, November 29. Papers must be submitted on time. Papers handed in late will receive
a one grade deduction for each class late. I will be happy to look at drafts ahead of time; in fact, I
encourage it! 

Read the questions carefully. Proofread your work.

1) According to Thomas Aquinas, is evil necessary? Why or why not? Use both Aquinas' texts
and practical examples to support your answer.

2) Given what you have read of Thomas Aquinas' philosophy, offer three different meanings for
the term "human being." Be sure to illustrate your examples well with support from both the text
and practical examples.

3) Many have argued that Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy is "depressing," "morose," and
"beside the point." Late in his life, Nietzsche wrote, "God is dead." His intention was to create
"new values" in a manner "faithful to the earth." He was looking, as are most philosophers, for a
source of meaning and value that transcends "this life" and "this world." However, his statement
signaled the advent of nihilism. If, as Nietzsche sometimes argues, there is no truth, no morality,
and no God, what are the implications and ramifications for the twentieth century as a whole and
for the present day in particular? 

4) So-called "modern philosophy" seems to end around the middle of the present century.
Nevertheless, "postmodernist" philosophers constantly cite Nietzsche in their work. What about
Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil is applicable to contemporary philosophical issues? Provide
at least three concrete examples.