Philosophy 100 
Introduction to Philosophy  
Fall 2000
Professor David A. Salomon
Shorter Essay #1

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 plot. 

Essays should be typed (double-spaced) and approximately 4-6 pages in length. This paper is due
on Wednesday, October 18. 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) At the end of the Phaedo, Phaidon eulogizes Socrates as "the wisest and justest, the best man I
have ever known" (59). Using the three dialogues (Apology, Crito, and Phaedo) discuss how one
could argue that Socrates was wisest, justest, and best. Your essay will have to include (Platonic)
philosophical definitions for those three attributes. Consult a good dictionary of philosophy for
definitions; in other words, Webster's Dictionary will not suffice.

2) Aristotle is most concerned with ethics. Using a fictional film or novel (other than "High
Noon") apply some aspect of Aristotle's ethics to the story. Remember to use specific examples
from both Aristotle and the film or novel. This website lists films that have particular links to movements or ideas in philosophy.

3) When we get into the Middle Ages, philosophy takes a big turn from borrowing from the
ancients to declaring its own principles and theories. Using three of the following Augustine,
Anselm, Maimonides, and Aquinas discuss at least one major idea that each of the three
contributed to philosophic thought that was revolutionary when compared with the ancients.