The second response essay (three pages in length, typed and double spaced) is due on the day of the midterm exam, October 10th. You should pick something that interests you that we have studied in ancient Greece (Heraclitus & Plato) or ancient China (Confucianism & Daoism). If you are in the Global Studies cohort program, you should consider the similarities and differences between thought in ancient and modern cultures, connecting or distinguishing the two in a particular way. You can do this by selecting an idea of an ancient thinker or school of thought and considering whether modern history makes you agree or disagree with it. Some possible topics you may use include:
Is truth relative (Heraclitus & Daoism) or absolute (Plato)? Is there true objective knowledge, or is everything relative human opinion and perspective?
Should all expertise and authority be questioned continuously? (Heraclitus)
Both Plato and Confucius believe in meritocracy rather than aristocracy. How should this be accomplished? Is Plato's Republic a good city given that it is a meritocracy but also a rigid class system? Can one avoid class systems in building a meritocracy?
Do you favor Confucians who believe in study and civilization, or Daoists who believe in meditation and returning to nature?
Do you favor Laozi, who teaches about how to rule a prosperous society, or Zhuangzi, who has far more faith in individual development than social development?
