Essay 2

Essay 2: A Philosopher's Dialogue

Due Friday, 10/28

You are sitting at a salon during the Enlightenment, and two philosophers come and sit down at your table and start having a conversation. Write a conversation taking place in the salon between either: Voltaire and Rousseau OR Hobbes and Locke.

Your conversation should:

depict their views on government, the social contract and religion.
Show where they agree and disagree.
Reflect the principles of the Enlightenment (Rationalism, individualism, humanism/human potential, government/law, and progress).
Put yourself in the conversation (in what ways do you agree or disagree with each?)
Use at least one actual quote from each person in your dialogue.

Option 2: Essay

Write a five paragraph essay comparing and contrasting either Hobbes and Locke, or Rousseau and Voltaire. Explain how their views reflect or contradict the principles of Enlightenment thought. (Rationalism, individualism, humanism/human potential, government/law, and progress). Who do you agree with more and why?

Rubric:

Content and Ideas

Accuracy and Clarity

Citations

Conventions

Organization

–You develop a clear thesis (option 2)

--You take a clear position.

--You respond directly to all parts of the prompt.

--you reference all five aspects of the Enlightenment

--Your ideas are accurate and clearly presented.

--You portray each character accurately.

--Use at least one quote from each person.

--Cite all sources used.

Use of correct grammar and usage. This includes spelling, punctuation and sentence structure.

--Your paper flows in a clear and logical way.

--You show connections between ideas.