Write a well written and well argued paper on any one of the topics below. Your paper is due by 12:00 noon, Friday, February 12 in my box in Greer 114. Late papers will be docked one-third of a letter grade for each day late.

Your paper should be typed, double-spaced in a 12 point font with standard margins. It should be a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 pages in length (750 to 1250 words). There should be a cover page including an original and informative title for your paper, your name, this course, my name and the date. There should be a bibliography with complete references for any works cited in the paper. Papers should be stapled in the upper left-hand corner. No binders or folders please. Pages should be numbered. Keep a copy of your paper.

1. In what way can Plato's metaphysics be described as Heraclitean in one realm, and Parmenidean in another? In your essay you should discuss the relevant aspects of Heraclitus and Parmenides as well as the views of Plato as put forward in the Line and/or the Cave. Do you think Plato's metaphysics reconciles these two very different philosophical views? Why or why not? Which, if any, of these three philosophical accounts do think best describes the relationship between appearance and reality? Explain.

2. In what ways is Socrates both like, and unlike, a Skeptic? In other words, in what ways might Socrates be considered a Skeptic and in what ways not? In your essay you should focus on Socrates in the Apology and compare his speech and his actions to those of the Skeptic as presented by Sextus Empiricus. Give specific evidence from the texts for your views. Between Socrates and the Skeptic which, if either, do you think adopts the best attitude towards the world? Why?

3. Come up with a topic of your own. Write down your idea in the form of a brief thesis statement, then come and discuss your proposal with me by Monday 2/8. If you wish to write on a topic of your own, you must talk with me first.