Write a well written and well argued paper on any one of the topics below. Your paper is due by 12:00 noon, Wednesday, March 31 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. Compare and contrast Nietzsche's account of appearance and reality in Twilight of the Idols with any one other philosopher we have read so far this semester (i.e. Hesiod, Thales, Heraclitus, Parmenides, Zeno, Melissos, Plato, Sextus or Descartes). In your discussion, consider the ways each approaches the distinction between appearance and reality, their reasons for doing so, and the effects this has on the rest of their philosophy. Which of the two approaches do you find most compelling and why? Give reasons for your view.

2. Is Nietzsche's portrayal of Socrates in "The Problem of Socrates" true to the spirit of Socrates? That is, is Nietzsche himself pursuing the Socratic ideal of inquiry and pursuit of the truth even as he blasts Socrates, or do Nietzsche's concerns lie elsewhere than with the truth? Take a position and argue for your view. Be sure to support your view with evidence from the writings of both Nietzsche and Plato. You may want to consider §340 from The Gay Science in your paper as well.

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 M 3/29. If you wish to write on a topic of your own, you must talk with me first.