Philosophy Question

Two Essays: Comparative and Analytic

This assignment includes two short essays that deal with significant elements of this lesson. Each

of these essays should be no less than 2 pages of writing. The essays should be headed

separately by using the titles provided for each essay, but they should be completed as one

document. Please include a page break between essays. Include your references in MLA at the

bottom of each essay. Draw significantly from the reading materials and lecture.

Read the essay prompts and address the topics in a manner that illustrates your awareness and

understanding of the concepts involved. In other words, when you refer to an idea or concept,

explain it; make sure that you utilize the technical terms related to the issues; err on the side of

more explanation and clarification than less; do not think that the minimum word limit is all you can

do (I will always reward extra effort!)

Essay I: Comparative Essay on Hume and Buddhism

In Buddhism, the term anatt or antman refers to their doctrine of no self. An early Buddhist text

(around 1 BCE), called the Milindapanha, or “Milinda’s Questions,” contains a famous simile that is

meant to help explain the Buddhist theory of anatta, no self. Read about the simile from the site

provided here and answer the question. Please make note that there is a section of this site

entitled The Chariot Simile that should be referred to directly in your response.

After reading about chariot simile, compare it to what Hume says about the mind being like a

theatre and explain how this is an image of the nature of the way impressions and memories are

experienced. Both of these similes are meant to represent what the mind is like. Please explain

how, for each case. How is Nagasenas answer that Then there is no chariot! similar to Humes

claim that there is no self!?

Essay II: Analytic Essay on Freuds Tripartite Psyche

Give a summary of Freuds theory of the Psyche. Using what you have learned about the

theories of the Self from Descartes, Locke and Hume, analyze how Freuds theory of the Psyche

presents a problem for these traditional views of the Self. Address how Freuds theory

challenges each theory specifically, not just as a whole. A complete answer will include a

description of what each thinker understands the self to be like, and then conscientious

reflection on how Freuds theory differs. Length- Graded assignments should be sufficient in length to

address the question(s) or topic(s) completely. In this case, your

essay should be a minimum of four complete pages of writing (this

does not include heading). Submissions outside of the specified

parameter will receive fewer points, and you may be required to

resubmit assignments which are significantly below word limit or

expectations Content

Essays should include effective expression of ideas, supporting

detail from the materials/readings provided and relevant examples

for such ideas when appropriate.

Essay should demonstrate insight into the topic and clear

demonstration familiarity and comprehension of the readings and

lecture.

Hume Essay should address the following topics:

connection to his epistemology (theory of ideas as

impressions)

Freud Essay should address the following topics:

and Hume

Presentation – You are expected to demonstrate college-level

writing skills, appropriate sentence structure, format, and grammar.

Assignments which are marred by errors in grammar, punctuation,