Discourses of Epictetus – Philosophy
Respond to the following questions:
- Epictetus states that “it is better to starve and live without pain and fear than to live in abundance, but also in trouble”. Explain why he thinks this is so. (Explaining this position involves making explicit – making explicit – what is between the lines or behind the statement, much like opening a box to take out various objects inside, in this case 5 items or total. The same is generally true of the other questions you must answer below). [50-100 words] [10 pts]
- Identify and explain the two fundamental modern beliefs (from the 17th to the 19th century), which postmodernity (i.e., primarily Nietzsche) rejects. (5 items total) [50-100 words] [10 pts]
- Explain the various aspects of what Nietzsche means by “reactive forces” with reference to the will to truth. (5 items total) [120 to 200 words] [10 pts]
- Identify and explain the three major conceptions of transcendence (from the Greeks to the present). (3 main elements of explanation, with 2 subordinate elements for each, so total of 9, counting the 3 main elements). [200-300 words] [10 pts]
- Identify and explain the three major conceptions of knowledge (from the Greeks to the present). (3 main elements of explanation, with 2 subordinate elements for each, so total of 9, counting the 3 main elements). [150-250 words] [10 pts]