Essay- 2 William James’ “What Makes a Life Significant” Length approximately 750

Essay- 2 William James’ “What Makes a Life Significant”
Length approximately 750 to one thousand words, not exceeding 1000 words.
Do not exceed 1000 words. Essay must be written using third person.
Note: In your final draft, the thesis statement must be bolded or highlighted.
Topic sentences/claim statement in each body paragraph must be bolded or highlighted.
You must include William James as one of your sources in your essay.
This essay should be supported with research from valid academic sources.
Before you select your topic keep in mind James’ basic assumptions (beliefs) about tolerance for others’ way of life and creating a meaningful life by holding exceptional ideals/goals and
working strenuously to attain them.
Choose ONE of the following topics for your essay:
Topic 1
William James presents a compelling perspective on Utopian experiences. If you find yourself in
agreement with James’ argument, your task is to craft an argumentative essay in which you
substantiate and expound upon the notion of a Utopian experience as inherently flat or
unattainable. Your essay should offer reasons and present concrete evidence to support your
stance.
Conversely, for those who take issue with James’ perspective, the prompt challenges you to
engage in a critical dialogue by refuting his argument. Your essay should articulate your own
vision of a Utopian paradigm and, in doing so, provide a well-reasoned and evidence-based
counterargument to James’ view. This assignment not only invites you to defend your
perspective but also encourages you to construct a comprehensive case for an alternative
concept of Utopian experience
Through this essay prompt, you have the opportunity to delve into the philosophical and sociological dimensions of utopia, offering a thought-provoking exploration of what constitutes an ideal society and whether it is truly attainable.
.
Topic 2
William James argues that “human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can
change the outer aspects of their lives.” This statement is closely linked to the philosophy of
pragmatism. If you find yourself in agreement with James’ perspective, your task is to construct
an argumentative essay that provides compelling evidence to substantiate the validity of his
theory.
Conversely, for those who disagree with James’ viewpoint, the prompt challenges you to
engage in a critical analysis by arguing why this change is not possible. Your essay should
articulate a counterargument and offer reasons supported by evidence to challenge the
feasibility of altering outer aspects of life by changing inner attitudes.
This essay prompt offers a platform for you to delve into the philosophical principles of
pragmatism, examine the relationship between inner attitudes and external realities, and
critically evaluate the potential for transformative change in human life based on James’
perspective.
Topic 3
In his essay “What Makes a Significant Life,” William James asserts, “The first thing to learn in
intercourse with others is non-interference with their own peculiar ways of being happy,
provided those ways do not assume to interfere by violence with ours. No one has insight into
all the ideals. No one should presume to judge them off-hand. The pretension to dogmatize
about them in each other is the root of most human injustices and cruelties, and the trait in
human character most likely to make the angels weep.”
Is James’ argument valid? Can you find historical or contemporary evidence to support or
challenge this argument? In a persuasive essay, articulate and defend your perspective on this
statement.
You can draw from historical examples or contemporary events to provide evidence that either
supports or contradicts James’ assertion regarding interference in the pursuit of happiness. This
essay prompt encourages you to critically engage with the concept of tolerance, the diversity of
ideals, and the consequences of interference in the lives of others.
.
Basic Guidelines:
1. Follow MLA guidelines for documentation
2. Double space entire document
3. Name, course title, Instructor name and date must be on left margin
4. Margins must be one inch justified on all sides
5. Use twelve size fonts
6. Include a rhetorical précis of James’ argument
7. Paper must be written in third person
8. Maintain present tense in your narrative
9. You must not use more than two direct quotations and these
quotations must not be longer than three lines when typed.
10. Use .edu, ,org, or only.com sources that are books, periodicals, or
news websites. Do not use any general encyclopedia or Wikipedia as
your source.