Final Essay

Setting the scene: Erich Maria Remarque, Peter Singer, and Pope John Paul II spend a long evening arguing about the nature of Hell (or, “hell,” as the case may be). Finally, exhaustion and a strong sense of mutual exasperation force them to wrap things up. Before they leave, however, they are at least able to agree about a simple sentence:

“Man is the maker of Hell (or hell), and no one else.”

Here is a two-part question:

1. Are Remarque, Singer, and the Pope arguing about the same thing? If not, do they really agree about the quotation above?
   
2. Once you have clarified this issue, pick the position with which you identify most strongly. On this basis, make an argument about why your stand is the most defensible means for minimizing “hell on earth.”

 

Advice: This is a challenging assignment, but it is definitely do-able if you give yourself ample time to reflect upon it. Start Now! Read and re-read the assignment as many times as you need. I am not saying what your answers should be (e.g., you could argue that all three figures basically agree about hell). I am merely asking you to take a stand on an issue and then to reflect upon its implications for human behavior. Your understanding of the first part will shape your response to the second part. As an exercise, another way of looking at this assignment is to begin with step #2 and ask yourself which argument you prefer and then to work your way back to the three figures in step #1. One way or the other, you will need to work especially hard on your first paragraph in order to give your reader a clear roadmap of the ground you will be traversing.

Again, before you begin to write, read this assignment closely and as many times as you require to understand it completely. Feel free to discuss it with your classmates, though the final essay should be your work alone.

Your essay should be no more than 7 pages long. Please abide by all of the guidelines for our other papers: typed, double-spaced pages, including evidence and citations. Make sure the reader knows where you stand and what counterarguments will be used against you.

Your essay is due on exam day, Tuesday, May 3 by 3:00 p.m. You may turn it in at the Nanovic Institute, 211 Brownson or you may send it to me at amcadams@nd.edu. However, if you choose to send it, it is entirely your responsibility to make sure I receive it on time.

If you would like me to return your paper with comments, please include your summer address with your paper.