First Exam
 

For the first exam, you will write a substantial essay on Thus Spoke Zarathustra.  I will ask you to write on one of the following prompts:

1. Is Zarathustra an overman?  Defend your view.
   
    
2. Does the theory of eternal recurrence add to or detract from the philosophical coherence and significance of this text?
   
    
3. Evaluate Zarathustra’s critique of Christian morality.  As part of your evaluation, be sure to consider the philosophical basis from which Zarathustra makes his critique.
   
    
4. Could there be a society of overmen?  Defend your position, and use this question to explore the social and political implications of this text.

Plan to write an organized essay in which you argue for a thesis.  In offering support for your thesis, be specific and make appropriate references to the text.  Demonstrate your knowledge of the entirety of the text. Remember that one of the most effective ways of supporting your viewpoint is anticipating and answering criticisms.

 

You may bring one page (one side) of notes to class.  I suggest that you make outlines for the four possible essays.