Directions: Choose any four questions from the list of seven below and answer in essay form.

1.  Discuss the melete thanatou (pursuance of death) associated with Plato’s philosophy.

     How does this doctrine condition the philosopher’s view of death and suffering?

2.  Discuss Augustine’s notion of restlessness (inquietum). Hint: you may relate this

     idea to the problem of time and/or sin.

3.  Discuss the Christian perspective of suffering through the crucifixion. How does this

     perspective provide meaning to the experience of suffering? Utilize the thoughts of St.

     Paul, St. Augustine, St. Anselm, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, John Paul II.

 
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4.  Discuss John Paul II’s notion of the solidarity of suffering.

5.  Discuss the role of friendship within the context of suffering (Aristotle or Cicero).

6.  Discuss Aristotle’s idea of happiness.

7.  Contrast the thoughts of Bernard de Clairvaux and Nietzsche on the related topics of

    pride and humility.

8.  Discuss the fundamental workings of Freud’s psychic apparatus (id, ego, superego),

    particularly its relation to mental suffering.

9.  Discuss the ethical Kierkegaard’s analysis of Isaac’s sacrifice in On the Fear and

     Trembling
.

10. Explain the philosophical importance of Camus’ question in the beginning of The

      Myth of Sisyphus:
why not commit suicide?  

 
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