1. On Kierkegaard’s The Present Age:

What ills does Kierkegaard identify in The Present Age? To what extent does his message apply to our age?

Due in class, Friday, Feb. 6

 You might wish to consult Hubert Dreyfus' article, "Kierkegaard on the Information Highway," a link to which should be available through the Kierkegaard website.

2. On Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling:

Pick any one of the numerous examples Kierkegaard raises (e.g., the merman, the knight of resignation, Faust) and compare it to the case of Abraham. In what respects does it exemplify or fall short of Kierkegaard’s conception of the genuine knight of faith?

 Due in class, Monday, February 23

3. On Hegel’s Reason in History:

What is the central theme or thesis in Reason in History? Using whatever example or examples you’d like, evaluate some aspect of Hegel’s proposal.

 Due in class, Monday March 15

4. On Nietzsche’s On the Genealogy of Morals:

In both of the first two essays of The Genealogy, Nietzsche discusses the suffering of man from man (First Essay, section 11 [p. 27] and Second Essay, section 16 [p. 65]). Briefly explain what Nietzsche is referring to in each of these passages, being sure to identify any points of contrast. What is Nietzsche's attitude toward all this alleged suffering? Finally, be sure to evaluate Nietzsche's claims about it. What evidence is there either to confirm or disconfirm the existence of such suffering?

Due in class, Friday, April 16 (the Friday after Spring Break)