[SOLVED] Schopenhauer’s pessimistic perspective

PHIL 1200 Term Paper Topics
(due June 26)
Please choose one of the following topics for your term paper:
Topic 1
Pessimists about life’s meaning usually think that their pessimistic perspectives will, for
all their gloominess, help us become better people. After describing Schopenhauer’s
pessimistic perspective, explain why he seems to have thought this. Then evaluate his
perspective accordingly. Do you think Schopenhauer was right to think that his
perspective will help us become better people? If so, is that enough to tempt you to
accept his perspective?
Topic 2
Of the secular perspectives on life’s meaning we considered, which one should be the
most appealing to a religious individual, in your view? (Keep in mind that a secular
perspective can be the most appealing to a religious individual even if no secular
perspective is ultimately convincing for them: in that case, the secular perspective
would simply be the best of a bad lot for the religious individual.) Be sure not only to
give an accurate description of the secular perspective you select, but also to say
something about why you think that perspective should be the most appealing to a
religious individual.