Paper Topics on Kramnick, "Portable Enlightenment Reader," Fall 2007

Topics focusing on Isaac Kramnick, ed., The Portable Enlightenment Reader

Choose from one of the questions below:

1. The Enlightenment was once seen in an unreservedly positive light, as the beginnings of modern thought and the origin point for modern notions of science, freedom, and justice. In recent times, however, philosophers and historians have often been severely critical of what they call the "Enlightenment project," seeing it the origins of many modern social problems and despicable attitudes. Choose an Enlightenment thinker or two (or one of the topic areas listed in the next question) and write a critique detailing the limitations, errors, and dangers of the Enlightenment as you see them.
2. Following the procedure above, write a defense of the "Enlightenment project" despite its limitations, errors, and dangers.
   
3. Describe and analyze the essential elements of Enlightenment thought on ONE or TWO of the the following topics:

• the nature of truth
• the role of women in society
• the political rights of women
• crime (and punishment)
• slavery
• Africans
• American Indians
  
• war
• progress
• history
• art
• mind
• the existence of God
• organized religion
• the human mind
• human nature
  
• the scientific method
• morality
• manners
  
• role of the state in the economy
• luxury goods and other form of consumption
  
• the natural world

You will almost certainly need to read well beyond the sections of the book that your TA may direct you to prepare for discussion or that may be mentioned in class. Be sure to read the introduction as well. Email Professor Pasley if you have another idea for a specific aspect of Enlightenment thought to write about.