Humanity Argumentative Essay

Essays must be a minimum of 5 full pages in length (no more than 7), includes one potential counterargument and respond to it. required readings before writing:

Lucretius, On the Nature of the Universe, translated by Ronald Melville (Oxford, ISBN: 9780199555147) Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, translated by Tim Parks (Penguin, ISBN: 9780143105862) Respond to one of the following prompts:

Prompt 1: In “The Freedom of a Christian,Luther writes that the Christian is both a perfectly free lord of all, subject to no one,” and a “perfectly dutiful servant, subject to all” (1). How does this description apply to Machiavelli’s characterization of an effective prince?  Note: do not focus on the obvious differences between the texts — for example, that Machiavelli rejects Christian values as the basis for effective rule but instead argues how the authors’ views on freedom are similar. 

Prompt 2: According to Lucretius(On the nature of the universe) and Machiavelli(the price), how should we respond to a world in constant change? Note: argue how the authors’ views on this topic are similar. citation: Cite Luther, and Machiavelli by page number. Cite Lucretius by book and line number. format: double spaced, time roman 12 Thesis: Must be debatable Comes at or near the end of the intro paragraph, Argument and claim clarification (i.e. clarify why the claim is reasonable.

This usually ties into your argument.) Argument driven:  Each paragraph should advance your argument (rule of thumb: one main point per paragraph) Only summarize where necessary. (If an entire paragraph only summarizes the text, do you need it?) Paragraphs: Quote from the text(s) to support your argument. Explain your quotes.

Break it down and explain how you interpret the quote to support your argument.  Counterargument (C-A): Is this a strong counter-argument? (Is this something a reasonable-minded friend who you respect might argue?)