please read the A grade sample and follow it to write.

exactly 4 pages and intro just keep it simple. 

THIRD PAPER
Directions: Write a 4-page paper in response to one of the prompts below. Your paper should be 

double-spaced and use a standard font (e.g. Times New Roman), size 12, and standard margins. Make sure you answer each part of your chosen prompt. 

Due date: Saturday November 21, 5 pm (PT)
Submit your paper as a pdf or word file via bCourses > Assignments. 

1. The Ergon Argument 

Aristotle argues that the highest human good is ‘the soul’s rational activity that expresses virtue’. What does he mean by this, and how does he argue for this claim (NE I.7, 1097b22–1098a17)? Is his argument persuasive? Defend your answer. 

2. The Doctrine of the Mean 

Aristotle defines ethical virtue (excellence of character) as ‘(a) a state that decides, (b) <consisting> in a mean, (c) the mean relative to us, (d) which is defined by reference to reason, (e) i.e. to the reason by reference to which the intelligent person would define it’ (NE II.6, 1106b36–1107a2). Explain what this means, and explain why Aristotle characterizes ethical virtue in this way. Is this a good definition of ethical virtue? Defend your answer. 

3. Virtue Is ‘Up to Us’ 

In NE III.5, Aristotle argues that virtue is ‘up to us and voluntary’ (1114b28–9). Explain what this means. How does Aristotle defend this claim? Is his argument persuasive? Defend your answer. 

Anyone found plagiarizing or cheating in an assignment will automatically fail the course and be reported to the Center for Student Conduct. For further information on plagiarism and how to avoid it, see: http://sa.berkeley.edu/cite-responsibly. 

As a tool to promote academic integrity in this course, all written work submitted via bCourses will be checked for originality using Turnitin. Turnitin compares student work to a database of