1. Leibniz/Voltaire/Hume Comparison Paper: Due October 4th
5-6 pages
cite however you like to
half summary/half our thoughts
Your review essay should
(1) summarize the main arguments of these three thinkers with an emphasis on common themes. You
must then
(2) identify and present the major points of agreement and disagreement, including the reasoning
given for the divergent conclusions. Be sure to address the differences between Hume and Voltaire, in
addition to their shared disagreement with Leibniz. Finally, you must
(3) stake out your own position on these issues. You can either provide your own argument for one
side or the other, or give reasons on behalf of one or more of the assigned readings. (disagree with it all
but which one appeals to me most)
Each of the above 3 components is equally important, and thus all should receive attention in your
review essay.
Essay outline:
main points of the three people
common themes between the three
points of agreement
points of disagreement
my view
conclusion
Leibniz:
main point: this is the best of all possible worlds
not trying to come to the conclusion that God exists but that God is morally justified
pg 6
liebniz was an optimist of the world as a whole
like a painting
pg 17
pg21/22
Hume:
main point:looking at the world the most natural conclusion is not god
thinks Leibniz is asking the wrong question
you cant say hes justifies because theres more good than bad because we cant measure it
he raises the 4 ways the world could’ve been slightly better, which is a jab at Leibniz (its not the
best of all possible worlds)
three characters: cleanthes, philo, demea
leibniz is praised by hume for his optimism pg 39
even our good things like opera and theatre speak of tragedy (pg41)
5-6 pages
cite however you like to
half summary/half our thoughts
Your review essay should
(1) summarize the main arguments of these three thinkers with an emphasis on common themes. You
must then
(2) identify and present the major points of agreement and disagreement, including the reasoning
given for the divergent conclusions. Be sure to address the differences between Hume and Voltaire, in
addition to their shared disagreement with Leibniz. Finally, you must
(3) stake out your own position on these issues. You can either provide your own argument for one
side or the other, or give reasons on behalf of one or more of the assigned readings. (disagree with it all
but which one appeals to me most)
Each of the above 3 components is equally important, and thus all should receive attention in your
review essay.
Essay outline:
main points of the three people
common themes between the three
points of agreement
points of disagreement
my view
conclusion
Leibniz:
main point: this is the best of all possible worlds
not trying to come to the conclusion that God exists but that God is morally justified
pg 6
liebniz was an optimist of the world as a whole
like a painting
pg 17
pg21/22
Hume:
main point:looking at the world the most natural conclusion is not god
thinks Leibniz is asking the wrong question
you cant say hes justifies because theres more good than bad because we cant measure it
he raises the 4 ways the world could’ve been slightly better, which is a jab at Leibniz (its not the
best of all possible worlds)
three characters: cleanthes, philo, demea
leibniz is praised by hume for his optimism pg 39
even our good things like opera and theatre speak of tragedy (pg41)
