Galileo: Theological Knowledge and Scientific Knowledge

Topic: Your essay should respond to the following prompt using either Galileo’s Letter to the Granduchess Christina, Swift’s Modest Proposal, or the Marquis de Condorcet’s Future Progress of the Human Mind: How does your chosen text describe and define knowledge? According to the text, how do humans obtain this knowledge, and what is its benefit(s)? Finally, make an argument as to whether or not the text’s description of knowledge is correct. Your essay should answer these questions by drawing upon specific quotations and examples from the primary source text. This is not a research paper; your essay may rely solely on class texts and lectures. Format: typed, double-spaced, 12 point font in Times New Roman; follow MLA citation, including works cited; no grammar or spelling errors; please include a word count in parentheses next to your name. Evaluation: Your paper will be assessed according to the following criteria (each criterion is followed by a description of an excellent paper in that category): • Quality of Thesis: Very clear presentation of thesis, answering questions posed by the prompt • Quality of Argument: Excellent grasp of relevant text(s) and/or issues; appropriate quotations with excellent explication and correct citation. Supports assertions with evidence; argument presented clearly; excellent grasp of relevant material. • Organization: Ideas are sequenced logically with fluid transitions; thesis serves as the controlling idea throughout the paper • Style: Paper enjoyable to read; graceful, mature prose that addresses audience appropriately • Mechanics: Minimal to no spelling, punctuation, citation, or grammatical errors