Assignment task: Essay on Reason and reason alone should be the guide to every aspect of one's life, on Plato's view. What does this mean, and why does Plato believe this?
The only things that we can know with certainty, and therefore the only things we should believe, are what we very clearly and distinctly perceive through the natural light of reason, according to Descartes. All else is muddle-headed, vague, groundless speculation. What does Descartes mean by this? (Perhaps offer examples)
Kant thinks that the "public use of reason" is the key to enlightenment - the process of learning how to think for yourself and take control over your own life. Why does he mean by this - how is the free exercise of reason in public and civic dialogue the key to living a truly free life?
Nietzsche is not as impressed as are Plato, Descartes and Kant by the power of the intellect, and its ability to reason. If not reason, then what is it that really ought to guide our lives, if we want to live a happy and healthy life, on Nietzsche's view?
Evaluate the struggle between the 'rationalists' Plato, Descartes and Kant, and the anti-rationalist Nietzsche. What do you think the role of "reason" in your life is, or should be?
Both Kant and Nietzsche have a problem with allowing other people to take control of your life, and in believing things simply because other people tell you to believe in them. Plato thinks that we need philosophers who have, metaphorically, "seen the light" to show society the way to the good life - we need philosophers to think for us and guide us; it is in our best interest to allow them to do so, and to be guided by them.
Outline briefly the three positions on this issue, and then show clearly and explicitly how Kant, and especially Nietzsche, would criticize Plato.