Extra Credit – Essay: Frankfurt & the Honor Code

ASSIGNMENT: Read Frankfurt’s essay On B.S. From that and our discussion in class, assess whether and how Frankfurt’s work may apply to the Honor Code. Could the work on b.s. offer some improvements to the Honor Code, or not so much?

Select one of the following topics and write a two-page (500 word) essay answering the associated question(s).

1. Like the Honor Code, Frankfurt takes into consideration the speaker’s state of mind. Does his work add anything to the concept of intent as outlined in the Honor Code?

or

2. Does the Honor Code deal with B.S. as defined by Frankfurt?

This isn’t an “agree or disagree” type assignment. Your assessment should be based on the strength of the argument Frankfurt makes in relation to the question you’re answering. Remember that your own argument (your answer to the question) should be based on solid reasons/premises, one of which will be an explicit definition of b.s.

GRADING: This assignment will be graded on your ability to analyze Frankfurt’s work (10 pts.), the development of your own line of argumentation (10 pts.), and your ability to communicate both clearly (5 pts.).