Write a comparative essay of 2000 words on one of the following topics. Your assignment should be double spaced.

Order Description

Topic Choices

1.Form and Tao
Compare and contrast how the ideas of the Forms and the Tao are similar and different. Make sure to back up your discussion with textual evidence (quotes from Socrates and from Chuang Tzu). Use examples to explain your point.

2.Confucius? concept of Tao and Chuang Tzu?s concept of Tao
One interesting fact about Chinese philosophy is that two different thinkers may be using the same concept but give them different meanings. In this assignment, compare and contrast how Confucius and Chuang Tzu use the same term, Tao (the Way). Refer to specific textual passages from both philosophers? texts. (Hint: Confucius?s concept of the Tao is more socially oriented while that of Chuang Tzu is more nature-bound). Discuss the implications of their respective understandings of Tao.

3.The ch?n tzu (gentleman) of Confucius and the chen jen (perfect man) of Chuang Tzu.
Compare and contrast the ideal personality in both Confucius? Analects and Chuang Tzu?s Basic Writings. You might want to consider which person you want to be as you examine these texts to help form a focus for your comparison.

4.Negotiate a topic with your tutor on a comparison that interests you. The journal entries may have stimulated an interest in a comparison that you want to explore further. You will want to ensure that you propose a topic that is manageable. The clearer you are about the main comparison and key concepts, the more readily your tutor will be able to help you formulate your essay topic.