For your first paper, write on one of the following topics:

1. Why did Augustine steal the pears?

In answering this question, you should cite and explain specific passages from Book 2 of the Confessions (and you may also cite passages from other Books). Your answer to this primary question should deal with several other questions: Why does Augustine consider his theft of the pears more puzzling than some other illicit acts that humans engage in? Does Augustine wish to lay responsibility for his theft on others (e.g., his parents for letting him play outside after dark, or his evil "friends")? In what way does Augustine see his theft as a perverse effort to imitate God? Do you find Augustine's own explanation of his theft plausible? (Or does Augustine not wish to offer any complete explanation at all?)

2. Explain the logical relationships among the following claims (from Book 7 of the Confessions):

What is corruptible is inferior to what is incorruptible (i.1).

God is incorruptible (i.1).

God is all-powerful.

God knows all things (iv.6)

God is the surpreme Good (iii.5).

God only creates good (v.7).

God is truth (x.16).

Created things cannot be said to absolutely be or absolutely not be (xi.17).

Corruptible things are good (xii.18).

Evil is not a substance (xii.18).

Truth transcends my mind and my judgments (xvii.23).

God exists.

In particular, which does Augustine take to be axiomatic (i.e., not requiring any further justification), and how does Augustine think that the other claims are logically justified? (In explaining Augustine's thought on these general topics, you may cite other claims I have neglected to mention, either from Book 7 or other parts of the Confessions.) Keep in mind that sometimes, for purposes of his exposition, Augustine will mention a conclusion before the premises the justify it (so do not assume that what comes first in the chapter are the axioms, and what comes later are the conclusions.) If you do not regard Augustine's argument as convincing, explain why. If you are convinced by Augustine's argument, discuss one strong line of argument against Augustine, and explain why you reject it.

Whichever topic you write on, feel free to ask for help or show me a rough draft prior to handing in the final paper. This is especially worth doing if this is your first philosophy paper.