Category: Philosophy

*Do NOT exceed 800 words (TAs are instructed to stop reading after 800 words they will only grade the first 800 words) Format: 12-point font, Times New Roman, Double-spaced, 1-inch margins, include page numbers Include: a link to the Google Doc where you drafted your paper at the top, a title, your name, your student ID, page numbers in the bottom right-hand corner Citations: cite sources using any standard citation method (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) Grade percentage: this reflection is worth 20% of your course grade Due date: the reflection is due by 11:59 PM on Wednesday October 3 Late penalty: for each day your reflection is late, your reflection grade will be deducted 10%; your reflection is considered late if it is turned in at any point passed the deadline (even just a minute). So, for example, if you submit your reflection 1 minute after the deadline, it will be considered one day late; if you submit it 1 day and 1 minute after the deadline, it will be considered two days late. AI Policy: the use of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) to help write your reflection is strictly prohibited; any suspicion that AI has been used will be promptly reported and investigated. The Assignment You will submit a short reflection towards the middle of the term. Reflections should be around 500 words, but no more than 800 words. The goal of this reflection is to bridge theory and practice by critically reflecting on some aspect of the course material from the first part of the course (lessons 1- 5) and linking it to a personal lived experience, current event, or pop culture. First, you will choose some aspect from the relevant course material a topic, idea, view or argument that resonated with you. Second, you will explain how this aspect applies to a real-world issue. For example, you might discuss how your chosen aspect from the course material (a) gives you insight into or makes you rethink a personal experience; (b) is relevant to a real life controversial social or political issue; (c) relates to a current event or topic in the news; (d) shows up in movie, TV show, or book; (e) influences pop culture; (f) plays out in daily life; (g) has practical implications for real people; (h) changes how you act in real life circumstances.

Real World Reflection Instructions

Basic Information

Google Doc: you are required to draft and revise your reflection in a Google Doc and include a link to the doc at

the top of the document you submit. See rubric for details.

Word Count: 500 800 words, excluding bibliography, in-text citations, and footnotes

*Do NOT exceed 800 words (TAs are instructed to stop reading after 800 words they will only grade the

first 800 words)

Format: 12-point font, Times New Roman, Double-spaced, 1-inch margins, include page numbers

Include: a link to the Google Doc where you drafted your paper at the top, a title, your name, your student ID,

page numbers in the bottom right-hand corner

Citations: cite sources using any standard citation method (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago)

Grade percentage: this reflection is worth 20% of your course grade

Due date: the reflection is due by 11:59 PM on Wednesday October 3

Late penalty: for each day your reflection is late, your reflection grade will be deducted 10%; your reflection is

considered late if it is turned in at any point passed the deadline (even just a minute). So, for example, if you

submit your reflection 1 minute after the deadline, it will be considered one day late; if you submit it 1 day and

1 minute after the deadline, it will be considered two days late.

AI Policy: the use of generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT) to help write your reflection is strictly prohibited; any

suspicion that AI has been used will be promptly reported and investigated.

The Assignment

You will submit a short reflection towards the middle of the term. Reflections should be around 500

words, but no more than 800 words. The goal of this reflection is to bridge theory and practice by

critically reflecting on some aspect of the course material from the first part of the course (lessons 1-

5) and linking it to a personal lived experience, current event, or pop culture. First, you will choose some aspect from the relevant course material a topic, idea, view or argument that resonated with

you. Second, you will explain how this aspect applies to a real-world issue. For example, you might

discuss how your chosen aspect from the course material (a) gives you insight into or makes you

rethink a personal experience; (b) is relevant to a real life controversial social or political issue; (c)

relates to a current event or topic in the news; (d) shows up in movie, TV show, or book; (e) influences

pop culture; (f) plays out in daily life; (g) has practical implications for real people; (h) changes how

you act in real life circumstances. Real world reflections are worth 20% of your course grade.

See real world reflection rubric under the Rubrics tab for details about instructions and grading

criteria.

A. Directions

Step 1: Review the Course Touchstones

Review Touchstones 1.1 and 1.2 to determine how this Touchstone Task will be used and to learn more about the graded assignments. Return to this page to continue your Touchstone Task.

Step 2: Answer Reflection Questions

Use this Touchstone Task to begin practicing philosophical inquiry. Remember that philosophy is a unique field of study that requires critical thinking and open dialogue. The journey in answering philosophical questions is as important as the conclusions.

Download the and answer the following reflection questions:

• Question 1: What philosophy question resonates most deeply with you from Challenge 1.1?
• Question 2: What are the most significant differences between philosophy and other academic disciplines?
• Question 3: What are the differences between an ‘opinion’ and a ‘philosophical argument?’
• Question 4: Have you taken time to understand each Ancient Greek philosophers ideas presented in the course material, and can you write a brief and accurate summary of their ideas?

Take a few minutes to consider each question before answering. Your writing does not have to be formal for this Touchstone Task; it can be spontaneous and flow without concern for structure or grammar. The point here is to think and be expressive. The more structured philosophical arguments will come in the graded Touchstone assignments.

Make sure your responses are supported by information from the Sophia tutorials.

HINT

To build the skill of correctly citing your sources in academic writing, you will cite the Sophia tutorials you use to support your responses in your graded Touchstones and include a reference page. Because all of your sources will be Sophia tutorials, the in-text and reference page citations will look like this:

• In-text citation: (Sophia Learning, n.d.)
• Reference: Sophia Learning. (n.d.). Why Study Philosophy? [Benefit to Society]. Ancient Greek Philosophers.

You will adjust your reference page citations to identify the specific tutorials you are referencing. Visit the resource for more assistance.

Step 3: Review Checklist ans Submit

Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Upload and submit your Touchstone Task once it meets these guidelines.

1. Review Touchstone 1.1 and 1.2

Did you review Touchstones 1.1 and 1.2 to determine how this Touchstone Task will be used?

Did you review Touchstones 1.1 and 1.2 to learn more about the overall assignments?

Did you review Touchstones 1.1 and 1.2 to see how you will be graded?

2. Reflection Questions

Have you answered the four reflection questions?

Have you given yourself the space for authentic reflection?

B. Requirements

While this assignment is ungraded, we recommend you practice the following conventions, which are required for graded Touchstones:

• Composition must be 1 page (approximately 200-300 words), double-spaced, with one-inch margins.
• Use a readable 12-point font.
• Composition must be original and written for this assignment, and all writing must be appropriate for an academic context.
• Plagiarism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
• Submission must include your name, the name of the course, the date, and the title of your composition.
• Include all of the assignment components in a single .doc or .docx file.

This assignment requires you to write a focused philosophical analysis of a central argument in

one of the texts we have studied in the first few weeks of this course. You must choose ONE

topic from the four options below. – Only Use Provide Reading Do not Use outside research andQuote (Author, Page Number)

Your task is not to simply summarize the reading, but rather to reconstruct and evaluate the logic of

a specific claim or set of claims made by the author. As a guide, I have included additional questions

within each topic. These highlight some of the central features/steps of the arguments put forward

by the philosophers that we have discussed in class. Treat these guiding questions as a helpful tool to

organize your essay. While you are not expected to answer each of them, your essay should

demonstrate an understanding of some of the key themes/concepts that these guiding questions focus

on.

Option 1 Descartes: Method, Doubt, and the Foundations of Knowledge

How does Descartes use the method of doubt to establish a foundation for knowledge? Explain how

the cogito (I think, therefore I am) functions as the first principle of his philosophy and how it

supports further claims about mindbody dualism and the existence of God.

Guiding Questions (you may use some, not all):

Why does Descartes think radical doubt is necessary?

What makes the cogito indubitable?

How does the idea of clear and distinct perception operate in his system?

What role does God play in securing certainty?

Option 2 Genevieve Lloyd: The Man of Reason and Gendered Rationality

Analyze Lloyds claim that modern rationality is historically constructed as masculine. How does she

connect the Cartesian method and mindbody dualism to the exclusion or marginalization of women

from full rational agency?

Guiding Questions:

What does Lloyd mean by the Man of Reason/maleness?

How does Cartesian dualism intensify earlier gender hierarchies?

Why are emotion, imagination, and the senses coded as feminine?

What are the philosophical and social consequences of this framework?

Option 3 Hobbes: State of Nature and the Logic of Absolute Sovereignty

Why does Hobbes believe that life in the state of nature necessarily becomes a state of war? Explain

how this diagnosis leads him to defend a powerful sovereign as the rational solution.

Guiding Questions:

What assumptions does Hobbes make about human motivation?

Why does equality lead to conflict rather than harmony?

What is the difference between a right of nature and a law of nature?

Why must individuals surrender their rights to achieve peace?Option 4 Locke: Property, Labor, and the Purpose of Government

Explain Lockes argument demonstrating how private property arises in the state of nature and why

the protection of property becomes the main purpose of government.

Guiding Questions:

What is the state of nature for Locke?

How does labor generate ownership?

Why is civil society necessary if people are already free and equal?

How does Locke define property, and why is it broader than material goods?

General Requirement, Guidelines and Expectations

1. Format

Word or PDF documents only

12-point Times New Roman

Double-spaced

2. Essay Structure

Your essay should contain:

I. An Introduction

Present the author, text, and central problem

State a clear thesis about the argument you will analyze

II. Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph develops one logical step of the argument

Begin with a topic/transition sentence that clearly explains to your reader how each

stage of your analysis is building on the foregoing discussion. For example, Having

established the indubitability of the cogito, Descartes proceeds to argue for the

dualism of mind and matter.

Provide textual evidence

III. Conclusion

Reaffirm your main insight

This is where you may also note tensions, problems, or evaluations of your own in

regard to the arguments you have analyzed.

3. Use of Textual Evidence

Support all major claims with direct quotations from the primary text.

Integrate quotations into your own sentences, i.e. entire sentences should not be

standalone quotations.

Explain the significance of each quotation, i.e. do not let quotes speak for

themselves.

4. Citations

You may use any established citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).

Be consistent throughout the paper.

Include page numbers for all quotations.

If you do not include the full citation in footnotes, make sure to include a Works

Cited/References page at the end.5. Philosophical Analysis

A strong philosophical essay:

Identifies a specific claim or argument

Explains the reasoning step-by-step, i.e. guides the reader through the ordered

development of an argument (showing how conclusions follow from premises)

Clarifies key concepts

Avoid treating the essay as:

A plot summary

A list of quotations

A purely personal reaction/opinion piece

6. General Writing and Style Guidelines

Use clear, precise language

Define technical terms

Avoid excessive jargon

Use present tense when discussing texts

Proofread for grammar and coherence

Audre Lorde insists on a multifaceted conception of difference that is not reducible to simple dichotomies. What are the benefits of thinking difference in this way?

DO NOT CITE LECTURES!

Audre Lorde insists on a multifaceted conception of difference that is not reducible to simple dichotomies. What are the benefits of thinking difference in this way?

DO NOT CITE LECTURES!

Topic A: In this essay, you will address the controversy between free will and determinism. You will go deeper into the problem of determinism by choosing whether it is the predictability or the unpredictability of our actions that pose a bigger threat to free will. Using passages from the textbook, explain in detail what determinism is and why determinism threatens the idea of free will. Now consider these two opposite points of view about our ability to predict behavior: Everything you do is predictable to those who know you well. This predictability means your life is determined by choices beyond your control.Paraphrase from Vaughn, p.268 He sat a long time and he thought about his life and how little of it he could have foreseen and he wondered for all his will and all his intent how much of it was his doing.Cormac Mc Carthy (reprinted in Vaughn, p.265) Explain what these two points of view mean and then give your own reasoned opinion about which point of view is correct. Defend your answer. Topic B: Describe the theory of knowledge called skepticism. Consider the skeptics charge that we can never be confident about the reliability of our normal sources of knowledge (perceptions, memory, introspection, and reasoning.) Describe why and how, for each of the 4 sources mentioned, the source is unreliable. Use examples to show your understanding. If a source of knowledge is unreliable, it means these sources can trick us into believing falsehoods. Does it follow from the fact that we are sometimes mistaken when we rely on these sources that we are always mistaken? In other words, once we admit is possible that we are mistaken, does that mean that we need to admit that we might never be correct? How would you respond to the skeptic?

Read and consider the two philosophical passages below. Gloria Jean Watkins, better known by her pen name bell hooks, was an American author, theorist, educator, and social critic who was a distinguished professor in residence at Berea College.

After reading the following two passages, complete your journal entry by reflecting upon and discussing the questions that follow.

Passage one by hooks (1999):

It is no accident that when we first learn about justice and fair play as children it is usually in a context where the issue is one of telling the truth. The heart of justice is truth telling, seeing ourselves and the world the way it is rather than the way we want it to be. In recent years sociologists and psychologists have documented the fact that we live in a nation where people are lying more and more each day.

Passage two by hooks (2006):

Without an ethic of love shaping the direction of our political vision and our radical aspirations, we are often seduced, in one way or the other, into continued allegiance to systems of dominationimperialism, sexism, racism, classism. It has always puzzled me that women and men who spend a lifetime working to resist and oppose one form of domination can be systematically supporting another. I have been puzzled by powerful visionary black male leaders who can speak and act passionately in resistance to racial domination and accept and embrace sexist domination of women, by feminist white women who work daily to eradicate sexism but who have major blind spots when it comes to acknowledging and resisting racism and white supremacist domination of the planet. Critically examining these blind spots, I conclude that many of us are motivated to move against domination solely when we feel our self-interest directly threatened . . . If we are only committed to an improvement in that politic of domination that we feel leads directly to our individual exploitation or oppression, we not only remain attached to the status quo but act in complicity with it, nurturing and maintaining those very systems of domination. Until we are all able to accept the interlocking, interdependent nature of systems of domination and recognize specific ways each system is maintained, we will continue to act in ways that undermine our individual quest for freedom and our collective liberation struggle.

Answer each of the questions below, supporting your answers by providing details.

• Discuss how truth-telling connects to your own life. Consider personal beliefs or values, past experiences with truth, lies, misinformation, and examples from this course.
• Explain the claim presented about justice and evaluate its reasoning. Then review your own reasoning and critically examine possible influences on your beliefs.
• Does the pursuit of truth relate to a moral life? Does it relate to creating a fair and just society? Explain your answers. How do you see your own personal responsibility in these matters?