Part 1.
I. Overview and Review
Mandatory reading below:
ESSAYS WILL BE DUE: 05/15/26: 05/15/26 is the due date but I will allow you to turn in up to 05/17/26. I will drop the late points deduction on each, so no late points. This will give you time to write well. Argumentative/analytical essay 3-5 pages in length following MLA guidelines which appear below. Arial font 12 pt. No cell phone picture submissions. Points: 100.
The purpose and Objectives of this assignment are to:
- Review and reinforce learning; write an essay which synthesizes knowledge.
- Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of correct reasoning and apply these principles to the evaluation of opinions and prospective beliefs by examining a philosophical reading or passage.
- Apply concepts related to writing a philosophical essay to the body of literature studied.
Review:
I. The study of philosophy: is the study of how we think and what we think. The study of philosophy is about itself.
Philosophy classes stress understanding and evaluation through reading and class discussions. You will be involved in the process of doing philosophy, which means that you will be expected to understand, analyze, argue for or against, and justify your opinions on the philosophical positions we will be studying.
In many cases, you will be asked to suspend your judgment on a subject in order to open your mind to a new way, or a different way of conceptualizing a problem. At no time will you be asked to agree with any dogma. Your objective is to be able to comprehend, apply, and, hopefully, appreciate the information you will learn. Though philosophy may at first seem abstract, it is an extremely concrete, active and exciting enterprise.
Best practices: Philosophy classes stress understanding and evaluation through reading and class discussions. You will be involved in the process of doing philosophy, which means that you will be expected to understand, analyze, argue for or against, and justify your opinions on the philosophical positions we will be studying.
In many cases, you will be asked to suspend your judgment on a subject in order to open your mind to a new way, or a different way of conceptualizing a problem. At no time will you be asked to agree with any dogma. Your objective is to be able to comprehend, apply, and, hopefully, appreciate the information you will learn. Though philosophy may at first seem abstract, it is an extremely concrete, active and exciting enterprise.
II. We will spend all of Module 6 working on our term papers. However, you should not wait until then to begin planning and thinking about your essay. Given the information below, you can start planning early then just submit the required elements when we get to Mod. 6.
Ways to tackle your paper:
- Choose a topic. Re-read the pertinent readings and begin an outline. Next, create rough draft by stating the issue or argument you intend to prove and telling us how you will go about demonstrating this.This will be your Thesis.
- Create paragraphs that explain your thesis. Take up separate parts or premises in each paragraph. Use quotes to back up what you are saying when needed. Make sure to have paragraph transitions.
- Make sure to represent the philosophers accurately and not misrepresent their views. Be self-critical. Use the principle of charity: this principle states that you should entertain arguments in their best light and not cloud your judgment with your own biases.
- Use MLA guidelines.
- Make sure to have a concluding, edifying paragraph.
- The Module will guide you step by step in completing these tasks.
III. TOPICS: choose one from below. If none of these work, you can come up with your own topic, as long as you clear it with me first. Write an argumentative or analytical essay 3-5 pages in length following MLA guidelines which appear below.
Metaphysics, topics below:
- Compare Platos metaphysics with Aristotles. In doing this, describe and explain Platos theory of Forms and Aristotles criticisms of this. Finally, decide which theory you prefer and explain why
- Compare three views on the nature of the Self: 1) The Soul as an enduring self, 2) Memory as an enduring self, 3) The no self view of Hume, and/or Buddhism. Explain each view and then decide which view or theory seems to be the most probable and why. Include one philosopher in each: example – Descartes, Locke, Hume.
- Describe and explain the arguments for Materialism and Idealism of one philosopher in each area. Describe their objections. Which theory of reality do you subscribe to and why. Your argument must be clearly stated. Example: Berkeley and Hobbes.
- How does Existentialism differ from the Traditional Western Views of Human Nature? Explain each view and then decide if Existentialism avoids some of the pitfalls of the previous views.
- Describe and explain Pragmatism and its objections. How does the inclusion of consequences change the debates regarding materialism and idealism? Defend Pragmatism or its objections with clear arguments of one philosopher: example: W. James.
- Discuss and explain each of the traditional arguments for the existence of God. Be sure to discuss the traditional objections to these arguments as well. Example: Anselm, Aquinas, Paley.
- Explain the Scientific view of Human Nature by way of Darwin’s views. Include the objections to the view as well.
Ethics: topics below: Two options available if you choose Ethics. Choose one only:
- Option One: Your paper should construct an argument for a personal ethical code of behavior. You will need to logically support your assumptions and conclusions with good reasons and one theory and explain why it would be best for all mankind to follow that ethical code. The title should be: My Ethical Code and its Relation to Society. If you choose this option you will need to read ahead to chapter 7 (module 7) for the theories you will need to use to substantiate your essay. You must employ one theory, as shown in the text. Do not do a survey essay of various theories or just opinions.
- Option two: Critically analyze one ethical theory and apply it to a Case Study topic, for example, capital punishment, human sexuality, or euthanasia etc. If you choose this option you will need to read ahead to chapter 7 (module 7) for the theories you will need to use to substantiate your essay. You must employ one theory, as shown in the text. Cases can be found in our text pages 549 on, in chapter 7. The topic you choose must be explained and substantiated by the information in the theories, preferably one. Do not simply mention the theory or do a survey essay.
Epistemology: topics below:
- Humes skepticism casts doubt on an external reality. Analyze and explain his epistemology with regard to our knowledge concerning matters of fact, causality and the laws of science.
- Descartess method of doubt leads him to clear and distinct ideas. Explain how Descartes arrives at the I think, so I exist argument.
- Explain Platos theory of recollection by way of one of the dialogues that deals with theory of knowledge, such as the Meno, and
- Describe Lockes epistemology with regard to how it is that we have primary and secondary qualities that lead to simple and complex ideas. Explain how Berkeleys epistemology criticizes Locke on two counts: primary and secondary qualities.
- Contrast Berkeleys empiricism with Hobbess empiricism. What are the main differences between them and what makes the one an Idealist, and the other a Materialist?
- Explain Kant’s reasoning in combating Humean skepticism and grounding knowledge in the synthetic a priori. You will need to explain Hume’s skepticism regarding knowledge and how Kant remediated this.
IV. MANDATORY READING: Read and study this Guide to how to write a Philosophy paper. You can learn all about how to create either an argumentative or analytical essay plus other grammar and style elements! Fantastic Guide!
I assess your papers as objectively as possible. CRITERIA used in grading. (100 points)
- Form: clarity of sentence structure and logical ability are present.
- Organization of paragraphs: paragraph transitions, conclusion is present.
- Thesis statement: Explicit claim states the argument (purpose and objective to the paper).
- Identifies philosophical principle or idea required to examine/analyze the issue including objections to the idea.
- Gives reasons (premises) as support (readings, bibliographical information, lectures) to substantiate.
- Demonstrates allegiance or opposition to a theory or position clearly.
- Uses correct citations, such as footnotes, and reference sheet (MLA).
- Essay was typed or word-processed in correct format.
- Clarifies and/or analyzes logical relations or difficulties and concludes.
- Demonstrates personal position, interest, imaginativeness, and candor. Good job!
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