This should be a short thesis defense paper, (1500-2000 words, or about 6 pages, 80 points each, 240 points total) consisting of a thesis, a summary of the current reading, and your own well-supported position on a question or issue at hand. Grades are based on: Accuracy and completeness of summary, how well your argument is supported, grammar, spelling (see handout), and finesse. The papers must pertain to relevant issues in philosophy covered in class. All papers must include specific references to class topics and discussions, and/or current events, to show they are not plagiarized.
Course Requirements –
Thesis Paragraph: State your thesis, define your primary terms, mention the relevant philosophical background, i.e., authors or arguments for and against the thesis that have been covered in class, and mention your reasons, arguments, and examples you will use to make your point.
Summary Paragraphs: explain the relevant texts and arguments clearly and completely. Do not explain or discuss anything irrelevant to your thesis. Use AT LEAST 2 quotations from the texts we are using in class that are important to your view.
Argument Paragraphs: Support your view with reasons, evidence (including lived examples), and arguments. Use the views of relevant philosophers to your advantage, citing them properly as you proceed.
Objection Paragraph(s): Present a view that directly and clearly opposes your thesis. Present it briefly but completely, using philosophical texts studied in class as appropriate. Reply to
Objections: Respond to the objection(s) you presented. Be honest.
*Argument Papers They are not research papers. They are not comparison and contrast papers*
The Sources that should be used are as follows:
– Plato: Republic Book 7, Phaedo, Meno (http://www.gutenberg.org)
– Descartes: Meditations on First Philosophy (http://www.classicallibrary.org/descartes/meditations/)
– Dennett: Where Am I? (uploaded as additional material)
– Smullyan: An Unfortunate Dualist (uploaded as additional material)
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