PAPER INSTRUCTIONS
Paper 1 – Choose one topic: Reality, Truth and Knowledge, Ethics, or Justice
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Present one philosophers argument from the textbook answering the following questions – plato socrates aristotle
A. What is the question that the philosopher is trying to answer? How does the philosopher answer the question? Why should we care?
B. Identify and explain every part of the philosophers argument, including their reasons or evidence (premises) and the conclusion they draw from these reasons or evidence. This argument should reveal the philosophers proposed answer to the question in b. References and quotations: Dont just quote put it in your own words (and cite passage page or reference numbers), and explain why you are including them and what you think it means. Then the reader can compare the quote with your interpretation of it, and measure it against their own.
C. Concede something, but then point out a problem: Tell them what they did right: good definition, true premises, valid conclusion? Say so. Then point out one of three things: a key definition is unclear or unacceptable (circular, too narrow, to broad, etc.), the conclusion does not follow (the argument is invalid or weak), or one or more of their premises (their reasons or evidence) is unclear or false (the argument is unsound or uncogent).
D. Give a possible response to the problem It is easy to point out a problem, but more challenging to come up with a response. Suggest a way for the philosopher to improve their argument? How can they improve their key definition? What other conclusion might they draw to make the argument valid or stronger? What premises are truer but still achieve the desired conclusion? Or do you concede their whole argument? If so, then explain why there is no way to improve on the philosophers argument. You had better be right!
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Make sure to identify and explain:
The key issues that are related to the topic and discussed in the passage.
The fundamental philosophical terms and concepts associated with your topic and are discussed.
The key teachings and methods of the philosophical figure and tradition you read about in the passage and discuss.
Also:
Be clear, careful, and correct Your audience is your roommate. Assume your roommate has never taken a philosophy class before; can they follow along in the paper and know what is happening? Think it through. In general, avoid technical terms and jargon, or explain what they mean if you must.
Use analytic and critical questions on your own essay to check it
Read the whole assignment, and
Do every piece of the assignment!
PAPER FORMAT REQUIREMENTS:
Paper 1: 750-1000 words (3-4 pages)
Paper 2: 1250-1500 words (5-6 pages)
Post to drop box by dates listed in syllabus
“.doc”, “.docx” or .rtf formats only
Your full name is name of document submitted e.g. lolasmith.doc or jesusgarcia.docx (not the paper title)
Word count on front page
Name on front page
Double spaced
Spell checked
Typed in 10 to 12point font in essay form
1 inch margins on the left, right, top and bottom
Numbered
Citation style: Turabian/Chicago.
Use this citation tool: Purdue University – the Owl: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/ (Links to an external site.)
Need more help on documentation? See me. If you copy, quote, or paraphrase someone elses workeven if its not an exact quote and even if its just a few wordsgive credit by citing the source. If you do not do so, it is plagiarism and will result in a lower grade or a zero or worse. Please be advised, I take academic integrity seriously.
Never written a philosophy paper? Check out: https://philosophy.fas.harvard.edu/files/phildept/files/brief_guide_to_writing_philosophy_paper.pdf (Links to an external site.)
Please consult your syllabus for my policy on plagiarism.
Want to know what plagiarism is and is not, and avoid losing points or getting a 0 for plagiarism? Take this tutorial: https://lib.usm.edu/plagiarism_tutorial/ (Links to an external site.)
Paper Assessment Checklist
40 Analysis (10 each)
___Accurately identifies relevant issues and issue is clearly stated
___Issue is deeply explored, notices hidden aspects of works studied
___Thoughts are clear and focused
___No trivial, false or irrelevant claims are used
_40__Subtotal
40 Critical Evaluation (10 each)
___Theories and concepts are accurately represented, explained and applied
___Counterarguments are considered and rebutted
___Thoughts are modestly stated and rhetoric is never substituted for argument
___Weak or unsound arguments are not used
_40__Subtotal
10 Organization (5 each)
___ Effective and clear structure, details are correctly placed; no extraneous or repetitive writing
___
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