A short introductory paragraph, with a clear thesis statement (e.g., I shall argue that Plato’s argument is … because …). Your thesis should almost always be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.
A short, charitable reconstruction of the argument as presented by the philosopher whose position you rely on (you may, but need not, use standard premise / conclusion form).
An brief explanation, in your own words, of the position that you’re describing (such as the Categorical Imperative, Justice as Fairness, etc.)
An original argument, in which you make the case that answers the question, based on the philosophical position under investigation.
A suitable concluding paragraph.
Make reference to, and discuss meaningfully, at least two of the philosophers that we’ve read so far in the course.
At least one reference, and no internet sources or websites. Your essay should never cite a webpage, since they are not of high academic quality. If the source is not also printed in a book or journal somewhere, do not bother reading it or including it in your essay. Everything you need to complete the assignment is included in this module. Using additional outside resources will lower your grade.
No direct quotations. It is never necessary to directly quote any author. When it is important to rely on someone else’s ideas, simply explain the position which he/she is defending. It is, however, necessary to cite all authors whose ideas you reference. Thus, if you begin a sentence with, e.g., “According to Plato…”, you should end that sentence with a citation. Essays that include “direct quotations” will not receive a grade higher than a D.
A clear and complete bibliography.
Your paper will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Papers must demonstrate an understanding of the arguments being discussed.
Papers must demonstrate a mastery of the relevant concepts regarding the philosophical problem.
Don’t worry about getting the ‘right’ answer. Rather, concentrate on the quality of reasoning used in your evaluation.
Your grade will reflect the degree to which these rules and general requirements have been observed.
Papers with frequent grammatical or spelling errors, or which otherwise do not reflect good quality academic writing, will be returned with no grade. If you don’t know the difference between `their’ and `there’, or the correct use of the semicolon, make an appointment with the writing center before you submit your paper. http://irsc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/Current/Catalog/Academic-and-Support-Services/Academic-Support-Center
It is a violation of Academic Integrity Policy to submit assignments, or parts of assignments, for two separate courses without permission from both instructors. I do not give permission. Thus, all parts of this assignment must be uniquely written for this course, and not submitted for any purpose to any other course.
All papers should be double spaced, between 500-600 words, and submitted as a doc or docx file. Include a bibliography or references section. Format citations according to APA or MLA citation style.
****TOPIC***
LM Reflection Essay Topic
Descartes is said to have famously concluded that, “I think, therefore I am” as a result into his enquiry into what we can know.
1. Why was this an important result for him? That is, what role does this famous quote play in the overall arguments that he was making in the selections that you read?
2. Can you develop a criticism of Descartes’ rationalist arguments on behalf of one of the author authors that we read this week (i.e., either Locke, Berkeley, or Hume)? For the philosopher that you chose, how do his arguments work as a criticism of the central aspect of Descartes’ rationalist arguments?
3. Who is right? Defend your own thesis in which you either argue that one or the other position is the correct foundational epistemology, or, alternatively, give a critical analysis of one or the other position to show that it is not the correct foundational epistemology. This section should comprise the bulk of your essay.