Course: PHL 202
Instructor: Dr. Marius Pascale
Assignment: Final Exam Paper
Due Date: Noon Thursday December 10, 2020
Subject:
The final for
... [Show More] Philosophy 202 will consist of a short research paper. Review the prompt below, choose your topic/approach, and provide a detailed, comprehensive response using the guidelines provided. The final paper employs individualistic, open-ended, creative frameworks. You have the ability to choose your topic, focus, and argument (when planning/researching, keep in mind you will be approaching this topic from two perspectives, so it is helpful to choose something you find interesting or useful). The assignment will serve as a capstone evaluating your ability to utilize information from reading(s), discussions, presentations, and experiences alongside your use of logical, philosophical argumentation via your research and critical thinking. The aim is to test your ability to provide a charitable, well-reasoned argument FOR a position you support, and simultaneously evaluate your ability to construct an argument AGAINST this position. This presents an opportunity to ‘argue against yourself,’ a technique that has tremendous value in allowing greater understanding of opponent’s logic behind their position, and strengthen your ability to better defend your own positions via argumentative and critical thinking. The papers will be graded out of 25 possible points, based upon accuracy, detail, and creativity of your own argument (10 possible points), the strength, creativity, and depth of the formulation of your own opposition (10 possible points), and grammar, spelling, clarity, appropriate usage of external research and citation of sources, etc. (5 possible points)
Assignment:
Part 1:
For part one, you will begin by crafting an argument for a chosen position. You may choose either a particular position from any covered in class, or a topic/issue in applied ethics that we did not get the chance to cover during the semester. There are MANY topics in this discipline, so please do not hesitate to go beyond those topics/issues covered in class. If you are choosing a topic that was not covered in class, it is suggested you email the instructor beforehand. If you are focusing on a topic that was covered in class, your paper must go beyond the material discussed. Briefly summarize the position, then present an argument that details why and how it is both a strong position (justify it) and a potentially positive influence/consequences (explain the advantages). Be sure to provide a detailed argument to justify/support whatever topic/philosophical method/argument you have chosen. Do not just summarize a preexisting position, repeat what was covered in class, utilize only statistics, or simply use belief/opinion statements. Make use of external research and your own ideas to formulate a complete argument, and do not hesitate to be creative. For example, look for arguments in ethics, moral philosophy, application, or epistemology to help create a foundation for your own argument.
Part 2:
For part two, you will respond to the argument you presented in section one and provide an argument against the position you have chosen. Explain how and why the position from part one is somehow invalid, as well as outline how it provides a morally problematic influence. Make use of external research and your own ideas to formulate this position, and do not hesitate to be creative. It is a good idea to make sure that your objection/response not only provides argumentative/evidentiary support in favor of the position, but also responds directly to the philosophical moral arguments provided in section one to show how it is flawed.
Paper Format and Organization:
- Make sure you read the prompt carefully and answer completely.
- As this is a take-home final, it is expected that your answers will be thorough, well-developed, and detailed. A comprehensive answer requires several pages to address in full (I will not provide a specific number but estimate it to be no less than 6 full pages not including works cited).
o This is a broad, potentially challenging assignment, but you have a significant amount of time so plan accordingly
o Parts 1 and 2 are both of equal importance, so it is wise to make sure that each part of your paper is approximately equal in length and receives equal detail/attention
- All answers must be typed, double spaced and 12-point font with standard margins.
- Name, Title, Course Information, Date, etc. placed on first page only (no separate title page, do not repeat the heading on every page).
- Additional sources ARE required. Make sure to include citations in MLA format with a separate works cited page. When quoting any of the authors directly, including the authors that we discussed in class, provide citations.
o External research is required, so plan accordingly. A paper that does not include additional research support is ineligible for full credit.
o I will not provide a specific number, as this may change depending on your approach, topic, level of creativity, detail, etc. but estimate it to be approximately or at least no less than 5-6 additional sources BEYOND the material used in class
o Pull from articles, journals, primary texts, etc.
Do not just utilize news articles, make use of academic sources
Focus on using sources from within the discipline of philosophy, but do not hesitate to also incorporate support from other areas/disciplines as well
- For both sections, do not simply provide statements of belief, generic arguments, straw men, etc. Provide thorough, well thought out logical arguments BOTH to provide support for the chosen position, and to respond with an objection to your initial position/conclusion.
- Papers that are not turned in by the due date/time will lose points for late submission.
- If there are any further questions NOT already answered on this assignment sheet, do not hesitate to reach out via email, Canvas, or during office hours for further information.
o Due to the volume of students across multiple institutions, it is not possible for me to proofread or edit entire drafts, however I am happy to address specific concerns
o In addition, last-minute questions (especially those that are significantly complex) may not be able to receive answers in time, so plan accordingly
- This is an open-ended assignment. It will entail research and creativity on your part. However, it is also an opportunity to further explore a particular area of your choosing. If there is a topic you find interesting, underexplored, or somehow capable of connecting to a separate area of interest/study/major/etc. this will offer you a chance to do so. [Show Less]