Choose one topic from the list below and construct a thoughtful, well-written argumentative essay. The topics are open-ended for several reasons. Essays will be graded on your ability to think critically, adhere to the proper format for an argument, as well as your ability to identify and include applicable course material. The Meaning of Life Imagine you are a whale living in the ocean. Are you in control of your life? As you swim the sea depths with your fellow whales, what is it that you are living for? Is there any transcendent meaning or purpose to your life, or does life simply feed upon itself? If you were a human being living on solid ground, would your answers to these questions change? The Pursuit of Happiness Would you choose to live in a computer simulation if it meant you would be eternally happy? Is happiness just an emotion, a feeling, or is it something more? Is it irrational? Is happiness the most important purpose in life? Politics & Human Nature A wise man once said, It is better to suffer an injustice than to commit it. If you agree, say why. If you disagree, offer a critique. The Evil Demon Hypothesis Briefly explain what its author set out to prove by stating this hypothesis. Could such a thing really be happening (and how would you really know whether it was or wasn’t happening – also, how would you get out of it)? If you agree, say why. If you disagree, offer a critique. Moral Issues & Social Norms You hear someone expressing the following views: “Don’t give me this crap about ‘black lives matter’. We all know that ‘BLM’ is a Marxist organization that wants to take over the government and control our way of life. It’s just an excuse for black people to riot and loot our businesses, but why they’d want to destroy their own communities is beyond me! Probably has something to do with ANTIFA, since they’re the ones behind all the violence and protests anyway. ‘BLM’ is just a bunch of black kids playing the victim and using their race to hide the fact that they’re poor and can’t compete. Seriously, I’ve had it rough, too, but you don’t see me complaining about my life or every time a cop pulls me over! Then again, I don’t break the law, so…why should black people get a pass? What makes them so special? The truth is, ALL lives matter! What do you say? Formats The Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement. Take a definitive position on the issue or topic and develop a concise statement in which you clearly state your position and offer at least two reasons for the position you have taken. Explain and defend your thesis by supporting each reason with evidence, examples, analogies, statistics, quotations, facts, testimonies, etc. from the text, lecture notes and other sources. Start a new paragraph for each reason you explain and defend – and be thorough. Consider an objection to your argument and devote three or four sentences to explaining the objection in full. Be fair-minded and remain neutral – no straw men, no loaded language. Reply specifically to the objection by offering additional support and evidence as to why your position is best. Conclude the essay by (a) restating your thesis, using different words, and (b) summarizing your main points. As a bonus, you may offer a statement that explains the potential benefits of accepting your position, or alternatively you may ask an interesting question raised by accepting your position, or a concern raised by accepting your opponent’s position.
