Answer one (1) of the questions below in a well-organized essay (1,000 words minimum – approximately 3 pages – double-spaced, 12-point font Times New Roman with 1-inch margins) and submit it to the First Paper Drop Box. The use of ChatGPT or any other Artificial Intelligence (Al) tool to submit this paper or any other assignment in this course is prohibited.
1. Carefully explain Feldman’s view on whether reasonable disagreement between ‘epistemic peers’ is possible (note: you will first need to define
‘epistemic peer’; and also note: this should take at least half of the paper). What is your reaction to Feldman’s view? Do you agree or disagree with Feldman’s view, and why? If you agree, what about his view makes the most sense? If you disagree, what about his view doesn’t seem correct to you, and why?
2. What are the different views about what ‘truth’ is, as presented in the lecture notes? What do you think American culture in the 21st century generally says ‘truth’ is (or is there even a consensus about this anymore)? What do you think
‘truth’ is? Is ‘truth’ important? Why or why not?
(Note: you will need to incorporate the quote from Harry Frankfurt, in the Welcome Page and Important Information section in our course site, somewhere in your paper and discuss it.)
3. Briefly describe the main views on the topic of ‘free will, as follows: determinism, libertarianism, and compatibilism. Next, explain the popular argument for determinism from the notes (hint: this had 6 steps plus the conclusion). (Note: it is important that a significant proportion of this explanation be in your own words and that you don’t just quote from the book or the notes). What are the two things libertarians say are required in order for a human being to really be “free”? Aside from the belief that we have free will, what is the other significant belief that many philosophers think we should not have if we agree with ‘hard determinism’? (Note: make sure you briefly explain what ‘hard determinism’ is). Finally, what do you think about this issue in light of the above? What does the total evidence suggest to you about whether human beings – and you, specifically – have free will?
Make sure you check for spelling and grammar errors.
This is a formal paper you are turning in, not a rough draft or sketch. Each paper should contain a bibliography, even if it is just the textbook(s) and class notes that were consulted. No particular reference style (i.e., MLA, Chicago, etc.) is required. Students should pick the style they prefer and use it consistently throughout. Late papers need not be accepted at all. However, if it appears that you are acting in ‘good faith’ and have a legitimate reason for a (not-excessively) late submission, the professor may be open to accepting the paper with a grade penalty due to the lateness.
The professor is fully aware that there are various websites and “ghostwriter” sources, including artificial intelligence (Al) options, where students can pay for someone to write their papers for them. Having someone else, whether human or non-human, write any of these assigned papers (whether paid or unpaid) is unethical, dishonest, and constitutes a violation of the JJC Student Code of Conduct. Students are encouraged to resist any temptation they may have to cheat and are urged to maintain high standards of personal conviction, conduct, and character. In an effort to guard against such plagiarism, the professor reserves the right to require, as part of the paper’s grade, that students give an oral defense of their paper and answer a series of questions about the paper’s content.
Note that it is usually a good idea to occasionally quote or paraphrase from the textbook or some other scholarly source (with proper citations, of course). Doing so helps ensure the accuracy of your exposition of the philosopher(s) or topic under consideration and gives the paper a more scholarly character. Moderation is the key here; too many quotes mean that not enough of the paper is in your own words, but too few means that your paper is not being adequately supported and strengthened by references to scholarly sources. Also, it is usually a good idea to have someone else proof-read a draft of your paper to check spelling and grammar, etc., and to give you suggestions for improvement. There is a Tutoring and Learning Center at JJC that is free to.
