Assignment: You are asked to (1) pick a topic from the list of questions below, (2) write a philosophical essay in which you critically evaluate argument(s) related to the topic, and (3) develop your own argument or counterargument coming to some conclusion in answer to the question you are considering.
As you raise objections to a philosophical argument, consider possible responses from the authors you are criticising.
Cognitive tasks: Your job is to contextualise, analyse, explain, and evaluate the arguments of the authors whose views you are examining. This is an application of the same skills you have developed in sections and in completing your nutshell assignment!
Word length: Your essay must be no more than 2000 words (excluding bibliography but including any in-text references and footnotes). The word limit is a hard limit (no 10% leeway). Include word count in your submission.
REQUIREMENTS:
Students are expected to consult multiple sources and incorporate them effectively into the essay either as raising problems or as suggesting possible solutions. Good essays will often consult at least 5 credible and significant sources. Do not list sources in your bibliography that you do not use in the discussion of your essay.
Essays must defend a thesis—they must defend a conclusion and offer a reasonable justification in support of the conclusion.
Essays should consider both textual and conceptual arguments.
Essays must exhibit a high standard of referencing and use it consistently (e.g., APA). They must include page numbersfor any attributions of ideas and/or quotes.
All student work must comply with academic misconduct and integrity policies.
See Philosophy Criteria Rubric for more information about the grading criteria and standards.
Topic I picked:
Descartes claims that it is impossible that we exist and not be thinking. Analyze, explain and evaluate his argument for this conclusion. Examine the relationship between Descartes’ cogito argument and Augustine’s view of the self and the self-affirming nature of first-personal thinking. Are these essentially the same argument or are there significance differences? Defend your answer by analysing and comparing the structure and purpose of their respective arguments.
Criteria:
Your essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Ability to construct a well-reasoned argument.
Depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of central issues.
Ability to form a well-structured philosophical reflection.
Engagement with academic sources and evidence.
Insight and/or creativity in interpreting texts or constructing a point of view or argument.
Capacity to produce a coherent and well-written essay using correct grammar and syntax.
Appropriately referenced, as per APA (or similarly acceptable referencing conventions).
