1. Core requirement
You must present a convincing formal argument to demonstrate your
critical thinking skills.
· Most
students prefer to use a non-deductive ‘case-building’ argument. If you choose
this option, be sure to provide between four to six distinct but related premises
to support the conclusion.
· Few
students choose to present a deductive argument. However, if you choose to do
so, seek the professor’s advice on this matter.
Keep in
mind that if you are dealing with a moral issue, then one of your premises must
make use of a moral principle or some
key aspect of a moral theory to defend the
conclusion.
2. Drafts
Given the three-step research process, the professor does not read drafts of an
essay (the professor will offer advice at each step of the research process).
3. Layout
Your essay must have the following layout:
· Introduction
· A
paragraph that provides background information on the topic.
· A
paragraph setting out your formal argument, as shown in the example essay.
· One lengthy
paragraph for each premise, as shown in the example essay.
· One
paragraph stating the importance of the argument’s conclusion.