Consider the the mind-body problem and Cartesian dualism and Elisabeth’s problem of interaction. For this essay, you must present Descartes’ argument for mind-body dualism and then Elisabeth’s objection.

What your paper should contain:

1. The issue: First, you must next state, clearly, simply, and accurately, what the issue under debate is. What, in a single sentence, is at issue for your chosen author? And what is the importance of that issue? In short, give the philosophical motivation for the question you are asking. Why should we care? This should take no more than a single paragraph.
2. Descartes’ main claim: State Descartes’ thesis on this issue. It’s the idea you’ll be exploring in the rest of the paper. Briefly summarize his argument for the thesis. This should not be more than a single paragraph — get to the point!
3. His argument for it: Next elaborate on the argument you have just summarized.  Present each of the reasons, or steps in the argument, that your author provides in defense of their position.  Consider no more than one reason or step per paragraph. So, if you find three reasons, then write at least three paragraphs for this part. 
4. His reasons: In each paragraph, explain each reason simply, clearly, and accurately. Then elaborate a bit on what that means and try to show why or how it supports the main claim, How does this reason help him or her? 
5. Evidence: You must also provide evidence! That is, you must provide textual evidence supporting your claim that the author in question really has this reason you’re discussing. The best and easiest way to do this is to quote, briefly and accurately, the passage where the author actually says the reason. Then restate it in your own words, explaining the passage as I described, just above. Remember, though, the evidence does not speak for itself. You must interpret and explain it. But you also must remain true to the text you’re discussing and the textual evidence will make that happen.  Ideally, the reasons you present will indeed be relevant to the main claim you presented (i.e., the answer you claim your author would give to the question(s) above). Don’t provide reasons that are irrelevant or even contrary to the main claim! You are trying to support it, remember.
6. Cite: When providing quotations or paraphrases, you must also provide a citation. Th purpose of a citation is twofold. First, a citation indicates to the reader which words and ideas are not the author’s own (that is, not YOURS). Second, a citation indicates to the reader where they can find the original text from which the quote or idea is taken. Please provide a complete citation in whatever citation style you prefer, but be sure to provide the citation to the source YOU USE. For example, if you find it on a webpage, don’t just cite the text title. Cite the web address as well. If in doubt, cite.
7. Summarize the view: Next, after having presented Descartes’ view and his reasons for holding it, summarize the reasons and view in a single, short paragraph that draws the previous paragraphs together. Remember, all of this is reporting what the author said, not what you think.
8. An objection: Now, consider Elisabeth’s objection to the view you have just defended.  This part of the paper should look very much like the first part of your paper, with a claim being presented clearly, in a single sentence, and then backed up with reasons, each of which is presented separately and carefully, and ALL with supporting quotes or citations. You should present Elisabeth’s objections in several paragraphs, unfolding her argument carefully. 
9. An imagined reply from a defender of the original author’s perspective: Next, consider the objection you have just presented. How might Descartes, or one of his allies, reply? Provide one short paragraph in which a Cartesian defends him or herself from the objection.
10. Evaluate the debate: Finally, evaluate the state of the debate.  You have presented an argument, considered an objection, and heard the author’s reply.  Who is correct? Who has the stronger argument? State your final, considered view.  Now…back it up! You need to provide reasons, either textual or philosophical (or both), justifying your evaluation.  Imagine your audience as someone who has followed along the whole time, but has not made up his or her mind about who is right in this debate.  Win me over with rational justification!  This should final part of your paper should be careful and well argument.  It should also be at least an entire page long.

You’ll note that I have described ten to fourteen paragraphs: one identifying the issue, one presenting the author’s thesis, three or four elaborating his or her argument, one summarizing the argument, one to three presenting an objection, one imagining a reply, and two or three evaluating the debate. 

 

So how long should the paper be? Five double-spaced, 12 pt font pages, with one inch margins.

I will submit a PDF of the book to cite from.