Format
Prepare your paper as a Microsoft Word file. Single-space the body of your paper; you may double-space between the headings (Introduction, Background Explanation and Critical Evaluation) described below. Use 1� margins on all sides. Use a font that is no larger than Times New Roman at 12 pt. and no smaller than Times New Roman at 10 pt. Put your name, course name, section and the date in a header on top of all pages. Include page numbers.
Length, Topic, Etc.
Write a 2 – 3 page (single-spaced) critical response on one of the following topics:
1. Is Aristotle’s notion of Self-Actualisation achievable?
2. What are the philosophical limits?
3.Do universal principles of moral action exist? Refer to Aristotle in your analysis, and use Hume’s emotivism.
Back up your discussion with direct quotation from the relevant text, preferably short quotes, such as single sentences and (even better) crucial phrases. Leave out words or phrases using…ellipses…, etc. Less than 1/4 page total of your paper should be direct quotation. Cite any direct quotes simply by giving text title and page number in parentheses; the page number will either be from the textbook or what’s posted on Blackboard. For example, such a citation might look like: (Apology, 25). Include a “Works Cited” page at the end of your paper citing the primary philosophic text from Innes textbook. No other sources should be used. Treat your intended audience as someone who has some familiarity with philosophy generally, but no familiarity with the details of what you are writing on.
Structure
In this critical response, you will do all and only the following three things, putting each under its OWN SECTION HEADING:
A. Introduction
Begin with a one-sentence introductory paragraph where you very briefly say what you will be doing in the rest of the critical response, one which has the exact form:
“In this critical response, I will consider <insert chosen topic>, and then I will argue that <insert statement of main thesis>.�
For example: “In this critical response, I will consider Socrates’ views on a worthwhile life, and then I will argue that the worthwhile life is nothing more or less than the life of pleasure.�
B. Background Explanation
Explain (in one-half to 1 page), as clearly as you can, the background to your chosen topic, including any relevant discussion in the text, and also including any relevant theories, arguments, objections, crucial notions and distinctions, etc.
C. Critical Evaluation
Critically evaluate (in 1½ – 2 pages) your chosen topic.
This involves explaining and defending your thesis on the topic.
In doing this, address relevant material from your “ Background Explanation� section.
Also, you are encouraged (but not required) to anticipate potential objections and reply to them.
Throughout your critical evaluation, pay careful attention (even if just informally) to the two criteria of a good argument and also to fallacies of argument (especially circularity). This applies both when you are considering others’ arguments and when you are giving your own.
D. Conclusion
Additional Info:
How to write a philosopy paper:
https://philosophy.fas.harvard.edu/files/phildept/files/brief_guide_to_writing_philosophy_paper.pdfhttps://philosophy.fas.harvard.edu/files/phildept/files/brief_guide_to_writing_philosophy_paper.pdf