This is a rough draft, the criteria is as follows:
-An introduction to the topic—explaining its relevance. First, Select a Philosophical Question from one of the Chapter’s Opening or Closing Question (I have already done this and it is the Topic question. I would like my position to be that I agree patriarchy and racism are institutionalized in Western philosophy and culture). This question should allow you to interact with much of the content, vocabulary and philosophical positions in the chapter. (Students may also suggest different topics or questions)
-Explain which question you have selected and why.
-Explain what you believe makes this question philosophical and what further
philosophical question it makes you ask, and
-Explain what other philosophical problem you believe it is related to
-Your thesis clearly stated. For example. In this paper I will be explaining why functionalism is the most convincing theory of mind and self.
-The scope of your paper—explaining what you will and will not be covering—and why
For example: I will be arguing against the following theories: 1) Substance
Dualism, 2) Identity Theory 3) Behaviorism 4) Eliminative Materialism
-A brief list of resources (bibliography) that you will be utilizing
The book we are reading for this class is called The Big Questions: A Short Introduction to Philosophy (8th edition) by Robert C. Solomon and Kathleen M. Higgins.
This is a rough draft that is due. The final draft will need to be expanded on by +1000 words. The following are the criteria for the final draft:
-Clarity: Do you clearly state what you are going to be discussing in your paper and what your views are that you are arguing for?
-Adherence to thesis: Do you actually talk about what you explain you will be discussing in your paper, if you bring in quotes, do they support what you are attempting to prove. If you mention other topics, do you explain how they relate?
-Mastery of material you discuss: Do you explain the concepts you are talking about in your paper, and are those concepts understood correctly, if the concept is controversial be sure to explain why as well as what you believe is the best solution to the controversy is. Do you understand and can you identify the arguments being made. Are your own arguments consistent and to you avoid fallacies.
-Overall appearance and presentation of your paper: Be sure to proofread your paper for spelling and grammar, I will take off points if spelling or grammar mistakes lead to a lack of clarity in your paper. Also you can definitely use quotes, but make sure that the quotes are not writing your paper, use quotes to support your argument, not to make your argument or clarify it. Whenever you use a quote, explain the context, why you are using it, and how the information conveyed in the quote benefits the position you are holding.
Checklist for Paper:
-Be sure your paper does not contain any formal or informal fallacies.
-If the arguments in your paper can be put into logical form, please do so.
-Be sure your thesis corresponds to your conclusion and that the scope of your paper corresponds to the content in your paper
-Be sure to justify your premises
-Be sure to addresses questions and feedback provided by instructor