Philosophy Assignment: Summarizing and Evaluating Philosophical Positions, Study notes of Ethics

Download Philosophy Assignment: Summarizing and Evaluating Philosophical Positions and more Study notes Ethics in PDF only on Docsity! Short Paper Assignment Description: As indicated in the syllabus this paper is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to summarize and evaluate a philosophical position. In your paper you are expected to state and defend a thesis. Technical details: UNDERLINE YOUR THESIS!!! Identification: Do not put your name on the paper. Instead, identify yourself using your Panther ID # Length: 2-3 pages (4 page max), double-spaced, times new roman font, normal margins. Please do not doctor margins or fonts in order to make it fit the limits. Due Date: Oct. 17 Collection: Please turn your paper in to “turnitin.com” and give me a hard copy in class. Topics: For each topic explain the position (examples usually help), and then address the significance of a particular objection to that position. 1. Divine Command Theory 2. Ethical Cultural Relativism 3. Social Contract Theory 4. Utilitarianism 5. Kant’s first formulation of the categorical imperative 6. Kant’s second formulation of the categorical imperative Grading Criteria 1. Shows a Clear Understanding of the Material: I am looking to see that you understand the material you are discussing, and that you have engaged with it in a philosophically relevant way. Do you do the assignment as directed? How well do you present the material? Is it clear that you understand the subject and arguments you are discussing? Do you clearly explain positions, arguments, and objections? 2. Demonstrates Effective Organization of Content: Paper Structure: Do you have an introduction? Do your paragraphs have a clear point? Do you have a conclusion that summarizes what you have done? Paragraph structure: Paragraphs should have a point. State the point of the paragraph at the beginning, and don’t stray from it. If you read a paragraph and you are not sure what the point was (or there are too many point), rewrite it (or break it into shorter paragraphs). A possible structure is: I. Introduction: What is your subject, and what will you be arguing? Introduce the subject in a no nonsense way. Then, give your thesis. II. Explain the position clearly, and the argument for it. You may wish to include an example. III. Explain an objection to the position. IV. Evaluate that objection. How damaging is the objection? How can the proponent of the view reply to the objection. Is that reply successful? V. Conclusion: Summarize what you have said. Do not include new information.