Modern Philosophy Paper Instructions

Although there are many literary ways to express philosophical ideas, I would like you to stick to writing a traditional "position" paper. This is the most basic, straightforward approach, which involves taking a stand on an important issue and defending it. As this is the most common means of defending ideas in an academic setting (and other settings as well), it should be mastered before you go on to write short stories, parables, dialogues, poems, etc.
What needs to be included in your essay?

• Your opening paragraph should explain the purpose and plan of your essay. What are you writing about and why?

• Included in your first paragraph should be a THESIS STATEMENT, a simple statement of your position on the main issue that your essay will discus.

1. An explanation of the views you are discussing:

• it is essential that your explanation of these views be clear, concise, fair, and accurate. The clarity of your explanation often reveals how well you have understood the view you are explaining.

• a good summary emphasizes the main points of another's view and the reasoning behind it (if this is known).

• Paraphrasing and quotation may be helpful here, but cannot be used as a substitute for explaining the ideas in your own words. All quotations must be thoroughly explained.

2. An explanation of your own view

• this may involve explaining any words which might be misunderstood.

• it may also involve a comparison of your view with those of others, especially concerning any different assumptions you make, different implications of your views, etc.

3. A defense of your position

• This is not just an explanation of why you believe what you believe, but provides good reasons for believing it.

• If your reasons would not convince your roommate, is that because your roommate is a blockhead or because your reasons are lousy ones? If your reasons are lousy, is this view really worth believing?

Should you do outside research?

• Sure, especially if you are going to also work in your major field of study.

• Any use of outside sources must be documented.

What documentation is required for quotations?

• All quotations from the texts should be followed by the page number(s) in parentheses.

• Quotations or references to other sources should include full bibliographical information (author, title, publisher, page #), preferably in a footnote or endnote.

• Plagiarism meets with little sympathy from me. If I catch you, expect to fail this class and be reported for administrative action. Plagiarism includes:

o making use of the ideas of others without credit--EVEN IF these ideas are explained in your own words

o paraphrasing by changing a few words in the original (which leads me to believe that you have not understood well enough to explain in your own words)
Length: 1750-2500 words, with my “common sense” rule as your guiding feature.

Topic: You may select any topic.

You must submit BOTH a hard copy of the paper and electronic version of your paper on the day that it is due. Late papers (w/o proper documentation) will be reduced by 10% for each day that it is late.

Due: The last day of class.

Grade value: 100 points