philosophy essay paper
Philosophy 1030 - Argument Paper Assignment - Fall 2017
As we have discussed over the course of the semester, doing philosophy begins with good reasoning so that we may clearly examine whatever topic arises. This paper requires you to take just that approach to one of the three topics listed at the bottom of this page. The structure will be different from virtually any other paper you have written (or may write, depending on your major field of study). As such, I recommend that you keep this document close as you think about, draft, and finalize your paper.
Format: The paper should take the form of: a deductively valid argument stated at the outset taking the form of modus ponens or modus tollens (three sentences: premise 1, premise 2, conclusion); the bulk of your paper (about 2 full pages) should consist of support for your premises by citing facts, authority, or persuasive information; you must identify the assumptions that you rely on which have not been conclusively resolved by your support; anticipate counter-arguments and the reasons for not accepting them; and, recapitulate your argument in a brief conclusion (not more than three sentences). Your sections should be labeled “Argument”, “Support”, “Assumptions”, “Counter-Arguments”, and “Conclusion.”
Style: Your paper should be typed, double-spaced, in Times New Roman, twelve-point font. It should be three pages long (not 2 1⁄2, not 3 1⁄2). Margins should be one inch on all sides. There should be no additional spacing between paragraphs. Do not use a cover page. Sources should be identified in endnotes to be included on a fourth page (the format does not matter too much here, though I suggest you use a format similar to that demanded by your discipline (e.g., nursing majors use APA; English majors use MLA; etc.). Name, date, and course should be identified at the top right corner of the first page in a single-spaced block. Page numbers should be centered at the bottom of each page.
Grading Rubric: The argument paper assignment is worth 15 points which will be rated as follows:
An example of the paper structure is on the following page to give you a visual of how it should look in certain respects. Note that the example does not meet the length requirements, and does not approach the quality of support and documentation of facts in support required.
DUE DATE: The argument paper is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. LATE SUBMISSION POLICY: Papers more than ten minutes late will have one point deducted. An additional point will be deducted for every additional hour the paper is late. Papers more than an hour late must be submitted via email
Fall 2017 Argument Paper Topic Choices:
· Banning the death penalty for convicted criminals (for or against)
· Constitutional impeachment of President Trump (for or against)
· Recreational marijuana legalization (for or against)
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Deductively Valid Argument |
4 points possible |
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Style, Section, and Length Requirements |
4 points possible
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Quality of Support for Argument (Includes identifying assumptions and counter-arguments) |
7 points possible |
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Total |
15 points possible |
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0
Argument: If a college student graduates with a 3.0 grade point average or better, then she will be a successful professional in the future. Ms. X graduated with a 3.0 grade point average. Therefore, Ms. X will be a successful professional in her future career. Support: (Here, you would make the case that a 3.0 GPA indicates certain markers for success based on studies, etc. Then, make the connection that those markers for success related to the 3.0 lead to success in a future career. Then, you will need to show how a person gets a 3.0 GPA. You will also address assumptions like the student has not cheated or her GPA was not in error for some reason.)
Assumptions: (Identify all assumptions your argument relies on that you have not supported above. For example, it is here assumed that being a successful professional is a good thing regardless of the application of an ethical system. Furthermore, “success” can have multiple standards.)
Counter-Arguments: (Also, you should address would-be counter-arguments such as a person does not have to have a GPA of 3.0 or even go to college, much less graduate, to be successful. Perhaps the more difficult counter-argument however is that someone could graduate with a 3.0 grade point average and not be successful.)
Conclusion: (Restate your argument blending in the basic points of your support.)