Pick one of the following questions for your essay plan

Details

Pick one question from below and write an essay plan. This outline should include:

❖ A clear statement of what your argument will be, i.e. what position you will argue you for and

how

❖ A synopsis of the structure of the essay (introduction, core sections, conclusion, etc.)

❖ Key terms that need to be defined (you do not need to define them in this plan, just list the

terms you know to be important and which you will define in the essay itself)

❖ Your overall argument should include both points for and against your position

❖ A reference list of the sources you intend to use

Note: there is no definitive style in which to write this assignment. You can choose to write in full

prose and paragraphs or in bullet points, etc. The main point is to document the content: argument,

structure, and references of your planned essay so that staff can give you feedback on this.

Length: 500 words + References List (minimum of four references – at least two must be non-weekly readings). If you go over this length you will not be penalised, but it will not be read.

Rubric

This assignment is very straightforward and so the rubric is accordingly simple. You are assessed on

the three main points: argument, structure, and references:

Argument: (40%)

❖ 0 – No argument

❖ 10 – Argument very poor or incorrect

❖ 20 – Argument okay but not clear

❖ 30 – Argument is decent but has some flaws (e.g. does not consider counter arguments)

❖ 40 – Argument is good and clear

Structure: 40%

❖ 0 – No description of structure

❖ 10 – Structure is incoherent or very poor

❖ 20 – Structure is not very clear

❖ 30 – Structure is clear but could be improved

❖ 40 – Structure is good and clear

References: 20%

❖ 0 – No references

❖ 5 – Reference list present but either poor choices or incomplete

❖ 10 – Reference list okay but not all choices are suitable

❖ 15 – Reference list average

❖ 20 – Reference list good

The Questions

Pick one of the following questions for your essay plan [NB: you are allowed to change question

between plan and final essay if you wish]

1. Using Sartre’s notion of ‘existence precedes essence’, give an account of human nature.

What does this position entail in regard to freedom? Present evidence and reasons both for

and against your view.

2. Outline and critically assess the main aspects of human nature and existence according to

Martin Heidegger’s approach. Do you agree with this account of what it means to be a human? Give examples and reasons to support your view.

3. “Art and literature can be used to explore philosophical questions” Do you agree or disagree

with this statement? What does art tell us about human nature? What does it tell us in particular?

4. “There is something special about human nature in comparison to other animals” Do you

agree with this statement? Provide an argument either attacking or supporting this

proposition using reasons and evidence.

5. Is human nature changed by modern technology? Present an argumentative position on this

question and consider counterevidence.

6. How do the findings and theories of modern biology influence the debate about human

nature? Discuss an aspect of the debate and present an argument for a position.

Advice: each of these questions is quite broad. It is your job in outlining your argument to narrow the terms of the debate and focus on a particular area of interest. Do not try to do too much. The final essay is only 1500 words. It is much better to focus on fewer things in greater detail than cover lots of points in very little detail. This is discussed further in the week 9 lectures.