Rationalism, Empiricism, Constructivism (Philosophy)

Module 4 Assignment: Rationalism, Empiricism, Constructivism Essay

Overview

For this module, you will have a choice to write on ONE of two general essay topics. The first option is based on the Module 3 content. The second option is based on Module 4 content. Please do not write on both Option 1 and Option 2. If you do, you will automatically lose 25 points. Again, choose EITHER (but not both) Option 1 or Option 2.

Option 1: Free Will and Determinism

Overview

According to the principle of determinism, every event that takes place in the world has a cause. Whether or not the event is snow falling, birds chirping or humans thinking, the determinist asserts that each and every event that occurs in the world has a cause, or series of causes, that makes the event, and everything connected to it, inevitable.

Now consider what this means for your thoughts at this present moment and for your forthcoming Module 3 Essay. Presumably, at this present moment, you are thinking very deeply about formulating a thesis that is interesting, compelling, specific and shows good understanding of the material. And, hopefully, these thoughts will lead to a high-quality essay. However, if determinism is true (and, of course, there are very good reasons for thinking that it is), EVERY single thing that you are thinking at this present moment is the unavoidable product of your personality (e.g., brain state, genetics and upbringing), the situation that you find yourself in, along with basic laws of nature. The same goes for your forthcoming essay. In this way, the particular thesis that you will end up “choosing,” the quality of your essay and the words that you will employ, all would be inevitable and indeed predictable (in principle) from the moment of your birth. In such a case, would it make sense to say that you deserve the grade that you will get on your essay?

Notice that the same type of question can be posed for ANY human event for which we might be inclined to ascribe praise and blame. Did Mother Teresa deserve to be praised for her charitable acts? Did Hitler deserve to be condemned for his moral atrocities? Ultimately, the answer to these questions depends on one’s view of the complex relationship between determinism, freedom and moral responsibility.

Essay Question: Which theory best explains the true nature of moral responsibility and its relation to human freedom and determinism--libertarianism, hard determinism or compatibilism? In your answer, be sure to demonstrate an understanding of each of the three theories.

Option 2: Epistemology

Overview

Rationalism is the view that reason itself provides the foundation of knowledge. In other words, according to the rationalist, the mind is wired or implanted with certain a priori capacities/ideas, and it is in virtue of these a priori capacities/ideas that we can explain the source and foundation of knowledge. As to which ideas/capacities are the important ones when it comes to giving a robust account of knowledge, this is a matter of considerable dispute. However, regardless of any potential lack of historical convergence on which aspects of our thinking are innate, it is important to note that the rationalistic tradition has a long, resilient history that extends to the modern day. Indeed contemporary studies on childhood development are often cited in support of rationalism.

While opposite in its conclusion to rationalism, empiricism has a likewise long and storied history with deep anchor points in the history of Western thought and contemporary intellectual life. It also has its fair share of passionate adherents and critics. According to empiricism, the foundations of knowledge can only be captured through an appeal to particular experiences over reason itself. Thus, whereas the metaphor of a mind that is wired or implanted with certain capacities/ideas was used to illustrate rationalism, empiricism is perhaps best thought of in terms of a blank slate or an empty vessel. In this way, empiricism denies that there are innate or a priori ideas, and is therefore in direct opposition to rationalism.

A third main theory of knowledge, and what is often considered a hybrid of rationalism and empiricism, is constructivism. According to it, knowledge must be explained by both an appeal to reason itself (a priori) and by reference to experience (a posteriori). In this way, the constructivist holds that knowledge requires a fusion between the innate capacities of the mind and our experiences. A metaphor that is sometimes used to express the complex and deep union between reason and experience is that of a cookie cutter and dough. Under this characterization, the innate aspects of mind (e.g., space and time) can be equated with the cookie cutter, the dough represents sense-data, and the cookie signifies our ideas and ultimately our knowledge.

In terms of deciding which theory of knowledge is the stronger one, this is no small challenge. Each view has distinct advantages and disadvantages. However, it is worth noting that while there might be a strong initial temptation to go with the constructivist’s compromise between empiricism and rationalism, sometimes the best solutions to our problems do not involve a compromise. Rather, sometimes the best solutions are the simpler ones. So the challenge here is to decide whether or not a hybrid theory of knowledge really is more plausible than its more simple counterparts.

Essay Question: Choose ONE of the above three theories of knowledge covered in this module (i.e., empiricism, rationalism, constructivism) and ONE particular philosopher’s account of this same theory (e.g., Descartes’ rationalism, Locke’s empiricism or Kant’s constructivism) and explain why it is the strongest, most plausible theory of knowledge. Also, as a part of your essay, explain why the theory that you are defending is more plausible than what you regard as the second best alternative. For example, if you believe that constructivism is the most plausible theory of knowledge and that empiricism is a close second, carefully explain why.

Instructions

1. Download and view the  Essay Writing Guide .

2. Write and submit a thoughtful, clear and succinct thesis writing assignment of 1000-1500 words, in direct response to the Module 4 assignment above.

3. Draw directly upon our assigned textbook readings for Module 3 or Module 4 in carefully crafting your detailed response.

4. In answering the essay question provided, carefully review, reflect upon, and attempt to integrate the textbook material. If you are writing on Option 1, this means integrating the material covered in Chapter 2: Sections 2.5-2.9. If you are writing on Option 2, this means integrating the material covered in Chapter 3: Sections 3.0-3.4.

5. Please double-space your submission, include your name at the top of its first page, and be sure to cite all sources quoted or paraphrased from (even if it’s only our textbook). Please take careful note of the above formatting instructions.

6. Don’t forget to include a bibliography or “works cited” page at the end!

See the Schedule in the Syllabus Module for due dates. Review the Rubric attached to the Assignment Submission Folder for grading information.