The Good Life - Small Paper #2
Before you begin writing your paper, read this entire document.
Topics
Write a paper on one of the topics below:
1. Evaluate the Experience Machine Argument against hedonism.
2. Evaluate the Deceived Businessman Argument against hedonism.
Note: In order to evaluate a theory, you must first explain the theory. If you are evaluating an argument, you need to build up the argument and then show where it might go wrong. To build up an argument, you must do more than merely offer a formalization. You must explain the argument. Typically, showing where an argument goes wrong will require arguing that one of the premises is false. One or two strong objections is better than several weak ones. Be sure to consider obvious, compelling replies to your objections. If you think an argument is good, then you will need to defend it against the strongest objections that you can think of.
Due Date
Thursday, 3/30/2010
Length
You have at most 800 words (roughly 2 1/2 - 3 pages, double-spaced, Arial, 12 point font).
Goal
You don't have much space, so you will need to be clear and to the point. Clarity should be one of your chief goals in writing this paper. Pick your words carefully. Write to be understood. Assume that you are writing the paper to be read by someone unfamiliar with the issues.
This paper asks you to evaluate a theory. In this paper you have to both explain an objection and consider possible replies. I want you to explain the theories and objections as clearly as you can within the space limitations.
I do not want papers that are longer than the word limit. The space limitation is designed to force you to practice verbal economy. That said, it is impossible to write an adequate paper on on any of the topics in much less space. You'll have to use most of the space, and use it well.
Format
The paper must be typed. It should be double spaced. It should have one inch margins. You should use a 12 point font. I prefer Arial, since it is easy to read.
Procedure
You are required to hand in a paper copy at the start of class on the due date. In addition you must submit the paper through Safe Assign via Blackboard by 11:59 pm on the due date. The link is on the assignments section on Blackboard.
Safe Assign is a plagiarism detection tool. It will compare your paper against others available online, in journals, submitted in this class, at Temple, and from all other universities that use the software.
Note: Plagiarism will result in a failing grade in the class, not just on this assignment.
Grading
Your paper should be clearly written, well-structured, and free of grammatical and spelling errors. It is practically impossible to get higher than a C if you start writing the night before the paper is due. The grading scale is as follows:
A = excellent
B = good
C = meets minimal expectations
D = bad
F = awful
Resources
Before writing this paper you must read several documents under the writing section of Blackboard. Read the following: 1. Writing Tip Sheet; 2. General Instructions; 3. Kagan's "How to Write a Philosophy Paper"; 3. Pryor's "Guidelines for Writing Philosophy Papers"; and 4. Pryor's "Glossary of Philosophical Terms."