Phil 1300E 2008-2009
Introduction to Philosophy
First Essay Assignment
Write an essay on either Topic 1 or Topic 2 (be sure to respond to every part of the question):
(Topic 1) Several authors we have studied in this module disagree over the following question: Can we know, by means of reason alone, whether or not God exists?
(a) Select and defend one author’s position with respect to this question.
(b) With reference to a second author, raise an objection to the position you defended in (a). Can this objection be overcome?
(Topic 2) What is the argument from evil? Present one of the arguments discussed in this module which directly opposes the argument from evil. Which is the more successful argument?
Due: Hardcopy to be handed in at the end of Week 6. This means the due date is Monday, October 20th.
Length: 4-5 pages, i.e. approximately 1000-1250 words.
Turnitin: In accordance with the policy of the Department, essays must be submitted to turnitin.com. Instructions for using Turnitin will be provided next week in class and in the tutorials, and they will be posted on WebCT. The deadline for submitting your essay to Turnitin is midnight of the essay due date.
Late Penalties: Essays (either the hard copy or the Turnitin submission) which are late will receive a 3% penalty per calendar day. Extensions will not be granted without serious cause.
Format: Print your essays double-sided and do not include a title page. Be sure to staple your essays. Include on the first page your name and student number. Do not submit your essays in folders. Use 12-point font, standard margins, and page numbers. Double-space your essay, and do not put an extra line-space between paragraphs.
Criteria: Marking criteria are attached.
ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP: Tuesday Oct. 7, 5:30-6:30pm, in TC 341. Slides from the workshop will be made available on WebCT for those who cannot attend.
Marking Criteria (PHIL 1300E)
The papers will be graded according to the following criteria:
UNDERSTANDING: How well do you explain and make judicious use of the relevant textbook material? How well do you explain the issues involved?
ARGUMENT: Have you used cogent arguments to support your position? Do the claims you make in different parts of the paper follow from one another and are they consistent?
ORGANIZATION: Is your paper organized, with a plan revealed in the introduction and followed? Does each part of your paper take you closer to establishing your thesis?
CLARITY: Is your position clear, with an explicitly articulated thesis, and is your paper clearly written overall? Could another student at the same level who is not enrolled in the course understand the paper? Does your paper answer the question asked?
STYLE: Does your paper use correct grammar and syntax? Have you followed the guidelines for proper format? Have you cited your sources where necessary, following a recognized style?