Paper Topics

Introduction to Philosophy - Paper Topics

1. What is a “universal belief falsifier”? What use does Descartes make of such belief falsifiers in his search for knowledge? What is Descartes trying to prove and is he successful?

2. Explain the differences between rationalism and empiricism. Which theory is more convincing and why?

3. Discuss the arguments in favor of mind-body dualism. Are those arguments reasonable? If not, which premises do you disagree with and why?

4. Discuss the current debate over artificial intelligence and functionalism. Is it possible for a computer to have mental states like human beings or can computers only simulate mental states?

5. What are the main theories of the self? What is the best explanation of personal identity? Or, is there such a thing as the self?

6. Discuss the argument for hard determinism. If you disagree with this argument which premise do you reject and what does that entail. If you agree with the determinist, answer the main objections from compatibilists and libertarians.

7. Evaluate one of the arguments for God’s existence. Is this argument successful, why or why not?

8. Examine the problem of evil. What are the major theodicies? Are any of the theodicies successful? Why or why not?

9. What are the strengths of ethical relativism? What are the strengths of ethical objectivism? Which position do you think is more plausible and why?

10. Choose a topic of your own (this choice requires prior approval).

Introduction to Philosophy: Writing a Philosophy Paper

1.0. Choose a topic.

1.1. Choose a thesis (i.e., what’s your position?). Example: The ontological argument fails to prove God’s existence.

1.2. There are many types of papers: thesis defense papers, compare & contrast papers, research papers, summary papers, etc.

1.3. For this course, use the “thesis defense” type.

2.0. Write an introductory paragraph.

2.1. This paragraph should introduce the topic, state thesis, and grab the reader.

2.2. Write a concise title. Example: Four Fatal Flaws in the Ontological Argument.

2.3. You might find it easier to do 2.0-2.2 after you’ve written your paper.

3.0. Write your paper.

3.1. Good papers include: explicitly expressed arguments, analogies, thought experiments, real-world examples, counterexamples, counterarguments, replies to counterarguments, objections to replies to counterarguments (and so on), and thoroughly defined terms.

4.0. Write a short concluding paragraph (2-4 sentences).

4.1. The concluding paragraph should not just summarize the paper.

4.2. Think of the conclusion as drawing the threads of the paper together or as pointing towards further implications of the paper’s thesis.

4.3. For short papers, a concluding paragraph is unnecessary.

5.0. Proofread your paper.

6.0. Turn it in!

Do’s and Don’ts

Plagiarism: Plagiarism is passing off someone else’s work as your own. Using someone else’s text without quotations and a full bibliographic reference is plagiarism as well as closely paraphrasing someone else’s text. Examples:

I do not like green eggs and ham. [plagiarism]

I do not like green eggs and pork. [plagiarism]

“I do not like green eggs and ham.” (Seuss, p. 2). [not plagiarism]