The purpose of the paper is to expand on a subject of interest you encountered in the course.

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to expand on a subject of interest you encountered in the course. This will give you an opportunity to practice formulating and explaining your own views.
Topic: You may write on any one of the following topics:
1) Descartes claimed that he could be certain of his own existence. Why does he believe this (cite)? Explain his argument. Do you find his argument convincing? (Use the term “consciousness” in formulating your answer.)
a. Provide three reasons why you hold this view. Give an example for each reason. (Use “consciousness” to describe the mind in terms of its activity.)
b. Present the best argument against your view. Conclude by responding to this counter position.
2) James claims that Pragmatism is both a method and theory of truth. How does he explain Pragmatism as a theory of truth (cite)? Do you believe that the pragmatic theory of truth is adequate, or are there flaws in this theory?
a. Provide three reasons for your position.
b. Present the best argument against your view. Conclude by responding to this counter position.
Make sure your topic is clearly stated and described in the first paragraph. Explain the viewpoint fully. Think of an example from your own experience that relates to the chosen topic. The goal is to demonstrate your understanding of the topic and its relation to your own life.
Content and Length: The paper should be 3-5pp (double-spaced) long. The introductory part (first paragraph, or ½-1 page) of the paper should consist of summarizing and explaining the topic you have chosen. In the next 1½-2 pages you should develop three supporting reasons for your position, each following from the previous. Next, spend about ½-1 page addressing a viewpoint that is opposed to your own. Finally, conclude with your own counterargument responding to the opponent’s position. You can use examples from your personal experience if they back up your point.
Make sure it would be apparent to any reader that you clearly understand the subject you are writing about; for this reason try to avoid using any terminology without clear explanation. In addition, always give clear reasons for anything you claim—i.e. reasons that could be understood by anyone, even if they come from a different background (e.g., religious or cultural). You can discuss these views, as long as you do not assume that others will share them without independent reasons.
Citation and Bibliography: All direct quotes and paraphrase must be cited. For this course, the simplest way is to give author and page number in parentheses after the quote—i.e. “The unexamined life is not worth living.” (Plato 30). The paper should include at least one citation from a course text. Any passages not cited, and presented as one’s own, may be construed as academic dishonesty, and removal from the course. A bibliography should be included at the end of the paper with author, title, and publishing information—i.e. Palmer, Donald. Looking at Philosophy. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2010.