Introduction to Philosophy – PHIL 1301

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Please answer ALL OF the following 3 questions, devoting 300-500 words to each question, for a total of 900-1500 words in 1 document. Papers of less than 800 words will not be accepted, and better papers will typically be over 1200 words. Do not shortchange any of the 3 questions (which are numbered, below). You do not need a separate intro or concluding paragraph; if you use them, don’t count them as part of your word count. Organize your thoughts into paragraphs; you may want to use more than one paragraph per question. You must demonstrate good use of the text. Use quotations from the text, but do so sparingly; I want to see how well you can explain things in your own words. Your paper should consist of no more than 10% quotations. You can use personal examples, but don’t let them take over; this is particularly a temptation in the last section. Make sure that throughout the paper, you are demonstrating your clear understanding of the text, and your critical thinking skills. Although you’ll be sharing some aspects of your opinion regarding the material, keep it firmly rooted in analysis of the concepts and arguments in the text. Sometimes students only spend a couple sentence explaining what the text says, and then spend the rest of the section just sharing their own views on religion or whatever the subject is; that’s not really the focus of the essay.

Outside sources are not permitted. This is not a research paper; instead, it is your demonstration of what you’re getting out of the text, as well as your opinions. I don’t want to see how well you can paraphrase Wikipedia, etc. Assignments using outside sources (other than the text) will be returned with a grade of zero.

  1. What is one philosopher or philosophy that you have found most interesting so far during the course? Explain the view and why you find it interesting. Be specific and demonstrate good use of the text. You can find something interesting without actually agreeing with it. When I say “one philosopher,” focus on their views, not their personal history. When I say “one philosophy,” I mean something like a philosophical theory.
  2. What is another philosopher or philosophy that you have found interesting so far during the course? Explain the view and why you find it interesting. Be specific and demonstrate good use of the text. You can find something interesting without actually agreeing with it.
  3. What does philosophy have to do with the real world? Be specific and demonstrate good use of the text. Give examples; you may want to give examples from you own personal life.

The word count should not include restating the prompt (although I prefer that you don’t restate the prompts), or any long quotes. If you are using Word, you can select a portion of the paper with your cursor to see the word count for that section, or Word should show you the word count for the entire document in the bottom left when you’re in edit view.

Formatting: Submit as a nicely formatted paper, single spaced. I prefer 12 pt Arial font with 1″ margins. PROOFREAD! Include your name, date, and the word count at the top. No MLA or APA style. 1 prefer that you don’t include the prompt or number the paragraphs; it should look like a normal essay. You can put (p. 232) after quotes (obviously with the appropriate page number.) No title page or works cited page.