Philosophy Question

Explaining an Argument

Before beginning this paper, make sure that you have completed Modules 2 & 3 and taken a look at my feedback from Paper 1. It is also highly recommended that you have read Byrd’s “How to Write a Philosophy Paper” from the Paper 1 Module. This paper is worth 10% of your grade in this course and, as a result, will be graded out of 100 pts total. Make sure to follow the following instructions and look at the rubric.

Topic

This paper will explain an argument that you have read on your applied ethics topic (animal rights, euthanasia, or global poverty). You will also begin to think of potential objections to this argument. So, in Part 1, explain one of the arguments from the paper you read in 2.2 or 3.2 on your applied ethics topic (animal rights, euthanasia, or global poverty). This will be the same argument that you explained in Applied Discussion 2 or Applied Discussion 3. Then, in Part 2, you will give three potential objections to the argument and explain which objection you think is the best objection to the argument you have chosen (and why).

Specific Instructions for Structuring the Paper

In your final paper, you will be asked to explain and evaluate an argument. This paper is the beginning of that assignment and will function as a draft for the first part of Paper 3. This paper should be organized according to the rubric below, including an introduction and conclusion, as well as Part I and Part II as follows:

Part I – Explain the author’s argument in the article that youve chosen. In his/her view, what is the correct position to have on the applied ethics issue you chose? What are the reasons that he/she gives in support of his/her view?
Part II – Present potential problems for the author’s position. This will not need to be fully developed. Just give three potential problems with the author’s argument (in complete sentences) as bullet points. Make sure that you briefly explain to them so that I know why this is a problem for the author’s argument. After presenting the potential problems, explain which objection is the best objection to the author’s argument, in your view. Make sure to explain why.

Grading

This paper will be graded on content, not length. That being said, you should aim for 2-3 pages. If your paper is too short, you wont have included all of the assignment’s necessary portions. Your paper should include an introduction, paragraphs devoted to the reasons for your position, and a conclusion. If your paper seems to be a bit long, make sure every word is necessary. You should be able to explain the concepts succinctly as well as clearly.

This is not a research paper, but if you want to use outside sources to explain the specific issue you have chosen to focus on, cite those sources properly. You may use any style that you prefer (APA, MLA, etc.), as long as you are consistent. This should be your own work. Do not plagiarize. See the Syllabus for my policy on this.

Rubric

Introduction (10 pts)

The introduction briefly explains the topic discussed in the paper (e.g., the specific issue related to your applied ethics topic) and includes a clear thesis statement. In this paper, your thesis should be a clear statement of the position the author takes (e.g. In this paper, I will explain why {author Fname Lname} believes that we ought to….)

Part I: Explaining the Argument (30 pts)

Accurately represents and clearly explains the author’s argument. This should be organized to clearly express the argument. This section starts by stating the authors conclusion (e.g., Hooker believes that some forms of euthanasia should be legalized). Then, the authors reasoning (the premises of the argument) are explained clearly.

Part II: Potential Objections (20 pts)

States and explains three plausible potential problems with the author’s argument. After briefly explaining objections, the student states (and explains) which of the objections is the strongest objection to the author’s argument.

Conclusion (10 pts)

Succinctly and clearly summarizes the topics discussed and restates the thesis.

Overall Readability and Mechanics (10 pts)

Free of spelling and grammatical errors. Natural and appropriate word choice.

Overall Structure and Organization (10 pts)

Discussion of different topics is clearly indicated in the textsmooth transitions between sections, easy for the reader to follow throughout.

The originality of Thought (10 pts)

Paper demonstrates original and creative critical thinking.

Requirements: 2-3 pages

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