Santa Monica College What Is the Nature of Human Reality Essay
Must follow rubric requirements for an A and receive an A, 90-100! MUST be proficient in Philosophy!
Take a stand FOR or AGAINST Cartesian Dualism & select an opponent, either Darwinian Monism or Sartrean Nihilism.
Write an 800-900 word, single-spaced essay on the debate question. (100)
PROMPT: Write your essay using the following paragraph outline:
- Introduction: (a) Opening sentence on the importance of the question; (b) statement of your thesis for or against Cartesian dualism; and (c) a preview/roadmap for the essay.
- Clarify & define the basis/criteria of your argument, e.g. logical consistency, rationality, parsimony, common sense, etc. and use it effectively to make your case.
EXAMPLE: “In this paper I will argue Cartesian dualism offers a more parsimonious explanation of reality than Darwinian monism.”
- Consider Descartes. Briefly present Descartes’ arguments for metaphysical dualism making reference to the text, including his analogy. Make an argument for Descartes supported by an original analogy or critique his analogy.
- Consider the Opposition to Descartes: Take a stand for/against EITHER Darwinian Monism or Sartrean Nihilism. Briefly present the opposing argument, including the analogy for it. Make an argument for the opposing position supported by an original analogy or critique the analogy offered by the opposing position.
- Conclusion: Return to the basis/criteria and explain why the view you are arguing for better meets it than the opposing position.
Reminders:
- DO NOT USE ANY PHILOSOPHICAL SOURCES IN YOUR PAPER OTHER THAN THOSE ASSIGNED. This is not a research paper. Use only textual sources assigned in this course. Indicate the pages numbers, e.g. (Katherine, 23) for all references to text.
- Write to persuade instead of merely reporting what you agree or disagree with, or your opinions.
- All written work for this class must be submitted on Canvas, single-spaced, font 11 or 12, with paragraph indentation, and must include a header with name, assignment #, due date, and section number.
Argumentative Essay
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts | |||||
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction, Thesis & PreviewIntroductory sentence is on point, engaging, and provides context for the question of the debate. The thesis (conclusion) is a single sentence telling the reader what position your will argue for/against. The preview is the “road map” for making your case. |
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10.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDefine/Explain Key ConceptsKey concepts are ideas that play an important role in the argument. |
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10.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Structure & StyleThe essay is unified by voice and themeatic emphasis. |
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20.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument StrengthArguments provide support for their conclusions only if the premises are reasonable and supported by evidence, and are properly connected to the conclusion. Arguments based on examples, analogies, and thought experiments are well developed. Strong arguments make the criterion for judgment clear and return to it throughout the essay. |
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20.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConsider & Reply to OppositionEvaluate the evidence and reasoning for your opposition’s best argument. Refute or synthesize their criticisms of your argument. Extends the principle of charity in presentation of opposition and respond to the strongest rational opposition to the thesis. Replies include refutation and/or synthesis. |
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20.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of SourcesEffective use of assigned course texts includes wise borrowing, i.e. quoting and/or paraphrasing, for the development of your argument. Demonstrate what you can do with the assigned texts rather than bringing in sources which have not been assigned. Develop arugments rather than merely summarzing the text. |
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20.0 pts |
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Total Points: 100.0 |
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