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Divine Command

In: Philosophy and Psychology

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Phil 1C: Paper 1 Instructions Due: Tuesday September 8, 2015 You will write a 1500 word argumentative essay on the topic of Ethics and Religion or Value Theory. Only your own writing counts towards the 1500 word min. Quotes should be used sparingly, and will not be factored into your word-count. You will submit a copy to Turnitin (via Blackboard) as well as a hard copy to me in class or in my mailbox. Assignments turned in after the start of class on Tuesday September 8 will have 5% deducted, and will not be accepted after the start of class Thursday September 10 (hard copy and Turnitin by the beginning of class). Please choose from the following topics: 1. What is the Divine Command Theory? How does Plato’s argument in the Euthyphro cast doubt on this theory? Can Divine Command Theory overcome Plato’s (and others’) criticisms? Why or why not? (Your answer to the third question will be your thesis statement/conclusion, which you will support throughout your paper.) 2. What objections does Robert Nozick raise to the theory that happiness is the only thing desirable for its own sake? Nozick claims that “Plugging into the machine is a kind of suicide.” What does he mean be this? Do you think he is right? (Your answer to the last question will be your thesis statement/conclusion, which you will support throughout your paper.) 3. How does J.J.C. Smart argue for Extreme Utilitarianism? Do you agree that we ought to follow Extreme Utilitarianism? Why or why not? What are the potential problems with this view? (Your answer to the second question will be your thesis statement/conclusion, which you will support throughout your paper.) An argumentative essay is your presentation of an argument in support of a position. An argument is not a statement of your opinion; it is an attempt to support your position with reasons. This position is your thesis, or the stance you take on a particular topic. You should be able to express your thesis in one or two sentences in the first paragraph of your essay. Your thesis states the conclusion you aim to prove. The argument you develop in the essay offers a set of reasons or evidence to support your conclusion or thesis. In order to write an “A” paper, it will be necessary to consult the following websites (these include guidelines and examples for writing philosophy papers): http://home.wlu.edu/~mahonj/WritingPaper.htm http://www.yorku.ca/hjackman/Teaching/handbook.pdf (The rubric is structured upon this link.) http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/ http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ Paper turned in after the start of class on the day they are due will have 5% deducted for each day that they are late. You must use at least three sources. At least two must be academic articles or books; in addition you may use philosophical encyclopedias or dictionaries. This is a very good philosophical encyclopedia: http://plato.stanford.edu/ All sources must be properly cited, using MLA formatting. Attach a grading rubric to the front of your paper (below).
Phil 1C Paper 1 Rubric NAME _____________________________

Introduction (10 points) ______

Argument Supporting the Thesis (40 points) ______

Assessment of Objections (20 points) ______

Overall Conclusion (10 points) ______

Structure (20 points) ______ *Three appropriate sources (see instructions) *All sources must be properly cited. You will not receive higher than a ‘C’ on your paper if your sources are not properly cited. *1500 words double spaced with one-inch margins all around. *12 pt font, in Garamond, or some other professional looking font. (Black ink)
*Provide a bibliography or works cited page. *Check for spelling and grammar errors. *Staple the upper left hand corner. Do not use any covers or bindings. *Attach a copy of these guidelines to the front of your paper.

Overall Grade (100 points) _______

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