Assignment: Short Analytical Essay Modern Foundations: The C…

This assignment requires you to write a focused philosophical analysis of a central argument in

one of the texts we have studied in the first few weeks of this course. You must choose ONE

topic from the four options below. – Only Use Provide Reading Do not Use outside research andQuote (Author, Page Number)

Your task is not to simply summarize the reading, but rather to reconstruct and evaluate the logic of

a specific claim or set of claims made by the author. As a guide, I have included additional questions

within each topic. These highlight some of the central features/steps of the arguments put forward

by the philosophers that we have discussed in class. Treat these guiding questions as a helpful tool to

organize your essay. While you are not expected to answer each of them, your essay should

demonstrate an understanding of some of the key themes/concepts that these guiding questions focus

on.

Option 1 Descartes: Method, Doubt, and the Foundations of Knowledge

How does Descartes use the method of doubt to establish a foundation for knowledge? Explain how

the cogito (I think, therefore I am) functions as the first principle of his philosophy and how it

supports further claims about mindbody dualism and the existence of God.

Guiding Questions (you may use some, not all):

Why does Descartes think radical doubt is necessary?

What makes the cogito indubitable?

How does the idea of clear and distinct perception operate in his system?

What role does God play in securing certainty?

Option 2 Genevieve Lloyd: The Man of Reason and Gendered Rationality

Analyze Lloyds claim that modern rationality is historically constructed as masculine. How does she

connect the Cartesian method and mindbody dualism to the exclusion or marginalization of women

from full rational agency?

Guiding Questions:

What does Lloyd mean by the Man of Reason/maleness?

How does Cartesian dualism intensify earlier gender hierarchies?

Why are emotion, imagination, and the senses coded as feminine?

What are the philosophical and social consequences of this framework?

Option 3 Hobbes: State of Nature and the Logic of Absolute Sovereignty

Why does Hobbes believe that life in the state of nature necessarily becomes a state of war? Explain

how this diagnosis leads him to defend a powerful sovereign as the rational solution.

Guiding Questions:

What assumptions does Hobbes make about human motivation?

Why does equality lead to conflict rather than harmony?

What is the difference between a right of nature and a law of nature?

Why must individuals surrender their rights to achieve peace?Option 4 Locke: Property, Labor, and the Purpose of Government

Explain Lockes argument demonstrating how private property arises in the state of nature and why

the protection of property becomes the main purpose of government.

Guiding Questions:

What is the state of nature for Locke?

How does labor generate ownership?

Why is civil society necessary if people are already free and equal?

How does Locke define property, and why is it broader than material goods?

General Requirement, Guidelines and Expectations

1. Format

Word or PDF documents only

12-point Times New Roman

Double-spaced

2. Essay Structure

Your essay should contain:

I. An Introduction

Present the author, text, and central problem

State a clear thesis about the argument you will analyze

II. Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph develops one logical step of the argument

Begin with a topic/transition sentence that clearly explains to your reader how each

stage of your analysis is building on the foregoing discussion. For example, Having

established the indubitability of the cogito, Descartes proceeds to argue for the

dualism of mind and matter.

Provide textual evidence

III. Conclusion

Reaffirm your main insight

This is where you may also note tensions, problems, or evaluations of your own in

regard to the arguments you have analyzed.

3. Use of Textual Evidence

Support all major claims with direct quotations from the primary text.

Integrate quotations into your own sentences, i.e. entire sentences should not be

standalone quotations.

Explain the significance of each quotation, i.e. do not let quotes speak for

themselves.

4. Citations

You may use any established citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).

Be consistent throughout the paper.

Include page numbers for all quotations.

If you do not include the full citation in footnotes, make sure to include a Works

Cited/References page at the end.5. Philosophical Analysis

A strong philosophical essay:

Identifies a specific claim or argument

Explains the reasoning step-by-step, i.e. guides the reader through the ordered

development of an argument (showing how conclusions follow from premises)

Clarifies key concepts

Avoid treating the essay as:

A plot summary

A list of quotations

A purely personal reaction/opinion piece

6. General Writing and Style Guidelines

Use clear, precise language

Define technical terms

Avoid excessive jargon

Use present tense when discussing texts

Proofread for grammar and coherence