Essay

In this essay assignment, you will choose one of the major philosophical questions or theories weve explored this term and develop your own thoughtful argument in response. This is your chance to engage deeply with ideas about morality, politics, identity, knowledge, or the good life, and to practice thinking critically about issues that shape human experience.

Completing this essay will strengthen your academic skills in reasoning, writing, and analysis, while also helping you articulate your own values and perspectivesabilities that are essential not only in college, but also in everyday decision-making, professional communication, and meaningful interactions with others. Take this opportunity to explore a topic that genuinely interests you and to make your own voice part of the philosophical conversation.

This essay provides a structured opportunity to formulate and defend an argument, criticize logically the arguments of others, while sharing your own philosophical reflections and intuitions. In essence, the goal of this paper is to give you a chance to practice philosophy, not just in your thinking, but in your writing and how you build your argument.

Supportive Materials

To be successful with this assignment, review the following before you begin. Note: you may have seen these resources already as you reviewed the content on the Learning Materials page.

• Introduction to Philosophy, Chapters 1-5, 6-9, 11-12

Complete Your Work

Instructions

• Select your topic from the document

Guidelines

• Paper must be typed and submitted in a Word document (doc or docx) or as a PDF.
• Paper should be 5-6 pages in length, double-spaced, using 12-point font. Title page, works cited, and appendixes will not be counted towards towards the page requirement.
• Use at least four sources (the textbook may be used as one of these sources). Sources should include at least TWO journal articles or books available through the
• Please DO NOT cite any online reference encyclopedias such as Wikipedia, Britannica, or Encarta.
• All sources must be cited (must have an end note or a foot note) and the source listed in a bibliography. Paper must be written in MLA or APA format (your choice).

Rubric

To see how you will be assessed with this assignment, review the associated rubric.

If you have any questions about assignment expectations, it is always best to ask early.