Paper 1 Guidelines

Introduction to Philosophy

Professor Crippen

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to expand on a subject of interest you encountered in the course. This will give you an opportunity to practice formulating and explaining your own views.

Topic: You may write on any one of the following topics:

1) Socrates believed that the good life is the examined life. Is this true? If so, why do you believe it is? Can you give some examples when it is best not to examine an event in life?

2) The pre-Socratic philosophers held various views on what was the ultimate substance in the world. Which of them do you believe came closest to the truth?

3) Aristotle believed that a happy life was one in which we do things in moderation – i.e., avoid extremes. Is moderation always the best path to take? Are there times when we should not take the middle path?

Make sure your topic thesis is clearly stated and described in the first paragraph. Explain the viewpoint fully. Present clear reasons that support your position. The goal is to demonstrate your understanding and defense of a philosophical view.

Content and Length: The paper should be 3-5pp (double-spaced) long. The introductory part (first paragraph, or ½ page) of the paper should consist of summarizing and explaining the topic you have chosen. In the next 1 ½ pages you should develop three logical points, each following from the previous. Next, spend about ½ page addressing a viewpoint that is opposed to your own. Finally, conclude with your own counterargument responding to the opponent’s position. You can use examples from your personal experience if they back up your point.

Make sure it would be apparent to any reader that you clearly understand the subject you are writing about; for this reason try to avoid using any terminology without clear explanation. In addition, always give clear reasons for anything you claim—i.e. reasons that could be understood by anyone, even if they come from a different background (e.g., religious or cultural). You can discuss these views, as long as you do not assume that others will share them without independent reasons.

Citation and Bibliography: The paper must include at least one citation from a course text. All direct quotes and paraphrase must be cited. For this course, the simplest way is to give author and page number in parentheses after the quote—i.e. “The unexamined life is not worth living.” (Plato 30). The paper should include at least one citation from a course text. Any passages not cited, and presented as one’s own, may be construed as academic dishonesty, and removal from the course.