LAPS/PHIL 1100 N 3.0 W
Meaning of Life
Guidelines for written assignments
course director: Hilary E. Davis, PhD
Winter 2016
Evaluative criteria, or what we are looking for:
1. clarity of exposition:
• explain things in your own words
• avoid obscure language and unnecessary jargon
2. understanding of the relevant course materials:
• your essay must include discussion of relevant course material. What is required is usually indicated in the essay question.
• it should demonstrate a thorough comprehension of this course material, including terminology. This thick description of a philosopher’s position is what I often refer to as ‘exposition.’
3. overall coherence:
• your essay should include a brief introduction which states your thesis, structure, and conclusion. This is a map of sorts, for the reader, which tells him/her where you are going & how you’re going to get there.
• the structure of your argument should be easy to follow — that is to say, after you say what you are going to do in your introductory paragraph, do it.
• your essay should also be internally coherent — that is, the presentation and order of your thoughts and arguments must make sense.
• remember always to follow through on an opinion or thought. Good arguments require more than one sentence — they need to be developed.
• avoid tangents, irrelevant discussions, and ‘out of the blue’ remarks
4. proper citations:
• complete citations should include author, title, date, publisher, and page number.
• in addition to direct quotations, any presentation of ideas or arguments which are not your own should be documented.
• be particularly careful when paraphrasing someone else’s thoughts. When in doubt, document the source.
• remember, plagiarism is a form of intellectual theft and carries severe penalties.
5. definitions:
• define the central terms which you’re using — especially if they are persuasive definitions, controversial, or subject to multiple interpretations.
6. use of concrete, original examples:
• support your argument with original, concrete examples — these might include fictional characters, real events, or hypothetical constructs.
• if you use personal experience, try to avoid ‘universalizing’ your experience. Remember that others who are situated differently from you may have difference experiences.
7. coherent justification for the views you hold and the arguments you present:
• this refers to your ability to provide arguments that are sound and avoid common fallacies
• this does not mean simply stating your position, opinions, or feelings. You must be able to provide supporting evidence for your opinions.
• if your claims are controversial, you should consider possible counter-arguments. State clearly and concisely why these objections are not valid or not relevant to your argument.
• avoid self-contradictions, circular arguments, and trivial and irrelevant claims
8. originality:
• original arguments, insights, and criticisms
9. grammar and spelling matter:
• philosophy uses language to persuade an audience, thus correct use of this language is absolutely essential.
• a multitude of spelling and grammatical errors will give the impression of sloppy, lazy, or hastily prepared work.
• please proof-read your paper for spelling & grammatical errors. If possible, have someone else proof-read or copy edit it for you. Do not rely on your computer’s spell-check or other electronic wizardry.
10. there are no ‘absolutely right’ answers in philosophy
• If asked for your reasoned opinion, please feel free to express your views and opinions even if they are not the ones which I’ve stressed in lecture and even if they seem opposite to my point of view.
• For opinion-based essays we will not evaluate your argument on whether or not you agree with us, but on the soundness of your arguments — the justifications and defenses for your point of view.
• write about something you feel passionately or strongly about; however, remember that intensity of feeling is no substitute for a coherent defense in philosophy
Overall, we are looking for clarity, coherence, concrete examples, and creativity.
We are confident that all of you will present original and thoughtful (as well as thought-provoking) work.
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