Identify historical beginnings of philosophy and contemporary positions concerning the nature of knowledge and reality
Goal: A deeper understanding of the chosen topic.
Course Objective(s):
CO1: Identify historical beginnings of philosophy and contemporary positions concerning the nature of knowledge and reality
CO3: Distinguish the basic concepts of moral and political philosophy
CO4: Evaluate arguments for and against the existence of God
CO5: Evaluate various approaches to the mind-body problem
Task:
You will pick one of the following topics only to do your paper on:
According to Socrates, must one NOT heed popular opinion about moral matters? Does Socrates accept the fairness of the laws under which he was tried and convicted? Would Socrates have been wrong to escape (CO3)?
Consider the following philosophical puzzle: “If a tree falls in the forest and there’s no one around to hear it, does it make a sound?” (1) How is this philosophical puzzle an epistemological problem? And (2) how would John Locke answer it (CO1)?
Evaluate the movie, The Matrix, in terms of the philosophical issues raised with (1) skepticism and (2) the mind-body problem. Explain how the movie raises questions similar to those found in Plato’s and Descartes’ philosophy (CO5 & CO6). Do not give a plot summary of the movie – focus on the philosophical issues raised in the movie as they relate to Plato and Descartes.
Socrates asks Euthyphro, “Are morally good acts willed by God because they are morally good, or are they morally good because they are willed by God?” (1) How does this question relate to the Divine Command Theory of morality? (2) What are the philosophical implications associated with each option here (CO4)?
Explain (1) the process by which Descartes uses skepticism to refute skepticism, and (2) what first principle does this lead him to? (3) Explain why this project was important for Descartes to accomplish (CO2).
INFORMATION:
What you are submitting now is your outline (not the full assignment) for your week 7 Philosophical Essay (not the actual paper – that is due in week 7). There is a Word file marked Outline Template for your use that is provided in the transitional form to walk you through mainly doing the paragraphs. Please download it and use it for this assignment, if you like, or use your own Word format.
In two to three full pages you need to include the following:
Your rough draft introduction with a clear thesis (see this article about how to write a Thesis Statement)
Paragraphs with transitioning
A rough draft conclusion
Three reliable resources
At least two in-text citations with direct quotes or paraphrasing
Resource page is correctly done in formatting
Resources:
Provided Word Template
Word is free to students – if you encounter an issue please write classroomsupport@apus.edu for guidance
Tutor.com – information available in the syllabus
APUS Library
Citation and Reference Style: You will follow the citation style that is common to your discipline/program (APA, Turabian, AP, or MLA). If you do not have a citation style, please use MLA style. OW Purdue is a great resource for formatting citations and resources.
Remember:
Purpose: Clearly articulated thesis statement of appropriate scope that (1) tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the question, and (2) tells the reader what you intend to accomplish in your essay. Body paragraphs with transition sentences. Conclusion. Works Cited in MLA formatting.
Support: List of three or more reliable/scholarly resources.
Syntax, Style, Grammar, and Formatting: The writing contains sentences that are always complete grammatically correct, and free of confusion and ambiguity. The essay follows MLA formatting and adheres to the additional guidelines detailed in the syllabus.
Looking Ahead: The 4 – 5 full-page (not to exceed 6 pages) Philosophical Essay you will be writing due Week 7 is designed to be a thoughtful, reflective work. It will be your premier writing assignment focused on the integration and assessment relating to the course concepts. It is 4 – 5 full pages of text. This does not include a cover page or the resource page.
Answer preview to identify historical beginnings of philosophy and contemporary positions concerning the nature of knowledge and reality
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