Outline And Argumentative Approach For A Philosophy Essay ✓ Solved
Outline and Argumentative Approach for a Philosophy Essay
Pick one question from below and write an essay plan. This outline should include: a clear statement of what your argument will be, i.e., what position you will argue for and how; a synopsis of the structure of the essay (introduction, core sections, conclusion, etc.); key terms that need to be defined (you do not need to define them in this plan, just list the terms you know to be important and which you will define in the essay itself); an overall argument that includes both points for and against your position; and a reference list of the sources you intend to use. The main point is to document the content: argument, structure, and references of your planned essay so that staff can give you feedback on this. Length: about 500 words plus references (minimum of four sources – at least two non-weekly readings).
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Title: Using Sartre’s notion of ‘existence precedes essence’, give an account of human nature. What does this position entail in regard to freedom? Present evidence and reasons both for and against your view.
Introduction
My essay will argue that Sartre’s existentialist assertion that “existence precedes essence” fundamentally positions human beings as free agents responsible for defining their own nature. I will explore how this notion emphasizes radical freedom and individual responsibility. Conversely, I will examine arguments challenging the viability of human freedom due to social, biological, and psychological constraints. The purpose is to critically assess Sartre’s view, acknowledging its strengths and limitations within contemporary understandings of human nature.
Structure of the Essay
- Introduction — Introduce Sartre’s concept and the central debate about human nature and freedom.
- Section 1: Sartre’s View on Human Nature and Existence — Explain the existentialist view that humans are inherently free, and define key terms such as “existence,” “essence,” “radical freedom,” and “bad faith.”
- Section 2: Arguments Supporting Sartre’s Position — Present evidence from Sartre’s works (e.g., “Being and Nothingness”) emphasizing human freedom, responsibility, and self-creation.
- Section 3: Counterarguments — Discuss critics’ points, including social determinism, psychological constraints, and neuroscientific findings that challenge the extent of human freedom.
- Section 4: Integrated Analysis—Balancing Points For and Against — Evaluate how social, biological, and psychological factors may limit or inform human freedom, but also how existentialist freedom remains a vital philosophical concept.
- Conclusion — Summarize findings, reaffirming that Sartre’s notion underscores the importance of personal responsibility while acknowledging inherent limitations.
Key Terms to Define
- Existence
- Essence
- Freedom
- Bad faith
- Determinism
- Authenticity
References
- Sartre, Jean-Paul. (1943). Being and Nothingness: An Essay in Phenomenological Ontology. Routledge.
- Camus, Albert. (1942). The Myth of Sisyphus. Vintage International.
- Heidegger, Martin. (1927). Being and Time. Harper & Row.
- Foucault, Michel. (1977). Discipline and Punish. Vintage.
- WALLACE, R. (2017). Biological constraints on human behavior. Journal of Human Evolution, 102, 45-60.
In conclusion, this essay plan provides a structured approach to critically assess Sartre’s perspective on human nature and freedom. By balancing supportive evidence with counterarguments, the final essay will offer a nuanced understanding of the implications of “existence precedes essence” within contemporary debates.