Phil 1301 Final Essay Prompt Instructions For Your Final Pap
Phil 1301 Final Essay Promptinstructionsfor Your Final Paper
For your final paper you will write a research and argumentative paper over a particular topic that is of interest to you. This topic must be one that is somewhat ethical in nature, incorporate a “sense of personal responsibility,” and has multiple points of agreement and disagreement within its paradigm. It must be a topic with multiple contentious and philosophical elements. The paper should be 3-5 pages long, double spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font, and formatted in MLA style. A minimum of two scholarly sources such as JSTOR or EBSCO should be used.
Potential topics include issues in abortion, morality of capital punishment, legalization of marijuana, death with dignity/euthanasia, freedom of speech issues (explicit lyrics, hate speech), divine command theories, wealth inequality in America, standardized testing in the U.S., gun control and Second Amendment interpretations, immigration/border control laws, the existence of God and science/evolution, religion and political legislation, the power of God and the problem of evil, or a topic of your own choosing that contains multiple philosophical and ethical debates.
Paper For Above instruction
The final essay for the philosophy course demands a comprehensive research and argumentative approach centered around a moral or ethical issue of personal interest. The core objective is to delve into a contentious topic that inherently involves multiple perspectives, fostering critical engagement with diverse viewpoints. The emphasis is on developing a nuanced argument that demonstrates an understanding of the ethical dilemmas, conflicting positions, and the sense of personal responsibility associated with the chosen issue.
The structure of the paper must conform to academic standards, spanning 3 to 5 pages, double spaced, and formatted according to MLA guidelines. Utilization of a minimum of two credible scholarly sources, such as articles from JSTOR or EBSCO, is essential to ground the discussion within established research and scholarly debate. Proper citation and referencing are crucial, aligning with MLA standards to ensure academic integrity and traceability of sources.
The range of acceptable topics is broad, reflecting contemporary ethical debates. For instance, issues surrounding reproductive rights, capital punishment, drug legalization, end-of-life choices, free speech, divine command ethics, socio-economic inequality, standardized testing policies, firearm legislation, immigration laws, the intersection of religion and politics, theological problems such as the problem of evil, or the existence of God, are all suitable subjects. Students are encouraged to select a topic that not only interest them but also contain complex ethical disagreements and invite philosophical inquiry.
The essay should aim to articulate clearly the main arguments surrounding the issue, analyze contrasting viewpoints, and present a well-reasoned stance based on ethical principles and personal reflection. Critical thinking, articulation of philosophical arguments, and engagement with scholarly sources are cornerstones of a compelling final paper.
References
- Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Article." Journal Name, vol. xx, no. xx, Year, pages. DOI or URL.
- Author Last Name, First Name. Book Title. Publisher, Year.
- Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of the Webpage," Website Name, Publisher, Publication Date, URL.
- Another scholarly article or source related to the ethical issue discussed.
- Additional relevant sources supporting the arguments and ethical analysis presented in the paper.