Reflection Paper Topics With Grading Rubric 024555

Reflection Paper Topics With Grading Rubricreflection Paper Topics Wit

You will write a word response to your chosen paper topic from a provided list. Your assignment is to read one of four articles by Theodore Dalrymple found in the textbook's final chapter. For the article you select, you will compose a response that addresses:

  • 1) The author's main argument
  • 2) How the author supports this argument (evidence, ancillary arguments, etc.)
  • 3) Whether you agree or disagree with the author
  • 4) Why or why not
  • 5) Applying insights from at least two other readings from chapters 1-9 to your analysis, explaining their relevance

Your response should be written in your own words and demonstrate your ability to analyze and evaluate complex philosophical arguments. Use only the Dalrymple article and your textbook as sources, citing them in MLA format. This assignment must be submitted as a Word file or pasted into the online submission box; only one attempt is allowed.

Paper For Above instruction

The essence of this reflective assignment lies in engaging critically with Theodore Dalrymple’s selected article, synthesizing it with other philosophical insights learned throughout the course, and articulating your position clearly and persuasively. The core objectives are to understand Dalrymple’s main argument, examine how he supports his thesis, reflect on your agreement or disagreement, and incorporate relevant philosophical perspectives to deepen the analysis.

Dalrymple’s writings are known for their complexity, linguistic richness, and profound insights into human nature, morality, and society. The primary task begins with a careful and thorough reading of the chosen article to distill its main argument. This involves identifying Dalrymple’s central claim, which often revolves around the social, moral, or philosophical conditions that shape human behavior. For example, if analyzing "The Frivolity of Evil," the main argument might concern how banal or trivial factors contribute to the genesis of evil acts, illustrating a nuanced view of morality.

Supporting Dalrymple’s argument requires examining the evidence and ancillary points he uses. This could include historical references, case studies, philosophical reasoning, or social observations. It is essential to scrutinize whether these supports convincingly bolster his claims and to assess their strengths and weaknesses critically.

Following this, a personal reflection offers an opportunity to develop an informed stance—either concurrence or dissent—based on logical reasoning and philosophical understanding. For example, one might agree with Dalrymple’s critique of moral decay but challenge certain assumptions about human nature or societal responsibility. Justifications should emphasize philosophical principles or empirical considerations, demonstrating critical engagement.

Applying insights from other course readings enriches the analysis. For instance, incorporating Aristotle’s virtue ethics may provide a lens for examining moral character, or Kant’s deontology could shed light on notions of duty and moral law. These philosophical frameworks help articulate and deepen your critique or support of Dalrymple’s positions.

Throughout, clarity in writing, coherence in argumentation, and proper referencing using MLA format are imperative. Short quotations (no more than 10% of the paper) should be integrated thoughtfully with explanations. The paper should be organized into an introduction, body paragraphs systematically addressing each point, and a conclusion summarizing your insights and reflections.

In sum, this assignment is designed to assess your capacity to comprehend complex philosophical texts, craft well-reasoned arguments, critically evaluate ideas, and relate them to broader philosophical concepts learned in the course. Achieving this entails a careful reading, reflective analysis, and clear, academically rigorous writing.

References

  • Dalrymple, Theodore. "The Frivolity of Evil." In Course Textbook, Final Chapter.
  • Aristotle. "Nicomachean Ethics." Translated by W. D. Ross, The Macmillan Company, 1926.
  • Kant, Immanuel. "Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals." Translated by Mary Gregor, Cambridge University Press, 2002.
  • Hume, David. "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding." Oxford University Press, 2000.
  • Nussbaum, Martha C. "The Fragility of Goodness: Luck and Ethics in Greek Philosophy." Cambridge University Press, 1986.
  • Mill, John Stuart. "Utilitarianism." Hackett Publishing, 2001.
  • Plato. "The Republic." Translated by G. M. A. Grube, Hackett Publishing, 1992.
  • MacIntyre, Alasdair. "After Virtue." University of Notre Dame Press, 2007.
  • Nielson, Erik. "Philosophy and Morality." Routledge, 2018.
  • Smith, Adam. "The Theory of Moral Sentiments." Prometheus Books, 2009.

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