Objectives:
Demonstrate your knowledge of the soul and memory theories of personal identity
Develop your ability to express your ideas clearly and concisely in writing.
Improve critical thinking by evaluating theories and constructing your own argument.
Reading materials: (found in Modules: Personal Identity, Overview).
Refer to Stich and Donaldson book, Chapter 11.
Video :Personal Identity: Crash Course PhilosophyLinks to an external site.
Tasks for this assignment:
1. Consider the following case. Suppose that Stella, a 35-year-old woman, robs a bank and kills one of the bank guards. While driving away from the scene of the crime, Stella loses control of her car and crashes into a brick wall. She is not wearing a seat belt, and she sustains a serious head injury which results in a total and permanentloss of memory of everything that has happened for the last 3 years. There is no chance she will ever regain her memory of these 3 years. A year after the robbery, Stella is brought to trial.
2. Write a 300-700 word essay on the following questions. What would a memory theorist say about this case? Is the person on trial numerically identical with the person who robbed the bank? Is the person on trial morally (not necessarily legally) responsible for the bank robbery and the murder? What would a soul theorist say? Do you agree with either theory about this case? Why?
Include the following:
A. Define and explain ONE of the Memory Theories of Personal Identity (version 1, version 2, or version 3 from Stich and Donaldson Ch. 11). Definitions should be in quotation marks, word-for-word, followed by a citation. Briefly explain this memory theory of personal identity.
B. Explain what a Memory Theorist of personal identity would say about this case. What would their position be, and why?
C. Explain what a Soul Theorist of personal identity would say about this case. What would their position be, and why?
D. Explain why you agree or disagree with either theory?
*Include MLA in-text citations Download MLA in-text citations (author page number). Include bibliography at the end.
E. Your introductory paragraph should summarize the philosophical problem presented by this scenario and state a thesis, i.e., your view about whether the person on trial is numerically identical with the person who committed the crime.
F. The paper should include a properly cited supporting quotation only from assigned course materials. It is recommended that this be a definition of a relevant philosophical concept (e.g. secondary qualities). A quotation is a passage that is identical to the original source. It must match the source word-for-word. Quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and given an in-text citation. Your paper should include a full list of references on a work’s cited page at the end of the paper. HCC Library MLA Guide Purdue MLA Guide.
Tip: For more help with structuring your essay. Use the “They say, I say” structure. Review: HCC Library They say, I sayLinks to an external site.. They say, I say guide to signposting your writing.
Minimum specifications for a passing grade
The paper addresses all of the tasks for the assignment? (see above).
The paper is the right length (400-800 words)
The paper includes a supporting quotation.
The paper includes all of the necessary in-text citations and a work’s cited list (MLA formatting preferred)? HCC MLA Guide Purdue MLA Guide.
Only uses required course readings (listed on the schedule page) and/or assignment reading materials (see above).
Avoids the use of generative AI software (note: This means you should not use Grammarly, ChatGPT, or any generative AI software to write entire complete sentences anywhere in your paper even if it is used just to re-write a sentence you already wrote.)
Avoids plagiarism or any other form of academic dishonesty. HCC Library resources on plagiarism.
For a complete list of specifications required to get an A see the Rubic below. You should be getting “yes” on nearly all the items to get an A. For this assignment, the Objection/Reply items won’t be apply.
Case Analysis Specs Rubric
Case Analysis Specs Rubric
Criteria Ratings
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMinimum Requirement: Addresses all tasks for the assignment.
See assignment instructions “Your tasks for this assignment.”
Yes
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMinimum Requirement: Paper is the right length.
See assignment instructions for length requirement.
Yes
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMinimum Requirement: Includes a properly cited supporting quotation from approved readings.
Quotations must be identical to the original. They must match the source word-for-word. Quotations must be enclosed in quotation marks and given an in-text citation and a full reference on the work’s cited page.
Yes
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMinimum Requirement: Includes all necessary in text-citations and a work’s cited page.
MLA Style Guide: https://library.hccs.edu/mla-guide
Yes
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMinimum requirement. Only uses scources including in required course readings and/or assignment reading materials.
See “reading materials” in the assignment instructions and course reading on the module schedule pages.
Yes
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure: Introductory Paragraph concisely summarizes the case study or thought experiment.
Avoids using extensive summary material that is better placed in the body of the essay.
Yes
Partially
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure: Introduction includes a clearly stated thesis.
Yes
Partially
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure: Each paragraph deals with a single topic or task.
Typically, paragraphs should be approximately 4-7 senences long.
Yes
Partially
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure: Paper has sufficient sign-posting.
Typically the first sentence is a topic sentence that indicates what the paragraph is about. Paragraphs indicate whose view is being expressed (I say, or they say).
Yes
Partially
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuotations: Paper avoids overuse of quotations or excessivley long quotations.
No more than one quotation per paragraph. Generally not more than two sentences long.
Yes
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuotations: Any quoations are also explained in your own words.
“blah blah blah” (author page#). This means that…
Yes
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeProfessionalism: There are few if any spelling, punctuation, mechanical, or grammatical errors.
The most common errors I see are:
1. Capitalization errors. Especially for the first word of each sentence and the Pronoun “I.” https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/mechanics/help_with_capitals.htmlLinks to an external site.
2. Run-on sentences or comma splices. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/punctuation/independent_and_dependent_clauses/runonsentences.htmlLinks to an external site.
Few if any errors
Several errors
Excessive errors
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExposition/Summary: Philosophical theory or argument is presented accurately and in enough detail.
Enough detail for an intelligent adult who has not taken philosophy to understand.
Yes
Partially
There may be minor errors in accuracely and/or low detail.
No
Innaccurate and/or insufficient detail.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExposition/Summary: Definitions of relevant concepts and principles are given accurately and where necessary.
Yes
No
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplication: Explanation of the application of theory or concept to a particular situation is accurate and sufficiently detailed.
Enough detail for an intelligent adult who has not taken Philosophy to undertand.
Yes
Partially
Maybe minor errors in accuracy or low detail.
No
Innaccurate and/or insufficient detail.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument: Thesis of paper is easy to identify and comprehend.
Yes
Partially
No
Not Applicable
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument: The main argument or reasoning in favor of the thesis is easy to identify and comprehend.
Yes
Partially
No
Not applicable
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument: All relevant concepts, terms, and principles that are necessary for understanding the argument are given.
Yes
Partially
No
Not Applicable
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument: Avoids obvious errors in reasoning.
Such as formal or informal fallacies and cognitive biases.
Yes
Partially
No
Not applicable
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeObjection/Reply: Objection to the thesis is presented in a way that is easy to understand.
Yes
Partially
No
Not Applicable
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeObjection/Reply: Objection presented is plausible and relevant to the thesis.
Yes
Partially
No
Not Applicable
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeObjection/Reply: The reply to the objection is easy to comprehend.
Yes
Partially
No
Not Applicable
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeObjection/Reply: The reply to the objection is plausible and relevant to the objection.
Yes
Partially
No
Not Applicable
