Pick any single philosopher and one of their philosophical theories from the textbook
Explain that philosopher’s theory in accurate detail. Be sure to explain their underlying argument and relevance (why/how they relate to the lives/culture of people).
Argue whether their argument is good or bad. Explain why using facts, logic, and evidence. You may bring up competing theories as well.
(Failure to follow prompt instructions = -70)
(optional): * Connect the theory from the book to some aspect of your life. How does it relate? What can you learn from the theory or what can the theory learn from you? * Compare and contrast the chosen book theory with some other theory in the same area. * Relate the chosen book theory with some piece of art or media that deals with the same issues or theory.
Specific Directions:
* WORD COUNT – Minimum 800 words, Maximum 1600 words
(Penalty for going under = -2 per word. Penalty for going over = -1 per word).
* Include two official word counts for your work at the end of your document (1 or 2 lines below the end of your works cited text, on the same page, put the word counts): one is the entire text of your essay (not including title page and works cited), and the other is a word count for just the quoted text.
(Failure to include word count = -7)
* DO NOT OVERQUOTE! Quotes word count total should be about 200-250 words.
(Overquote = -2 per word)
* Organize the content such that roughly 40% of the paper is analysis, 50% is argument, and the remaining 10% split between the introduction and conclusion.
(Imbalanced paper = -50)
* Normal Font, size 12, double spaced, MLA citations, NO TITLE PAGE, one inch margins, numbered pages. Ideas must be organized properly, meaning they are broken up into coherent indented paragraphs. Proper spelling and grammar.
(Improper formatting = -50)
* At least 3 academic sources, 1 of which must be your textbook. (Use proper MLA works cited page format. Cite the textbook as a book.)
(Lack of academic source(s) = -33 per source)
* At least 4 quotes, 2 of which must be from your textbook. (Use proper in-text citations) (DO NOT OVER QUOTE) If the quote is longer than 4 lines then use box quote formatting.
(Failure to include quotes = -20 per missing quote)
DO NOT UNDERLINE YOUR QUOTES FOR THIS ESSAY. (Underlined quotes = -20)
PLAGIARISM (intentional or accidental) IS AN AUTOMATIC FAIL.
Written Content Metrics:
STYLE, UNDERSTANDING, and ARGUMENT.
Style means grammar, spelling, the look of the paper. You followed all the guidelines.
(Failure to follow style guidelines penalties described above)
Understanding means you really understand the theory you discussed.
Did you follow the directions of the writing prompt? Did you explain it with enough detail? How strong and trustworthy are your sources?
(Misrepresents or blatantly misreads their subject = -70)
Argument means was your analysis of the theory or situation evenhanded, comprehensive, and fair? Did you make a good argument? You will need to do more than just say “I feel, for me, in my personal opinion”, instead make an argument in such a way that all rational people should be obliged to accept it. A good proven path is to either argue for superior outcomes or for some duty-bound principle that tends to work generally.
(Fails to make an argument or makes an especially bad argument = -70)
Additional Details:
Penalties are guidelines and can be adjusted based upon severity.
I expect this paper to look like a real academic paper, and that means proper margins, grammar, spelling. Separating your work into coherent paragraphs. Having an intro and conclusion.
Your writing needs to reflect good reading comprehension and depth of analysis. If your writing is a very surface level or, worse, misunderstanding analysis of the text, reflecting a lack of reading or thought, you will be heavily penalized.
Strength of sources will be a factor in your grade. Make sure your sources are reputable and relevant. So medical academic journal articles are better than tabloid newspaper articles, etc. Do not cite Wikipedia as your source, instead check Wikipedia’s sources and perhaps use those.
MLA format guide we will go by:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Proper In-Text Citations: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/02/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Proper Works Cited Page: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/12/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Proper Citation of Electronic Sources: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
