Here are a few topics/questions that may interest you and are appropriate for this essay (if you have a topic or question that isn’t covered here, feel free to run it by me to see if it will be appropriate for the essay):
Can we know who we truly are (personal identity)?
Can we have knowledge of God?
Can we have knowledge of the external world?
How do I know my existence?
How do I know that other minds exist?
Can I know a thing’s substance/things-in-themselves? Your essay should explain a key philosophical question or topic and one philosopher’s response to that question or topic in a clear, accurate, and charitable way. Avoid being vague or ambiguous in your writing. Avoid presenting the argument in an unfair or unreasonably broad manner. When analyzing your argument, try to be as objective as possible. Avoid appealing to things like emotions or popular thought. would prefer that you write this entire essay in your own words. Use quotes sparingly. If you grasp a philosopher’s argument, then you should be able to articulate and apply it with very little textual support. At the same time, your writing should be obviously informed by the reading, videos, lectures, or supplemental links.
You can write in the first person narrative or third person so long as your explanation and analysis are written clearly; although, it IS an essay so there should be some level of formality in your writing. Then, identify one philosopher’s position on that topic or question. The philosopher you choose must be from this course. What assumptions do they make when addressing that question? What are key aspects of their argument in response to that topic or question? Explain and provide examples to demonstrate that philosopher’s view. Then, analyze that philosopher’s position for strengths, weaknesses, or any interesting implications for the world in general or your own life. Ultimately, you should argue for or against that philosopher’s position–or perhaps you offer a more nuanced response. Your argument should appeal to reason and/or evidence for support.
