For your final paper, you will write a case study of a quantity of your choice – any quantity you like! The case study should focus on philosophically relevant aspects of your chosen quantity. Although there is no particular essay question you are expected to answer, you should still offer arguments in support of your claims: your paper should not just offer a description of your chosen quantity.
Some examples of quantities: mass, charge, length, duration, velocity, temperature, colour, shape, hardness, spin, field strength, sensation, consciousness, well-being.
You paper should follow the following structure (the word counts are indicative):
Description of your quantity. Describe your chosen quantity: what is it like? How is it typically measured, and what role does it play in scientific theories? You should also note any other features of philosophical interest. [~500 words]
Philosophical problem. Present a philosophical problem related to your quantity. You should clearly state the problem and motivate why it really is a problem. You can find a list of potential questions below, but make sure that you consider the problem as it applies to your quantity specifically. [~750 words]
Solution to the problem. Propose a solution. Make sure to carefully explain how your solution solves the problem. Does your proposed solution have any downsides or further consequences? [~750 words]
Metaphysical account. Based on your solution, discuss the best metaphysical account for your quantity. You may defend one of the theories discussed in this course. Substantiate your answer. [~1000 words]
Conclusion. What have we learnt about your chosen quantity? Are there any questions left open? [~500 words]
You may find it helpful to consider some of the questions below (you should not answer all of these questions):
What makes your quantity quantitative?
Is your quantity a concept or an attribute?
Is your quantity measurable?
Is your quantity properly extensive?
Is your quantity a determinable with determinates?
What kind of numerical scales are possible for your quantity?
What kind of particulars can instantiate your quantity?
Is your quantity absolute or comparative?
Is your quantity a (structured) universal?
Are your quantity’s magnitudes locations in a value space?
Does your quantity have its causal powers necessarily or contingently?
Does your quantity always have determinate values?
Please consult the Marking Criteria for further information on the criteria your paper should satisfy. In addition, your paper should discuss at least two texts that are not on the reading list for the course. You are expected to find further literature yourself, but of course you may ask me for suggestions. I have uploaded the references section of Wolff’s book to make it easier to track down the papers she refers to.
The word limit for the final paper is 3,500 words including references but excluding a final bibliography. This is a hard limit: there is no margin of tolerance. If your essay is over the limit, I will deduct one point from your grade and one further point for every 100 words.
essay will be marked along the following criteria:
Understanding. Your work should display a strong understanding of the material. Explain key concepts and arguments clearly and carefully, in your own words.
Critical Acumen. You are expected to critically analyse the material. You should make a case for a well-reasoned conclusion; effectively use the literature; and consider the wider implications.
Presentation. Your essay should have a coherent structure, be clearly written and contain no spelling or grammatical errors. It should make use of the space provided, without superfluous elements.
