Introduction. Briefly introduce the topic, say why it matters, and include a thesis statement. Your thesis should summarize in one or two sentences the main conclusion you will argue for in the body of your paper. It’s also a good idea to provide a brief roadmap of the rest of your paper.
Body. The body of your paper should contain sections that correspond with the parts of the prompt. Include a brief introductory paragraph which introduces your topic and includes a clear thesis statement. Your thesis statement should briefly (1-2 sentences) state the ultimate conclusion you will support in the essay.
Conclusion. Briefly summarize your paper. Focus especially on clearly restating your main claims and your main reasons for holding those claims. This can sometimes be a good place to briefly clarify your view by contrast it against possible misunderstandings.
Prompt 2: Freedom & Responsibility
1. Explain in detail one of the problems of free will.
In the course content we have focused mostly on the problem of free will and determinism, but I also introduced you to the problem of autonomy/responsibility. If you wish to focus on the problem of responsibility/autonomy, you need to read pages 5-11 of Galen Strawson’s paper, “The Impossibility of Moral Responsibility.” Try to use your own examples to illustrate the problem.
2. Explain your view about the problem of free will you discussed in section 1.
What exactly does it mean to have free will or responsibility? Do we have free will? Is free will/responsibility compatible with determinism? If so, how? If not, why not? Be very clear and precise in explaining your view. Give reasons for your view. In other words, explain why you hold the view you do, rather than some other view.
3. Consider and respond to an objection to your view.
If you agree with libertarianism, imagine how a compatibilist would object to your view. If you agree with compatibilism, imagine how a libertarian would object to your view. If you agree with hard determinism, imagine how either a libertarian or a compatibilist would object to your view. Develop the objection in detail, using examples to illustrate key points.
Then, explain why the objection does not ultimately undermine your view.
Research Requirements
See the length and research requirements below. Feel free to use the required readings, or scholarly papers from the optional resources on free will and agency.
I recommend listening to this conversation between Sam Harris and Daniel Dennett. Harris thinks humans have no free will. Dennett thinks humans have free will, and that it is compatible with determinism. It’s a fascinating listen!
Process Letter Instructions
After you finish your draft, write a letter to your readers about the writing process so far. Include this letter in the same file as your draft. Your process letter should be the first page(s), and then start your draft on a new page. Write this as a letter to an individual, as opposed to a journal entry to no one in particular. For example, begin with “Dear Reader.” If you are aiming for an advanced grade, indicate this at the beginning of your letter.
You should respond to some or all of these questions: What do you see as your main points? Tell me the story of how you went about writing and what it was like for you in process? How did you get your ideas? What were some of the choices you made? Which parts went well or badly? Were there any surprises? And importantly: Are there specific parts of your paper to which you’d like your readers to give special attention, or do you want specific kinds of feedback?
Formatting Requirements
Format:
Please use 12pt font and 1-inch margins.
Citations:
Include a citation anytime you reference someone else’s words or ideas (this includes paraphrasing someone else). Also include a corresponding bibliography or “Works Cited” list. I don’t care which citation style you use. Just make sure your citation style is clear and consistent, and provides enough detail so I can find the exact quote or passage. For example, citations to a text should always include a page number, and citations to a video should always include a timestamp. And the full reference information in the Works Cited list should include the author name, title, publication info, and a link if it’s an online source.
Audience:
Imagine you are writing your essay for one of your friends who has not taken a philosophy class. Define all technical terms and use plenty of examples. Try to be so clear that your writing is impossible to misunderstand.
Style:
Much academic writing is written impersonally–like it was produced by a machine rather than a person. Don’t write like that. Instead, write in your own voice. Feel free to refer to yourself with the word “I”. Keep your words and sentences simple and clear. But remember that simple does not mean vague; aim for simplicity and precise detail. Use examples to illustrate and support your claims.
Grade Level
Research Requirements
Length Requirements
Advanced
Read and substantively engage with at least four (4) different sources. One of these can be a lecture video, but three (3) of them must be scholarly philosophical papers on your chosen topic. Make sure you cite your sources!
1200 words minimum
Longer is just fine, but make sure
