Your Final Essay should be 2,000 words in length. Do not write less than 1,750 words, or more than 2,250 words.
The essay should be single-spaced with justified margins, and typed in 12 pt Times New Roman font.
At the top of the first page, type your full name, the code and name of the course (PHIL 371: Philosophy of the Natural Sciences), and the title of the assignment (Final Essay).
At the bottom of the last page, include a word count (use the tool on Microsoft Word for this).
Include a bibliography listing the course readings you are discussing, and any entries in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy that you used to research your topic.
Do not use ANY other external sources when working on this assignment.
Be specific! Refer directly to the text(s) you are discussing. It is good academic practice to include some direct quotations from the text(s) you are discussing, but don’t over do it.
Regardless of whether you are paraphrasing or quoting directly, always include page numbers in parentheses so that the reader can consult the relevant passages.
Use numbered sections with heading titles in bold to divide up your essay into clearly distinct parts.
Begin your essay with an introductory paragraph (under the section heading ‘1. Introduction’) in which you introduce the topic, state your thesis, and outline how you are going to proceed.
End your essay with a concluding paragraph (under the section heading ‘X. Conclusions’) where you review what you have done and reflect on its significance or broader implications.
Write in the third person when summarizing views. Write in the first person when evaluating them.
Paragraphs are your friend; use them! Never use bullet points. A good rule of thumb is: one paragraph, one idea.
Make life easy for your reader (me!): be as clear as you can. Every time you finish a paragraph or a section, carefully read what you have written and revise it accordingly.
Philosophy is not poetry. Write plainly and succinctly. Get straight to the point. Don’t use a complex word if a simpler one will do. Avoid ambiguities and long, complex sentences.
Take the assignment seriously. Write formally and respectfully. Address the authors you engage with by their surname, not their first name. Don’t use colloquialisms.
Submit your essay on Blackboard as a Word document, not as a PDF.
Make sure you consult the Submission Checklist before submitting it. In particular, bear in mind that your essay should not just present the views of the authors you are discussing but also take a stand yourself, justifying the position you defend.
1. Does your essay have a thesis? Is it formulated in the first paragraph?
2. Does your essay have a clear structure? Do you tell your reader how you are going to proceed?
3. Are the ideas you discuss accurately presented? Are they expressed in your own words?
4. Do you use textual support when necessary and credit/cite sources appropriately (with page numbers)?
5. Do you provide reasons for your opinions? Do you justify your claims?
6. Do you break down (analyze) arguments into their relevant parts or premises?
7. Do you come up with examples to illustrate particular claims or arguments?
8. Do you anticipate objections or counterexamples that might be raised?
9. Is the thesis of your essay supported by sub-arguments or evidence of some kind?
10. Does your essay end with a conclusion where you bring everything together?
