PHIL 330: Metaphysics

Larkin: Fall 2003

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First Writing Project

Write a 6-8 page, typed, double-spaced, argumentative essay on some topic related to either the Cosmological Problem or the Mind-Body Problem. A total of 30 points is possible for this project, distributed as follows:

5 pts = Thesis Proposal

10 pts = Formal Outline

15 pts = Acceptable Draft [careful (5pts.), clear (5 pts.), and compelling (5 pts.)]

Timeline:

By 10/10/03: Discuss thesis proposal

By 10/17/03: Hand in Outline

By 10/24/03: Complete Draft Due

Argumentative Essay Structure:

I. Thesis Set-Up

A. State and explain question or problem being addressed

B. Discuss significance of the problem/question

C. State and explain thesis

D. Discuss significance of thesis

II. Support Thesis

A. Lay out main argument for thesis

B. Provide support or sub-arguments for controversial premises

III. Defend Thesis

A. Consider objections to weaker premises

B. Respond to objections

C. Consider argument(s) for most plausible alternative view (antithesis)

D. Formulate objection to alternative argument

Some Possible Topics:

1. The existence of God:

a. Defend or attack some traditional argument for or against the existence of God (Ontological Argument, Cosmological Argument, Teleological Argument, Problem of Evil, etc.)

b. Consider and respond to some problem with the formulation of the concept of God (paradox of omnipotence, paradox of omniscience, problem of freedom and foreknowledge, etc.)

c. Defend or attack one of the traditional theistic motivations (metaphysics, meaning, morality)

2. Why is there something rather than nothing?:

a. Defend a particular answer or response to the question

b. Respond to some specific argument in Nozick’s article

3. The mind-body problem:

a. Defend some view on the mind-body problem (dualism, reductionism, eliminativism)

b. Find some contemporary journal article on mind-body problem or consciousness—explicate and critically evaluate

c. Explicate and critically evaluate Descartes argument(s) for dualism

d. Respond to some specific argument in Kim’s article