In choosing your own topic for a term paper you should look for some
particular issue or argument that gives rise to
philosophic
criticism. Your paper should introduce the topic with enough
summary of the relevant author's (or authors') views to set it into context. You
should then present the criticism and discuss possible responses
on
the part of the author(s) in question. Your own view should emerge
from a careful consideration of the author's views and the
criticism leveled against it.
It's not necessary to reach a firm conclusion. More important is
understanding and exploring the issue, though you should make it clear which position you're considering at any point in the paper. My emphasis in evaluating
the paper is on the coherency of your explanations and the worth
of
the reasons you present for your own positions or criticisms of
others' positions.
One recommended strategy is to write a rough draft and then read
it over (or ask a friend to read it over) from the standpoint
of someone who doesn't necessarily know what you mean or
share your point of view. Write in questions and objections
from that standpoint; then answer them in your final draft
for a more complete and convincing version of your argument.
This will force you to back up any assertions you make with
reasons.
Bear in mind that a succession of unsupported
assertions on a topic you feel strongly about is not what
philosophers have in mind by an argument and hence is not
acceptable as a philosophy paper.
In general, the most straightforward approach to the task of writing a philosophy paper would simply involve (1) picking out a point in some of our readings that seems both significant and open to question, (2) explaining how it comes up in the author's work, and why it's both significant and open to question, and (3) attempting to show how the author might respond to the questions or objections raised and how well the response succeeds. However, this isn't the only possible format, and I don't want to impose it as a required model.
I do insist, on the other hand, that the paper actually engage with the issues and arguments dealt with in a given course. What's wanted is original criticism--not a manifesto proclaiming your views on the general subject, but a reasoning argument with (or in defense of) one of the authors discussed in the course.
Length requirements for the paper are stated in the syllabus for
a
particular course. The finished paper should be double-spaced,
with page numbers given to back up any detailed reference to what you've read (not just direct quotations, which in any case should
be
minimized), along with a citation in the proper format for any outside sources
consulted.
Though secondary material can be helpful, the paper is not
intended
as a research paper or a book review but rather as an attempt to develop your own
argumentative skills.
If you wish to write on a special topic, or if
you're
uncertain whether you've settled on a reasonable topic, come to my office hours or make an appointment to discuss the
matter. I can't read over full drafts of the paper in advance, but I'll be happy to give feedback on a brief (c. two-page, single-spaced) account of your plans for the paper, or an introductory section outlining them, if you can get it to me before the last two weeks of the term.
Term papers are due at the latest at the time of the final exam
(as listed in the Unversity schedule), though they have to be in earlier (preferably by the last class) to allow time for detailed comments. Since grades are due very soon after the date assigned to the final exam, late papers can't be
accepted from undergraduates except under extreme circumstances and by prior agreement; see my discussion of due dates for the Philosophy Department's policy on Incompletes.
Graded
papers will be available in the Department office after grades have been submitted; students who wish to have papers mailed to them or to receive notification of their grades
should supply a stamped, self-addressed envelope.
Click for a sample of an A paper in PHIL 341
For more general advice on writing philosophy papers and exams, students are encouraged to consult the Philosophy Department guidelines.
See also the excellent guidelines for philosophy papers written up by a TA