PHI 101, Fall, 2007
Section 4, Swindler
First Paper Assignment
Your assignment is to write a four-page critical paper on the following topic. Follow the
directions concerning style given below.
Topic
We have studied several arguments for the existence of god: the ontological argument, the
cosmological argument, and the argument from design. Each of these either includes or
presumes some concept of the nature of god. From this list, pick the argument that you consider
strongest and show how it could respond to the argument from evil. You are to explain each side
of the debate as fully as you can and show specifically on what points they conflict. Be careful
to explain key concepts and to illustrate them where appropriate. Check you reasoning carefully.
Make sure your thesis (the point you are arguing for) is stated explicitly and that you respond to
objections to your view.
Style
Write coherently, opening with a brief summary of your plan for the essay, including the
thesis you will argue for. The rest of your essay should develop this basic plan. Make it clear
that you understand the philosophical issues. Be sure to take and defend a position of your own.
Papers are to be at least four pages long (about 1200 words), typed, double-spaced, and
paginated, with one-inch margins all around (including page one). In the top right corner of page
one place your name and a descriptive title for your paper. Minimize quotations: paraphrase and
analyze instead (no more than one line of quotation per page, total). Always give credit where it
is due using standard footnotes or endnotes (see below). When in doubt, cite your source.
Carefully edit and proofread your paper before you hand it in, correcting for spelling,
punctuation and grammar (after you spell-check!). Staple your paper in the top left corner. No
cover pages, folders or paper clips, please!
Papers are due at the beginning of class (2:00 p.m.), Tuesday, September 25. Use my
office hours and email ([email protected]) to your best advantage.
Citation example (footnote or endnote):
William Rowe, “The Cosmological Argument,” in Reason and Responsibility, ed. by Joel
Feinberg and Russ Shafer-Landau (Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2008), p. 25.
There is no need to give the entire citation more than once. If the work just cited is cited
again, use “Ibid, p, 27” for “in the same work.” If another work is cited between citations of this
one, use “Rowe, op. cit., p. 27” for “work cited.”
You may also use “in text” citations. Note that in that case, the same information about your
source is needed at the end of the paper and the specific page reference is placed in parentheses
in the body of the text.
PHILOSOPHY LIVES IN THE ARGUMENTS!
