Essay 1:  A Proof of the Existence of God - Handout for Part 4
 
 

Part 4:  The completed essay, of about 1200-1500 words in length.  (15%)

Due Date:      Wednesday, March 30
 

        How can one go about the task of critically evaluating an argument?  The purpose of this first essay-writing exercise is to show you how this can be done in an effective, step-by-step fashion.  Thus, Parts 1 and 2 were concerned with how one can arrive at a clear and complete account of the logical structure of an argument, and then go on to identify some possible weaknesses that may form the basis for a critical examination of the argument.  Part 3 then focused upon the tasks of, first, creating an effective structure for your essay as a whole; secondly, of setting out clear and concise statements of your basic thesis and of any supporting sub-theses; and then, thirdly, of briefly stating your crucial arguments.

        The preliminary work that you have done in Parts 1, 2 and 3, along with the feedback that you have received on that, should provide you with the basis for Part 4 - the actual writing of the essay.
 

Instructions - Part 4

Length of Essay:    Between  1200  and 1500 words in length, which is about four or five double-spaced typewritten pages.

1.  In writing your essay, you should make use of the suggestions in the handout "Writing Philosophy Essays".

2.  The most important thing to keep in mind when you are writing an essay that involves the critical evaluation of an argument is that any criticism should always be tied to a specific step in the argument, and you should make it clear whether it is the inference that is being made at that point, or one of the premises, that seems unsatisfactory.

3.  Usually, when you're evaluating an argument, you should start off with a clear and explicit formulation of the argument as a whole.  As you've already done that in Part 2, that will not be necessary in the present case.  However you should include explicit formulations of the step or steps that you are focusing upon.

4.  As it is not possible, in an argument, to offer proofs of all of one's premises, it is not an effective criticism of a premise to point out that that the author has offered no support for it.  To criticize a premise, you need to offer a reason for thinking that the premise is false, or at least implausible.