For each paper assignment, write a 2-4 page (600-1200 word) paper related to one of the topics that we studied so far.

Regarding format, your paper must be typewritten and double-spaced, with normal fonts and margins, and be submitted on the website by the due date and time.  Put your name and page numbers in the top right corner of each page (use a "header" to do this).  Compose your paper in Microsoft Word.  Save it as a .doc file rather than a .docx file.  Then attach it to the relevant Assignment on the website (either "Paper #1" or "Paper #2"). 

Regarding content, your paper must

• have a clearly stated thesis. Your paper cannot be a mere "book report" of the views of others. You must have a view on the topic on which you are writing. You must make it blatantly obvious to the reader what that view is. Here are a bunch of examples of some theses that a paper in this class might defend:
  
  
• "Abortion is wrong even in cases of rape."
• "Paske’s cat-person example undermines Marquis’ position on abortion."
• "The responsibility objection to Thomson's argument by analogy is successful."
• "Beckwith’s point involving the responsibility of fathers undermines Thomson’s view on abortion."
• "Norcross' argument against eating meat is unsuccessful."
• "Animal suffering doesn't matter."
• "People who are in favor of animal rights should be against abortion."
• "There is a morally relevant difference between Singer’s shallow pond case and donation to famine relief."
• "The objections given in lecture to Chadwick's argument against organ selling were weak objections."
• "Cloning is wrong because it is 'playing God'."
  

• lay out the necessary background for understanding your thesis. For example, if your thesis is that Paske's cat-person example undermines Marquis' position on abortion, you’ll need to explain Marquis' position on abortion as well as Paske’s cat-person example. You'll also need to imagine what Marquis might say to this objection and explain why this isn't a satisfactory response.
  
  
• defend its thesis. The main purpose of your paper will be to defend its thesis – to persuade the reader, through rational argument, that the thesis is correct. There are several ways to defend a thesis. One of the most straightforward ways is to come up with a positive argument for it (this is what Marquis did to defend the main thesis of his paper). Another way is to rebut what you take to be the main argument(s) against your thesis. Obviously, this would require first explaining the argument(s) you will be rebutting. If you have the space, you should consider and reply to objections to your position. In some cases, doing this is mandatory. For example, if your thesis is that animal suffering doesn't matter, you must address the "argument from marginal cases."
  

If you are having a hard time coming up with a thesis, you might begin by reflecting on what seems to you to be the correct view on one of our topics. Then try to think of what you would say if you wanted to persuade a friend that this view is correct. When you do this, you will be laying out an argument for your view, an argument that could form the centerpiece of your paper.

You may find that when you subject your own thesis and the reasons you hold it to scrutiny, you actually convince yourself that your thesis is mistaken. If that happens to you, you might be able to turn all of this into a paper arguing against your original thesis.  (But not always: if your original thesis was counterintuitive, then a paper arguing that such a thesis is false will not be very interesting.)

Regarding style, you should

• aim for clarity, precision, succinctness, and directness.
• avoid flowery language, polysyllabic words, and long, winding sentences.
• there is no need to sound deep – instead, just make it completely clear exactly what you are trying to say.
• make no spelling and grammatical mistakes – use a spell checker and get a good style manual.
  

General Guidance. Here are two helpful guides on writing a philosophy paper. Please look them over.

• A Guide to Writing, by Michael Huemer.
• Guidelines on Writing a Philosophy Paper, by James Pryor.
  

Cheating. You are encouraged to discuss your paper with others in the class; however, the paper you turn in must be your own work. Students turning in duplicate or near-duplicate papers will receive an F for the entire course and may be subject to expulsion from the university. I take cheating very seriously.

Do not quote much or at all in your papers. I want to hear the ideas in your own words. But if you must use the words of others, put them in quotation marks and cite the source. Otherwise, you are plagiarizing. Plagiarism will earn you an F for the whole course and possible expulsion from the university.

Late Paper Policy. Your score will go down five points (out of 50 total points) for every day your paper is late.  >0 - 24 hours late is one day late, 24 - 48 hours late is two days late, etc.

Extra Assistance. I am more than happy to provide assistance to you as you work on your paper. Feel free to run your thesis by me, or an outline of your paper, or just talk through your ideas with me.