Reference no: EM132192346 , Length: 5 pages

Challenging Ideas

Paper Topics

Choose ONE of the following paper topics.

1. Cuneo offers a response to Mackie's argument against moral realism. Briefly explain Mackie's argument, and Cuneo's response to it. Provide a brief argument either in defense of Mackie, or in favour of Cuneo.

2. Locke argues that we can trust that our senses give us knowledge of an external world, while Descartes argues that we shouldn't rely on our senses to serve as a foundation for our knowledge. Briefly explain both of their arguments on whether we should trust our senses as providing a suitable foundation for knowledge and give an argument in favour of one or the other.

3. Ayer argues against speculative metaphysics, and that we should only be committed to the sorts of things that the principle of verification can confirm. Lewis argues that the best way to think about and

understand possibility entails a commitment to the real existence of possible worlds. Give a brief explanation of Ayer's principle of verification, and of Lewis's modal realist position. Explain the difficulties in verifying modal realism, whether you think this means that we should abandon the concept of possibility, and why.

Sources and References

In-text citations are required whenever you directly quote, paraphrase or otherwise represent ideas taken from the readings. In-text citations must include the author's last name, year of publication, and the page number of where what you are citing can be found in the reading, ie: (Singer 1972, 293).

Failure to provide adequate references will result in a penalty of up to 10% of your grade on the assignment. Be aware that references are needed not only for direct quotations, but for any representation of ideas drawn from other authors (e.g. paraphrases, summaries, etc.).

Outside sources (readings that are not included in the course materials) cannot be used. A separate "Works Cited" page is not needed.

Do not make use of any outside sources.

Further Guidelines
Here are some basic points to remember when writing your paper:
- Begin with a brief introduction that outlines the topic that is the subject of your paper, and the stance that you will be making (No more than 2-3 sentences).
- Remember to be charitable in your explanation of the arguments, and to present the argument in its strongest possible form.
- Try to not rely too much on direct quotes. When using direct quotes, keep them short and explain the quote that you've included.
- Avoid flowery or confrontational language, personal anecdote, and rhetorical questions. Keep it simple and to the point. Never rely on the reader's ability to properly interpret what you intend to say - say what you want to say in a manner that is direct, clear, and is not subject to other possible interpretations.
- In making your argument, remember that your argument should aim to be convincing to those whom may disagree with your position, or at the very least, those whom do not already hold it - avoid preaching to the choir, as it were. Remember to address relevant considerations made by the author that you are arguing against if there are any - don't ignore the argument made by an author for a particular point if you are challenging them on that point.
- End your paper with a brief conclusion that summarizes the paper, and the position that you took. (1-2 sentences).
- If you're unsure whether to include a citation or not, err on the side of caution and cite. It is always better to over-cite than to under-cite
- Remember to give yourself time to edit your paper. Editing is a crucial process that improves the clarity of the paper, and the overall readability of your paper.

It is 4-5 pages.

Attachment:- Instructions.rar