Sample Writing Assignments
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The following are possible topics for the third or fourth paper
assignment:
1. In the 2nd Meditation, Descartes suggests that the one thought he
can always know to be true whenever he thinks it is "I exist."
However, his argument for this view is not as explicit as one might
like. In this paper, offer a reconstruction of Descartes' argument for
this position and do so in explicit premise-conclusion form. Then,
after explaining why Descartes might have believed the premises of such
an argument, offer one possible line of criticism against his argument.
That is, construct a strategy for challenging one of
Descartes’ premises, or challenge in some way the validity of
the argument. Then explain why you do or don't think such a criticism
ultimately undermines Descartes' argument.
2. Offer a defense of Descartes against the notorious "Cartesian
Circle" criticism. First, explain Descartes' strategy for showing that
our faculties and our senses can be trusted if we use them responsibly.
Then explain the Cartesian Circle objection. Then offer a line of
defense that Descartes could possibly use against this particular
criticism – show how his reasoning is not circular after all,
or if it is circular, it is not circular in a way that destroys his
account.
3. In your readings, John Locke presents us with an argument for the
view that the hot or cold that we normally associate with a bucket of
water is not really in the water itself, at least not in any way that
resembles our experience. Carefully reconstruct Locke's argument for
this position, putting it in explicit premise-conclusion form, and
making evident whatever hidden assumptions and hidden premises you
think are motivating Locke. Then, critically evaluate this argument. Do
you think it is sound? If so, defend it from one major criticism. Do
you think it is unsound? If so, then explain where Locke’s
argument goes wrong.
This paper should be about 6 or 7 pages in length. You are being asked
to do two things: 1) explain the background arguments, debates and
ideas of others, and 2) contribute something of your own to the
discussion.
