Philosophy Essay

Students can choose to write one of the two following papers with the following themes:

Paper 1: Use Plato’s Cave Metaphor to explain the difference of character between Maggy and her mother.

Or:

Paper 2: Franky Dunn and Scrubbs: who is the cynic and who is the stoic, and why.

MODULATION OF THE PAPER TASK

In order to write a good paper the student needs to combine knowledge and information from the following three areas assigned:

A. FROM FILM

Distinguish, analyze characters.

Read their actions, and statements.

B. FROM LOGIC READINGS

Know the structure of the argument.

Avoid Informal Fallacies.

May use inductive or/and deductive arguments.

Produce a valid and sound argument.

Start with a claim, and prove it.

C. FROM MAGEE READINGS

Show understanding of Plato’s Cave Metaphor

Show understanding of Stoicism and Cynicism

RUBRIC

The paper will be graded on the student’s ability to do the following:

Construct a valid and sound argument.

Show good understanding of the assigned readings.

Show good application of the assigned readings.

Demonstrate a careful reading of the film characters.

The lectures on how to write our first term paper are most important to be attended by the student. They will also be recorded and posted in Conferences, but it is only in the live sessions that the students will be able to ask their own questions.

Directions on Upcoming First Paper Writing

It is time to prepare for writing our first paper. We will succeed in writing a good paper by following the following steps:

1. Attend and participate in next week’s class conference meeting.

2. Get access (better buy the CD so you can watch it again before and as you write your paper) to the first film we are watching, the Million Dollar Baby, prior to our next class meeting.

3. Read the assigned readings from the Weston book on how to write an argumentative essay.

4. Follow the written directions and rubric that will be provided during our next week’s lecture.

Please find here the link to watch the Youtube video with an animated analysis on Plato’s Cave Metaphor.

Link (Links to an external site.)

Please find here the link to watch the Youtube video with a historical and conceptual analysis on stoicism.

Link (Links to an external site.)

Please find here the link to watch the Youtube video with a historical and conceptual analysis of cynicism.

Link (Links to an external site.)