Philosophy

We have studied a number of topics in philosophy have that have 2 major, opposite approaches.

Choose one of those TOPICS (either metaphysics, or epistemology, or ethics, or philosophy of art, or socio-political philosophy, or eastern philosophy) and
contrast the two opposite APPROACHES to that topic (for example materialism versus idealism in metaphysics), explaining their strengths and weaknesses.
Argue for either (a) one of the approaches over the other or (b) a third position resolving the other two.
Answer as fully as possible, including any important definitions, details or examples.

TO REPEAT: your essay answer must use at least two different approaches we’ve studied in analyzing one, same, main topic (either metaphysics, or epistemology, or ethics, or philosophy of art, or socio-political philosophy, or eastern philosophy)

The purpose of the essay is to allow you to more deeply analyze one of the topics we have studied (presumably the one that most interests you). And it allows you to demonstrate your mastery of the ideas.

You should confine your research to only the assigned textbook as your source for your essay. When you quote from the textbook (for example, to give a definition), you should give a standard citation (either in-text citations MLA style, or Chicago, or footnotes if you prefer) and you should end the essay with a bibliography of the single source used (your textbook).

Put a check mark on the topic you will cover in your essay:

__metaphysics

__epistemology

__ethics

__philosophy of art

__socio-political philosophy

__eastern philosophy

The 2 opposing approaches to this topic are:

1._______________________________ 2. _________________________________

If you have any questions about your topic and positions and whether you have correctly identified them, email the instructor before you begin writing the essay.

Grading rubric:

Your essay must begin with the course title, the instructorʻs name, the topic of your final exam essay, and your name as author of the paper as well as the date submitted.

For example:

Introduction to Philosophy 100-90-2: Dr. Brasher

Metaphysics: Materialism V. Idealism

By John Kealoha

June 10, 2017