Goal: A deeper understanding of the chosen topic.

Course Objective(s):

CO1: Identify historical beginnings of philosophy and contemporary positions concerning the nature of knowledge and reality

CO3: Distinguish the basic concepts of moral and political philosophy

CO4: Evaluate arguments for and against the existence of God

CO5: Evaluate various approaches to the mind-body problem

Task:
This 1200 – 1600 word (not to exceed 2000 words) Philosophical Essay you will be writing due Week 7 is designed to be a thoughtful, reflective work. The word count does not include the works cited page (or the cover page if you choose APA formatting). It will be your premier writing assignment focused on the integration and assessment relating to the course concepts.

Your paper should be written based on the outline you submitted during week 4 combined with your additional thoughts and instructor feedback.
You will use at least three scholarly/reliable resources with matching in-text citations and a Works Cited (References) page.

All essays are double spaced, using either a 12 point New Times Roman or Arial font containing a proper header and title and all paragraphs indented six spaces (1/2 inch).

Description:
You will pick one of the following topics only to do your paper on:
Why according to Socrates, must one NOT heed popular opinion about moral matters? Does Socrates accept the fairness of the laws under which he was tried and convicted? Would Socrates have been wrong to escape? Finally, how does the notion of a social contract apply to Socrates’ reasoning? (CO3)?

[You must use and cite the Crito in completing this paper.]

Socrates asks Euthyphro, “Are morally good acts willed by God because they are morally good, or are they morally good because they are willed by God?” (1) How does this question relate to the Divine Command Theory of morality? (2) What are the philosophical implications associated with each option here? Finally, (3) which position do you feel is correct and why?

Explain (1) the process by which Descartes uses skepticism to refute skepticism, and (2) how he concluded that whatever is clearly and distinctly perceived cannot be doubted. (3) Explain why this project was important for Descartes to accomplish in light of Mediation VI. Finally, (4) discuss at least one problem his conclusion presents. (CO1, CO5)

Using several theories from weeks three and four justify the claim that it is or is not possible to have objective knowledge of the world in which we live. Be sure to discuss the nuances of the theories you are using. (CO1)

Pick at least three moral theories (i.e. Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue, etc) from weeks six and seven and, after describing the theories in modest detail, discuss how you could use each theory to justify extending rights to non-human animals and nature. Alternatively, discuss how each can be used to deny rights to either animals, nature, or both. (CO3)

Research at least two positions (philosophers) concerning social contract theory. Discuss the different conceptions and identify any differences between the theories. Then defend the notion that America is or is not currently operating under some form of a social contract. (CO 3)

Pick a contemporary, popular movie and then discuss how various plots demonstrate some theory of any philosopher covered in this class (feel free to look at the last few weeks to see names and theories we have not discussed yet). (COs1-6)

Your paper will be written at a college level with an introduction (one that indicates what would be covered and in what order), body paragraphs, a conclusion, along with in-text citations/Works Cited page in MLA or APA formatting.

Remember – any resource that is listed on the Works Cited page must have an in-text citation in the paper to match or this is considered plagiarism.

[Note, depending on your degree area, you may be more familiar with APA. You can use either one, just be consistent.]