Monday, March 14, 2005

Essay 2 Outline Template

There is a mistake in the essay outline template distributed in class. On it there are three displayed arguments, where your outline only requires two. Below is the corrected version. I apologize for any confusion.

Essay Outline Template

Thesis: This paper presents, explains, and evaluates an argument for the conclusion that P.

The View: State the thesis or theses of either the soul theory, the spatiotemporal continuity theory, or the psychological continuity theory as carefully as possible.

The Argument against the View: Present the argument for p in numbered premise-conclusion form. Make sure that the argument you present is logically valid. (See handout on logical validity.)

Premise 1
Premise 2
Therefore, Theory X is false.

Explanation and Evaluation of (1-3): (see handout on logical validity for evaluation)
Explanation of (1):
Definitions of technical terms in (1), if any:
Brief statement of reasons for thinking (1) is true:

Explanation of (2):
Definitions of technical terms in (2), if any:
Brief statement of reasons for thinking (2) is true:

Evaluation of (3): (3) follows from (1) and (2) by ________

(Do not explain the conclusion(s). It should contain no new terms and should follow logically from the premises.)

Evaluation: An Objection to the Argument Against the View
Next, present a valid objection to the argument you presented.
4. Premise 4
5. Premise 5
6. Therefore, premise X is false.

Explanation of (4-6):
Explanation of (4): terms, reasons
Explanation of (5): terms, reasons

Reply: Give the best response to (4-6) that you can, even if you think the objection is sound.

Overall Evaluation: Finally, give your overall evaluation of the argument against the view you are considering (1-3). Is it sound?

Citation(s): Bibliographic information in MLA, APA, or Chicago format

Parfit on Personal Identity

Parfit's paper "Personal Identity" is available here. The site is password protected. The username is: cas105-para and the password is: $cas105. It will be on the website shortly.