Reference no: EM133715053

What Does It Mean to be a Philosopher?

The basic requirements of the paper

The paper must be 1200-1500 words long minimum (but can be longer).

You must CITE your sources! (You choose the style/format. There are paper writing resources at the end of the instructions that can help with this among other aspects of writing a paper).

You will be uploading your finished paper to turnitin (via canvas).

NO OUTSIDE SOURCES!!! Only material from our textbook and canvas.

If you were to ask 10 people, "How do I write a Paper?" you'd probably get 10 different responses. No one seems to know exactly how to do one, yet almost everyone is assigned one at some point in his or her academic career. Here is a guide to what faculty are usually "looking for" in a well-written paper. So, I will outline what your paper should look like below.

Remember, however, that every faculty member is different: some will want you to spend more time "analyzing" or "evaluating" the piece, others on giving your personal reactions to it. The best rule of thumb is to ask your professor for clarification. Here are mine:

I repeat: There is a word minimum of 1200 words but a decent paper should be closer to 1400-1500. There is no word maximum.

I. Thesis, Argument, and Conclusion. 700 words or so.

Goal: Produce a short argumentative piece including an expository section.

This should be your introduction (to the question/issue at hand), an explanation of the fundamental traits of a philosopher, and then your argument section for Socrates.

Note: Your introduction should include an inclusive thesis for the whole paper. That means, it must lay-out what you are trying to accomplish over the whole of the paper (ie, both section I and II).

You must first explain what it means to be a philosopher. You need to identify and explain three traits that embody what it means to be a philosopher. You can use all and only the class material on canvas or in the textbook. You need to explain each trait without reference to Socrates. You should use examples of the traits as well as explain the traits themselves.

The next section of the first part of your paper should be your argumentative case for Socrates. Remember, you will be using all the applicable material from Unit 1 to make your case for whether Socrates should be considered a paradigmatic philosopher. How does Socrates meet these standards (or criteria)? Make arguments and give evidence/support!

II. Final addendum/Your Epilogue: What about you? 500 words or so.

Goal: Answer these questions: Reflecting on the three traits above (from section I), am I a philosopher? Why or Why not? Give examples/evidence. What do you, or could you, gain from being a philosopher?