Paper, Order, or Assignment Requirements

CRITICAL PAPER GUIDELINE PHIL 1317

Your essay (3-5 pages, double-spaced) must contain each of the following four sections:

I. INTRODUCTION
• Clear statement of the issue and your thesis (you will lose 10 percentage points if you fail to provide a clear thesis statement in your introduction!)

II. EXPLICATION OF THE CENTRAL ISSUE
• This includes an explanation of the relevant positions and arguments
• Quote the text (keep quotes relatively short and cite the text [page numbers are sufficient])

III. STATEMENT AND DEFENSE OF YOUR POSITION
• Take a stand on the central argument/issue and provide good reasons for your position
• If you agree with a particular philosopher, it is not sufficient to simply reiterate his/her defense of the position. You need to give additional reasons for your view.

IV. CONCLUSION
• Summarize the main points of the essay
• Restate the issue and the central points of your argument

Notes:
1. Be sure to give credit when quoting OR paraphrasing the work of another.
2. Clarity and conciseness are paramount. Also, be sure to proofread! Typographical errors will negatively affect your grade.

Paper Topics*
1. State and explain the views of Adam Smith and Kenneth Lux regarding the most effective way to promote the social good. State and defend your own position.

2. State and explain Larry May’s model for assigning Corporate Responsibility. Explain one of the two traditional models that he rejects. State and defend your position.

3. State and explain the views of both Milton Friedman and R. Edward Freeman on the way in which a corporation should be managed. Next, state and defend your position.

4. Compare and contrast the views of John Rawls and Robert Nozick with regard to distributive justice. State and defend your position.

5. State and explain Peter Singer’s views regarding our obligation to assist the poor. Explain how Robert Nozick would respond. State and defend your position.

6. Compare and contrast the views of Peter Singer and William Baxter with regard to the moral consideration of animals. State and defend your position.

7. State and explain Bonnie Steinbock’s three uniquely human capacities. Do any of them justify favoring the interests of humans over non-humans? If so, which one(s)? Explain your answer.

8. Compare and contrast the views of Robert Arrington and Roger Crisp with regard to whether persuasive advertising overrides the autonomy of consumers. State and defend your position.