Assignment

The central tool of logic is the argument. Accordingly, constructing good arguments is the central element of this course. Each writing assignment in this course will give you an opportunity to construct and improve upon an argument that you will develop as the course progresses. This discussion post allows you to begin the process of developing your argument by presenting good reasoning on both sides of an issue.

The requirement for this discussion is a minimum of four posts on four separate days, including at least two substantive responses to peers. The total combined word count for all of your posts for this discussion, counted together, should be at least 400 words. Answer all the questions in the prompt, and read any resources that are required to complete the discussion properly. In order to satisfy the posting requirements for the week, We recommend that you get into the discussion early and spread out your posts over the course of the week. Reply to your classmates and instructor. Attempt to take the conversation further by responding substantively to the replies that others make to you as well. Keep the discussion on target, and analyze things in as much detail as you can.

Prepare: To prepare for this discussion, make sure to read the assigned chapters of the primary text and to review the required resources, including the videos about arguments (in the "Lectures" link on the left). Before responding to the prompt, make sure as well to participate in the interactive scenario at the top of this page titled The Raise to gain more appreciation of the importance of constructing good arguments in life.

Reflect: Choose a topic from the PHI103 Final Paper Options list. It should be a topic that you find interesting, but also for which you will be able defend a position with careful logical reasoning. Construct the strongest argument that you can on each side of the issue. Strengthen your arguments by contemplating possible objections to each argument, and revise your arguments in light of the objections. Continue this process until you feel that your arguments for each side are as convincing as you can possibly make them.

Write: Present your two arguments (one on each side of the issue) in standard form (with each premise and conclusion on a separate line) on the topic you selected from the PHI103 Final Paper Optionslist. The two arguments should defend different positions on the topic. For example, if your topic was the existence of Santa Claus, then you would present one argument for the claim that Santa Claus does exist and another argument that Santa Claus does not exist. The premises of each argument will present reasons for thinking that the conclusion is true.

Here is an example of what an argument in standard form looks like:

Premise 1: If Santa Claus exists, then he lives at the North Pole.

Premise 2: No one can live at the North Pole.

Conclusion: Santa Claus does not exist.

Final Paper Options

Here is the list of options from which to choose your paper topic. The idea is to use the same topic for all three papers in this course, developing and improving your argument as you go. If you want to switch topics between papers or choose a topic not on this list, consult with your instructor first. It is also possible for your instructor to add other options to this list, so check the instructor's announcements for any modifications.

• Is it ever permissible to torture a person? • Should athletes be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs (such as steroids or EPO) or techniques (such as blood doping or oxygen tanks)? • Should universal healthcare be available to all regardless of their ability to pay in the same way that other services (such as education) are available to all for free? • Does one have an obligation to report wrongdoing by one's employer, even when doing so will result in the loss of one's job? Are whistle blower laws effective and necessary? • Does social media enhance or hinder interpersonal relationships? • Is it important to teach the arts and humanities?