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Philosophy 106: Introduction to Philosophy Term Paper: Descartes / Hume
Term Papers must be submitted online by 11:59pm on the due date – No Late Papers Will Be Accepted 
Write a four-page paper on one of the following topics. Your aim is to present a known philosophical view from our course readings and argue for your view on the subject. At least half your paper should consist in explaining a view, or set of views, we’ve covered concerning Descartes and Hume (e.g., rationalism, empiricism, Descartes’ use of God as a concept and the work the concept does in his philosophical system, Hume’s distinction between “relations of ideas” and “matters of fact”, etc.).
The question you choose must be included and precede your essay and your essay must be in MLA FormatLinks to an external site.:    
Topic 1: Rationalism & Empiricism as Epistemic Orientations
What sort of evidence do we need for a belief if we are to regard it as constituting “foundational knowledge” according to Descartes? How is this different from Hume (explain what you think about each and provide examples)? How does this distinction inform their work? Choose which epistemic orientation you find most appealing and explain why.
Topic 2: Employing Skepticism
Explain epistemic skepticism. What is the nature of the skepticism employed by Descartes? What is the nature of the skepticism employed by Hume? To what degree are Descartes and Hume skeptics (i.e., explain what they are skeptical about and their reasons for employing skepticism)? Explain why you identify either, both or neither as a skeptic.     
Topic 3: The Role of the Concept of God
What role does the concept “God” play in Descartes’ Meditations? Determine if the role is metaphysical, epistemic or both and explain it. If Hume is atheist or agnostic, why does it follow from his epistemic orientation (this requires an understanding of the place metaphysics has in Hume’s philosophical system)? Identify and explain which view you find more convincing.
NOTE: each topic is a series of questions. Analyze the questions to determine which one asks you to formulate a thesis statement and answer the others as support for your thesis.
Additional Instructions
Do not use sources outside of course materials (i.e., you may not use sources other than course books, blackboard and lecture content).
A hard copy must be submitted at the beginning of class on the day it is due. No late work will be accepted—NO EXCEPTIONS.
Use Lewis Vaughn’s Writing Philosophy for guidance regarding structure, style and format. The Writing PowerPoint presentation is available on Canvas.
This assignment will be graded according to the following rubric: 
2
1.5
1
.5
Thesis
Statement of belief to be explored and /or defended
A relevant thesis is clearly stated and defended or explored throughout the essay.
A relevant thesis is clearly stated but not consistently defended or explored due to irrelevancies and / or unnecessary digression.
A relevant thesis is stated but is buried and inconsistently defended due to irrelevancies and / or unnecessary digression.
Thesis is poorly stated or weak and/or left undeveloped.
Content Development
Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to illustrate above average competency in the subject.
Uses appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to explore ideas within the context of the discipline.
Uses appropriate and relevant content to develop and explore ideas through most of the work.
Uses appropriate and relevant content to develop simple ideas in some parts of the work.
Evidence
Selecting and using information to investigate a point of view or conclusion
Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/evaluation to developcoherent analysis or synthesis. Demonstrates proper citation of relevant material. Viewpoints of experts are thoughtfully considered
Information is taken from source(s) with enough interpretation/evaluation to develop a coherent analysis or synthesis. Some material is left uncited or unlinked to writing. Viewpoints of experts are questioned but remain underestimated
Information is taken from source(s) with some interpretation/evaluation, but poorly  developed.
Viewpoints of experts are misunderstood, taken as mostly fact, or underestimated
Information is taken from source(s) with little interpretation/evaluation. Viewpoints of experts are misunderstood, taken as mostly fact, or underestimated.
Convention for Philosophy Papers
Course Specific
Demonstrates detailed attention to and successful execution of conventions conveyed in the “Writing the Philosophy Paper” power point presentation.
Consistently demonstrates  expectations as indicated by the “Writing the Philosophy Paper” power point by conveying conventions  (including organization, content, presentation, and stylistic choices) for this assignment
Inconsistently demonstrates expectations as indicated by the “Writing the Philosophy Paper” power point presentation (i.e., lacks key elements).  
Attempts to use a consistent system for basic organization and presentation.
Control of Syntax and Mechanics
Uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free.
Uses straightforward language that generally conveys meaning to readers with few errors.
Uses language that generally conveys meaning to readers with clarity, although writing may include some errors.
Uses language that sometimes impedes meaning because of errors in usage.
Note: Each number on the rubric above represents a point for a total of 20 points! 
Note:
Each number on the rubric above represents a point for a total of 20 points! 
All papers must be in MLA Format or will be automatically docked 10%
Papers that fail to reflect the structure provided in class and in the “Writing” PowerPoint Presentation will be automatically docked 10%