First Paper Topics
Philosophy 110 (951): Great Works
Fall 2008
Meg Wallace

Assignment: Please choose ONE of the following paper topics. Papers should be 4-6 pages in length, due in class Wednesday, October 8. I am flexible about paper topics and length only if you discuss it with me first. Rough drafts are strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. I will be accepting rough drafts no later than Monday at 12pm, October 6. Also, any drafts received after October 1 will only be accepted in person, in my office hours. No late papers will be accepted. Electronic submissions required; additional hard copies optional. Go here and here for some advice on writing a philosophy paper. Please email me or talk to me if you have any questions.
 
  1. Explain Descartes' project in his first and second meditations in Meditations of First Philosophy. What is he trying to do? How does he go about trying to do it? Make sure to explain (i) his methods of doubt and (ii) how he applies the method (i.e., the three skeptical scenarios he considers in the First Meditation). What does Descartes think he has accomplished by the middle of the second Meditation? Make sure to discuss the cogito in sufficient detail. Do you agree? Why or why not? Critically discuss.
     2.  Lay our formally Descartes' arguments for mind/body dualism. Or, if you like, just pick one of his arguments and discuss it fully. Are these argument(s)                   valid? Sound? Are there any objections? What might Descartes say in response to these objections? Critically discuss.

    3.   Lay out formally (one of) Descartes' Ontological argument for the existence of God. Is this a valid argument? Sound? Discuss at least one objection to this              argument. Assuming that the argument works, do you think that this is a successful way to get out of the evil demon skeptical hypothesis? Why or why not?
          Critically discuss.          

    4.   Discuss the difference between Direct Realism, Indirect Realism, and Idealism, clearly defining and laying out each view of perception. Make sure to give
          arguments for and arguments against each view. Which view do you think is the most plausible, and why? Make sure to support your claims, being sensitive           to discussion and objections that we raised in class.

    5.   Defend Locke's view of perception. Be sure to include a discussion of primary and secondary qualities, as well as arguments for Indirect Realism. What
          advantages does this view have over alternatives (Direct Realism, Idealism, etc.)? Are there any objections to this view? If so, what are some responses on
          behalf of Locke? Critically discuss.

    6. Defend Berkeley's Idealism. Be sure to include a discussion of the arguments given in Three Dialogues between Hylas and Philonous. What     
        advantages does this view have over alternatives (Direct Realism, Indirect Realism, etc.)? Are there any objections to this view? If so, what are some  
        responses on behalf of Berkeley? Critically discuss.

    7. Carefully explain the Problem of Induction (as presented by Hume in An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, and elaborated on by 
        Skyrms, ch. 3). Why should someone find the problem worrisome? What are some ways one might go about trying to answer the problem? Critically discuss.
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