First Paper Topic
Please answer the following questions,
following directions carefully. Papers should be about 5-7 pages,
double spaced, normal font, normal margins, etc. I am flexible about
paper topics and length only
if you discuss it with me first. Rough drafts are strongly encouraged. I will
be accepting drafts in person only, so please email me to schedule an
appointment. I will be accepting rough drafts no later than MONDAY,
FEBRUARY 25, so please organize your time and your meeting
with me accordingly. Papers are due by 5pm on Thursday February 28.
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. Also, sample papers are up on previous
course webpages of mine here and here.
Part 1:
Please lay out and discuss only one
of the Puzzles of Objects (that was discussed in class, in the intro to
Material Constitution, and on this handout here). Make sure to discuss
any principles or commonsense truisms that are needed to generate the
puzzle. Why is this puzzle compelling? Discuss.
Part 2:
Choose only one of the
proposed solutions to the puzzle you discussed in Part 1. Do you think
that this proposed solution works? Why or why not? What argument(s)
support this position? Discuss whether you think this is a convincing
argument or not. What are the disadvantages (if any) of this position?
Are there any counterexamples to consider? Respond in defense of, or
provide your objections against, this particular view of objects.
Page Last Updated:
Feb. 12, 2008