Questions We Can Help You To Answer

Write an essay of approximately on one of the following topic:

1. Bernard Williams suggests that death gives meaning to life, and that immortality might not be something good or desirable.  Summarize and critically evaluate Williams’ reasoning for these conclusions.

Guidelines:  These topics pretty much require you to write an expository/critical essay.  What's that?  Part of the essay (could be 25% to 65% of it depending on the topic and your choices) is a summary of the view (or views) you are discussing in largely your own words.  In particular, I want you to attend to the reasoning offered for the truth of the view(s).  This means identifying the main conclusion(s), the principle reasons given in support of them, and including any unstated relevant assumptions that may affect the soundness or validity of the case.  

I strongly advise you (for your protection) to write the essay in two discrete sections: first the summary , then the critical evaluation.  This keeps the two functions asked of you quite distinct for the reader and for you.  I will not penalize essays that mix the two functions together.  But, be warned: many such essays short-change one function or another, especially the summary.
Having summarized a position/view, I want you to analyze it critically.  This includes assessing whether the reasons offered provide enough support for the conclusions drawn.  Is the reasoning logically sound? Are the premises involved true?  Are there any problematic assumptions being made that need to be identified?  Further, when you raise a concern or objection, ask yourself: "How might one holding this position respond?" and respond to the response you envision by evaluating its success. A critique need not be negative.  One might raise objections and show how they can be met, thereby defending the view under consideration.

Q: Do I want your opinion? A: Yes, but it's the clarity and subtlety of the reasons supporting it that matter (for purposes of grading) much more than the conclusion you defend.  A correct (in my opinion) conclusion supported poorly will do less well than a false (in my view) conclusion argued for well.  And an opinion need not be polemical (strongly "yes" of "No").  An "opinion” can be exploratory: e.g. "I don't know whether it's right or wrong without the following further information...."
Rules: All essays must be handed in as both a hard copy and through Turnitin.com 
Presentation: Please hand in an essay that is spaced at least 1.5, preferably 2, with normal margins. No title page is required but it’s fine if there is one. But make sure your name, ID #, my name, the course code (PHL 201) and a title (e.g “Locke on Personal Identity”) appear on the first (i.e outside) page.  No plastic covers please, just printed pages.

Bibliography/citation: This is not a research essay. That means that you need not consult external sources (i.e. sources beyond the course readings), but may do so if you wish. IF you quote or rely on an external source, you must cite it in the text (to page number) and provide full bibliographic details in a bibliography (author, title, date, url,  etc.).  This can be in any of the major citation styles as long as all the information is there.  If you quote from any of the text material no bibliography is need.  All you need do, for example, is as follows: (Jacobsen: 22).