PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW ALL!!!
Topics Choose one of the following two topics:
1. We have now explored a few different theories regarding the nature of emotion and although each are illuminating, they are also inadequate. Perhaps the problem, as Brady suggests, is that each individual theory “cannot explain or accommodate all of the experiences we want to characterize as ‘emotional.’” (Brady 2019, p. 33) The problem may be the category of emotion itself. Do you think “emotion” is an adequate category? If so, how would you defend its adequacy? If not, what categorization would you recommend in its place?
2. Although emotions can undermine reasoning, knowledge, and understanding, we have considered several respects in which emotions are necessary to achieve these epistemic goods. Do you think that insights about the positive relationship between emotion and epistemic goods may be used to strengthen people’s reasoning? If so, why? If not, why not?
READINGS NEEDED TO WORK ON ANY OF THE TWO TOPICS:
Brady, Michael S. 2018. Emotion: The Basics. Routledge —-> Brady, pages 1-69
What is an Emotion? William James
Emotion: A Very Short Introduction (1 ed.) Dylan Evans
Formatting and Style Guidelines
• do not include a title page
• include page numbers
• use 12-point font
• double space
• you may use personal pronouns in philosophy papers
Referencing
• include a references section at the end. Use a standard referencing format e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
• for each quotation, provide an in-text citation that includes the author’s last name, the date of publication, and the page number(s).
Grading
The evaluation of your essay will focus primarily on content and organization. For the most part, I will not comment on style and grammar; however, they are relevant to how well you explain, reason, argue, and analyze so you should attend carefully to both as you revise your essay.
The following checklist describes general qualities of an A+ (>86) argumentative essay. You may find it useful to work with the list as you revise your paper.
overall structure:
o clear, concise, well-organized introduction outlines the argument of the paper
o clear “signposting” throughout: i.e., at any point in the paper, the reader knows where they have been, where they are, and where they are going in the argument
o conclusion thoughtfully summarizes the argument of the paper
o logical transitions between statements and between paragraphs
o paragraphs are focussed and do not ramble
content:
o demonstrates a solid understanding of the arguments and analyses in the relevant course readings and lecture material
o focus of exposition and argument is maintained throughout
o reasons provided are acceptable, relevant, and together provide sufficient support for sub-conclusions and the main conclusion
o evidence provided is of sound quality and academically respectable origin
o accurate, thoughtful interpretation and analysis of concepts and arguments
o accurate and fair representation of counterarguments
o responses to counterarguments are reasonable and compelling
o argument demonstrates originality £ overall, reasoning is philosophically sophisticated
sentence structure:
o grammatically correct
o concise
o sentences vary in length to create interest and enhance clarity mechanics and
professionalism:
o no typographical or spelling errors
o follows assignment instructions, including formatting and word requirement
o citations and bibliography complete and accurate
