The Design Argument

The Design Argument

Topic 1: The Design Argument. (i) State and explain the design argument for God’s existence. Then (ii) explain some reasons or evidence in support of the premises. Next, (iii) discuss at least one key criticism of the design argument. Finally, (iv) provide a thoughtful evaluation of this debate, where this involves explaining the reason (not your belief) why you do or don’t think the design argument survives the criticism(s) you raise.

Topic 2: The Cosmological Argument. (i) State and explain the cosmological argument for God’s existence. Then (ii) explain some reasons or evidence offered in support of the premises. Next, (iii) discuss at least one key criticism of the cosmological argument. Finally, (iv) provide a thoughtful evaluation of this debate, where this involves explaining the reason (not your belief) why you do or don’t think the cosmological argument survives the criticism(s) you raise.(unique_solution)

Topic 3: The Problem of Evil. (i) State and explain the problem of evil against God’s existence. Then (ii) explain some reasons or evidence offered in support of the problem of evil. Next, (iii) discuss at least one key criticism of the problem of evil. Finally, (iv) provide a thoughtful evaluation of this debate, where this involves explaining the reason (not your belief) why you do or don’t think the problem of evil survives the criticism(s) you raise.

–Due date: See syllabus.

-2-3 pages, double-spaced, New Times Roman font, or something similar (no large or unusual fonts), 12 pt. font, black ink, standard margins

-No folders or covers of any sort

-Sources: Just use the chapters from our textbooks, as well as the related online readings.

Cite your sources, and include a Works Cited page. Use standard citation methods (either MLA or APA citation format is fine). No paper that fails to cite their sources, and to cite them properly, is eligible for a grade of B or higher.

I’d prefer it if you didn’t cite the PowerPoint slides or class notes at all, as they are merely supplementary materials whose aim is to help you comprehend the readings. But no paper that quotes only (or mainly) the PowerPoint slides from class is eligible for a grade above “C”.   A key aim of the exercise is to grapple with the readings themselves, so as to develop your skills of critically reading a piece of philosophical text, comprehending it, and critically evaluating it.

It should also go without saying that plagiarism will not be tolerated. If caught, you’ll receive an automatic ‘F’ for the course, as well as standard university discipline, up to and perhaps including expulsion.
The grading scale on the syllabus will apply.

Some general advice:

(i) Take this assignment seriously; it’s worth 15% of your grade.

(ii) BE LIBERAL WITH PARAGRAPHS.  In particular, try to limit them to one point per paragraph.  It’s an excellent way to order your thoughts and your paper!

(iii) Do not wait until the last minute to write it.  Students who wait until the last minute tend to do worse than those who plan ahead and start thinking and writing early.

(iv) Whenever possible, avoid using words that you wouldn’t ordinarily use.  Write in plain, clear language. Philosophy is hard enough without needlessly complicating your prose.

(v) Don’t hesitate to ask me for advice, or to look over a draft of your paper before you turn it in.

Suggestive outline:

1. Introduction
2. Explanation of the Argument of Your Chosen Topic (the design argument, the cosmological argument, or the problem of evil)

III. Some Reasons in Support of the Argument’s Premises

III. Criticism(s) of the Argument

1. Evaluating the Debate
2. What, precisely, is right or wrong with the criticism(s) of the argument you discussed?
3. Your final “two cents” on the argument
4. Conclusion

Grades will be assigned in the following manner:

40% Conventions (organization, grammar, syntax, spelling, etc)
30% Clarity and accuracy in explaining and describing the ethical theory.
30% Clarity and effectiveness in critically evaluating the theory