Your task for this term paper is to discuss the topics covered in length, demonstrating thoughtful
engagement and understanding. You must engage with the relevant readings, providing in-text where
necessary (i.e., anytime you quote, paraphrase, or reference an idea that is not part of common
knowledge); no outside sources should be consulted without my approval. Below are four prompts; you’re
free to select any one of them to write on.
Prompt 1: (a) Explain one of the arguments for the existence of God that we have discussed in this course.
(b) Raise one of the objections to the argument that was discussed in class. (c) Offer a response to this
objection. (d) Explain whether you think the response to this objection succeeds.
Prompt 2: (a) Explain the logical problem of evil. (b) Offer a response to this problem that was discussed in
class (and which has its origin in the Leibniz reading). (c) Explain why you do or do not think this response
succeeds. (d) Explain why the evidential problem of evil remains, even if Leibniz’s defense succeeds.
Prompt 3: (a) Explain one of the ethical theories discussed in class. (b) Raise a serious objection to this
theory (as presented in class). (c) Respond on behalf of the ethical theory. (d) Explain why you do or do not
think that this response succeeds.
Prompt 4: (a) Present Frank Jackson’s argument according to which physicalism is false (be sure to offer a
thorough explanation of physicalism and why so many philosophers and scientists believe it to be true). (b)
Offer a response to Jackson’s argument on behalf of the physicalist. (c) Explain whether you think this
argument succeeds.
You should include introductory and concluding paragraphs (neither of which should be more than half a
page long, given the length of the paper). At the end of your introduction, include an explicit thesis
statement explaining to your reader what you aim to accomplish in the paper (i.e., what you will do and how
you will do it).
Citations of assigned readings can be given in-text by simply providing the author name and page number –
e.g., (Mill, 417). If there are no page numbers associated with a reading, please just put the author’s name
in parentheses. There is no need for a works cited page or an elaborate heading.
No heading
No titals
No Header/footer
No paragraph/page breaks
No work sited
Should any questions arise, please feel free to contact me!!