Essay on de Beauvoir, or physical realism and the mind
This is an argumentative essay, rely on your textbook. (Textbook: ” The Great Conversation, 8th Edition by
Norman Melchert, from Oxford Univeristy Press). Do not use outside resources, except as background
supplementing your understanding of the material.
Respond to ONE of the following questions:
1. How much of what de Beauvoir hoped for for women has been accomplished, in your view? What remains to
be done?
2. Could a machine think? In light of the Intentional Stance, on the one hand, and the Chinese Room on the
other, justify your answer.
Spelling and grammar are important, so edit your essay before you submit it. Do not plagiarize. Properly
identify your sources.
Support your answer with good reasons and use relevant terminology correctly–show me you know what you
are talking about! Make a good argument!
Follow the guidelines in the appendix and the rubric. The particular answer is entirely up to you. You will be
graded on (1)how well you demonstrate an understanding of the relevant philosophical concepts, (2)how well
you reason, and (3)how well you write.
Use this Basic Essay Structure:
Introduction: Be succinct (no more than one paragraph), but include the following
Thesis Statement- one sentence underlined (the claim to be supported)
Plan for the paper-no more than one sentence, NOT required
Argument supporting the thesis: this is where you provide reasons and explanations that support your thesis
(i.e., this is where you develop your premises)
Assessment of objections: This is where you address objections and counterarguments to the argument you
are making in the essay.
Conclusion: Here is where you summarize your argument.