Essay 1 for Introduction to Philosophy

The first assignment is an essay on the nature of knowledge and truth. You will have to present the positions on the the nature of knowlwedge and on the nature of truth you think are correct. You have to present the position, clarify its assumptions and implications, and develop an argument to support your position.

To complete this paper you will need to address the following points for each topic:

  1. The general issue
    1. State and and describe the poisition you will support
    2. Present the primary sub-points of the position that
    3. Explain the sub-points
  2. Assumptions and implications
    1. State and explain vital assumptions of the position
    2. State and explain vital assumptions of the position
  3. Argument in support of position
    1. State and explain the reasons offered in support of position
    2. Explain how the reasons if accecpted justify claiming the position is true

The rubric below will be used to evaluate both halves of the essay.

The Issue (40)
State and explain the position (0-10) No statement is presented (0-3) A statment is presented, but it is not clearly explained (4-7) A statement is clearly presented (8-10)
Present the supoints (0-10) Several points are is not identified (0-3) All points are presented but not clearly stated (4-7) All points clearly presented (8-10)
Expalin points (0-20) Three or more points are not accurately explained (0-7) One or two points are not accurately explained (8-14) All points are clearly explained (16-20)
Assumptions/Implicatications (20)
Assumptions (0-10) No statement of assumptions is presented (0-5) Assumptions identified but unclearly presented (6-7) Assumptions accuratedly and clearly explained (8-10)
Implicaitons (0-10) Implications identified but unclearly presented (6-7) Implications identified but unclearly presented (6-7) Implications accuratedly and clearly explained (8-10)
Justification (3 0)
Reasons (0-15) Obvious reasons are left unstated (0-6) All reasons are presented but unclearly stated (7-11) All reasons clearly presented (12-15)
Justification (0-15) No explanation of why the reasons justify accepting position is presented (0-6) A preliminary justificaiton is offered but is not developed (7-11) A clearly stated and well-developed justification is presented (12-15)
Overall (0-10)
(Failure to include two references to assigned material is 5 point deduction) The paper has two or more areas that are unacceptable (0-3) The paper has one unacceptable areas or two or more that are incomplete (4-7) The paper has no unacceptable areas and one or zero incomplete areas (8-10)

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