please read instructions

Essay

Due Date:

·       Essay early deadline: Aug 8 by 11:59pm (If you submit your essay by this deadline you will receive comments/feedback on your essay)

Please submit 5-page (maximum) essay on one of the topics below.  This page limit does NOT include an additional Works Cited page. Your essay should be double-spaced, 1” margins, normal font size (e.g. 12 pt Times New Roman), and in accord with the MLA style guidelines (see the posted document in the “Assignments, Exams, Essays” Folder) and submitted as a PFD via Blackboard.

No external source are required to complete your essay, but if you choose to use them be sure that: (1) they are properly cited with in-text citations (whether taking an idea, paraphrasing, or direct quoting); (2) they are scholarly sources (peer-reviewed books, journals, etc.); (3) they are used meaningfully and effectively (i.e. in your arguments, and not to summarize basic ideas of the theory, etc.).  Taking ideas or actual text from a source without citing is a violation of academic integrity. 

Topic:

1.     Aristotle’s ethics has been criticized for not giving us sufficient guidance in terms of what we should do when it comes to conducting ourselves in the world, which is something we want in an ethical theory.  Do you disagree or agree with the claim that his theory doesn’t give us adequate, concrete ethical guidance? Be sure to make strong arguments for your position, consider objections to your arguments, and reply to those objections showing why your view can withstand objections and is more persuasive.

Assessment Criteria:

Here’s what I’m looking for in an essay: 

1.  Shows insight and depth of thought on the question given.

2.  Shows mastery of the subject.

3. Has clear and well-developed and defended argument, including a strong objection that demonstrate an understanding of the other side of the debate, and a reply.

4.  It is well structured and well-organized, with paragraphs and topic sentences that lead the reader clearly.  

5. Demonstrates strong university-level writing skills and has all the mechanics in place (proper MLA citation, grammar is strong, etc.).