Term Paper
| Topic: Defending an Ethical Position in Medicine | Paper length: 1000-2000 words. Due: Wednesday, Apr 21 before midnight by Electronic Submission |
Paper Content
The main part of paper should do the following:
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Briefly describe an ethical problem problem in medicine or medical science.
You may use any of the topics in the course readings. Briefly describe the problem, and provide any relevant background context. This part is important, but should take up no more than a paragraph or two.
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Discuss another author's view on this problem, by identifying the thesis of an article read in class, and reconstructing the argument for that thesis.
You should already have this part outlined in one of your notebook entries. State the thesis clearly, and then logically reconstruct the argument in your own words. Be sure you clearly state the premises and then state the conclusion of the author's argument.
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Identify what you take to be wrong with the argument.
For example, if the argument is fallacious, then you should explain why. Or, you might argue that one or more of the premises is wrong.
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State your own thesis about this problem, and provide your own argument for that thesis.
You should describe the premises and conclusion of your argument, and say why you think it is more effective than the one you discussed above.
Paper Description Submission (10%)
To help you start thinking about your paper, I'm asking you to bring to class a 100-200 word description of (1) your paper topic; (2) who's article you will discuss; and (3) the thesis you plan to argue, on Saturday, Apr 10 (1 week before the paper is due). We will discuss these descriptions together in class. Turning this short description in (on time) will get you 10% of the points for your paper, so it would be silly not to do it!
Formatting
The standard term-paper requirements apply: your paper should be neat, spell-checked, grammatical, and presented in an appropriate word-processor format using 12pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, and double-spaced lines. You should include a bibliography and properly cite all your sources. The wording in your paper should be your own. It should not be copied or paraphrased even loosely from another source. If you're uncertain about how to use sources, see this guide.
Your paper should also be well-organized. It should contain an introduction, a conclusion, and appropriately headed sections. -- for example, it would be a good idea to organize each of the requirements (1-4) above in a separate section.
Finally, as in any philosophy course, your writing should be clear and simple. Use small words and short sentences. For more information about how to write a good philosophy paper, you are welcome to check out my guide.
Submission
Your paper must be submitted in electronic form through Turnitin.com, a plagiarism prevention web resource. To submit your paper, simply do the following:
- Visit Turnitin.com.
- Click "New Users" in the upper right corner.
- Enter the appropriate Turnitin Class ID number and Enrollment Password (this will be provided in class)
- Finish the registration process.
- Click the "Morality and Medicine" class link.
- Click the "Submit" icon in the row marked "Term Paper."
- Upload your paper!
Acceptable formats for your paper are MS Word, WordPerfect, PostScript, PDF, HTML, RTF and plain text. You should also submit your extra credit paper, if you choose to do one, by clicking on the "Submit" icon in the row marked "Extra Credit Paper." All papers (including extra credit) must be submitted by midnight on Friday, Dec 11.
Tips
- If this is your first philosophy paper, try Bryan's Guide to writing better philosophy papers.
- Come talk to me about your thesis and your proposed argument in office hours before you write the paper.