Instructions

Pick just one of the following topics to write about. Your paper should be approximately 750–1250 words, and it is dueYou may want to review my instructions on writing a philosophy paper before you get started.

A. In the passage titled `Chapter 2: That God Truly Exists’, Anselm argues that God exists. What is the argument that Anselm offers, in that passage, for the conclusion that God exists? Is it sound? If not, why not?

B. In “The Argument From Design,” Paley presents an argument for believing in, “the existence of an intelligent Creator,” which is not only intelligent, but also powerful, wise, and benevolent, in the way that God is often thought to be. Explain how Paley argues for that conclusion. Is Paley’s argument sound? If not, why not?

C. Louise Antony considers three separate arguments against the existence of God, namely, the Logical Argument From Suffering, the Weakened Logical Argument From Suffering, and the Evidential Argument From Suffering. Antony claims that the first two arguments are flawed. What, in her view, is wrong with them? Are her objections to the first two arguments persuasive? Antony also suggests that the Evidential Argument From Suffering is not flawed—it succeeds. Is she correct that the Evidential Argument From Suffering is sound? Why or why not?

D. Pascal says that you face a decision about whether to believe in God or not, and he argues that it would be irrational for you to choose not to believe in God. What exactly is Pascal’s argument for that conclusion? Is it sound? If not, why not?

Grading

• 90-100 percent: Directly addresses all questions that the paper is supposed to address. Entirely or almost entirely accurate in how it describes the theories or arguments at issue. Explanations are exceptionally clear, using well-constructed examples where appropriate. Author’s opinions on the the theories or arguments under discussion are thoughtful and show an awareness of alternative viewpoints (e.g., author notices potential objections to their own views and offers well-considered replies).
• 80-89 percent: Directly addresses all questions that the paper is supposed to address. Mostly accurate in how it describes the theories or arguments at issue, but perhaps includes some non-trivial misunderstandings. Explanations are usually clear and straightforward, if confusing in spots. Author’s opinions on the theories or arguments under discussion are reasonable, but perhaps not particularly well-supported or fully explored.
• 70-79 percent: Might not address in any meaningful way at least some question that the paper is supposed to address. Somewhat accurate in how it describes the theories or arguments at issue, but significant errors or misunderstandings are present. Explanations are inconsistent, perhaps clear in parts, but significantly confusing or incomplete in others. Author’s opinions on the theories or arguments under discussion are not developed or explored in any meaningful way.
• 60-69 percent: Might not address in any meaningful way some questions that the paper is supposed to address. Largely inaccurate in how it describes the theories or arguments at issue, or explanations are too unclear to evaluate in many instances.
• 0-59 percent: No submission, or paper is almost entirely off-topic, or else is too confusing to understand more than bits and pieces.

Late Policy

10 points will be subtracted from any paper submitted within the first 24 hour period after the deadline; 20 points will be subtracted from any paper submitted in the second 24 hour period after the deadline; and 30 points will be subtracted from any paper submitted in the third 24 hour period after the deadline. Any paper submitted after that point will receive 1/2 credit. That is, I will give you 1/2 as many points as you would have gotten had you turned the paper in on time.

Plagiarism policy

• Plagiarism is defined as, “us[ing] another person’s ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source” (MLA Handbook, 5th ed., section 1.8).
• For the first offense, you will receive a zero on the assignment in question, with no opportunity to improve your grade on that assignment.
• For the second offense, you will receive an F for the course and will be subject to college disciplinary action. Students are encouraged to review plagiarism policies in the current Berkeley City College catalog.