PHILIOSOPHY PAPER _ 1
PHILIOSOPHY PAPER #1
INSTRUCTION:
6-8 pages (double space); it should offer a discussion of a selected issue covered in this
course; the paper will be on a topic in the utilitarian or retributive theory of punishment,
using only the material from the course.
The following are the requirements that apply to mid-term paper:
1. This is not a research paper (it must be based only on the readings).
2. You are responsible for formulating your paper topic based only on the readings for this
course. You can formulate your topic on the basis of at least one or any combinations of the
eadings that cover the Utilitarian or Retributive Theory of Punishment.
3. Review very carefully the requirements for writing philosophy papers. Keep in mind that
the key to a good topic is that it be sufficiently specific so that you can discuss it fully in 6-8
pages. Hence, your topic cannot be "retributive theory of punishment" as such for that would
e too big a task for the space given to you, again be specific.
4. The best way to think of what might be a good topic for you to write on is in terms of the
following formula:
In the article X the author Y argues for claims A, B, C and in this paper, I will present
his/her position regarding those claims and in the normative part of the paper I will
argue for my own opinion, O, regarding claims ABC.
5. A clear three-part format of the paper:
1. The shortest possible introductory paragraph, possibly consisting of just 2-3 sentences
that identify your topic, the article(s) your discussion is based on, and the claim you
will be defending.
2. Descriptive part, which must be written in a way that would be useful to someone who
never had this class and never read what you did, thus making the issues, claims, and
arguments from the reading(s) by the author(s) you are presenting very clear to third
parties.
3. Normative part that offers your critical analysis of the arguments presented in the
descriptive part (and accurately attributed to appropriate.
6. Please use the following Google Drive link to access all the readings & references for
Utilitarian and Retributive Theory of Punishment respectively:
https:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/14WT8_kGkE8FMY8URpki_RyI4M5i0RWBU
?usp=sharing