Assignment: Short Analytical Essay Modern Foundations: The C…
This assignment requires you to write a focused philosophical analysis of a central argument in
one of the texts we have studied in the first few weeks of this course. You must choose ONE
topic from the four options below. – Only Use Provide Reading Do not Use outside research andQuote (Author, Page Number)
Your task is not to simply summarize the reading, but rather to reconstruct and evaluate the logic of
a specific claim or set of claims made by the author. As a guide, I have included additional questions
within each topic. These highlight some of the central features/steps of the arguments put forward
by the philosophers that we have discussed in class. Treat these guiding questions as a helpful tool to
organize your essay. While you are not expected to answer each of them, your essay should
demonstrate an understanding of some of the key themes/concepts that these guiding questions focus
on.
Option 1 Descartes: Method, Doubt, and the Foundations of Knowledge
How does Descartes use the method of doubt to establish a foundation for knowledge? Explain how
the cogito (I think, therefore I am) functions as the first principle of his philosophy and how it
supports further claims about mindbody dualism and the existence of God.
Guiding Questions (you may use some, not all):
Why does Descartes think radical doubt is necessary?
What makes the cogito indubitable?
How does the idea of clear and distinct perception operate in his system?
What role does God play in securing certainty?
Option 2 Genevieve Lloyd: The Man of Reason and Gendered Rationality
Analyze Lloyds claim that modern rationality is historically constructed as masculine. How does she
connect the Cartesian method and mindbody dualism to the exclusion or marginalization of women
from full rational agency?
Guiding Questions:
What does Lloyd mean by the Man of Reason/maleness?
How does Cartesian dualism intensify earlier gender hierarchies?
Why are emotion, imagination, and the senses coded as feminine?
What are the philosophical and social consequences of this framework?
Option 3 Hobbes: State of Nature and the Logic of Absolute Sovereignty
Why does Hobbes believe that life in the state of nature necessarily becomes a state of war? Explain
how this diagnosis leads him to defend a powerful sovereign as the rational solution.
Guiding Questions:
What assumptions does Hobbes make about human motivation?
Why does equality lead to conflict rather than harmony?
What is the difference between a right of nature and a law of nature?
Why must individuals surrender their rights to achieve peace?Option 4 Locke: Property, Labor, and the Purpose of Government
Explain Lockes argument demonstrating how private property arises in the state of nature and why
the protection of property becomes the main purpose of government.
Guiding Questions:
What is the state of nature for Locke?
How does labor generate ownership?
Why is civil society necessary if people are already free and equal?
How does Locke define property, and why is it broader than material goods?
General Requirement, Guidelines and Expectations
1. Format
Word or PDF documents only
12-point Times New Roman
Double-spaced
2. Essay Structure
Your essay should contain:
I. An Introduction
Present the author, text, and central problem
State a clear thesis about the argument you will analyze
II. Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph develops one logical step of the argument
Begin with a topic/transition sentence that clearly explains to your reader how each
stage of your analysis is building on the foregoing discussion. For example, Having
established the indubitability of the cogito, Descartes proceeds to argue for the
dualism of mind and matter.
Provide textual evidence
III. Conclusion
Reaffirm your main insight
This is where you may also note tensions, problems, or evaluations of your own in
regard to the arguments you have analyzed.
3. Use of Textual Evidence
Support all major claims with direct quotations from the primary text.
Integrate quotations into your own sentences, i.e. entire sentences should not be
standalone quotations.
Explain the significance of each quotation, i.e. do not let quotes speak for
themselves.
4. Citations
You may use any established citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).
Be consistent throughout the paper.
Include page numbers for all quotations.
If you do not include the full citation in footnotes, make sure to include a Works
Cited/References page at the end.5. Philosophical Analysis
A strong philosophical essay:
Identifies a specific claim or argument
Explains the reasoning step-by-step, i.e. guides the reader through the ordered
development of an argument (showing how conclusions follow from premises)
Clarifies key concepts
Avoid treating the essay as:
A plot summary
A list of quotations
A purely personal reaction/opinion piece
6. General Writing and Style Guidelines
Use clear, precise language
Define technical terms
Avoid excessive jargon
Use present tense when discussing texts
Proofread for grammar and coherence
Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): Rousseau Discourse on Origin of Inequality.pdf, Descartes Discourse on Method Pts 1-4.pdf, man of reason_lloyd-1.pdf, Hobbes Leviathan Selections.pdf, John Locke Second Treatise – Ch 2-58.pdf
Note: Content extraction from these files is restricted, please review them manually.
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