Philosophy 230
Short Essay Assignment
Due Monday, Feb. 22nd

Critical Assessment of a Case

As the title suggests, your task in this 3-5 page (typed, double-spaced) essay will be to set
out and critically assess one of the cases that our readings have examined.  You may choose from
the following:  Monica, Mr. Williams, and Mary Northern.  Once you have
chosen, you should discuss the case following the familiar pattern:

1.  Identify the moral problem that arises in this case. 
        --What is the question that needs to be answered?
2.  Identify the features of the case that you think are most relevant to solving problem
        (this could include facts that are not mentioned).  Explain why you think each is relevant.
3.  In light of these features, explain the conclusion you reach regarding the problem in the case.
        --Be careful here to explain as carefully as you can why you think this is the correct conclusion. 
            The more careful and detailed an argument you can develop here, the better.
4.  Set out the most forceful objection one could raise against your solution. 
        --Consider especially the authors we have read and how they might object. 
        --Explain how this objection can be overcome. 

5.  Consider what broader moral conclusions we might be able to draw from the solution of this case.

Note:  Please feel free to ask for my help as you're working on your essay.  I'll be happy to
            answer your questions.  I'll even read an outline or a rough draft, time permitting, and give you
            some ideas for what might improve it.

Please review my comments on plagiarism in the syllabus. Minimum penalty for intentionally
            plagiarized work is an 'F' in the course.   If you consult any sources (other than our text)
             in writing the essay, you must include a bibliography that cites all the sources you used.

Essays are due Feb. 22nd

Enjoy!


Some tips that may help you write an excellent paper:

    --Stick to the essay topic: make sure that your discussion doesn't wander from the focused topic
            of the essay.

    --Clarity and detail: write as clearly and in as much detail as you can manage. Remember, when I
            read the paper, you won't be there to help explain unclear passages.  Thus, be sure your points
            are easy to follow, and try to develop important issues in as much detail as you can.

    --Avoid excess use of quotes: a short, apt quote here and there can be very effective, but make
            sure you don't let quotes speak for you. As always, be sure you cite the source and page
            number for all material quoted or paraphrased.

    --Avoid long introductions and conclusions: this is a very short essay; it is best to use only a
            brief introduction so you can move quickly to the heart of the essay.

    --Organize carefully: try to organize the essay so that it flows smoothly from sentence to sentence
            and paragraph to paragraph. Think about the order in which you want to address the issues
            involved. You will find that creating a detailed outline of the essay before you write it will help
            tremendously with its organization.

    --Proofread: I won't penalize you for spelling and grammar mistakes, but when they are plentiful
            they can be distracting, making it difficult for the reader to concentrate on the content of the
            paper. Reading the paper aloud to yourself, or having someone else read it, will often catch a
            lot of mistakes and may also alert you to passages that are unclear.