Term Paper Assignment—Philosophy 346

This semester, due to administrative requirements, the term paper assignment replaces the usual written report that goes with the class project. (I mistakenly copied wording into the syllabus that says there are written group reports; please ignore this.) Each student must write his/her own term paper. The term paper should be about 2500-3800 words in length (10-15 pages). It will count 15% of your grade.

The paper should have one of the two formats described below:

Problem Paper

The problem that you deal with in this sort of paper may be related to your group project, but need not be. A problem paper contains the following components:

· define the environmental problem you are concerned with

· research and discuss its causes and effects

· research and discuss previous efforts to solve the problem (if any) and why they have not solved it and the lessons that can be learned from past failures or partial successes

· propose a policy for solving the problem

· provide a justification for your proposed solution(s) using some ethical theory (perhaps one of those discussed in class), and explain why you think this theory is appropriate

· discuss potential objections to and problems with your solution(s)

· provide a summary and conclusion.

Example: the problem may be tropospheric ozone pollution in Knoxville. You will have to do research to determine what is causing the problem and what effects this pollution has on human and environmental health. Then discuss previous measures taken previously (e.g., automobile emission controls and NOx emission controls at TVA powerplants) and why they have not completely solved the problem. Next, offer your own solution (maybe it’s nuclear power) and explain your reasons for this solution. These will include both ethical reasons, based on a given ethical theory (maybe long-term humanistic utilitarianism) and factual reasons founded in your research. Defend both sorts of reasons against obvious objections (e.g., nuclear power is dangerous and presents a long-term waste problem, or that humanistic utilitarianism ignores effects on nonhuman creatures).

Philosophical Paper

Argue for an ethical or philosophical thesis. (Don’t do a science paper, since this is not a science class.) Some sample topics (the slashes indicate alternative positions; you should argue for one side or the other):

Sentient nonhuman animals should/should not be granted moral consideration.

There is/is not an adequate utilitarian ethics dealing with future generations.

Moral consideration should/should not be extended to all living things.

Oppression of women is/is not an effect of the same kind of thinking that causes

environmental destruction.

Humans should/should not be vegetarian/vegan.

Ecosystems have/do not have intrinsic value.

For this sort of paper, follow the format described in How to Write a Philosophy Paper. No research is needed, but do make sure you respond to any objections suggested in class or in our readings.

I will grade both kinds of papers by the criteria outlined in How to Write a Philosophy Paper.

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