Evaluate Berkeley’s skeptical argument against dualism

Essay question: Evaluate Berkeley’s skeptical argument against dualism (what he calls ‘materialism’). That is, either argue that it is a strong or a weak argument.

The argument is found in sections 18, 19, and 20 of the selection from Berkeley.

Essay outline:

1. Introduction (State your position and two main reasons in support of your position).

2. Explain your first reason.

3. Explain your second reason.

4. Anticipate an objection against one of your reasons.

5. Respond to that objection.

6. Conclusion.

Essay expectations:

1. Please read the guide on how to write philosophy papers (available on BlackBoard under ‘Information’).

2. Answer the question given, not any other question that may be related to it.

3. Follow the outline given.

4. Write clearly.

5. Use quotations sparingly, i.e., three lines a page at most. When you are inclined to quote, paraphrase instead, i.e., explain the same point in your own words. But you still need to give reference.

6. If you are not sure how to make references, please read the ‘MLA referencing guide’ on the library’s website. In your exposition of the authors’ views your references should primarily be to our textbook. You may do some research to find other articles you can appeal to in your discussion. These outside sources can be either books or articles from established journals, not from any random website. When you appeal to other authors, you have to give them credit, i.e., give proper reference.

7. Make reference to the page numbers of our textbook when referring to the philosophers’ views and arguments, not to other sources.

8. Present the ideas in a logical order, not in the form of a free association of ideas. Support the ideas by textual reference.

9. Express your views, using phrases such as, “I argue that… for the following reason…” or “One reason why I maintain … is that …”. Support your ideas by textual evidence. The expression of your views should not be merely a list of questions or complaints. Complaints are welcome as long as they are grounded by reasons. Questions are welcome only if you answer them right away. Do not expect the reader to answer them for you, i.e., no rhetorical questions.

10. Your essay should start with an introductory paragraph. An introductory paragraph, for this course, is one which merely states the topic of the essay and the argument of the author. It does not say anything else. The author states her argument by telling the reader which position she will argue for and what her reasons are.

11. You should end your essay with a concluding paragraph. A concluding paragraph restates what you’ve argued for and why; and it may also point to an interesting question that the author thinks arises out of her evaluation.

12. ‘Works Cited’ section needs to be the last page of your assignment. It should have its own page even if it is one line. Please use the latest MLA guide. It’s available through MRU Library’s website.

13. No need for title page.

14. Edit your essay. Check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes. Ensure that your essay expresses the ideas that you intended it to.

15. Min. 800, max. 850 words, 12 font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, normal margins. 5 marks will be deducted as penalty for every 100 words beyond the word limit.

16. Do not leave space between paragraphs. Indent each paragraph. No subheadings. Number your pages. Word file please, not pdf.