Question: Is objectivity the best way to know the truth about [material/physical] reality?
Choose one from these Positions FOR Objectivity:
Descartes’ Scientific Method / Empiricism
Marx’s Historical Materialism / Ideology Critique
Vs
Choose one from these Positions AGAINST Objectivity:
Nietzsche’s Existential Perspectivism (Subjectivity)
Abram’s Phenomenology (Intersubjectivity)
Hence, these are the possible debate options: (select one)
Science vs Perspectivism
Science vs Phenomenology
Historical Materialism vs Perspectivism
Historical Materialism vs Phenomenology
PROMPT: Write an 800-900 word essay in which you argue FOR or AGAINST the conclusion that objectivity is the best way to know the truth about reality. Use one well-developed example to make your case. Use (only) texts assigned or discussed in this class to make your argument.
STRONGLY SUGGESTED: USE THIS PARAGRAPH OUTLINE:
Introduction:
(a) Briefly distinguish the two ways of getting at the truth about reality which you will take up in your essay (“objectivity,” “subjectivity,” and/or “intersubjectivity”)
(b) State your thesis clearly, indicating the position you will take for or against objectivity and the opposition you will take up in response to your argument. [Highlight Thesis]
(c) Preview: Promise to demonstrate the strength of [your position] over [your opposition’s position] by comparing and contrasting their views on [the truth about example X].
2. Argument for your position: Explain how your position reveals truth in general. Develop (in depth) an example that supports your thesis: This is the truth about X.
3. Consider your opposition: Explain how the opposition’s position reveals the truth in general. Using the same example provide a contrasting (in depth) depiction of the truth about X.
4. Analysis: Compare & Contrast:
(a) Explain the truth revealed by your position that is not revealed by the opposition’s position; and
(b) consider the truth revealed by your opposition’s position that is not revealed by your position.
5. Conclude with a comparative judgment & implications:
(a) State the comparative advantage your position has over the other; and
(b) speculate about the good consequences that will follow from it.
Reminders:
DO NOT USE ANY PHILOSOPHICAL SOURCES IN YOUR PAPER OTHER THAN THOSE ASSIGNED. This is not a research paper. Use only textual sources assigned in this course. Indicate the pages numbers, e.g. (Katherine, 23) for all references to text. The objective is to demonstrate your knowledge of the philosophical arguments presented in the required readings and lectures.
Write to persuade instead of merely reporting (WFTT) what you agree or disagree with, or your opinions.
All written work for this class must be submitted on Canvas, single-spaced, font 11 or 12, with standard paragraph breaks.
Essays handed in late will be assigned a 5% penalty, per day, beginning on the day it is due, at the beginning of class. Also 5 point penalty for over/under word limits.