Gods Existence Philosophy Assignment

Gods Existence Philosophy Assignment

These guidelines should be considered a strong suggestion, not a necessity. The easiest way to make
sure you cover all the things you need would be to follow these guidelines… BUT you may feel free to
structure your paper however you like, as long as you make sure there is SOME KIND of structure to it.
That is, have a thesis, break the paper into paragraphs that flow into each other and provide support for
the thesis, distinguish between what the text says and your analysis of it, etc.
1. Opening paragraph: 4-7 sentences stating what the topic you are discussing is, why it is
important, what position you will be taking on that topic, and what your primary reasons are.
2. 1-2 pages describing and explaining what the issue is as clearly as possible. For example, if you
are discussing Heidegger’s distinction between “wishing to know” and “willing to know”, you
will want to explain the distinction by strict reference to the text. What, as far as you can tell,
does Heidegger mean by this distinction? What other parts of the text illuminate his idea? What
information is crucial to understanding the idea? What are some of the implications of the idea?
Are there necessary consequences of accepting the idea?
3. 1-2 pages where you present a critical analysis and present your position on the topic. Again, if
you are writing on Heidegger’s distinction, how useful is the distinction? How appropriate do
you think it is? In what ways is it unclear? Are there multiple ways of interpreting it? Does this
make the main idea weaker or stronger? Does it make demands on your perspective of things?
In other words, does it tend to make you change your mind about anything, or does it do more
to reinforce ideas that you already had?
4. 1 page on how someone might disagree with your analysis or your interpretation of the text.
For example, if you disagree with Heidegger’s distinction, try to imagine what someone might
say in Heidegger’s defense. If you agree with the text, what objections might someone else
present to the text?

5. Finally, respond to those possible objections. Re-assert your position, and explain why the
possible objection you have presented is inaccurate.