OhioLINK History of Philosophy Website

Nineteenth-Century Philosophy
Macro Writing Assignment 1 and 3:
(Paper Assignment) Guidelines

Professor Frank Ryan

You will be asked to submit two different 5-7 page papers (Macros 1 and 3). Macro 1 (due October 1; revised as Macro 2, due November 5) must be about an idealist philosopher; Macro 3 (due December 8 must be about an empiricist, Marxist, existentialistic romantic, or pragmatist. Other than these restrictions, and the format guidelines discussed below, you may choose and develop any topic you wish. Because plagiarism is a serious academic offense, you must (1) be the sole and original author of your paper and (2) be sure all content derived from the work of another, either by direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary is documented with footnotes or endnotes that provide specific page references. Use direct quotes sparingly, and only for the purpose of some meaning or effect that could not be achieved by paraphrase. Begin your paper with an introductory section that (1) explains the importance of your topic, (2) introduces the central figures, and (3) foreshadows their arguments.

Criteria

Papers will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• interest and importance of topic; in general, sufficient depth requires a demonstrated grasp of underlying ontological/metaphysical/normative positions; papers on applied topics are welcome if they build upon such foundations
• cogency and accuracy in recreating philosophical views
• strength and originality of personal ideas or in integrating the ideas of others
• concision, clarity, and accuracy in style, grammar, and spelling

Format

In general, papers should conform to one of the following categories. If you wish to develop an alternative approach, please consult your instructor.

Option One: Issue Research Paper. (1) Choose an issue discussed by a 19th century philosopher and develop it in depth. (2) Analyze its strengths and weaknesses, using secondary sources to support your conclusions.

Option Two: Critical-Analytic Paper. (1) Present the argument of a 19th century philosopher followed by (2) its criticism by another philosopher. (3) Analyze both to determine which view is superior.

Option Three: Topic Paper. (1) Choose a problem of historic or contemporary interest in philosophy and (2) show how it may be resolved by appeal to insights from 19th century philosophy.

This page is part of the OhioLINK History of Philosophy Instructional Website designed and developed by the Department of Philosophy at Kent State University. We are interested in any comments you may have concerning this Macro Writing Exercise. Send e-mail to the KSU Department of Philosophy Instructional Website Development Team or directly to Professor Frank Ryan, who designed this exercise.

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