Introduction to
Philosophy
Due Monday, September 30, 2002
(in Class) – Monday/Wednesday 2:55pm section
Due Tuesday, October 1, 2002 (in
Class) – Tuesday/Thursday 4:20pm section
The paper assignment requires you to apply the concepts in the allegory of the cave to the film American Beauty.
You may write in response to one (and only one) of the following questions
1. Which of the
characters in American Beauty is living in the cave?
[Hint: You should probably focus on one or two characters, noting especially if they make movement out of the cave or revert back to the cave, etc. Do not attempt to discuss more than two characters.]
OR
2. In the film American Beauty, what is the “mere
appearance” of beauty and what is the “reality” of beauty?
[Hint: Be sure to include an account of why individuals in the film see only the appearance as opposed to the reality, and vice-versa.]
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Important
Guides for Paper:
(1)
Read
general directions for papers on course syllabus. (e.g., must be 4-5 pages long, double spaced).
(2)
Frame
a clear thesis statement in response to one of the above questions. The thesis
statement is the point you will be arguing.
(3)
Remember
the following outline
Introduction - state your
thesis.
Body – support your thesis by
way of argument.
Conclusion - summarize your
argument.
(4)
Explain crucial concepts as needed. A brief paragraph outlining the main points
of the allegory of the cave would be helpful after your introductory paragraph
(5)
Be
sure to anticipate an objection to your argument and answer it. This should be
done after you present your own argument, and right before the concluding
paragraph of the paper. Hence, it is the final part of the body of your paper.