Philosophy and Critical Thinking

Terms Claim: Thesis (what you are trying to defend) Evidence: Proof & it is Specific Warrant: So-what Factor; links your evidence to your claim Counterclaim (Concession): Addressing the other side’s POV

Directions Free write about four given topics (five minutes for each one). Choose one and elaborate on your constructed response. Highlight: Claim in yellow Evidence in green Warrants in light blue Counterargument(s) in red Requirements: Two pages, typed, double-spaced MLA heading Submit final draft to Turnitin.com

30 Points

1 It is sometimes necessary to restrict individual freedom for the sake of social order. Do you agree? Explain your stance.

2 Write a constructed response that develops a position on whether or not there should be specific texts that all students of high school English must read.

3 How should wealth be distributed in the world? How can we tell whether a society's way of distributing wealth among its citizens is just?

4 Write a well-written constructed response that argues whether or not we should speak only English in the United States. Do you agree? Explain your stance.

Stop Here Any Questions?

5 In a constructed response, develop a position about what issues should be considered most important in making decisions about space exploration.

6 Write a constructed response in which you develop a position on the effects of advertising.

7 Choose an issue related to the tension in schools between individuality and conformity. You might choose an issue such as dress codes, mandatory classes, or the structure of the school day. You do not have to choose an issue that you have experienced personally. Then, write an essay in which you use this issue to argue the extent to which schools should support individuality or conformity.

8 An anthropologist studying first-year students at a university in the United States writes that friendly phrases like “How are you?,” “Nice to meet you,” and “Let’s get in touch” communicate politeness rather than literal intent. What, if anything, is the value or function of such polite speech? In a well-written essay, develop your position on the value or function of polite speech in a culture or community with which you are familiar. Use appropriate evidence from your reading, experience, or observations to support your argument.

9 For centuries, prominent thinkers have pondered the relationship between ownership and the development of self (identity), ultimately asking the question, “What does it mean to own something?”

10 Plato argues that owning objects is detrimental to a person’s character. Aristotle claims that ownership of tangible goods helps to develop moral character. Twentieth-century philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre proposes that ownership extends beyond objects to include intangible things as well. In Sartre’s view, becoming proficient in some skill and knowing something thoroughly means that we “own” it. Think about the differing views of ownership. Then write an essay in which you explain your position on the relationship between ownership and sense of self. Use appropriate evidence from your reading, experience, or observations to support your argument.

11 Do we have free will? Or are all of our actions completely determined by past events?

12 How do we tell right from wrong?

13 The media's use of unethical investigative practices is never justified.

14 Do societies determine what is right and wrong for their members? Can the moral standard accepted by a society be mistaken?

15 When there is a choice between obeying the law and following one's own beliefs, it is best to follow one's beliefs.

15 The function of the press should be to report only the facts of daily events, not to influence the public's opinion about those facts.

16 A country's strength increases in direct proportion to its freedoms.

17 Our belief in an idea only lasts until the introduction of the next idea.

18 Is it really possible to know anything? Why or why not? What is knowledge anyway?

19 In politics, the most popular course of action is usually the correct course of action.

20 How do we tell right from wrong?

21 Successful leadership is a matter of allowing everyone to share responsibility.

22 In politics, campaign promises are seldom kept after the election is won.