Philosophy: Questions and Theories 12 (HZT4U)
INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT (ISP)
Issued:
Thursday March 8th, 2012
Mark Value:
Installment Work
Written Product
= 10%
= 20%
Task
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A philosophy essay is argumentative; that is, it that takes a position or
viewpoint on an issue and then presents reasons to convince the reader to
take the same view.
Students will write a comparative essay on the Metaphysical existence of G-d.
Students will choose two arguments for the existence/non-existence of G-d
that are introduced in the textbook and compare and contrast them
Students will supplement their textbook reading with background research
outside of the textbook
The following are some broad categories and the thinkers that fall under
each; you will need to read your textbook and do some outside research to
determine which interest you most:
Perspectives
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The Ontological Argument (St. Anselmi)
Cosmological Argument (Aquinas)
Argument from Design (Cicero, Aquinas, Berkeley, Barrow, Tipler)
Atheism, or those who are skeptical about G-d’s existence (Voltaire, Hume,
Dawkins, Hitchens, Nietzsche)
Others who have written on the subject (Pascal, Leibniz, Kant)
Comparative Essay
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The purpose of a comparative essay is to demonstrate an acute
understanding of the philosopher/argument and how it is similar and
different to another philosopher/argument.
 You should also identify at least one criticism of each philosopher’s argument
by other philosophers or groups of philosophers.
 For additional clarification and guidance on comparative essays navigate the
following website:
 http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/specific-types-ofwriting/comparative-essay
Expectations
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8-10 pages (2000-2250 words)
12 point font, preferably times new roman font
Double line spacing
You must have a clear thesis
Work cited must be used MLA Format
All rough work must be submitted with the final product
(notes and drafts)
You must keep a final copy of your final paper
Bibliography must consist of eight (8) sources ( at least two
primary sources – one from each thinker – and several
secondary sources)
Internet sources should be limited to university websites,
official government websites, major newspapers, Academic
journals or magazines websites
Blogs, Wikipedia, Enotes and online encyclopedia’s are
unacceptable sources
Ebooks are acceptable
NO subheadings in the essay
Include page numbers
Students must choose a topic from the list provided. Students
may choose other topics with permission of instructor
ANY FORM OF PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN A MARK OF 0
Dates to Remember:
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Proposal:
Friday March 30, 2012
Students will submit:
o A topic chosen
o Thesis statement
o Annotated Bibliography
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ISP Meeting # 1:
Thursday April 12, 2012
Students will submit:
o Introduction paragraph with Thesis Statement
o Research notes (written in own words in word
document with name and author of source and page
numbers for each citation
o Supporting arguments
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ISP Meeting # 2
Thursday May 3, 2012
Students will submit:
o Essay Outline
o Research notes
o Bibliography/Works cited
o Quotations
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ISP is Due:
Tuesday May 22, 2012
Assessment:
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Students will graded using the achievement chart rubric
Two Rubrics will be used: 1) Installment/Process and 2) Final Paper
The ISP paper will be evaluated based on the following four areas:
o Knowledge and Understanding
o Thinking and Inquiry
o Communication
o Application
Students should examine and consult ISP Handout/Rubric regularly to
ensure that their ISP meets the expectations of the assignment