This assignment is designed to allow you to explore the viewpoint of someone you disagree with.
Step 1
Of the following topics, choose the one you feel most strongly about: abortion, same-sex marriage, assisted suicide, war, or capital punishment.
Step 2
Find an article online where someone defends their position on the topic you have chosen. This person does not have to be a philosopher. Be sure to find someone whose viewpoint is the opposite of your own; e.g., if you believe in God, find an atheist; if you are pro-life, find someone who is pro-choice.
Step 3
In 500 words, explain in your own words the position of the person and how they explain why they believe it and what reasons they have for it. Do not criticize or evaluate their ideas – simply explain. Be sure to explain both what their ideas are and how they support their ideas. Do not use lengthy quotations. Do not write fewer than 450 words or more than 600 words. Doing so will result in a five point deduction from your score.
Your writing should not be in five-paragraph style but should be coherent and easily understood. Be sure to include a works cited and use MLA style for any citations. Include the URL in the works cited.
Late assignments will only be accepted if there is a technical problem with the Canvas submission and the student emails the professor (with the assignment attached) immediately. Short extensions will be granted in exceptional circumstances if the student contacts the Professor in advance. Any plagiarism will earn the student an automatic zero, with no chance for a rewrite. Click here (Links to an external site.) to learn how to avoid plagiarism – it’s not always as straightforward as you might think.