Before You Begin: FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY AND EXACTLY, DO NOT WANT A OUTLINE. BUT A FINISHED PROJECT WITH INTRODUCTION, BODY PARAGRAPHS, AND CONCLUSION.

1. Read (and re-read) Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion. Only use this as your one source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/4583/4583-h/4583-h.htm

2. Think carefully about your approach to each part of the essay.

3. Prepare an essay plan or outline.

Expectations and Grading Rubric:

Your essay will be graded according to the five categories below (each category is worth ten points):

1. Personal Position:

a. Thesis: does a posteriori reasoning provide a sufficient foundation for religion?

i. Hint: consider the question carefully! Be certain you correctly understand a posteriori. Think carefully about what sufficient foundation for religion means.

b. Argument: explain the reasons for your thesis.

2. Character Positions:

a. Theses: What are the positions of Philo, Cleanthes, and Demea with respect to the same question?

b. Arguments: Why do they hold their respective positions?

i. Hint: explain, in detail, any relevant arguments (e.g., the design argument).

3. Critical Reflection:

a. Critically evaluate your position using the characters from Humes Dialogues.

b. Explain how your understanding of Humes Dialogues has influenced your position regarding this topic.

4. Textual Support and Vocabulary:

a. Justify your assertions regarding the positions of Philo, Cleanthes, and Demea with relevant quotations from the text.

b. Where appropriate, correctly use (and, if necessary, explain) relevant vocabulary (e.g., skepticism, a posteriori, etc.).

5. Composition:

a. word count (1,250-1,750 words; include at end of essay)

b. proper citations and Works Cited page

c. organization (introduction, with thesis statement; proper paragraphs; conclusion)

d. spelling

e. grammar

General Writing Tips:

A first-rate philosophy essay is, above all, clear.

Avoid broad, vague, unsubstantiated claims.

Stick to the topic.

Do not write a book report.

When using quotations, keep them brief. They should supplement and support your argument, not provide a substitute for it. Introduce them and explain their relevance