DUE

April 13, 2011

VALUE

40% of the term mark

OBJECTIVE

To develop a critical philosophical stand on an issue addressed by “new atheists”

LENGTH

8-10 pages (computer print-out, double-spaced, 12-point font)

SCOPE 

Address one of the questions or themes below with explicit reference to Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion.

Include the following components:

●   Introduction that gives a clear statement of the theme or problem and your focus, direction or intent in the paper

●   Discussion of the issue, if any, by Richard Dawkins in The God Delusion (and/or elsewhere)

●   Development of your critical stand, in agreement or disagreement with Dawkins and/or other new atheists

●   Conclusion that summarizes the focus and intent of the paper.

●   Use of at least two resources in addition to The God Delusion, with proper documentation for each of them.

ASSESSMENT

The Philosophical Essay will be assessed using the following criteria:

●   Elements of style that include spelling, diction, grammar, documentation

●   Clarity in presenting issues, views, and claims

●   Cogency in presenting argumentation or justifications

●   Critical response that shows your stand towards the selected issue and views or argumentation under discussion – whether definite or qualified – and that defends the stand as best you can.

FURTHER HELP

Additional resources dealing with issues raised in The God Delusion are available on eClass under COURSE CONTENT. Sample references and suggestions on developing a critical, philosophical approach are also available on eClass under RESOURCES and in What is Philosophy?

The following suggest themes or contentious issues that arise out of atheistic discussions. You may redirect the question so as to focus on a more specific problematic issue for critical discussion in your essay.

1. Is faith, religious faith, an irrational belief?

3. Is there no evidence or rational basis for theism, for belief in God?

4. Is there evidence or rational basis for atheism, for disbelief in God?

5. Is adherence to religion inevitably harmful or inherently evil?

6. Is educating in faith morally wrong?