a. Foundationalism and coherentism b. Internalism and externalism

The specific instructions and outline for the paper are in the file “Paper 2 Expectations.” You must use sources from the “Guides Part II” file to write the paper, and no other outside sources. “Paper Guidelines” file is a basic overview of the word count and what the paper should look like.

Dear Students,

 

I hope you are all well.  I am emailing you regarding the structure of your final paper.  The outline below should help you meet the expectations outlined in the course syllabus and “Paper Guidelines” document.

 

1. Introduction:
   1. Briefly contextualize the following topics within epistemology: foundationalism, coherentism, internalism and externalism.
   2. Mention that in the first part of your paper, you will
      1. discuss the distinction between foundationalism and coherentism;
      2. discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each and;

• find one more sufficient than the other.

1. Mention that in the second part of your paper, you will
   1. discuss the distinction between internalism and externalism;
   2. discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each and;

• find one more sufficient than the other.

 

1. Body:
   1. Foundationalism and coherentism:
      1. Define foundationalism and coherentism. You do not need to mention all of the readings.  One or two of the thinkers from the course material will suffice.
      2. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each view. The arguments are spelled out in the course texts.

• State your preference for one over the other based upon the arguments given above.

1. Internalism and externalism
   1. Define internalism and externalism. Again, you do not need to mention all of the readings.  One or two of the thinkers from the course material will suffice.
   2. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each view. The arguments are spelled out in the course texts.

• State your preference for one over the other based upon the arguments given above.

 

• Conclusion: Restate the topics of the paper, your preferences and consequences of accepting these views.

 

Notes on writing:

1. NO OUTSIDE SOURCES UNLESS APPROVED!
2. Quoting should support YOUR interpretation of the text. There should be a balance between quoting enough and too much.  If you cannot state the arguments/definitions in your own words, you do not know it well enough.  Reread, think about the theories, look at secondary sources and then try to put into your own words.  THEN, add quotations for clarification or leverage.
3. IN-TEXT CITATIONS IF YOU QUOTE OR PARAPHRASE!!!! DON’T FORGET!  You can use plagiarism checkers like Grammarly to double check.
4. Watch for grammar/syntax.
5. Your own examples are great to expand upon the text and display your comprehension. When you think you have run out of fodder and cannot elaborate, expand upon the text with illustrative examples!
6. Make sure to adequately explain each subject. Don’t discuss one in detail and fall short on the other.
7. Aim for the 2000 word limit. If you are a couple hundred short or over…I am not strict.  However, I will notice if the word count is insufficient.

 

If I think of any other advice, I will notify you all.

Foundationalism and Coherentism:

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/chisholm/

More on Chisholm: https://as.nyu.edu/content/dam/nyu-as/faculty/documents/chisholm.pdf

 

 

https://iep.utm.edu/found-ep/

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/justep-foundational/

 

https://iep.utm.edu/coherent/ and in the entry on “Truth,” see “5. Coherence Theory of Truth” https://iep.utm.edu/truth/#H5

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/justep-coherence/

 

The regress argument, as well as foundationalism, coherentism, internalism and externalism:

http://www.jimpryor.net/teaching/courses/epist/notes/sense-data.html

 

Internalism and Externalism:

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/justep-intext/

https://web.ics.purdue.edu/~bergmann/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/synthese-97.pdf

http://www.jimpryor.net/teaching/courses/epist/notes/bonjour2.html

http://faculty.fiu.edu/~hauptli/Bonjour%27sTheStructureofEmpiricalKnowledgeChapter3.html

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/sberker/files/phil159-2018-lec23-intern.pdf

 

Reliabilism and Goldman:

https://iep.utm.edu/reliabil/

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/reliabilism/

http://www.uky.edu/~cebatt2/teaching/PHI_350_Sep2010/PHI_350-Goldman.pdf

http://www.jimpryor.net/teaching/courses/epist2004/notes/goldman2.html

 

Tarski and Truth:

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/tarski-truth/

https://iep.utm.edu/s-truth/

https://www3.nd.edu/~jspeaks/courses/mcgill/415/Tarski.pdf

 

Paper Guidelines

The aim of the paper is to prove your capacity to argue about the class subjects. What counts is the completeness of the question of your choice, especially arguments and counterarguments pertaining to its discussion.

Structure and write your paper following the steps below. Make sure to implement each of them. If anything is unclear, do not guess, but ask the teacher. As for the format, your two papers must have 2000 words each and include a bibliography (not contained in the 2000 words). Write single-spaced, 9pt (Montserrat or Garamond font), and turn in a pdf file.

 

 

(A) Introduction (400 words) – Introduce the question by identifying the problem you want to discuss. Describe it with simple words and motivate your choice by telling why the chosen issue matters.

 

(B) Thesis (100 words) – Make your claim. In this part, you state your thesis, namely your answer to the chosen question. Be simple. You can just defend one of the many arguments the readings present. You don’t need to be overly creative.

 

(C) Supporting Reasons (900 words) – Apply the arguments of the readings to support your thesis. Ideally, you should at least refer to three arguments.

 

(D) Objections (400) – Consider at least two counterarguments. Present these counterarguments properly and show their truth. Then, rebuttal them with one sentence or two.

 

(E) Conclusion (200 words) – Derive a consequence from the arguments and counterarguments you have previously discussed.

 

 

The bibliography must solely consider the readings. If you want to introduce a reading that has not been covered in the lectures, ask your teacher for permission before proceeding.

In writing your paper, you can rely on the assistance of the teaching fellow (Ms. Smalley). She organizes weekly office hours to clarify the class subjects. The office hours take place on Tuesday (3:30 – 4:pm), but she is also available by appointment for individuals or groups. Access Tuesday office hours through this link: Knowledge-and-Methods/OfficeHours, or email her directly (alsmalle@central.uh.edu).

The UH Writing Center can provide further help with your writing. Whether you need support with any part of your paper or check your final draft, the UH Writing Center can complement the class assistance with additional aid. To learn more about one-on-one consultations or to book an appointment, visit the Writing-Center-Webpage. Here is the link for CLASS’s students: UH-Writing-Center.