1 Due: Two-page essay Topics (Pick One) 1 ... - David W. Agler

Due: Two-page essayTopics (Pick One)1. Descartes’ methodological skepticism can be characterized as an argument for afoundationalist theory of epistemic justification. Succinctly summarize classical foundationalismas a theory about epistemic justification, explain the two principal tenets of foundationalism andthen the additional two tenets of classical foundationalism. In explaining classicalfoundationism, use Descartes’ work to illustrate some of these theses (as it is articulated in TheMeditations or the Discourse).2. The definition of knowledge as justified, true belief is a plausible and intuitive articulation ofthe concept of knowledge, but Gettier objects that there are cases where beliefs are justified andtrue but they should not count as knowledge. Articulate the traditional definition of knowledge asjustified, true belief, summarize Gettier’s objection, and illustrate his objection with one of histwo cases. Finally, articulate one of the three possible responses to the Gettier objection (no falsegrounds, defeasibility, causal approach), and either (1) explain how it solves the Gettier problem,or (2) explain why the response is not adequate for a definition of knowledge.FormatYour paper should follow the following format:Section 1. IntroductionExplain the topic of your paper and note your principal goals/aims/theses.Sections 2–4Try to divide your goals/theses/aims in distinct sections that are either demarcated by sectiontitles (e.g. Section 1) or distinct paragraphs that appropriately signify that they address a newpoint (e.g. The second tenet of classical foundationalism states that x, y, z. In the Discourse onMethod, Descartes holds all three of these positions for he writes x, and then in arguing for x,claims y and z).Section 5 ConclusionSummarize the preceding.Layout DetailsPaper Specification: 2-3 pages, 1.5 or 2 spacing, 12-font, Times New Roman, standard 1 inchmargins. The Title and Identifying Information about your paper should be formatted as follows:[Start 1.5 or 2 spacing]Justified, True Belief is Not KnowledgeDavid W. AglerPHIL125W – Writing Assignment #1[Date]1

Other Questions1. Do I need to quote or cite the texts?You should keep quotations to an absolute minimum. Instead, try and summarize the contents inyour own words. However, whenever you are summarizing you should cite the paper and/or pageyou are summarizing, e.g. (Gettier 1963:121).2. Do I need a reference (or Works-Cited) section?Yes, but it does not need to be extremely detailed. Make sure you have the major elements:Author Name. Year Published. Title of Book/Article. Place of Publication or Journal Title, etc. Ifyou are unsure about formatting citations, take a look at KnightCite.3. Are you grading for correct grammar and spelling?Yes and no. Improper grammar and bad spelling will likely make your essay difficult tounderstand, and this will in turn affect how clearly your demonstrate your understanding of thetopic.4. Other Questions?2