A Critical Comparison of Dualism and Philosophical Behaviourism PHIL302
- Subject Code :
PHIL302
- University :
Melbourne University Exam Question Bank is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university.
- Country :
Australia
ESSAY 1
Assignment: Write an 1,800-word essay critically comparing and evaluating any TWO (and NO more than two) of the following theories of the mind: (i) Dualism, (ii) Philosophical Behaviourism, (iii) The Identity Theory, or (iv) Functionalism.
Chosen topic: Dualism & Philosophical Behaviourism.
Key things to do:
- Clearly and fully explain each of your chosen two theories, including some of the motivations for them.
- Find a suitable focus for your critical evaluation. Do not give a mere overview of lots of different arguments for/against your chosen two theories. You need to be selective. Note that part of what you are being assessed on is the quality of the choices you make in finding a focus.
- Your discussion should be fair and charitable to both theories. But you should still take a stance and support it. Doesnt matter if it is not your final opinion on the issues. (must have arguments for/against each theory and then come to a main conclusion).
- Must use APA7. MUST reference every point/sentence.
EXAMPLES OF A FINDING A FOCUS
- Suppose your two chosen theories are dualism and behaviourism.
- One thing you could focus on in your essay is epistemic considerations that seem to favour one theory over the other. When we look at knowledge of our own minds dualism might seem more plausible, whereas when we look at knowledge of other peoples minds behaviourism might seem more plausible.
- Which theory, on balance, offers us a more plausible account of our knowledge of the mental states of both ourselves and other people?
GUIDANCE: KEY GENERAL POINTS
- Be concise (whilst still explaining key material fully)
No wasted words, no repetition, and stay on task at all times. Your prose should be clear and direct. - Have a focus
Dont try to discuss every objection/idea etc., make intelligent selections and identify these selections explicitly for the reader. Explicitly identify your main thesis/conclusion and ensure that your supporting reasons for this thesis are clear and well-developed.
- Structure
Short but helpful introductory paragraph. Roadmap in intro, signposting during the discussion, keep the wrap-up material short (dont waste words doing an extended recap). Create a sense of a unified discussion with each of the different parts of the essay working together.
