Homework #1

Philosophy 110: Critical Thinking

Prof. Patrick Clipsham

Value: 5 points
Due Date: January 24
th
2014 at the beginning of class. After this time, no assignments will be
accepted.
Length: One double-spaced page (using a standard font, such as Times New Roman, 12 pt.
maximum one inch margins). This is a firm limit. Longer assignments will receive a zero.
Specific Details: Hand the assignment in to me, in class, at the beginning of class. If you are
late, the assignment counts as late, and you will not receive any credit for it. It must be printed
on paper, and must have your name in the top right-hand corner.
The Assignment: In lecture, we have been introduced to the concept of an argument, and have
discussed what it means to have reasons for your beliefs. Your assignment is this: reflect upon
your own beliefs, and pick a controversial topic about which you have an opinion. A topic is
controversial, if a fairly large number of people deeply disagree with your perspective on it. I
recommend choosing an ethical belief, a political belief, or something similar. Here are some
examples of controversial beliefs that many people disagree about:
I believe it is wrong to kill animals for food.
I believe that the U.S.A. should not provide universal health care.
I believe that all drugs should be legalized.
If you have a topic in mind and are not sure if it works for this assignment, contact me and I will
let you know. Pick a topic like this (note that it does not have to actually be any of these), and
explain, in plain English, why you believe it to be true.
Note that I am not asking you to give a causal explanation of why you believe this, but rather to
explain why there are good reasons to believe it (or, in other words, argue for it). If you write I
believe X because I was raised to believe X, you will not have done what I asked you to do,
and will receive a zero.
The assignment should begin with a clear, one-sentence statement of the opinion you are
discussing, followed by a brief argument in favor of it.
Grading: If you follow all the instructions listed above and write coherently, you will receive 5/5
on this assignment. If your assignment is difficult to understand or you fail to follow the
instructions, you will receive a much lower mark.
Important: Remember to save a copy of this assignment, and all other homework
assignments for this class. You are responsible for ensuring that you have saved a
record of your homework. Future assignments may require you to look at your past
homework, and if you do not have access to past submissions, you will be penalized.