Describe an issue relevant to the course, present a position on the issue, and briefly outline a reason (or reasons) that might offered for holding that position.

Although this assignment is designed to be an opportunity for you to develop your own views, the position you present need not be your own. And, even if it is your own, the reason (or reasons) need not be your grounds for adopting the position.

Anything that has come up in the reading or discussion naturally counts as relevant to the course, but you needn’t feel limited to such issues. Any philosophical issue concerning time is appropriate (provided, of course, you aren’t simply duplicating something on an earlier paper). Do remember that this is a very short paper, so complex issues or reasons may simply not fit into the space you will have available.

Depending on the issue, position, and reason(s) you write about, the presentation of either the issue, the position you are presenting, or the reason (or reasons) for it may require the bulk of your attention. But be sure to give enough space to each. That is, be sure to say enough about the issue and the position you present on it to make both of them clear. And be sure to say enough about the reason(s) you are considering so that someone who is not already thinking along the same lines will understand this rationale (which is not to say that they need be persuaded by it).

As with the other assignments of this sort, I’ll give you feedback but I won’t grade these: you will get full credit simply for making a serious effort. While I’d be happy to accept your assignment on paper, it is more convenient for me to receive work electronically, either as the content of an e-mail message or as an attachment.