Write an essay (of roughly 4 pp. or 1200 words) on a topic concerning one of the selections since Walton. Although a bit longer, this should have a format similar to your first paper though I ask that you explicitly discuss the relative strength of the two views you consider. That is, your essay should include

• an exposition of one aspect of the views of someone you’ve read since Walton

• a possible objection to these views

• a reply to this objection, and

• your evaluation of the relative strength of the two sides.

As in the first paper, the views mentioned in the first element should appear in a short passage or of a few related brief passages. Each of the next two elements could also take the form of an exposition of something in your reading but might be something you to add to what you have read.

As with the first paper, you can use the reading guides as an indication of the topics appearing in particular texts but don’t feel limited to the topics noted there. In choosing a topic, be careful not to make it too broad; this is still a short paper and it will be easier to achieve the depth of thought and clarity of writing I will be looking for if you do not attempt to cover too much ground. Be careful also not to attempt to give an exposition of an author’s views by paraphrasing or even summarizing parts of the text; instead think through what is said there and design an account of it to suit the topic you are addressing and the space you have available. Remember that the initial exposition is only one of four elements, and although it may be the longest of the four, it should not occupy the majority of your paper.

Although I’ll be happy to accept your essay on paper, I will be out of town on Friday 4/3, so you will not be able to give the essay to me in person. In any case, I encourage you to submit it by e-mail (either as an attachment or, if there is no special formatting, in the body of a message).