In this essay, it will be argued that video games are a form of art
– 3 philosophical argumentive reasons & supporting definitions of art
-Respond directly to the thesis
-Use the same sources as the midterm linked below for this argumentative paper/
or other useful sources that can be found
-the midterm that has been written is a guide, but this essay will be in a more philosophical stand point
Your final paper is an approximately 2000 word essay in which you take an argumentative stand on the issue that you researched for your midterm. Your paper needs to not only state your own view, but offer support of your argument to show why your view should be convincing to others. . A persuasive paper is strongest when it is free of phrases such as: “In my opinion” “I feel” “I believe” “For me” “Personally”
These phrases weaken your argument by suggesting you are merely offering your own personal view without argumentative support. You can instead use phrases such as “I argue” or “it will be argued”, etc. You are, of course, taking a stand from your own viewpoint, but your position has to be presented in an argumentative format with philosophical support. Logical fallacies cannot be employed. You must appeal to philosophical and moral concepts discussed in class to support your view.
Your paper should follow this basic format:
Introductory paragraph briefly overviewing your issue and ending with a clear thesis.
Overview of the issue, including identification of key philosophical or moral dilemma. This section should be cited properly and demonstrate that you thoroughly researched the issue.
3. Three supports arguing why your view is correct. These three supports should be conceptually distinct and appeal to moral/philosophical concepts discussed in class.
4. You present an objection to your thesis. This objection cannot be a straw man (it is a reasonable objection someone could have to your argument)
5. You provide a rebuttal to the objection in closing.
Length recommendations are approximately 2000 words, although it may be more or less. However, writing more is not necessarily better, especially if writing more makes your argument confusing.
Tips:
Your thesis should take the form of “I will argue” or “it will be argued” if you are writing in first person. Example: “I will argue that game designers share moral responsibility for the values that are expressed in their games” or “It will be argued that video games that allow players to make moral choices ultimately produce more social good than harm”
We are not grading you based on the position that you take. Your grade does not depend on whether or not we agree or disagree with you, but the cogency of your argument, and your appeal to philosophical/ethical concepts we discuss in class and in the assigned readings.
You need to cite properly throughout your paper, both for when you are *paraphrasing* and as well as for direct quotes using MLA format. You need to cite all of your research sources as well as your class texts for the philosophical and moral theories. It is not acceptable to not cite and simply say “I only used my notes.” You should identify what authors you are drawing on throughout your paper: For example, “According to Kant’s categorical imperative…” Any plagiarism such as copying sentences from websites will be reported to the university for academic dishonesty and will result in receiving an “F” for the paper.
Rubric:
Your paper has an opening paragraph that briefly introduces the issue and provides a clear thesis arguing what ought to be done. 10 points
Your paper provides an overview of the issue that demonstrates you thoroughly researched the philosophical problem and understand the dilemma(s) at stake 25 points
You offer three conceptually distinct supports for your position. These supports are not logically fallacious, are clear reasons why someone should adopt your point of view, and appeal to our course philosophical or moral concepts. Your supports are illustrated with application to the issue or with examples. 30 points
You provide an objection to your thesis. It is clear why this is an objection to your thesis. The objection is not a straw man (in other words, it is a reasonable position someone might make against your point of view) 10 points.
You provide a rebuttal to your thesis. It must be clear why your rebuttal refutes the objection. It should respond directly to the objection you brought up. You cannot just restate your original thesis as if saying it again settles the matter. 15 points
You cite properly throughout your paper in MLA format, both your own research and class texts. 10 points
Additionally, to receive an ‘A’
Your paper must be clear and concise. Your argumentative points cannot be ambiguous. If I read a sentence and it could mean more than one thing, you cannot get full points.
Your paper must be free of phrases such as I believe, I feel, in my opinion, personally, etc.
Your supports must be strongly argued and not logically fallacious.
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