Affirmative Action in the Workplace

    Please follow these specific guidelines,
    thanks.

    PHIL 1317: PAPER TOPIC ASSIGNMENT

    Write a 5 page paper on ONE of the following topics

    Topic: Affirmative Action in the Workplace

    Notice that your paper will be acceptable as long as it relates to a topic on the list, broadly understood. You can address the topic of your choice from a theoretical perspective, comparing and contrasting two or more conflicting positions, or – you can pick an actual case and discuss it, thus applying the theory to a real-world example. You can also combine these two approaches (begin by focusing on the theory, and then apply it to an interesting case), and you are free to use more than once case to illustrate your point (if your position on the issue falls in between two extremes, you may illustrate your reasoning on the topic by considering two or more different cases).

    Guidelines and suggested paper structure:
    – although paper structure might vary depending on whether you focus on theory or on the actual cases, the same basic principles apply: it is important to be as clear and concise as possible.
    – briefly explain the nature of the problem that you are writing about (why is it a moral dilemma? What are possible answers to this dilemma?)
    – summarize major arguments for both positions (pick the strongest arguments for each position, and present them as effectively as possible)
    – evaluate these arguments (are they good arguments or not? Are they strong or weak, and why? Is there something that they overlook?)
    – evaluate major positions (what are the major advantages and disadvantages of both sides?)
    – argue for your conclusion (all things considered, which position is better and why?)
    – similarly, if you choose to focus on specific cases, you should still follow the basic structure: (you should clearly explain all of the relevant facts, and specify background information: what company are you talking about? Who is the case about? Why is it interesting or important? How does this case relate to the theory? What is a moral dilemma that is relevant to this case? How would various theories assess the case? What should be done to solve it? What are possible arguments for each of those positions? What do you think is the right course of action? Why?)
    – if you decide to use two or more cases, or focus on both theory and practice, the same guidelines will apply.
    – however, remember that there are many ways to write a good paper, and you may succeed in doing this even if your paper is structured somewhat differently. But, your paper should flow – and this will typically occur if you organize your thoughts and systematically argue your point.
    – To summarize: although you will have considerable freedom in choosing your topic and organizing your papers, it is expected of you to: explain the issue, summarize the arguments, evaluate the arguments, and argue for your conclusion.

    So, I will be looking for a summary of the basic positions and a clear exposition of arguments that you are discussing. This part should demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the relevant topic and readings. More importantly, I will also be looking for a critical evaluation of the positions that you are discussing, and your opinion on the subject. This part should demonstrate your analytic skills and abilities: the ability to independently weigh and evaluate arguments, construct arguments of your own, argue for advantages of one side over its rivals, and so on.

    – keep in mind that you will NEVER be graded based on what you argue for, but you WILL be graded based on how well you argue for it
    – it is better to focus on few arguments and address them in greater depth, then to mention all of them in passing.

    Format:
    – Papers should be 5 pages long, typed in any standard font size 12, double-spaced, with standard size margins.
    – Please include a cover page with your name on it, and indicate the topic of your choice.

    Readings and references:
    – Generally, you are free to use any resources as long as you identify them.
    – Whenever you quote directly from a source, specify the source together with page numbers.
    – You should do the same even if you do not include a direct quote. For example, if you paraphrase a paragraph from a certain source, you should still list it. Failure to do so can (and does) count as plagiarism.

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