Instructions.  Write a 1500-word essay on one of the three topics below.  Whichever topic you choose, your paper should be typed, double-spaced, in a 12-point font.  Use 1-inch margins, and please number your pages.  If you use Times Roman (or a similar proportionally-spaced font), 1500 words translates to approximately 4-5 pages.  If you use Courier, 1500 words translates to approximately 6 pages.

Due date.  Monday, April 20 by the start of class (12 noon).

Late penalties.  Papers submitted after Monday at noon but before Tuesday at noon will be penalized by 1/3 of a grade (i.e. from a A to an A- ).  For each additional day that the paper is late it will be lowered by an additional 1/3 of a grade.  (Remember, late papers cannot be rewritten.)

Some rules.  You are welcome to discuss the assignment with one another (in fact, I encourage you to do so) but when it comes time to write your paper, you should write it by yourself.  Failure to do so constitutes a breach of academic integrity.  Also, you should not use any secondary sources for your paper.  Again, failure to do so constitutes a breach of academic integrity.  Of course you may use your class notes, but besides that, all you should read are the assigned texts for our class.

Topic #1:  The Generalized Conclusion
 The conclusion of Descartes’ dreaming argument is specific, but from this he draws a generalized conclusion that he can know nothing of the external world.  (a)  First, carefully explain why this generalized conclusion might be thought to undermine the support that Descartes has for his premises.  In this part of your paper, you should try to build as strong a case as you can in favor of this suggestion.  (b)  Explain how Stroud attempts to dissolve this apparent tension between Descartes’ generalized conclusion and his support for his premises (see p. 17).  (c)  Critically discuss Stroud’s position.  Is he successful in defending the skeptic on this point?  Are there other ways that we could dissolve the tension?  If so, how?  If not, why not?

Note:  For the purposes of this paper, it may be useful to include a formalization of the argument (perhaps the one that I’ve put on the board, or perhaps one of your own.)  Such a formalization can come in addition to your 1500-word limit.
 

Topic #2:  The Best Case
 Explain the problem that Stroud is posing for Descartes in the paragraph that spans pp. 9-10 (the paragraph that begins, "How can that be so?"), and carefully explain the solution he offers on Descartes’ behalf.  Then critically discuss this solution.  Is Stroud right that the case Descartes starts with is really a best case?  Even if it is, is Descartes still entitled to his generalized conclusion?  Why or why not?

Note:  Though in the course of the relevant paragraph, Stroud refers to "the problem of the external world," this is not the problem that he is posing for Descartes.  Be careful not to make the mistake of identifying this as the problem.
 

Topic #3:  Your Own Choice
If there is some other issue that has come up in connection with Descartes and Stroud (i.e. since Spring Break)  that you would like to write a paper on instead of writing on one of these two topics, you are welcome to do so.  In particular, I have in mind something relating to the Incompatibility Principle, but there may be some other issue that sparked your interest.  If this is the paper option you would like to take, you must submit your proposed topic (1 paragraph or so) to me in writing by Monday, April 13 at the latest.  (Email is an acceptable means of submission.)  I will then give you feedback on the topic so that we ensure you have chosen something appropriate for a 1500-word paper.