Assignment Question
According to Ismael, what is lost when a person dies? Why does Ismael think that death, rather that robbing our lives of meaning, instead gives our lives significance? Do you think she is right about this (both about the claim that death provides our lives with significance, and also about how it does)? Why or why not?
Notice that the prompts generally ask you to do two things: (1) explain an argument or position, and (2) evaluate that argument or position. Task (1) requires you to demonstrate that you understand what we have read and discussed in class. Task (2) requires you to use your own reasoning and arguments to evaluate the positions we’ve discussed in class. You should strive for clear writing. You may have a brilliant argument, but if you don’t communicate it clearly, we won’t be able to give you credit for it. When you are evaluating an author’s argument, be sure to evaluate the content of that argument rather than their presentation of it. Make sure you have answered all parts of the prompt. In general, you should try to avoid doing outside reading in the preparation of these papers.
The readings we have done for class should be sufficient. cite your sources using any standard citation format (MLA, APA, etc.). A paper rubric is provided at the end of the syllabus. It would be prudent to review this!