The document outlines guidelines for a final paper in a philosophy course, specifying requirements such as a length of approximately 5 pages, double spacing, and citation rules. Students have three options for topics focusing on the existence of God, human free will, or utilitarianism, each requiring critical evaluation and defense of arguments. The document emphasizes the importance of academic integrity, warning against plagiarism and its severe consequences.

1. Phil 2101: Final Paper
Guidelines: Approximately 5 pages, double spaced, 1” margins,
12 pt. font, to be submitted in hard copy at the time of the final
exam.
In explaining each author’s respective arguments, you should
use quotes from the text, to justify your attributions. However,
no outside sources should be used.
No, bibliography is required, however, you should note in
parentheses the page on which the quoted material is found (in
either edition of the text).
Ex: Nagel claims that arguing that evil is only the absence of
good will not help to dispel the problem, for “facts are not
altered or abolished by rebaptizing them” (p. 91).
At least one page of the paper should be dedicated to your
defense of the final question of each option.
Option 1: Are there rational grounds for belief in God despite
the existence of evil? Critically
evaluate Nagel's argument for atheism against Swinburne's
theodicy. Does Swinburne provide a sufficient response to the
problem of evil in your view? Why or why not? Defend your
answer.
Option 2: Are human beings free and responsible agents? Weigh
the argument for hard
determinism (discussed by Ayer) against either Ayer or
Frankfurt's soft determinist response and the libertarian
argument posed by Taylor. Who has the best argument, in your
view, and why? Defend your answer.

2. Option 3: Mill alleges that morally correct actions are those that
result in the greatest happiness for all affected? Is this true?
Consider the objections to utilitarianism raised by the problem
cases in Williams's "Critique of Utilitarianism" and/or the so-
called Trolley Problem. Are these real problems for the theory
or does the Utilitarian get the answer right even in these
difficult cases? Defend your answer.
NOTE: All papers submitted in hard copy are scanned and
uploaded in .pdf format to TurnItIn for archiving and plagiarism
detection purposes. It is your responsibility to review the
university guidelines on plagiarism prior to submission.
Plagiarism will result in an automatic F for the class and
initiation of BC disciplinary proceedings. DON’T RISK IT!