Paper due: Friday, April 27, 2001. Papers must be submitted on time. It is your responsibility to make sure that your computer does not eat your paper.

Length: 1400-1600 words (most word processors will provide a word count)

Form: The paper should be double-spaced with 1" margins. Please use normal 10-12 point type. The paper should be readily legible. Do not use boldface or color fonts (they are hard to read).

General

This is not a research paper. It should reflect (1) your knowledge of the course materials (readings and lectures), and (2) your own thoughts and arguments. Your paper should take a position on the issue and present a coherent argument in defense of that position. Remember that the strongest argument is one that would be likely to convince someone who initially disagreed with you. In formulating your arguments, try to think of possible objections to your position and respond to them. Be sure to respond to any arguments against your position that are found in the course readings.

Grading

Papers will be evaluated on the basis of your understanding of the material, the strength of your arguments, clarity, and originality. Grammatical English is an important component of clarity. This paper is 25% of your course grade.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is representing someone else's language or ideas as your own. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited by the university and will result in disciplinary action. You must write your own paper. You may not use a paper previously submitted for another course. In your paper, identify direct quotations with quotation marks and footnotes. Identify ideas of others that you paraphrase with footnotes or in the text. Papers that fail to identify sources will not be graded until a copy including proper citations is provided. Citations may be in any form, but should include at least author, title, page number, and date. Websites, if used, may be cited by the url (http://..).

Topics

Choose one of the following topics. Your paper should refer to the articles we have read, not just to the editors’ introduction on the topic.

1. Does Mill’s argument for freedom of speech make a persuasive case for lifting all restrictions on pornography? Do any restrictions on pornography fall within his criteria for government intervention? Considering both of these questions, what do you think Mill’s ultimate position on pornography would be? Do you agree? Argue for your position, considering contrary arguments found in the course readings.
2. Read the hate speech code of St. Edward’s University at http://www.stedwards.edu/hum/drummond/hc5.html. Are these restrictions appropriate? Argue for your position and respond to counter-arguments found in the course readings.
3. Read the Washington Post article on the new Dutch euthanasia law at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/world/europe/westerneurope/A2335-2001Apr10.html. Do you agree with this law? Argue for your position, responding to counter-arguments found in the course readings. [NB: The article will not be available online after 4/24.]