Overview
According to Steinbock, Marquis’s argument from ‘a future like ours’ (FLO) must assume one of two accounts of personal identity (over time).
First, describe each account of personal identity. Second, explain how (according to Steinbock) each account leads to a problem in Marquis’s argument. In your view, is either objection compelling? Explain.
Please respond to the following elements:
1. a. Name and describe the two accounts of personal identity.
b. Locate each of these in the text (find a quotation and explain its meaning).
c. Explain how each account of personal identity causes problems for Marquis' view.
2. a. Do you you find either account compelling? If so, explain why.
b. Do you disagree with Steinbock? If so, explain why.
Assignment 8 requires you to explain the argument made by another which is a skill of philosophical writing called argument reconstruction. This is a requirement for the 'Received View' section of your final paper. Additionally, you are asked to assess this argument, which is a skill required for your 'Analysis' section of your final paper. This section of the paper asks you to develop your own view or argument, and here, you are being asked to form your own opinion on the success or failure of the arguments being made.
A8 submissions will be assessed in accordance with the General Grading Rubric for Written Assignments presented in the Course Syllabus and the A8 Guidelines and Scoring Rubric (see below).
Assignment 8 Guidelines and Scoring Rubric
Assignment 8: According to Steinbock, Marquis’s argument from ‘a future like ours’ must assume one of two accounts of personal identity (over time). First, describe each account of personal identity. Second, explain how (according to Steinbock) each account leads to a problem in Marquis’s argument. In your view, is either objection compelling? Explain.
Scores: This assignment is worth up to 50 course points, where
50/50 is equivalent to 100%, i.e., A+; 48/50 is equivalent to 96%, i.e., A; 46/50 is equivalent to 92%, i.e., A-; 44/50 is equivalent to 88%, i.e., B+; 42/50 is equivalent to 84%, i.e., B; 40/50 is equivalent to 80%, i.e., B-; 39/50 is equivalent t0 78%, i.e., C+; 38/50 is equivalent to 76%, i.e., C; 36/50 is equivalent to 72%, i.e., C-; 34/50 is equivalent to 68%, i.e., D+; 32/50 is equivalent to 64%, i.e., D; 30/50 is equivalent to 60%, i.e., D-; and <30/50 is equivalent to <60%, i.e., F.
Scores will be assessed on the basis of seven criteria with criteria (1)-(3) being the major criteria.
1. Presentation of BOTH accounts of personal identity over time; 2. Explanation of why, according to Steinbock, each account of personal identity over time leads to problems for Marquis’s argument against abortion; 3. Assessment of whether or not you find either or both of Steinbock’s objections against Marquis compelling; 4. Sufficiently developed, clear, grammatically correct writing; 5. Direct engagement with the text in your discussion of both (1) and (2). The best responses for written assignments pertaining to assigned readings bring close attention to specific passages and wording given in the text. The best responses also engage with these passages and explain them and any technical terminology the text utilizes; 6. Effective use of references. Please include a page reference, e.g., (Steinbock, 247), each time you use or mention Marquis’s words or ideas. Please, also, use a reference whenever using or mentioning the words or ideas from the lecture, e.g., (Steinbock Lecture, Part II). Do not use other sources in this assignment; 7. Inclusion of full bibliographical information for any work cited in-text at the end of your assignment in a list of works cited.