USNA287A

Midterm Paper

Spring, 2013

Writer’s Task:

Consider the notion of infinity to analyze and conceptualize the Aristotelian, Stoic, and Epicurean world systems. Using class readings as support, write a thesis-support paper that engages each of these world-views and employs the idea of infinity as the basis for discussion.

Important Due Dates:

Peer Review: Thursday, February 21

Final Draft Due: Tuesday, February 26

Goals:

· Create a thesis statement that is supported with outside sources (class readings) and your opinion.

· Employ students’ own ideas as main points (topic sentences).

· Define and employ terms: world-view, Aristotelian, Stoic, Epicurean and infinity.

· Critically analyze and evaluate class readings.

• Employ details from readings as supporting evidence for the thesis statement.
• Integrate sources smoothly into the paper’s prose using accurate and appropriate summary, paraphrase, and quotation.
• Employ rhetorical strategies of exposition (compare/contrast, cause/effect, definition, classification)

· Cite sources using MLA style in-text parenthetical citations and works cited page. Use attributive phrases and follow citation conventions to give appropriate credit for all external material that is not common knowledge.

• Cultivate an academic voice.

Length: 5 pages (1750 words)

Formatting: Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double-spaced, with 1” margins all-around.

Possible Strategies:

1. Consider how the physical model is influenced by philosophical attitudes towards infinity.

2. What role is played by observational knowledge? How does this inform philosophical arguments about how things “should” be?

3. Introduce size, shape, age, and composition of the universe as examples.

4. How do these world-views compare and contrast? What aspect of infinity connects them?

5. Is there a cause/effect relationship between any of these? If so, how does it influence meaning?