Completed Research Paper Crafting the Argument Template
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School
Liberty University *
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Course
520
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
doc
Pages
5
Uploaded by BrigadierProton22006
R
ESEARCH
P
APER
: C
RAFTING
THE
A
RGUMENT
T
EMPLATE
R
ESEARCH
P
APER
: C
RAFTING
THE
A
RGUMENT
S
UBMISSION
F
ORM
Chakina Hill
APOL 520
12/09/2023
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Instructions for this submission:
Be sure to read and understand the Research Paper Instructions document before you attempt to
complete any part of this form. Attempted submissions that do not use the submission form
provided will not be accepted for credit.
To complete this part of the project, download this form to your computer, save it with a different
file name using your last name and the assignment name, and type your submission directly in
the space provided below. Do not change any aspect of the formatting, arrangement, or layout of
this form. In the space below, provide the information indicated.
In this submission, you will provide a working thesis for your paper, a description of your
argument, a final outline, and a final bibliography.
1. Paper thesis
Your paper thesis is the main idea you want to argue in the paper. The paper as a whole, then,
serves as an extended demonstration of your thesis. State your thesis in a succinct fashion, in no
more than 2 sentences. Your thesis
may
have the following form: I will argue that X’s apologetics
argument for the existence of God is still applicable in our contemporary context.
State your thesis here: I will argue that René Descartes' apologetics argument for the existence of
God presents a compelling and rational framework that remains relevant and worthy of
consideration in contemporary philosophical and theological discourse.
2. Description of the argument
The argument of the paper is that which demonstrates your thesis. What are the arguments which
support your thesis? To use the same suggested example above, your argument
may
take the
following form: X’s argument for the existence of God is still applicable in our contemporary
context,
for the following reasons: [list reasons here]
. In this section, simply explain the reasons
and arguments that support your thesis in this paper. You must summarize and explain each of
your arguments.
State your reasons/argument here: Descartes’ argument for the existence of God is still applicable
in our contemporary context because his argument begins with the premise that the concept of
God as a supremely perfect being exists in our minds. This notion of God as a perfect being
resonates with many individuals across different religious and spiritual traditions, providing a
common ground for discussion. The argument further asserts that the cause of an idea must
possess at least as much reality as the idea itself. Descartes put forward that the concept of God,
as a supremely perfect being, cannot originate from a finite being. Instead, it must be caused by a
being with infinite reality, which he identifies as God. One strength of Descartes' argument lies
in its logical structure. It follows a clear and coherent line of reasoning, drawing upon the
principles of causality and the nature of ideas. This logical framework contributes to the
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argument's persuasiveness and its ability to engage critical thinkers. Furthermore, Descartes'
argument transcends specific religious doctrines or cultural beliefs, making it applicable to a
wide range of individuals and contexts. It provides a philosophical foundation for discussing the
existence of God that can be explored from various perspectives and integrated into broader
theological discussions. Although advancements in scientific knowledge and changing societal
attitudes may have influenced contemporary debates on the existence of God, Descartes'
argument offers valuable insights. It invites individuals to engage in introspection, contemplate
the nature of ideas, and consider the possibility of a higher, perfect being.
3. Final outline of the paper
The outline of the paper must support the demonstration of the thesis. It must be structured in
such a way that the main arguments you will be deploying in support of your thesis are allowed
to unfold. The outline must be inclusive of all headings and sub-headings.
Insert outline here:
I. Introduction
A. Briefly introduce René Descartes and his apologetics argument for the existence of God.
B. Present the thesis statement: Descartes' argument is compelling, rational, and relevant in
contemporary philosophical and theological discourse.
II. Explanation of Descartes' Apologetics Argument
A. Provide an overview of Descartes' philosophical framework, including his skepticism and
methodological doubt.
B. Explain the role of God in Descartes' philosophy as a guarantor of knowledge and truth.
C. Present Descartes' ontological argument for the existence of God.
1. Define ontological argument and its historical context.
2. Explain Descartes' version of the ontological argument, emphasizing the idea of perfection and
existence as a necessary attribute of God.
III. Evaluation of Descartes' Argument
A. Analyze the logical soundness of Descartes' ontological argument.
1. Discuss objections and criticisms raised against the ontological argument.
2. Address counterarguments and defend the validity of Descartes' reasoning.
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