The problem of free will has been addressed by almost every major philosopher. Spinoza has an interesting model called “dual aspect theory,” Leibniz has a “pre-established harmony” model to explain how free will can exist. See if you can explain what one of these two ideas is and what problems they raise and what problems they solve. Attempts to resolve Cartesian Impasse. Paragraph 1) Introduction-Issue broadly described. Arguments about free will? Existence of God? Evil and God? The nature of piety? Etc. Paragraph 2) Describe the particular issue and philosopher. Include historical context if relevant. Paragraph 3) Write the philosopher’s argument, premises and conclusion (can be part of paragraph 2) Paragraph 4) Write your response to the philosopher’s argument–this is your place to give your ideas about whether the philosopher succeeds or fails in her or his argument and why. Use your own examples to illustrate the argument, or describe any missing premises that would have an impact on the argument. An example might be a sentence that starts: “The philosopher X failed to take into account Y…” Paragraph 5) Would the philosopher have been able to account for your observations? What might the philosopher have said if you had been able to speak to her or him directly? Paragraph 6) Conclusion. This is an opportunity for you to restate the core component of your argument and remind the reader why you are right. Philosophy papers are written in present tense. Ideas have a life of their own, beyond their creators.
