What is a miracle? Choose one of our readings on this topic to answer the question. Do you think that a belief in miracles, as you have defined it, is necessary in Judaism? Consider at least one objection to your view. The readings are uploaded. No outside citation.
The paper should be written double-spaced using a 12-point font. Your paper should not exceed the maximum page limit. All papers will be reviewed by turnitin.com.
The paper should have: 1) A brief introductory paragraph that sets out the problem and offers a thesis, i.e., the view (or solution) that you will argue for in the rest of the paper.
2) An argument that involves
(a) the statement and analysis of the views of the relevant philosopher (or philosophers), and
(b) includes some critical perspective on the text. (If you end up agreeing with one position, at least consider an objection to it; or if you disagree with it, at least consider a possible response to your objections.) And
3) a brief conclusion that states the balance of your argument and its possible implications.
When you refer to the text, as you should to support your interpretation, please use a simple system of citation (e.g., you can cite the full reference (book and text) once in a footnote and then subsequent references can be page numbers in parentheses after the relevant passage). You can use whatever Bibliographic style you choose (MLA or Chicago, for instance), but please be consistent.
When grading, we shall look for the presence of these elements and weigh them as follows: a “fair” paper will show basic comprehension of the text; a “good” paper will show a nuanced comprehension of the text and have at least a weak and defensible thesis; a “very good” paper will show excellent comprehension of the text, have a strong and well defended thesis, and show some originality in argument.
The approximate weight of the different components of the paper are roughly as follows: 60% explanation of the argument; 30% consideration of objections; and 10% structure of paper and style. These are rough percentages and the weight can vary somewhat in the calculation of the final grade. It always makes a difference how well the paper is written.
That is, at a bare minimum we expect proper spelling and grammar, and at best we would hope to see papers that are clearly and elegantly written. Most papers have some elements and not others or some elements that are better than others. We will use our experienced judgment in determining the final grade in terms of the balance of these factors and their overall impact on the reader.
