1. Make sure your paper has a short (1/2 page or so) introduction leading to a thesis. THe introduction should say something like "In [paper's title], Joe Schmoe argues for [state his thesis, main point]. Then you might want to say a few things about how his argument is going to work and then state your thesis, which will likely be something like, "I will argue that his argument is unsound", then you might very briefly say why.
2. It can be helpful to have labeled sections. So then have a section where you present the person's argument. You might also need to present some background info. on the issue, which could go either here or, perhaps, in the intro.
3. Then have a section where you critique that exact argument.
4. Then have a section where you consider objections.
5. THen have a section where you conclude.
What's most important is that you see things from the position of your audience. They will likely know nothing of your particular issue/target paper, and likely little about the topic anyway, so you need to help them understand the issue in a way that they will be able to engage it, learn something, and have an enjoyable, thought-provoking discussion with you.
http://a-s.clayton.edu/ahall/philosophy/southeast_philosophy_conference.htm
SOUTHEAST PHILOSOPHY CONFERENCE AT CLAYTON STATE
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY
FEBRUARY 16, 2008
CALL FOR PAPERS
The inaugural meeting of the Southeast Philosophy Conference is scheduled for Saturday, February 16, 2008, at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. Papers in any area are welcome. There will be a $15 registration fee, payable at the conference.
Submissions must not exceed a length of 3000 words, and must include a cover letter stating the paper’s title, author’s name, university or college, mailing and email addresses, and telephone number. Either email submissions to toddjanke@clayton.edu or send two printed copies to:
Southeast Philosophy Conference
Department of Communicative Arts & Integrative Studies
Clayton State University
Morrow, Georgia 30260
Papers must be received by January 28, 2008. Notification of acceptance will be made via email by February 4, 2008. Papers will be published in a Proceedings of the Conference, with a prize awarded for the best essay.
Contact for questions: toddjanke@clayton.edu
