The essay outline is meant to be a short exercise to get you started writing. The questions are designed to get you thinking about the problem in a philosophical manner. This is not meant to be a full scale draft. It is more like a blueprint so that you can see where things are going and what needs to be done. For each of the parts of the outline, don’t write more than a short paragraph. The total length of the outline should be around one to two pages.

A]   In a few sentences, state the position you will be defending and provide a brief thesis as to why it best represents the values America should uphold.

B]   What are the main features of the view? What reason(s) can be given to persuade a skeptical (but fair) reader that these features really are attractive?

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3.   (optional)

4.   (optional)

C]   What are the main objections to your analysis? The objections can either (1) be directed at the plausibility of one of the main features of your chosen position or (2) they might appear as an attractive alternative that your view seems unable to address.

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2.   (optional)

What response can you provide to the objection(s)?

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2.   (optional)