The Task:
All assignments are only accepted in Word. All assignments are automatically run through Turnitin. In 3 – 4 full pages of text (not going over 5 pages), this does not include your title page if used or your resource page, in academic formatting you will:
Throughout the term, you have been introduced to a variety of philosophers and philosophies that still shape culture and understanding. Based upon the information you have obtained through your studies in our course you are to:
Identify a film that, through a plot line, a scene, a section of dialogue, effectively illustrates a key philosophical notion of your choice of topic. For example, your film might illustrate existentialism, critical theory, Marxism, Phenomenology- virtually any philosophical school of thought, or philosophical idea discussed in the course. Once you’ve identified your film you should
Give a synopsis of the movie (no longer than two full paragraphs).
Indicate clearly the notion you’re exploring and how the film supports that idea/belief of your topic choice. Be sure the reader can see how the film supports some aspect of the chosen philosophy, even if he or she has not seen the movie.
The Details
The paper is to be 3 – 4 full pages of text (does not include title page if used or the resource page), not exceeding 5 pages.
You should support your discussion by engaging reliable scholarly sources. Use A minimum of three reliable resources in addition to the film you’ve selected.
Your paper is to be completed using your degree path formatting style. This includes in-text citations and a resource page.
A Few Examples
To get you started, here are a few movies to consider:
“Examined Life”
“Bladerunner” (either one)
“Being In The World”
“Groundhog Day”
Here is a link to more movie ideas if you are seeking more choices. Keep in mind all may not be related to our course topics. Select here to access the link.
Before you submit, please thoroughly edit your writing to ensure it is professional and academic.
The paper is clearly written, addresses all objectives, and mastery of the subject.
The paper has a clear thesis, introduction, and a conclusion. Well developed paragraphs and smooth transitions. Keep in mind that a proper expository thesis is a sentence or two stating exactly what will be covered in the paper and in what order.
That all paraphrases, summaries and quotations are properly cited with accompanying references. Keep in mind that citations are NOT just for quotations.
The paper contains well built and varied sentences, no spelling errors, and correct punctuation and grammar. Appropriate vocabulary without colloquialism or slang. Concise but vivid language.
Resources:
Word is available free for students. If you need assistance contact
Tutor.com – free to students and information is in the syllabus.
Our Library
The movie Momento : We have to try and piece together what is going on in the same way Leonard does, and our knowledge is based on limited empirical evidence such as Polaroids, tattoos and notes-to-self. The film works as a platform for viewers to look at and consider aspects of the branches of philosophy known as the philosophy of mind, and personal identity.
Class,
Epistemology is the study of knowledge. It is a method that seeks to discover what is known and how it is known. This method helps evaluate the world around us and explains why a human mind relates to reality and how a person distinguishes what is valid and invalid. Knowledge and reality are correlated through philosophical reasoning, although derived from two differing essential properties: the mind and body. Early eras of philosophy heavily relied on knowledge (mind), as opposed to the utilization of sensory experiences (body) to formulate realism, also known as the rationalism era. As sciences progressed, philosophers restructured the concept that all knowledge was derived from other means, human senses, and experiences. This was known as the empiricism era.
Lenny, the movie’s main character, relies heavily on the “facts” to rationalize what is “true or valid.” He had suffered from a mental injury and decided it was best to conduct his fact-collecting method by relying on Polaroids, tattoos, and notes, serving as a kind of surrogate memory. Although rationalizing facts are the foundation of knowledge, the experience can be considered a more reliable source to enhance one’s ability to reason and search for truth. Maintaining an epistemic position when recollecting a memory is crucial because it allows the mind to conceptualize knowledge and reality. His notes and strategies don’t work because although photos and notes can be foundational to show a depiction of recollection, it is still imperative to know the personal experience that supports that depiction. Memories help you remember the feelings you had when recalling moments in life. This is proven when Lenny writes that Teddy cannot be trusted on a polaroid. Lenny then believes Teddy is his wife’s killer. He made the assumption based on the fact that Teddy could not be trusted. Without his memory or ability to reexperience the moment of writing it down, he fails to provide the “why” intent of mistrust. We later learn that Lenny was the real cause of his wife’s death, and he intentionally manipulated his “facts” so Teddy would always be a target to escape guilt. At least, this is one way to interpret it.
This concept brings similarities to texting. Texting can provide the groundwork for what one person is factually saying. Still, without the ability to conceptualize (experience) how that text is being sent or the sender’s intent, many interpretations can be made from this “factual-based” text. This supports the idea that facts can be manipulated even though the character felt memories were more susceptible to distortion.
-Monique
