World Philosophy Day 2022

CJC World Philosophy Day Essay Writing Competition - 2022
NOTE: The annual CJC philosophy essay writing competition is open to all JC1 Students promoted to JC2.

Organized in celebration of - World Philosophy Day, 17th November, 2022;

The contemporary philosopher, Anthony Grayling, believes that philosophy should play a useful role in society and public policy (not just in academia).

A philosophy essay by its very nature involves critical thinking, logical reasoning and conceptual analysis skills – as critical thinking and rational argumentation are characteristic methods of philosophical inquiry and analysis.

Write an essay in response to ONE of the following questions:
1) Given that everyone is born into a ‘Climate of Opinion’, to what extent can one take credit for one’s beliefs?
2) Here is a modern argument for skepticism about the external world:
- Premise 1: You can’t know you are not in a computer simulation;
- Premise 2: If you cannot know you are not in a computer simulation, you can’t know anything about the external world;
Conclusion: Therefore, you can’t know anything about the external world.
Critically assess the plausibility of this argument.
3) Can a critical and acute observer in the modern world avoid being thoroughly deceived by deep fakes?
4) A single political model (mode of government) cannot function in all cultures. (A view also held by Lee Kuan Yew) Critically assess this perspective.
5) ‘We are moving inexorably towards a surveillance society – Everywhere.’ Can we ensure that society benefits from this seemingly unstoppable trend?

Guidelines and requirements for writing your Philosophy Essay:
Length of Essay: At least 800 to 1500 words (feel free to exceed this if need be);

Your essay is an argumentative defense of your adopted Thesis – in which the thesis is clearly stated, explained and analyzed; arguments are rationally presented in support of the thesis; possible objections (counter-arguments) are fairly considered, objectively evaluated, and rationally refuted.

Your philosophical essay thus has five component parts:
1) The effective formulation of a Thesis – stated clearly in the introduction;
2) Arguments (reasons and evidence) set out in support and defense of Thesis
3) Careful critical consideration and evaluation of counter-arguments and counter-examples (objections to Thesis);
4) Refutation of Counter-Arguments i.e. Replies to Objections;
5) Effective Conclusion – final thoughts / closing remarks;

Submit your essay in hard copy as a - word document - Times New Roman, font size 12;

Indicate on the cover page: Name in full; Identity Number, and Tutorial Group;
Declaration – state: ‘This essay is my own work’ – and signature;
Submission Date: Friday 13th January, 2023.
Teacher-in-Charge: Mr. David L Fahy, English Department, CJC