Writing Assignment #1: Argument Analysis

T. Parent

Phil 38

In Of Personal Identity, Hume writes in the first paragraph “There are some philosophers who imagine we are at every moment intimately conscious of what we call our SELF…and are certain, beyond the evidence of a demonstration, both of its perfect identity and simplicity” (p. 1). It is fairly clear that Hume has Descartes in mind here, who had attempted to argue in Meditation Two that his own existence is certain, given the indubitable fact that he is thinking.

Hume, however, goes on to argue not just that the continued existence of the self is uncertain, but rather that, in fact, the continued existence of the self is nothing but a fiction. (!!!) Later, in Of Personal Identity, Hume writes that “The identity, which we ascribe to the mind of man, is only a fictitious one…It…must proceed from a like operation of the imagination upon like objects” (p. 4).

In a paper of 6 pages or less, I would like you to, first, explain carefully, and in detail, Hume’s argument for his “fictionalism” about the continued existence of the self. Then, consider an objection to Hume’s argument. (If you’re searching for an objection, you might consider what Descartes would say in response to Hume’s argument.) Next, give your best rejoinder to the objection on Hume’s behalf. Conclude your paper with some remarks on whether this rejoinder is satisfactory.

The assignment is due June 4. Please submit BOTH a hard copy of your assignment, AND an electronic version, either as an email attachment (preferred), or on disk. Finally, to ensure fair grading, please identify your hard copy ONLY with your PID.

Note: This is not a research paper, so you are neither required, nor expected, to cite secondary sources. (In fact, I often discourage the use of secondary sources, since they can often be more confusing than enlightening.)

In formulating your arguments, it may be helpful to consult the list of argument fallacies I have posted on the course webpage. Make sure your arguments don’t commit any of these fallacies! On the course webpage, I have also posted some tips for writing a philosophy paper, and it’d probably be good to take a look at that as well.

Finally, it is extremely important that you present your points as clearly as possible. I know a lot of our readings may seem very unclear, but that shouldn’t give you license to be unclear in your own writing. Although clear writing is neither necessary nor sufficient for a good philosophy paper, it certainly helps a lot.