An A paper is an outstanding piece of philosophy that
clearly addresses all aspects of the prompt
responds to the central task of the prompt with special insight; a sound, clear, and well-reasoned paper that does not do this will not receive an A
presents the views of the appropriate philosophers or texts accurately and fairly, explaining their views selectively, in a manner that paves the way for the argument of the paper
if appropriate, considers compelling objections or alternative interpretations, offering considerations that support the view preferred in the paper
makes no significant errors in logic, fact, or interpretation
is transparently structured, organized in its execution of arguments, and well written
is of appropriate length and detail, neither neglecting important information nor indulging in irrelevant and encyclopedic summary
An A- paper is a very strong and promising paper that does most of what an A paper does, but typically differs in one or two of the following ways:
it makes a minor misreading of a text, though in such a paper the error is mitigated by the reasonableness or even interest of the error
it makes a similarly minor but interesting error in logic, perhaps by neglecting a possible alternative scenario or argument, or by assuming, rather than arguing for, a point that is necessary but highly plausible
it argues for an insightful position, but without complete mastery or control of the point, or without sufficient elaboration
it argues for an insightful position, but one that is problematic
it makes a reasonable yet somewhat pedestrian argument, but displays exceptional insight and mastery in the exposition of the problem and relevant texts
A B+ paper is a solid, complete, and accurate response to the prompt that
does not make major errors in interpretation, fact, or logic
may omit minor relevant aspects of a philosopher’s view, but with implications primarily for clarity and completeness or transparency of the presented view
argues for a view (as required) that is a coherent, if not particularly powerful response to the problem or opposing views
though accurate and complete, does not advance a view or understanding of the text beyond the ‘obvious’
may contain some ambiguities or incomplete arguments, either in the position it defends or in its treatment of other views
A B paper clearly addresses the prompt, showing a general understanding of the problems and issues involved, though it may
contain some errors or omissions in interpretation, fact, or logic, that lead the analysis somewhat astray
stop short of offering a complete response to the text or problem in question, though it does take some steps towards such a solution
contain some unclarities in organization or style that detract from the efficacy of the exposition and argument
A B- paper engages the main issues of the prompt and relevant texts, but is undermined by one or more significant difficulties. It may
misconstrue or omit a serious point of a relevant philosopher’s argument, with significant consequence to the accuracy of the argument related to that view
make serious and avoidable mistakes of assumption
make clearly invalid arguments or draw unsupported and inaccurate generalizations
A C+ paper is recognizable as a response to the prompt, but does not successfully engage with some of the central issues, for reasons of omission, serious misinterpretation, disorganization, or incompleteness. This paper, unlike a C paper, shows some con
