This assignment is all about carefully constructing and structuring an argument.
In Week 2, you wrote a description and an example of one of the four models of the doctor-patient relationship. We’re going to take that as a starting point for this argumentative essay. Consider whether or not you think the model you described is the best model of that relationship, i.e., the ideal that physicians ought to aspire to in their practice. If you think that it is, then you’re going to write a paper in defense of that model. If you think that it is not, then you’re going to write a paper arguing against that model.
Your paper should expand on the basic structure of the four-sentence paper, i.e., you should have the following sections in your paper:
1) An introductory section in which you introduce your topic, summarize the model of the doctor-patient relationship you’re going to discuss, and CLEARLY STATE YOUR THESIS! (Your thesis should make it clear whether you are defending the model or arguing against it.)
2) A section developing the view you are arguing against (They say…). If you are defending the model in question, then this section will lay out the view against it. If you are attacking the model in question, then this section will lay out the view in its favor.
3) One developing the view you are arguing for and making your argument in its favor (I say…because…). In this case, your defense of or attack on the model in question.
4) A section considering how the proponent of the first view is likely to respond or object to you (One might object…),
5) A section in which you respond to the objection (I reply…).
6) A brief conclusion restating your thesis and reviewing your argument.
Your overall AIM is to construct an argument in defense of your thesis. You must think carefully about how to defend the view you favor in a convincing way. In this essay, I am most concerned with the structure of your argument. Do the premises of the argument (the reasons you give and the examples you cite) clearly support the conclusions you are defending? Do you state those conclusions clearly? Is it easy for your reader to follow your argument?
You may draw on any of the resources we’ve used for the class (assigned readings, lecture videos, supplementary videos, class discussion). You may also use outside resources such as the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and/or published, peer-reviewed journal articles. DO NOT use random websites, blog posts, YouTube videos, etc.
You MUST cite your sources. When you use any published material, including assigned readings, you must cite both the author and the page number (if possible), though it is up to you which citation style you use. Citations must be provided not only for direct quotations but also for paraphrases and for ideas you are using from other authors.