Apply 1 or more Enlightenment values (transparency, method, objectivity, skepticism, and competition) to these two controversies: 1) Iraq relations with America/the world. 2) prescription drugs.

12-14 pages
Overview
The first section of this course explores the Enlightenment, especially the rational and scientific
interpretation of evidence. We link this idea that evidence can be interpreted accurately and
consistently to ideas generated during the Enlightenment. Your paper should evaluate whether
Enlightenment principles were violated in two current controversies. You can choose two of the
controversies I provide. To be clear, you should not
spend the bulk of your paper showing how each and every Enlightenment value (transparency,
method, objectivity, skepticism, and competition) was violated in both controversies. You
should emphasize the few Enlightenment values from this longer list that you can convincingly
argue were violated the most. Concentrate on a few overall questions:
1. Were different Enlightenment values violated in each controversy? If so, why?
2. If analysts and decision-makers had followed specific Enlightenment values more
closely, would the outcomes have changed?
Research
Students may find it necessary to do some outside research on the Enlightenment period, the
controversies you choose, or two of the controversies I provide. If you choose two of your own
controversies, then you’ll need to base your conclusions on expert sources. To be clear, your job
is not simply to summarize these or other essays about controversies, but to integrate these
articles, podcasts, or documentaries into your take on how people arrived at incorrect
conclusions in these controversies. In short, don’t just report on what you find in your research;
use this research to help build your case about these larger controversies.
In general, your paper should include the following:
1. A clear structure with a memorable thesis, organized main points, and a conclusion.
Think through the key organizational issue of whether you want to organize main points
around a few Enlightenment values and discuss how they were violated in each
controversy or whether you want your discussion of each controversy to serve as two
main points.
2. A discussion of how your chosen controversies did or did not violate Enlightenment
values.
3. A discussion of whether there are clear differences in how each controversy violated
Enlightenment principles. (This may help you generate a specific thesis.)
4. Vivid language and examples in a polished paper with minimal grammatical errors.