Help with a philosophy essay!

Second Essay: Welfare

Many working-class voters begrudge the government’s payment of welfare benefits to unemployed Canadians.

For the purpose of this essay use the book “Justice – A Reader” By Michael J. Sandel with page number to properly cite claims

In light of the readings and lectures on Rawls, Aristotle, and Disability and Discrimination, answer the following question:

Is the government’s payment of welfare benefits just?

In answering this question you must indicate the answer that would be provided by both Rawls and Aristotle, whether you agree or disagree with these answers, and what your reasons are for doing so. You should also assume that I am unfamiliar with the theories of Rawls or Aristotle.

Suggested essay structure:

1. Introduction with thesis statement. (1/2 page)

2. Summary of Rawl’s theory of justice and its answer to the question. (1 page)

3. Summary of Aristotle’s theory of justice and its answer to the question (1 page)

4. Argument in which you agree or disagree with either or both of the answers provided by Rawls and Aristotle and provide your own reasons. (2 pages)

5. Conclusion (1/2 page)

Format: Be sure to staple your essays. Include on the first page your name and student number. Use 12-point font, standard margins, and page numbers. Double-space your essay, and do not put an extra line-space between paragraphs. Add a bibliography. Follow the MLA style for in-text citation and creating the bibliography (see Writing Philosophy: A Guide to Canadian Students, Appendix B).

Length: 5 pages (excluding bibliography).

Marking Criteria:

Understanding: How well does the author understand and make judicious use of the relevant textbook and lecture material? How well does s/he understand the complexity of the issues involved? [15 marks]

Argument: Does the author use cogent arguments to support his or her position? Do the claims made in different parts of the paper follow from one another and are they consistent? [15 marks]

Clarity: Is the author’s position clear, with an explicitly articulated thesis, and is the paper clearly written overall? Does the paper answer the questions asked? Could another student at the same level who is not enrolled in the course understand the paper? [10 marks]

Organization: Does the author reveal a plan for the paper at the outset and does s/he follow that plan? Does the paper have an explicit overall direction? [5 marks]

Style: Does the author’s paper use correct grammar and syntax? Have the guidelines for proper format been followed? Has the author cited sources where necessary, following the required style? [5 marks]