Write 1-2 pages describing and explaining what the issue is as clearly as possible. For example, if you are
discussing Heidegger’s distinction between “wishing to know” and “willing to know”, you will want to explain
the distinction by strict reference to the text. What, as far as you can tell, does Heidegger mean by this
distinction? What other parts of the text illuminate his idea? What information is crucial to understanding the
idea? What are some of the implications of the idea? Are there necessary consequences of accepting the
idea?
1-2 pages where you present a critical analysis and present your position on the topic. Again, if you are
writing on Heidegger’s distinction, how useful is the distinction? How appropriate do you think it is? In what
ways is it unclear? Are there multiple ways of interpreting it? Does this make the main idea weaker or
stronger? Does it make demands on your perspective of things? In other words, does it tend to make you
change your mind about anything, or does it do more to reinforce ideas that you already had?
1 page on how someone might disagree with your analysis or your interpretation of the text. For example, if
you disagree with Heidegger’s distinction, try to imagine what someone might say in Heidegger’s defense. If
you agree with the text, what objections might someone else present to the text?
Sample Solution