Sample Prospectus. MMW 14, 15, and 122. A Few Words of Caution about this Model:

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1 [Last Name] 1 Sample Prospectus MMW 14, 15, and 122 A Few Words of Caution about this Model: You should treat this sample as a sufficiently reliable model for the structure of your prospectus, but you should also be aware that it is not the only possible model. Given the logic of your particular problem, you might be able to vary the structure somewhat, e.g., by changing the order in which arguments and counterarguments are presented. Nevertheless, while some flexibility may well be appropriate, you need to be absolutely certain to address carefully each of the required elements of the assignment set forth on the prompt. If you have questions about how to prepare the prospectus, consult your TA as soon as possible. The marginalia notes in the model are for your reference only; they are designed to help you identify important elements of the assignment they are the parts that the assignment absolutely requires. Do do not include them in the version of the prospectus that you submit to your TA. This document is intended primarily as a model for the substance and organization of the prospectus. Be wary of copying the format of this document too slavishly; rather, you should follow the MMW Style Sheet and the MLA rules set forth in your writing manual. For example, the format for page numbering. For a TA s feedback on the actual argument made in this paper, please see the text following the Works Cited page.

2 [Last Name] 2 Name TA s name/section number Assignment #2: Prospectus 25 October 2011 Commented [h1]: Include your name, TA s name, section number, assignment number or title, date. Note the page number must conform to MLA style (see Easy Writer, p. 206) Isaac Newton: The Forgotten Shepherd Commented [h2]: Title (see Easy Writer, p. 206) At the summit of the Scientific Revolution stood the father of science: Isaac Newton. Newton bequeathed his major work to England between 1669 and 1718, advancing profound theories of astronomy, optics, mathematics, and physics (More xi, xii). Three centuries later, his work remains renowned for its exploration of natural phenomena. Excluded from this common historical portrayal, however, is Newton s association with religion, specifically the way in which his work reacted to and had an Commented [h3]: Introduction to the topic. Include what the reader needs to know in order to understand your topic and the problem you are about to describe. impact on Christianity. Some argue that his work was heretical and promoted atheism, while others contend that it was inspired by and integrated Christianity. Confronted with this ambiguity, the question arises: What was the relation between Newton s work and Christianity? Commented [h4]: Problem your research addresses and that leads you to ask... Commented [h5]: Research Question One plausible answer is that Newton s work had insidious implications for Christianity, reflecting a negative relation. Richard Westfall elaborates that two entries in Newton s notebooks titled De Trinitate and Idolatria express his doubt in the Trinitarian Order, and seem to suggest that exalting Christ (son) to the status of God (father), and assuming that he is an incarnation of the Lord, was idolatrous (qtd. in Westfall ). Westfall continues that Newton s heretical convictions in a society of Commented [h6]: One plausible answer (a claim), based in scholarship, to your Research Question. In this case, the student is addressing counter-arguments or alternative hypotheses before articulating his/her thesis. Commented [h7]: Evidence to support the claim made above Commented [h8]: How the evidence relates to/supports the claim Commented [h9]: Citation for the evidence and scholarships regarding the claim

3 [Last Name] 3 pliant orthodoxy likely contributed to his reclusive personality (318). It makes sense, then, that these heretical views were only publicized in 1733, years after his death (Keynes 26). In this respect, a degree of enmity characterizes the relation between Newton s work and Christianity. Resembling a double edged sword a relationship caustic for both Commented [h10]: Another reference to the scholarship supporting this answer, including a direct quotation of verbatim text followed by a citation. Commented [h11]: Reference to publication date followed by a citation. sides Newton s conviction undermined a fundamental Christian belief and the prevalence of Christianity induced the seclusion of himself and his work. Another plausible answer is that Newton s work diverged from theological presuppositions. In this vein, John Henry argues that Newton s work which he lumps with that of other Scientific Revolutionary thinkers promoted a reductionist perception of God that was essentially indistinguishable from atheism (351). More simply, Henry asserts that Newton s work induced atheistic sentiments which undermined Christian principles. There are, however, several weaknesses to these answers. First, Westfall explores a manuscript in which Newton writes that though Christ was not of congenital divinity, Commented [h12]: Restate this plausible answer to the research question Commented [h13]: A second plausible answer to the research question (an alternative hypothesis or counter-argument). Commented [h14]: Scholarship upon which this answer is based: John Henry s work. Note that it is cited. Commented [h15]: Note that the student did not include evidence from Henry s scholarship to demonstrate Henry s claim. This may warrant a grade reduction since the assignment asks for a reference to evidence, even from counter-arguments. Commented [h16]: This paragraph is dedicated to rebuttals to the answers about Newton s disbelief or doubt (alternative hypotheses or counter-arguments) presented above. due to his sacrifice, he justifiably deserved the exaltation attributed to him in the Trinity. Westfall admits that Newton became a very firm believer in the Trinity and the Christian doctrine in general (317). Newton further implies a renewed belief in the Trinity when he writes that the Christians ought to learn from the Jews, who were being punished for their failure to recognize the Messiah (cited in Westfall 320). Holistically, there is more evidence, as provided by Westfall himself, supporting the notion that though Newton s work expressed his doubts, it eventually reflected a vested belief in the Trinity. Second, Henry s attack on the thinkers of the Scientific Revolution glosses over Newton s belief Commented [h17]: Rebuttal based on Westfall s scholarship, including evidence that challenges above claims. Commented [h18]: Rebuttal based on a second piece of evidence from Westfall s scholarship Commented [h19]: Student restates how above evidence rebuts the claims made above.

4 [Last Name] 4 that the order inherent in nature is a testament to the existence of a Creator (Strong 148). It is reasonable to conclude that Newton had certain doubts regarding the Christian Commented [h20]: A rebuttal based in the scholarship of Strong. A piece of evidence to demonstrate this claim would make the rebuttal even stronger. doctrine, but an absolute rejection of God was never expressed in his work. Ultimately, both answers are plausible but myopic in their understanding of Newton s work. Commented [h21]: Restatement of rebuttal. The more plausible answer my thesis is that Newton s work consistently integrated and was largely motivated by Christian beliefs. Newton explicitly expresses this notion in his letter to Revered Dr. Richard Bentley, in which he states: I had an Eye upon such Principles as might work with considering Men, for the Belief of a Deity, and nothing can rejoice me more than to find is useful for that Purpose (qtd. in Cohen 280). What is imperative to recognize here is not simply Newton s words, but that the expression exists in the context of privacy. Newton has no incentive or reason to disguise his convictions, so it is extremely likely that what he expresses in the letter religion as an inspiration and passion is his authentic view. Moreover, several historians, particularly B.J.T. Dobbs, assert that Newton s Commented [h22]: Thesis. Note that the student saved his/her thesis until after discussing other plausible answers (counterarguments). S/he could also have stated the thesis clearly at the beginning of the paper before discussing counter-arguments. You will have to choose which is more effective for your paper. Commented [h23]: Evidence from Newton (a primary source) supporting the thesis Commented [h24]: Evidence from Newton (a primary source) supporting the thesis Commented [h25]: Explanation of the evidence and how it supports the thesis successful scientific achievements were byproducts of religious goals (cited in Ben-Chaim 396). Ben-Chaim further expounds upon this point, arguing that Newton s work reflects the notion that the aim of science was to discover divine rules (397). Clearly, Newton s faith comprised a productive motive for conducting research. The relation of his work Commented [h26]: Claim made by a scholar (secondary source) to support the thesis. Student should include a piece of evidence used by Dobbs to demonstrate why he made this claim. Commented [h27]: Claim made by a scholar (secondary source) to support the thesis. Student should include a piece of evidence used by Ben-Chaim to demonstrate this claim. with Christianity was thus a symbiotic one: Christianity evoked curiosity and inspiration within Newton s work, which in turn sought to solidify Christianity s validity. J.E. McGuire notes that Newton s discourse on natural philosophy indicates a Commented [h28]: Explanation of how these claims support the thesis. fusion of scientific and religious vocabularies. It seems that Newton, evidently committed

5 [Last Name] 5 in his belief in God, understood nature as a series of mathematical symbols written by God (McGuire 295). This comprised not only an incentive to engage in mathematical reasoning, but an inextricable bond between his work and religion. McGuire s analysis Commented [h29]: A third claim, found in the scholarship of McGuire, to support the thesis. Student should include a piece of evidence to demonstrate how McGuire makes this claim. reaffirms the idea that Christianity assumed a significant role in motivating Newton to compose work which supported scriptural principles. This topic is significant because it divulges the convictions and work of such a crucial and profound individual. My thesis is significant because it illuminates the productive and positive presence of faith in the life of a man widely regarded for his science. More broadly, it exemplifies that science and religion are not necessarily diametrically opposed; rather, the two can symbiotically coexist in the pursuit of truth. Commented [h30]: Explanation of how this claim supports to the thesis. Commented [h31]: Student attempts to discuss significance of topic, but needs to explain why it s important understand the convictions and work of profound individuals, like Newton. Commented [h32]: Student attempts to discuss significance of the thesis, but needs to explain why it is important to see the productive and positive presence of faith in Newton. Commented [h33]: This last statement is a little stronger; it helps us, as readers, to think differently about the categories of science and religion and, perhaps other categories that we think are diametrically opposed. Student might expand on this.

6 [Last Name] 6 Works Cited Ben-Chaim, Michael. The Discovery of Natural Goods: Newton s Vocation as an Commented [h34]: Works Cited Page on the last, separate page of the paper. The format of the Workds Cited page must follow MLA format, as demonstrated in this sample. Experimental Philosopher. The British Journal for the History of Science 34.4 (Dec., 2001): Web. 23 Oct Cohen, Bernard I. Isaac Newton s Papers & Letters on Natural Philosophy. 2 nd ed. Cambridge: Harvard UP, Print. Henry, John. "Scientific Revolution." Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World. Ed. Jonathan Dewald. Vol. 5. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 23 Oct Keynes, Milo. The Personality of Isaac Newton. Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London 49.1 (Jan., 1995): Web. 21 Oct McGuire, J.E. Fate of the Date: The Theology of Newton s Principia Revisited. Rethinking the Scientific Revolution. Ed. Margaret J. Osler. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, Print. More, Louis Trenchard. Isaac Newton: A Biography. New York: Charles Scribner s Sons, Print. Strong, E.W. Newton and God. Journal of the History of Ideas 13.2 (Apr., 1952): JSTOR. Web. 19 Oct Westfall, Richard S. Never at Rest: A Biography of Isaac Newton. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, Print.

7 [Last Name] 7 TA Feedback to This Prospectus Here are things that the TA asked the student to address in the final paper: The TA who graded this prospectus cautioned the student about the Research Question posed. Can Newton s doubts and his Christian bent coexist? Is there a single relation between Newton s work and Christianity? The TA advised the student to deal with this in the final paper. What does the student mean by a negative relation in the section describing Westfall s scholarship? Can this be supported by evidence in scholarship, or is this a Level 4 issue (an answer that cannot be supported with evidence in scholarship)? The rebuttal seems to claim that because Newton did not outright reject a belief in God, any suggestion that his work relates to doubts is myopic. Why can t personal doubts and his work coexist? The thesis relies on the idea that Newton wouldn t lie to a Reverend in a letter. Is this a strong enough assumption to uphold the thesis? Is there evidence to support this? Why wouldn t Newton lie to the Reverend? The TA suggests that more evidence is needed to support thesis, claims, and counterarguments.