Stevens argues that we should rely on precedent to determine the meaning of the Second Amendment. Schultz argues that we can determine the meaning by looking at what the authors of the Second Amendment wrote about it. Construct the arguments from each author. Evaluate their arguments using the tools of philosophy. Whose argument better lives up to the standards of philosophy and why?

What does your answer imply about interpreting other texts? Should we interpret other documents as you have suggested? Why or why not? If the Second Amendment is special with respect to interpretation, explain why. If it is not, explain why it is not.

This is a 4 to 5 page paper, though you may certainly write more than
that. Cite the text to support your claims. Write the paper is if it
were a college paper. See the rubric for guidance

Rubric

Grading Rubric 1. Does this paper identify have a clear thesis? (5%)
2. Does this paper contain only relevant information? Are the
citations completed properly? (5%) 3. Does the paper attribute the
correct view to the philosophers in question? (10%) 4. Is/are the
philosopher’s view presented with the appropriate level of detail?
(For example, does the author explain concepts and arguments in a
tight manner, or are the arguments and concepts merely sketched?)
(25%) 5. Does the author present a clear argument in his/her
discussion? (15%) 6. Does the paper cohere? Or, is the paper a
hodgepodge of disparate ideas? (10%) 7. Does the conclusion tie
together the different phases of the paper? Or, is the conclusion a
non-sequitur? (5%) 8. Are the spelling, grammar and syntax on the
college level? (5%) 9. Does the author make appropriate and accurate
use of course concepts in constructing his or her discussion? (20%)
Intangibles: Is the paper on the assigned topic? Is it the author’s
own work?