What is a "position paper?"?

Question

I am taking a philosophy course and one of my assignments is to write a position paper but I'm not really sure what that is. Does anyone know? Does it have to be written in the same way as an essay, with an introduction, 3 body paragraphs and a conclusion?

Answer 1

Found a web page on what a position paper should be like, but essentially you tell the your position and tell why you believe your position is the correct choice. Hopefully this helps.

Answer 2

A position paper is the same structure as any other paper or essay. The only difference is that it basically states your position on something, backs up your position with evidence or why you think so, and then concludes. This lends very nicely to a 5 paragraph essay. Intro with your position in the first paragraph, 3 body paragraphs with evidence and reason why you are saying what you are saying, and a final paragraph to wrap everything up.

Answer 3

The paper states and defends one main claim--a "position" concerning how a primary text treats some theme of central importance in the course.
Explicitly identify what theme you address and what position you take on it.
In a sentence or two say what the theme's central importance is.
It is your job to identify the theme and its relation to the text. One of the main points in writing a position paper is for you to reflect on and articulate what themes you think are important.
The format is simple and straightforward:
First, clearly explain the position you defend and indicate what important theme it concerns.
Next clearly describe the major pieces of evidence that support your position.
A position paper is very brief, ideally 1 page, never more than 2 pages (double spaced, normal margins, normal font). If you find your position paper exeeding these space limits, revise it by cutting out any fat or inessential material.
Papers concerning a given text must be presented on a day when the conference is discussing that text. When presenting your position paper to the conference, you may read it or explain it extemporaneously. A written position paper is due when you present it in conference.
What matters most in a position paper is the perceptiveness of your position, the clarity with which you explain it and the evidence supporting it, and the strength of your case for it.

Answer 4

A position paper is one where you pick sides on a controversial topic, and present evidence defending your position.

Answer 5

typically when i hear "position paper" it reminds me of the time I worked on a political campaign. it refers to a paper describing what you think about a certain cause, issue, or event, and why.