Western Carolina University Controversy Surrounding Masturbation Psychology Essay

2 PAGE PAPER ON MASTURBATION

This 2-page paper should identify a sexual phenomenon, orientation, lifestyle, behavior, or choice that you believe is controversial or commonly misunderstood. Present and synthesize two conflicting views on it.

Possible topics include:

Masturbation

Goals: For this paper, your goals are to:

Clearly identify the issue

Explain why the issue is relevant to the well-being of either individuals or society as a whole

Present perspectives and/or scientific evidence supporting two conflicting views on the issue

your opinion is not relevant

1. Introduce the topic or issue (10 points; 1 paragraph; these recommendations re: paragraphs are approximate only)

Clearly identify the controversial topic, introduce the conflicting viewpoints, and explain why the issue relevant to the well-being of either individuals or society as a whole.

• 2. Present two conflicting viewpoints (60 points; approx. 3-4 paragraphs)

Present perspectives and/or scientific evidence supporting two conflicting views on the issue. You might find it easiest to first explain one view, and then the other.

Note that your opinion is not relevant 

For both perspectives, even if you disagree with one, strive to present the strongest case possible.

1. 3. Synthesize the viewpoints (20 points, 1-2 paragraphs)
2. Synthesize the viewpoints. Imagine you’re sitting in a room with two people, each of whom hold one of the viewpoints. Your goal in this section is help both people understand where their own view comes from, and where the other person’s view comes from, in a civil manner, so that all parties, yourself included, come out of the conversation with greater understanding of the issue and each other, even if no consensus is reached.
3. To do this, consider the context within which the evidence and perspectives lay. Think back to our first lecture on the second day of class during which we discussed different “Ways of Understanding Human Sexuality” such as morality, religion, advocacy, and the scientific method. Are any of these larger contexts or motives behind either of these viewpoints? Are the viewpoints coming from an underlying motive of religion? An adherence to tradition (if so, what tradition, and why?)? A scientific perspective? An advocacy to change society in some way? Be sure to clarify these broader contexts, because recognizing these contexts or motives might help us better understand these perspective—and maybe even strengthen one’s arguments.

Also consider what might each viewpoint not understand about the other viewpoint. What is each viewpoint missing that would either strengthen their argument, or help them understand the other’s viewpoint?

1. Note: For this paper, your opinion is irrelevant, Aim for impartiality. Be a rational judge who strives for deep understanding of the conflict, not a lawyer advocating for one side.