Example 2

Writing A Philosophy Paper

This is most likely your first attempt at writing a philosophy paper. Therefore this handout is designed to help you understand the nature of philosophical writing and to give you some tips on how to construct your own papers.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that your purpose is to construct an argument. While an argument can take many forms, it is basically a set of statements (or premises) designed to lead up to and support a certain thesis or conclusion. A strong argument is one in which the premises naturally and clearly lead up to and support the conclusion. A weak argument is one in which the conclusion or thesis is not well supported by, or clearly derived from, the premises. As such, you will be primarily evaluated or whether your argument is weak or strong. The key to constructing a good argument is the ability to think critically and communicate those thoughts in a coherent and precise manner.

SOME WRITING TIPS

In some instances your assignment will be to take up a particular philosophical issue or problem and attempt to argue for a certain answer. In other cases you will be required to critically evaluate a particular philosopher's own argument on a particular issue. Here are a few general tips to keep in mind as you construct your essay.

1. Make sure the issue or question at hand is clearly defined. In some cases this will be simple. For example, "Is Capital Punishment Just?" In other instances it will not be so easy. For example, as we discussed in Plato's Euthyphro, the following question is raised: Do the gods love something because it is holy, or is something holy because the gods love it? Be sure to communicate what is at issue in the question before you begin to answer it.

2. When summarizing or explaining a writer's argument, use these three techniques: Quote what the author says, explain it in your own words, and think of examples or additional ways of explaining the author's meaning.

3. When evaluating or analyzing an argument, think about each aspect of what the author is trying to say. Try and see the world as the author does and think about what points could be added to make them stronger and clearer. What ideas in the argument seem weak? Think of strong counter-arguments. What are the obvious facts, observations or principles that back up your view and show the weaknesses of the author's view? Try to find several ways of explaining your point.

4. Get to the point and stay focused on the topic at hand. Do not bring up issues which are not directly connected to your argument. This problem occurs most often in the introductory paragraph.

5. Make sure your paper has the proper sections--beginning, middle, end-to it. Your introduction should contain a concise statement of your thesis which can be clearly identified by saying: "In this paper, I will argue that. . ." or "This essay will defend the view that. . ." The body of your paper will contain your exposition and argument. The conclusion will present a final statement of your thesis along with a brief reiteration of how you reached it.

6. Use quotes properly: Be sure to indicate the author's thoughts or words in your writing either by direct quotations or noting sentences where this has occurred. I do not recommend citing long passages, but if you do, indent and single-space quotes longer than three lines.

7. Always keep your thesis in mind, but be open to revision. It may be that throughout the course of your analysis you find you have to soften or adjust your position.

8. The more work you do before you start writing, the less work writing will be. Divide the job into as many small tasks as possible and spread them out over time. (days not hours)

9. Talk about your paper with me or your friends.

10. Rub Socrates' bald head for inspiration.