The writing of a philosophy essay is very different from that of other texts. It is necessary to explain a philosophical concept and, therefore, to support or refute the structure on which it is based. In other words, it is necessary to read and fully understand the sources and then create one's own conceptual framework capable of giving an answer to the thought contained in those sources. While writing an essay of this magnitude isn't easy, it won't be an impossible feat if you plan it carefully and work hard.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Planning
Step 1. Give yourself all the time you need
Writing a good philosophy essay takes time and careful organization, so get to work as soon as possible. A philosophical text is based on valid arguments and coherent reasoning, so you can't develop it quickly.
Start rolling out your ideas as soon as you receive the assignment. Write them down and in your spare time reflect on what you intend to write
Step 2. Read all necessary texts
Before starting to develop your essay ideas, make sure you have carefully read all the documents relating to the topic being discussed. If you can hardly remember the content (or have not understood a few passages), you should read them once more before you start writing.
To compose an effective dissertation, you must perfectly understand the concepts presented in your readings, otherwise you risk formulating a weak speech or making arguments that are not very solid
Step 3. Make sure you understand the topic
Some professors provide precise instructions for writing a philosophy essay, while others limit themselves to illustrating this task briefly. Before you start writing, make sure you have a clear idea of what you are being asked to do.
If you have not fully understood some indications, ask the professor for further clarification
Step 4. Consider who will read your dissertation
During the elaboration and writing phase of an essay it is essential to keep in mind its recipients. The professor will be the main reader, but university colleagues could also be part of the slice of people you need to address.
Among your readers you can also consider those who have some notion of philosophy, but not your own skills. Therefore, if you introduce a particular term or concept, you need to make it clear so that it can follow your reasoning
Step 5. Choose textual references
When writing a philosophy essay, you should only cite sources if it is essential. The goal of your work is to explain and evaluate a philosophical thesis in your own words. Therefore, you shouldn't rely too heavily on citations or paraphrase entire passages contained in the texts you intend to consult.
- Include a quote only when you need to support your point of view;
- Be sure to mention the source of any paraphrases or quotes. Include the author name and page number.
Step 6. Develop a thesis
All philosophy essays are based on solid arguments that reflect the author's position, so be sure to build all your reasoning around the main thesis. Keep in mind that the latter not only indicates your point of view, but also the reason why you want to keep it.
- For example, if you intend to disprove Aristotle's idea that beauty is related to virtue, you should briefly explain why. One reason you contest it may be that beautiful people aren't always virtuous. Therefore, try to summarize your thesis in this way: "Aristotle's concept according to which beauty is linked to virtue is false because beauty often characterizes even those who are not virtuous".
- Enter the thesis at the end of the first paragraph.
Step 7. Frame the essay in outline
An outline can keep you from losing sight of your goal during the drafting phase and help you include the more compelling aspects. Try to outline a simple structure by entering:
- Ideas for the introduction;
- The main thesis;
- The highlights of your explanation;
- The main points of your analysis accompanied by evidence;
- The possible objections and your refutations;
- The ideas for the conclusion.
Part 2 of 3: Composition
Step 1. Write how you speak
Using polished and overly complex language doesn't make you more erudite. So, you should write in your own words and use a simple and straightforward vocabulary to express your point of view. Imagine explaining the concept to a friend and discussing why you agree or disagree. What do you mean? What examples would you use?
- Avoid dwelling on it, otherwise it will be more difficult for readers to understand your thinking;
- Before using unfamiliar terms, check out the appropriate vocabulary. If you want to use Word's Thesaurus function while writing, look up the meanings of words before inserting them into the text. The Thesaurus does not always provide suggestions that are grammatically correct or equivalent to the original term.
Step 2. Include the necessary information in the introduction
The introduction is an important element of the essay because it gives the reader a first impression of the work. It serves to attract his attention and offer him a taste of the arguments discussed below. Therefore, it is imperative to write it accurately.
Avoid too general formulas, such as "Since the dawn of time …" or "Everyone has always wondered …". Rather, get straight to the point. For example, you might start by saying, "In his works Aristotle often points out a clear distinction between beauty and virtue."
Step 3. Explain the topic
After the introduction, you will need to explain the philosophical argument or concept you intend to refute or support. Make sure you present the philosopher's ideas clearly and objectively.
- Do not add or omit potentially valuable details for your reasoning, otherwise the professor may find the arguments on which he is based ineffective.
- Stick to the topic at hand. Don't contest concepts you didn't anticipate unless they are absolutely necessary to understanding your point of view.
Step 4. Support your thesis
After you have clearly explained your thinking, you will need to analyze it so that you can substantiate your thesis whenever you feel it necessary. Don't go from one position to another and don't contradict yourself all the time. Stay true to your point of view, whatever it is.
A great way to support your thesis is to use realistic examples or examples from personal experiences. For example, if you believe that beauty and virtue are unrelated, you could report the case of a criminal who is considered charming by many people
Step 5. Try to anticipate objections
An excellent argument must also be able to recognize and refute any objection from the opponents. Try to identify the strongest ones that could be used to challenge your thesis and formulate appropriate answers.
- You don't have to dismantle every single objection. Focus on the three most important you may encounter.
- For example, if you argue that beauty and virtue are unrelated, you might dismiss the objection that, according to some research, there are men who do not feel attracted to women with unpleasant character traits, despite their good looks. Identify the most plausible criticisms.
Step 6. Conclude the essay correctly
The conclusions are also important because they offer the opportunity to synthesize, clarify and clarify one or more fundamental passages dealt with in the text. Try to finish by giving the reader a chance to understand the validity and meaning of your work.
For example, you might point out what your essay proposed or to what extent it contributed to the philosophical debate. If you have dealt with the Aristotelian concept of the relationship between beauty and virtue, you might outline how your results photograph the distinction between image and personality in the present day
Part 3 of 3: Review
Step 1. Put your work aside for a few days
You will have less trouble correcting it if you take a few days' break. When you resume it, you will have a new vision that will help you improve the concepts covered in your dissertation more than it would have been if you had tried to review them right away.
If you can, set it aside for three days, but even a few hours is better than nothing
Step 2. Read the essay paying attention to the content and clarity
Revising a text does not only involve correcting grammatical and typing errors, but also consists of seeing what you have written with new eyes and preparing yourself to make important changes, add further ideas and delete some passages, provided that all this improves the job content.
When reviewing the essay, focus on the content. Are the arguments solid? If they are not, how could you corroborate them? Are the concepts clear and understandable? How can you be more specific?
Step 3. Ask someone to read your work
If someone else can take a look at it, you will have further help to improve it. Even those who are not very familiar with philosophy can make you understand which are the steps to clarify.
- Try asking a classmate or friend (preferably someone who can write) to check your essay and give you an opinion.
- Some universities provide assistance services for the composition of articles and texts and allow students to receive an opinion from tutors specialized in this field. They can also help you develop effective strategies for reviewing your essay.
- You can also contact your professor if he is willing to give you his impressions before the job is submitted. Make sure you make an appointment at least a week before the deadline, otherwise there is a risk that they won't have time to see you.
Step 4. Refine your work by making corrections
It is the last phase of the process of drafting a text: it involves a final verification aimed at identifying and correcting marginal errors that can distract the reader. So, take your time to re-read your work before submitting the final version.
