WRITING A PAPER IN PHILOSOPHY
Writing a paper in Philosophy can be a very interesting task provided that you do not start too late.
One of the most detrimental mistakes that students often make is that they count on their
productiveness during the last hours before the paper is due. Yet the texts and topics discussed in
Philosophy require time. To ultimately be able to produce a good paper in philosophy you should
allow plenty of time for:
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understanding or beginning to understand the primary text in what will most likely have to
be several readings
visiting the library to acquire and read secondary sources that discuss the primary text
material
thinking about the philosophical argument
discussing the ideas with friends, fellow students, the teacher
critically analyzing and assessing the topic
writing the paper and revising it repeatedly.
More specifically, the task for the term paper is to choose an argument from the primary sources
used in this class, to discuss it, analyze, and critically assess it. While you should only address a
specific excerpt/argument from the reading list it is nevertheless very important that you broaden
your own understanding of this passage through a more comprehensive reading of your chosen
philosopher's position (primary text) and consult what other scholars have written about the
philosopher and his/her work. You are required to read one primary and at least three secondary
sources in relation to your topic and document these diligently in your paper (MLA style). The
following Website offers a basic information regarding citing sources:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sources/ In performing your research, work methodically. Nothing
can be more frustrating than a sloppy or non existent documentation of your sources when you
finally come to write your paper. You certainly do not want to spend hours of detective recovery
work for a quotation that you did not mark in the first place!
Before starting your writing process please think about the way your paper should be structured. An
outline should serve as a strategic plan for the writing process. Such an outline can be very creative.
It does not have to follow a linear structure and should be adaptable to a work in progress. Do not
forget to discuss the outline with your instructor.
Overall, a good paper should include the following elements:
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a thesis, which clearly states your own position with regard to the text in one or two
sentences
an outline
a summary of the argument addressed, which offers a fair representation of the
philosopher's position
an analysis of the argument
a critical assessment, in which you establish your own reasoned position
A foremost task in this critical analysis will be your assessment of the way your philosopher uses
reasoning. The following Website provides you with an introduction to key terms and explanations
about the endeavor of critical reasoning: http://www.univnorthco.edu/philosophy/arg.html .
Please study the various examples and apply the argument assessment strategy to your own work.
Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Some resources you might want to look at in your research:
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Oxford Scholarship Online
Philosophy Research Guide
Extensive Guide to Write a Term Paper
Best of luck with your paper!