POPULAR PHILOSOPHY OUTLINE
Name:______________________________
This form is a guideline only (but a wise guideline). You may wish to divert from it. And you may change the
order that you do the work, for instance, choose the philosopher first, or do the opinion part first. Whatever works.
Process work gets NO marks this time, but I still HIGHLY recommend handing it all in by the due dates below in
order to get feedback on the work you’re doing. There are four parts to this, but the final due date is Dec. 10th.
PART A. By October 29th, or earlier, think of a piece of current media that has some impact
on you (you love/hate it). Make sure it’s something with some depth of meaning to it (not fluff
– particularly not typical love songs). Determine at least three main messages (themes) in the
piece. How does this book/film/song/etc. suggest we should be?? They might be about how
we should live or govern or relate to one another. The messages should contain a clear opinion
about the merits of the actions or attitudes presented in the media. Source quotations if it’s in
print. HINT: To find a theme, watch what the main character learns over the course of the film
or book.
Media:
Main themes (not plot points) and quotations or explanations as supports:
1.
2.
3.
4.
WRITING OUTLINE
PART B. I’ll give you ideas for philosophers as soon as I get your part A. This is often a back
and forth process over the course of a few days. I’ll give you some ideas above, then you
should use Wikipedia or other brief Google searches to decide which one you want to go with.
Let me know as soon as you decide on the philosopher, and I’ll likely be able to find you some
readings. Try to decide and get the readings from me within a week of handing in the media so
you can get started. Ask me for them.
THEN you should spend two weeks doing some significant reading by and about the
philosopher of choice. Then find at least three good quotations from a primary source (BY the
philosopher) to support the main points of connection between the philosophy and the media by
November 19th or earlier. Source each quotation. This is like the first half of the last essay.
Working Title: ____the philosopher_________ as found in ____the media____________
1st half – Comparison Essay – LINK THE THEORIES – What is the philosophy? Prove that these old ideas are
alive and well in contemporary media.
Para1 – Introduction. Include a hook and thesis (three main ideas that encapsulate this philosophy all in one
beautifully worded sentence relating the three main points below in the order that you discuss them) – write the
thesis after you clarify your points and their order:
Para2 – Discuss the significant philosopher briefly.
Para3 – Discuss the piece of media briefly.
Para4 – POINT ONE – philosopher (explain and prove with a quotation)
Para5- POINT ONE – media (connect and prove with a quotation)
Para6 – POINT TWO – philosopher
Para7 – POINT TWO – media
Para8 – POINT THREE – philosopher
Para9 – POINT THREE – media
PART C. Take two weeks to THINK about the ideas being presented. Decide whether or not
this is a good theory, and figure out WHY you think that. Come up with criticisms on both
sides (for and against), pick a side to support, and then refute the opposition in order to clarify
what is your theory on this topic? Then divide your ideas into 3-5 main points.
THEN research criticisms about this philosophy (at least three of them) from people who have
studied philosophy for years, and agree or disagree with them (source all ideas from criticisms
you discuss in your paper). You can often find critiques on either side of any philosopher online. Finish the outline by December 3rd. You can opt to do a rough copy along with your
outline. The December 3rd date for accepting ANY rough work is FIRM!!
2nd half – Persuasive Essay – YOUR OWN IDEAS – Is this a good philosophy? Either agree with criticisms with a
clear and well-reasoned argument opposing the theory, or show the flaws in the criticisms and back up the main
philosophy – or a bit of both. Don’t gushingly write about how you really really like the theory. Tell me WHY.
Para10 – Transitional paragraph: Sum-up the first half, and then introduce the second half with a secondary thesis
(write the thesis after you figure out all your points). Include criticisms and your arguments for or against;
consider the effects and implications of the theory. Should we all live like this? Why or why not?
E.g. Although some say _____, this philosophy is exceptional/problematic because of _____, _______, and
_______. Either refute the opposition (say the critics are wrong) or agree with the opposition and explain why the
theory is problematic. Consider all the implications of this theory. Use real world examples where possible.
Para11 – POINT ONE of your opinion
Para12 – POINT TWO of your opinion
Para13 – POINT THREE of your opinion
Para14 – Conclude the entire essay by touching on the philosopher, the piece of media, and your own ideas.
PART D. Turn the outline into an essay by December 10th. Include a formal List of Works
Consulted (see below):
List of Works Consulted:
Put the final version of your citations in alphabetical order by last name (altogether, not divided into sections).
See how to do MLA formatting, including songs and films, in the dropdown menu under philosophy on the website
(asnyderweb.com). You should have at least five citations:
Media: Source the piece of media fully and any research you’ve done about it.
Main philosopher: You should read at least one complete essay by the philosopher you’re studying. All
quotations must come from a significant reading. Do not source Wikipedia or FamousQuotations or anything
similar – EVER.
Criticisms: Source any readings about the philosophy that you discuss in your essay. You should include at least
three references to significant, professional critiques of this philosophy.
*** Paragraphs should be 3-8 sentences long. If you’re running long, split the paragraph into two.
*** Check that every quotation and idea is clearly sourced within the paper, and that in-text sources match the first
word in the citation in the List of Works Consulted. Put the List of Works in alphabetical order. Include the piece
of media sourced correctly.
*** Check spelling and grammar meticulously! And get help if you need it!
*** Look at your last essay and the rubric for trouble areas. Make sure you didn’t make the same mistakes here.
*** Get it in on time and do a good job.