Philosophy Senior Essay
The senior essay (PH 475) is a one-block independent study course in which senior
philosophy majors work to develop a thorough understanding of one philosopher’s views
on a particular philosophical issue or problem. This investigation leads to the writing of a
10-15 page senior essay that describes and places into critical context the philosopher’s
approach to the issue or problem.
The senior essay is not a senior thesis, and as such, is not intended primarily as a piece of
original philosophical scholarship. Nevertheless, the essay should demonstrate an
understanding, not only of a single philosopher’s views, but of the relationship between
those views and other related positions. In addition, the essay should critically engage
with the issue or problem. For example, the essay may: 1) identify aspects of the view
that call for further questioning or development, 2) assess the plausibility of the view
from a contemporary perspective, 3) ask how well the view fits with ideas from other
theoretical or cultural perspectives, or 4) some combination of the foregoing.
Research for the senior essay typically will involve close reading of the philosopher’s
work, as well as engagement with the views of that philosopher’s main interlocutors and
appropriate secondary literature. A complete essay is due at the end of the senior essay
block, and will be graded by the faculty advisor. During the spring Senior Seminar
course (PH 476, block 7), students will have the opportunity to revise, polish, present,
and further contextualize their essays.
Logistics: Students are welcome and encouraged to identify their topics by the end of
their junior year, and to begin discussing with department faculty members the possibility
of their serving as advisor for the essay. A meeting for seniors will be held in block 1, at
which students will be asked to identify their senior essay topics (philosopher and
issue/problem), as well as possible advisors and senior essay blocks. Faculty advisors
will then be assigned by the department, at which point students should register for senior
essay with their advisor in the agreed-upon block, which may be any block before block
7.