Philosophy 12U
Independent Study: Research Essay
15% of final mark
FINAL PRODUCT: a formal essay identifying and discussing one major argument/theory of one philosopher
SPECIFICATIONS: five paragraphs, 1200-1500 words, three-point thesis statement, parenthetical citations,
Works Cited, MLA format
How do I do it?
1. Pick a philosopher.
Or choose a topic/field of philosophy and then find a philosopher who contributed to that field.
2.
Find books/info on the philosopher.
You will need at least three.
One should be a primary source; written by the philosopher you are studying. The other two can be books
about your philosopher, or general philosophy books which will have a section/chapter on your philosopher.
Use tables of contents and indexes to do this quickly.
3. Scan your sources.
Watch for common themes, headings, and theories.
Read these sections in detail and look for a thesis statement, or thesis points.
E.g. are there three reasons for a theory? Are there three aspects/characteristics of something? Are there two
or three types of something? Does something cause three things to happen?
4. Devise your thesis statement with three thesis points.
________________ believed/argued that __________________
philosopher’s name
concept/idea
because
1._______________________________
2._______________________________
3._______________________________
You may have only two thesis points if they are points of major significance.
E.g. Albert Schweitzer believed that all humans should practice ‘Reverence for Life’ because
all creatures on the planet are equal,
because humans should treat others as they would like to be treated,
and because humans and animals are interdependent.
OR
Nietzsche argues that Christianity is ultimately evil
because it does not allow humans to practice free will
and because it is used by the rich as a tool to oppress the poor.
5. Find the quotes that support your thesis.
Maximum nine quotes: you will need at least two for each thesis point.
At least two quotes must be from the primary source
No more than two from each of the secondary sources.
6. Sit down and write your essay.
Introduction:
Catchy opening sentences.
Introduce general topic and branch of philosophy
Brief biographical facts/context of philosopher’s work
End with thesis statement.
Paragraph 2:
Introduction/explanation of first thesis point.
Quote #1 to support thesis point.
Discussion of quote in your own words.
Quote #2
Discussion of quote in your own words
Summary of first thesis point and transition to second.
Paragraph 3:
Introduction/explanation of second thesis point
Quote #1 to support thesis point.
Discussion of quote in your own words.
Quote #2
Discussion of quote in your own words
Summary of second thesis point and transition to third.
Paragraph 4:
Introduction/explanation of third thesis point
Quote #1 to support thesis point.
Discussion of quote in your own words.
Quote #2
Discussion of quote in your own words
Summary of third thesis point and transition to end.
Conclusion:
Restate thesis
Summary sentences for each thesis point
Comment on relevance of philosopher’s work
Closing remarks
7. Assess your essay.
Use the rough copy editing form.
Are all the parts there? If something is missing, find it!