Writing A Philosophical Paper

1) Choice of Topic/Thesis Should not be too broad to cover thoroughly Should not be too narrow to be worth covering Should not be so uncontentious that hardly any reasonable person will disagree Should not be so far-fetched that no argument can make it seem plausible

2) Tone Be Objective Do not use inflammatory language Don’t be indignant

3) Balance and Presentation Present your argument, information, and evidence Discuss alternative views as well ◦ What are their merits and downfalls

4) Organization of Paper Opening paragraph ◦ Announces the task you are going to undertake All transitions should be clear and smooth

5) Originality DO NOT PLAGIARIZE! ◦ Plagiarism is using another’s words (or wording close to it), or ideas, allowing the reader to believe/think /conclude that they are your words and/or ideas Always cite your sources ◦ Any information, thoughts, or borrowed wording you used

6) Accuracy Use precise language ◦ So as not to misrepresent information ◦ Either your own ideas or someone else’s

7) Use of Language Use correct grammar and spelling Use proper punctuation Avoid obscure language, phrases, and sentences Be precise Review, edit, and rewrite your paper

8) Clarity Make sure you have clear sentences ◦ And ideas

9) Consistency Make sure there are no contradictions in your thought

10) Strength of Argument Offer reasons in support of your thesis ◦ That a clear thinking, unbiased person would find persuasive

11) Research Use credible sources Use enough research information to justify your claims Use research that is relevant to your topic

Types of Philosophy Papers

1) Thesis Defense Paper About stating a position and giving reasons for believing it is true ◦ E.g. an ethics claim/thesis  “Major corporations have a moral obligation to repair the environmental damage they have done.” Use reliable evidence and strong reasoning in defense of your thesis.

2) Compare-And-Contrast-Papers Showing how two views, books, or philosophies differ and how they are alike.

3) Research Paper A survey of important views that have been written on a specific topic.

4) Summary Papers A restatement of another’s view(s) in your own words.

5) Explanatory Papers Goes beyond a summery. It’s meant to illuminate another’s view(s) through the use of analogies, examples, and/or comparisons.

Philosophy Topics and Sample Paper Topics

1) Ethics The study of moral rights and responsibilities. ◦ Sample Topics  1) The moral obligation of major corporations, why they have them, and/or what they are.  2) Is abortion ever morally justifiable?  3) Human equality and the right to marriage.  4) End of life issues.

2) Political Philosophy The study of political rights and obligations; the study of social justice. ◦ Sample Topics.  1) What should one do when one’s conscience conflicts with law?  2) What constitutes a just law?  3) Where does the responsibility lie when it comes to feeding, and housing the homeless?

Metaphysics/Ontology The study of theories of reality. ◦ Sample Topics:  1) Quantitative and qualitative accounts of nature in the pre-Socratic philosophers;  2) Ancient and modern atomism;  3) Does metaphysics have to be scientific?  4) The mind and body problem.

Epistemology The study of how humans can know, the kinds of knowledge, and the possibility of certainty ◦ Sample Topics:  1) Circularity in Descartes’s Meditations;  2) The subjectivity of scientific knowledge;  3) The merging together of rationalism and empiricism to gain knowledge and understanding.

Philosophy of Religion The study of problems of knowledge and truth in religion. ◦S◦S ample Topics: 11) Can the existence of God be proven empirically? 22) Are there rational justifications for atheism? 33) If God exist, what type of God is S/He, and what are the human implications?

A Thesis Defense Paper Developing A Thesis

Thesis From an ancient Greek word meaning Stand or Position It’s a particular stand or position you take on an issue. Your thesis statement should be stated in your opening paragraph(s). ◦T◦T he first or second paragraph The rest of your paper needs to show why your position is correct or reasonable.

Opening and Closing Paragraphs

Formal Opening Paragraph(s) Formal opening paragraphs should help the reader anticipate the reasoning that will be offered in your paper ◦ A) State your thesis (make it clear) ◦ B) Show how you intend to support your thesis

Formal Closing Paragraph(s) A) They go back to the opening paragraph showing that you have done what you said you were going to do. B) It refers to the body of the paper showing that you did establish what you said you were going to establish.

The Body Of The Paper A) The structure of the paper should reflect the preview you gave in your opening paragraph(s). B) Use Roman Numerals for the various sections of your paper. ◦ For each point. C) Use transition phrases to call attention to shifts in your paper. ◦ E.g. “The third, and final argument in support of my thesis is this …” D) Make sure to use good, clear reasoning.

Tone A) Don’t attempt to sell your ideas using overblown rhetoric. B) Use good reasoning. C) Use reliable insight. D) Sounding sure of yourself is not equal to sounding reasonable. E) Don’t fabricate facts. F) Don’t treat the views of other’s unfairly.

Premises and Conclusions

Premise A statement of evidence An observation, or claim, offered in support of the point to be proven.

Premise Indicators Expressions that often precede and serve to announce a premise. ◦ The most common premise indicators are  Since, and Because ◦ Phrases such as,  “Due to the fact that”, and  “For the following reasons, also introduce premises.

Conclusion A statement for which evidence has been offered. ◦Y◦Y our thesis statement is a conclusion.

Conclusion Indicators Expressions that often precede and serve to announce a conclusion are ◦S◦S o, Thus, Therefore, and Consequently Less common indicators are ◦H◦H ence, ◦A◦A s this leads us to the conclusion that, AAnd ◦I◦I t follows that