Writing a philosophy paper is different from writing other papers.In a philosophy paper you must present and defend an argument.The first step in writing a strong philosophy paper is outlining your paper.Provide multiple points of view, present your argument clearly, and anticipate any objections other people might bring up.Before you turn it in, polish it and check it out.
Step 1: Look for reliable and relevant sources.
You can use your school's library to find reliable sources.There are philosophy textbooks, articles in scholarly journals, and texts written by philosophers.Use scholarly articles when using the internet.Ask your instructor if your school has access to academic search engines.It's a good idea to avoid websites that contain inaccuracies.References to other scholars or experts are important for your research.What do they have to say about it?The stronger your paper is, the more points of view you find.
Step 2: As you read, make notes.
As you read through your sources, write down relevant quotes, interesting points, and your own thoughts.Your outline will be based on these notes.
Step 3: Your thesis should be chosen.
The main argument that you are making is your thesis.Use your notes to come up with a thesis.The paper should try to answer the question.One that is relevant and interesting can be successfully addressed in the amount of time you have.During the research process, a thesis may change several times.It's fine if you can support your position in the final paper."It is immoral to deny oneself anything which brings happiness, even at the expense of others” is one example of a strong thesis.
Step 4: Take your notes and make a rough outline of them.
In which order you'll give the terms, definitions, and criticisms.You can either present your entire argument first, then the objections, or you can argue with objections as you go.Go with the first option if there are many objections.
Step 5: Context is important for your arguments.
The factors that may have influenced a person's opinion can be found in context.The influence of a teacher, political climates, and personal experiences can all affect a person's philosophy.
Step 6: The thesis should be clearly stated in the paper.
The paper's central theme should be included in the first or second paragraph.You should tell the reader why they should care about the points you are making after you state your thesis.Some papers will present all of the arguments first, but this is not a good idea for college-level papers.If your thesis is that mercy has more value than justice, you could make a statement such as: "In a system rules solely by justice there is no room for humanity."A person who shopslifts for a thrill would be treated the same as a mother whosteals bread for her starving child.The mother would be given a lesser penalty than the shoplifter.
Step 7: Technical or ambiguous terms are what they are.
The reader should not be made to guess what you're talking about.Take the time to define a highly technical term, one with a very specific meaning, or a phrase which may be interpreted in different ways.
Step 8: Phrases like "I will argue..." or "My next objection..." can be used.
The reader can easily follow your train of thought.signposts are used to announce what you are arguing.
Step 9: You should not be a fence-sitter.
If you don't have a clear answer to an argument, you should always pick a side and stick to it in your paper.In the paper on mercy vs justice, you would keep coming back to your position that mercy has more value than justice no matter how many objections you have.There will be situations where justice needs to be implemented and a mercy approach is not appropriate.Your argument is that the quality of mercy has more value than retributive justice, so you can acknowledge that.
Step 10: Answer questions.
Think about what you're saying as you write your paper.Try to answer any questions they have in advance.Some questions your readers could ask are: "How do you define the terms'mercy' and 'justice'?", "Do an emphasis on mercy only apply to everyday situations or does it extend to the justice system?" and "In what situations would you choose justice over mercy?"
Step 11: You can use examples and analogies.
A lot of complex topics can be covered by philosophy.analogies and metaphors can be used to draw parallels between ideas and experiences.An example of the value of mercy is that of a mother who forgives her child when the child has a bad day because she loves them and believes they will do better next time.
Step 12: Be aware of objections to your arguments.
Anticipating objections to your statements is one of the most important aspects of writing a philosophy paper.These are called counter-objections.Imagine having an argument with someone who disagrees with you.What might that person say to you?It is possible that a serial killer who preyed on children does not deserve mercy.
Step 13: You should respond to the counter-objection.
Your main point will be weakened if you only acknowledge a counter.Explain why you think the counter is invalid.If you serve the serial killer with a just sentence, you are showing mercy to the family and friends of his victims.
Step 14: Don't ignore the criticisms against your thesis.
Failure to address objections will make your paper seem weak, and this will be reflected in your grade.The major criticisms should be addressed thoroughly.
Step 15: The counter-objections should be followed with a positive argument.
After addressing and defending against relevant counter, make your own positive argument in support of your thesis.Address the counter-objections if this raises more.After addressing the counter about the serial killer, make a strong argument in favor of a mercy approach.A case of a reformed criminal who was pardoned from prison and went on to do great things is an example.There is a story in the Bible about God showing mercy to the Egyptians and freeing them from slavery.The Egyptians were punished for holding the Hebrews captive.
Step 16: Consistency is important in your language.
If you refer to a concept in your paper with the same term, use it consistently.Refer to Harry's first- and second-order desires in the same way throughout the paper, rather than using different terminology such as "primary wants" or "inner desires".
Step 17: It's important that you have explained your thoughts.
It is important to read through your paper from beginning to end to make it easy to follow.
Step 18: Take your examples and round them up.
You have to make sure the examples connect to the point you were making before.
Step 19: Be concise.
Explain yourself concisely, but fully.Simple prose makes it easy for the reader to follow you from point to point.
Step 20: End with a few words.
You should end the paper with a concluding paragraph.A summary of the points you made in the paper and a restating of your thesis is what you should finish with.All of the information you want included in your paper should be presented in the body of your concluding paragraph.
Step 21: You need to proofread your paper before you turn it in.
If you want to read your paper sentence by sentence, start at the end and work your way up.You will be more likely to catch errors if you read more slowly.