philosophy essay outline template

How to Write a Philosophy Paper: Bridging Minds

Table of contents

• 1 What is a Philosophy Paper?
• 2.1 Philosophy Research Paper Introduction
• 2.2 Body Sections
• 2.3 Writing a Philosophy Paper Conclusion
• 3 Template for a Philosophy Essay Structure
• 4 How to Format a Philosophy Research Paper
• 5.1 Choose a Topic
• 5.2 Read the Material and Take Notes
• 5.3 Think about Your Thesis
• 5.4 Make an Outline
• 5.5 Make a First Draft
• 5.6 Work on the Sections
• 5.7 Engage with Counterarguments
• 5.8 Don’t Niglet Citations
• 5.9 Check Formatting Guidelines.
• 5.10 Revise and Proofread
• 6 How to Select the Best Philosophy Essay Topic?
• 7.1 Argumentative Philosophy Essay Topics
• 7.2 Plato Essay Topics
• 7.3 Worldview Essay Topics
• 7.4 Transcendentalism Essay Topics
• 7.5 Practical Philosophy Essay Topics
• 7.6 Enlightenment Essay Topics
• 8 Let Your Philosophy Paper Shine

As a college student who has decided to take a philosophy course, you may be new to this science. A philosophy assignment may seem hard, and this subject is indeed pretty difficult. You read some text, but what you read is just one level of the text, as you need to think critically and analyze what the author is trying to get across. It also involves a lot of analytical and deep thinking. Thus, it is difficult to do an assignment unless you fully understand the text. Don’t freak out if you have little experience with this subject, as we have prepared a comprehensive guide on how to write a philosophy paper, from which you will know:

• The essence of philosophy paper, its structure and format
• Why it is important not to omit the outline stage
• Practical tips on writing a philosophy research paper.

What is a Philosophy Paper?

A philosophy research paper is an academic work that presents a comprehensive exploration of a specific philosophical question , topic, or thinker. It typically involves the analysis of arguments, the articulation of one’s own positions or perspectives, and the evaluation of philosophical texts and ideas. The primary objective of such a paper is to contribute to the understanding of philosophical issues by critically examining existing views, offering new interpretations, or developing novel arguments. The paper is characterized by rigorous logical reasoning, clear articulation of ideas, and grounding in relevant philosophical literature.

Drafting a philosophy essay begins with appreciating precisely what a philosophy research paper entails. It involves taking a definite position on a philosophical topic and defending that viewpoint with a logical, irrefutable claim. A good research essay generally uses rational arguments to lead readers down a path to a conclusive, hard-to-contradict resolution.

Philosophy Paper Outline Structure

Writing a quality philosophy paper means beginning with a first-rate outline. The best philosophy paper outline is straightforward in its intent, takes up a position, and is uncomplicated in its language. A proper outline makes drafting easier and less time-consuming. Moreover, philosophical writing with a clear-cut outline will lend assurance that your end result is condensed yet enlightening.

After determining a format, you are ready to begin writing out your philosophy paper outline. The first step in this process is to determine how to choose a topic for a paper. Great papers are those that the writer is most interested in. Once your topic has been chosen, your outline can be written with specific details and facts. Said specifics will take your introduction, body, and conclusion through an easy-to-follow guide.

Philosophy Research Paper Introduction

Your research essay should begin with a striking and  attention-grabbing hook . It should identify your topic of focus in some way and ensure that readers have the desire to continue on. The hook is intended to smoothly transition to your thesis statement, which is the claim your thesis is venturing to prove. Your thesis statement should lead readers to  the question of research – the distinct question that will be wholly explained in the body of writing. Finally, your  introduction for the research paper will close with your stance on the question.

Body Sections

The body aspect of a philosophy thesis is considered the meat of any paper. It is hard unless you find someone to  write my philosophy paper for me . This element is where most of the logic behind your stance is contained. Typically, bodies are made up of 3 sections, each explaining the explicit reasoning behind your position. For instance, the first chunk of the body will directly and logically answer the question posed.

In your second body section, use statements that argue why your position is correct. These statements should be informed, prudent, and concise in their reasoning, yet still presented without overly fancy lingo. The explanation of your argument should not be easily opposed. It should also be succinct and without fluff, insulating the explanatory material.

The third portion of the body section should defend your thesis against those that may have counterarguments. This will be the backbone of the essay – the portion that is too hard to refute. By ensuring that criticisms are properly and utterly denounced and the thesis is ratified, philosophical writing will begin to reach its end – the conclusion.

Writing a Philosophy Paper Conclusion

The conclusion is ultimately meant to tie the entire work together in a nice, coherent fashion. It should start with a brief rehash of the body section of your essay. Then, it will move into explaining the importance of the thesis and argument as a whole.  Quality conclusions are ones that will offer a sense of closure.

Template for a Philosophy Essay Structure

A suggested template to help guide you when writing out a philosophy outline is as follows:

The use of the above outline template is sure to help with the overall drafting procedure of philosophical writing. Understanding the proper use of the outline is ideal for the best end product.

Putting an outline to use makes the process of writing a philosophy paper much more simple. By using an outline to navigate your thoughts as you write, your essay nearly composes itself. The addition of detail to an outline as it is written provides pronounced facts and a full outline. Take the outline chock full of thoughts and ideas, add words and transitions, and you have a complete paper.

How to Format a Philosophy Research Paper

Formatting a philosophy paper starts with choosing a citation style . The choice between APA, MLA, and Chicago styles simply lay out citations in contrasting manners for your philosophical writing. Each of these styles requires a differing method of citing sources and varying types of organization. Most commonly, philosophy research paper citations are done in MLA or Chicago. While both are accepted, it may be best to choose which your supervisor requires.

Luckily, you can  APA research papers for sale and forget about this stress.

10 Steps to Write a Great Philosophy Paper Like a Pro

Learning how to write a philosophy research paper outline is a skill that can be carried over to numerous other subjects. While philosophical writing is a bit different than most other topics of discussion, the outline can be applied to others fairly easily. Proper utilization of outlines makes for a well-thought-out and structured thesis work that a writer can be proud of.

Choose a Topic

One of the primary steps is choosing a topic, and that is the first thing college students get stuck on. If you can not choose a topic you are interested in, talk to your university professor. You can also take a look at different lists of ideas on the Internet.

Read the Material and Take Notes

Read all materials carefully and take notes of important ideas. It is a good idea to read the material a couple of times as there will always be something you don’t notice at first. It is important to have a clear understanding of what you read to nail your assignment. If you feel like you don’t understand anything, then Google ‘ write my philosophy paper for me ’ and get help from real professionals.

Think about Your Thesis

Before you start writing, realize what you are going to show. Your work should have a strong thesis that states your position. The central component of the work is a clear thesis statement followed by supporting claims.

Make an Outline

An outline should include your ideas for the introduction, your thesis, main points, and conclusion. Having a philosophy paper outline before working on the assignment can help you stay focused and ensure you include all major points.

Make a First Draft

Don’t worry about perfection at this stage. Instead, focus on getting your ideas on paper. Following your outline, start building your arguments. Make sure to provide evidence or reasons for your claims.

Work on the Sections

Introduction: An introduction for a research paper is an essential part of any assignment because it gives your readers an overview of your work. It is your opportunity to grab their attention, so take this step seriously. Remember the thesis statement? You should present it here.

Main body: In this part, you need to present arguments and support your thesis. Start with providing a clear explanation of the philosopher’s ideas and move to the evaluation. Support your thesis by using examples.

Conclusion: A conclusion for any research paper is where you restate your central thesis. It should look like a mirror image of the introduction. Here you need to summarize the major points of your work.

Engage with Counterarguments

A good philosophy paper acknowledges opposing views. Make sure to address these counterarguments and provide reasons for why you believe your stance is more compelling.

Don’t Niglet Citations

Citations serve as a bridge. They link your ideas to the broader world of philosophical discourse, allowing readers to trace back your sources and delve deeper if they wish. Always remember, that citations are more than a mere formality. They correspond to specific ideas, arguments, or facts you present in your paper. This means every claim, idea, or quote you borrow from a philosopher needs to be clearly linked to its source. In this way, you will be sure that your work will be free of plagiarism .

Check Formatting Guidelines.

It’s also crucial to maintain consistency in your citation style. Whether you use APA, MLA, or Chicago, stick to one style throughout your paper.

Revise and Proofread

Once you finish your masterpiece, it is time to  edit and proofread the research paper . We recommend you put your work aside for a few days to have a fresh perspective when start editing it.

How to Select the Best Philosophy Essay Topic?

First of all, we recommend deciding on a direction that interests you more. It can be a theoretical aspect, applicative use of philosophy or even the integration of this science with others – for example, ontology or metaphysics. After all, it is essential to reflect your thoughts correctly in writing for any direction. You will need to use writing tools for students to show your judgments accurately in the essay. Sometimes this can be a difficult task when the authors of the papers get into a so-called flow state.

Secondly, choosing a good topic that can be compared with the opinions of already-known thinkers is necessary for a deeper justification of your point of view. To do this, use the appropriate essay quotation format to make your paper easy to read. After all, while we are not recognized philosophers, proving our claims will be helpful to get the highest score.

If you still need to get philosophy essay ideas, continue reading this article. Here you will find 70 interesting topics that you can use as a topic for your essay or get inspired to create your own.

Easy Philosophy Paper Topics

Often we want to avoid reinventing the wheel. We are interested in writing an exciting but easy essay. So, if you were looking for simple philosophical essay topics, here is the list of the top 10 topics in philosophy for your paper:

• Human Responsibilities in Different World Religions: Why are They Distinct?
• Good and Evil: Do They Have Anything in Common? Will They Be Able to Insulate One without the Other?
• Advantages and Disadvantages of a Hedonistic Approach to Life
• Life after Death: Should We Endure the Circumstances of the X-axis for a Better Future on the Y-axis?
• Why Ancient People Asked Themselves the Same Questions as We Do: Isn’t Humanity Progressing?
• Do We Fulfill Our Moral Obligation to Parents by Helping Children?
• Three Features: Each from an Animal and an Angel. What is the Nature of Man?
• Is Genetic Engineering Ethical with Respect to the Laws of Nature?
• How Society Can Influence the Personal Choice of the Sense of Life for Each of Us
• Self-Determination of a Person & the Formation of our Microuniverse

Argumentative Philosophy Essay Topics

If you think more analytically, use it to your advantage. The argumentative type of philosophy essay is an unusual and exciting option for such papers since it requires strong thesis statement points. If you want to write exactly this sort of essay, these essay topics ideas will come in handy to decide on the topic of your work:

• Peaceful Protests/Desperate Battle: a Critical Analysis of the Philosophy of Resistance
• The Borderland Situation and Absurdity: Analytical Review.
• Explanation of the Path of any Subject to the Point of No Return. A Critical Analysis of “The Myth of Sisyphus” 1942.
• The Paradox of Absurdity and How to Find a Way Out of It: Follow the Rules or Set Yours
• Comparative Analysis of Forms of Globalization from the Point of View of Philosophy
• E. Leroy, P. Teilhard de Shader and Volodymyr Vernandskyi: Together About the Noosphere, Separately About its Functioning.
• Analysis of the Origins of the First Thinkers from the Point of View of Metaphysics.
• The Legal Aspect of Organ Cloning and Entire Human Cloning. Does it Make a Difference?
• Are People Obliged to Always Tell the Truth and Nothing But the Truth?
• Is Experience Acquired through Lived Years or Situations? Explanation of Each of the Parties.

Plato Essay Topics

Plato and Aristotle were the founders of philosophy in their classical sense. That is why writing an essay that will outline or refute Plato’s reasoning is a surefire option to impress your teacher and stand out from the rest of the group. If you still don’t know what to write about, below are the topics in the philosophy type of paper:

• Understanding a Being as a Multiplicity of Organic Elements According to Plato’s Postulates.
• Reflection of the Philosophy of Truth As an Idea: Plato’s Teaching
• Plato’s way of Familiarizing themself with the Truth through Memories
• Is It Possible to Trace the Influence of Socrates on Plato’s Philosophy: a Detailed Analysis
• Truth Exists, but It does not Exist until Being Developed – the Main Contradiction of Plato’s System of Philosophy Understanding
• “Phaedo”: Philosophy is the Science of Death.
• Plato’s Dialectic: Philosophy is the Cornice that Crowns All Our Knowledge
• Platonic Vision of Four Types of Dialectics as Four Modes of the Soul Activity
• A Move Against Democracy from the Platonic Postulates of Understanding the State and Society According to Personal Philosophy
• Plato and the “Ladder of Love” in the “Banquet”: Beautiful Bodies, Souls, Tempers and Sciences.

Worldview Essay Topics

Worldview and philosophy are similar concepts; they are rooted in the history of the human race. That is why this type of essay is interesting for both writing and reading. Choose your worldview essay topic from the options below to create your perfect piece of writing:

• Three-Aspect Structure of Worldview: Elements, Levels, Main Subsystems
• Mythological and Religious Types of Worldview: What do They Have in Common?
• Worldview as an Individual Prism of Multilevel Interaction Between Man and the World
• The Influence of Previous Generations on Modern Prejudices of our Outlook
• Ideological Form of Globalization. How does Social Media Affect It?
• The Noosphere as a Part of Countering Global Warming
• Modern Beauty Standards and the Bodily Phenomenon of Existence: What is the Connection between Them?
• Human Rights. Philosophy and Ethics
• Religious Beliefs as a Form of Philosophy Existence
• A Complex and Fragmented Approach to Studying the Worldview of Different Nations

Transcendentalism Essay Topics

Transcendentalism, as a new stage in the formation of philosophy, played a key role in its modern appearance. If you are more inclined towards more modernist lines of philosophy, these topics will suit you perfectly:

• Classical German Philosophy. Rational and Intelligent Thinking
• Subjectively Realistic Description of the Environment According to Categories of Philosophy
• The Influence of Transcendentalism on the Ongoing Development of Philosophy Accordingly to the Categories of Multiplicity and Necessity
• 10 Categories Denoting Deep Connections in being Relative to Transcendentalism: What Unites and Distinguishes Them
• Scientific Contemplation as a Mental Category through the Prism of the 20s Years of the 20th Century
• Life at the Intersection of the Past and the Future: Influence on Currents of American Transcendentalism Philosophy
• Modes of Perception of Time & Time as Duration: New ideas of Transcendentalists or Paraphrasing of Hegel’s Postulates?
• Ontological Doctrines and their Essential Characteristics: Henry David Thoreau
• Concepts of Understanding Space and their Qualitative Changes Relative to New Views on Philosophy
• Nature for Self-Sufficiency as the Main Myth of Philosophy Currents at the Beginning of the 20th Century

Practical Philosophy Essay Topics

The theory is great. However, any science’s practical and applied meaning is interesting for each of us. If you are interested in delving into the use of philosophy in modern society, these topics will not leave you indifferent:

• Everyday/Life Level of Philosophy
• Philosophy of Principles. What does It Mean to be Guided by a Certain Life Principle?
• Approach of Philosophy to the Life of Tibetan Monks – does It Correlate with Reality?
• Prejudice against Residents of Third World Countries: Reasons for Contempt for Their Mentality and Lifestyle
• Unpreparedness of College Teachers for Changes in the Education System: What are They Afraid of?
• Truth as the Last Instance of Communication with People. Is It Always Necessary?
• The Philosophy of Excessive Consumption in the USA. What Basis does it Have?
• Does the Concept of One’s Opinion Exist in the Era of Oversaturation of Information?
• The use of Ancient Greek Postulates in Philosophy Today – is the Appeal to Classical Canons Still Relevant?
• The Concept of Ethical and Moral Principles in the Era of Excessive Permissiveness.

Enlightenment Essay Topics

Enlightenment played a huge role in all sciences and spheres of human life. It’s a mind-blowing theme to write about. So, if you were looking for some ideas for your Enlightenment essay topic, we’ve prepared the best ones for you:

• Does the Urge to Study and Develop the Beautiful in Man Still Influence Modern Philosophy?
• Empiricism and Rationalism: Julien Aufre de Lametre’s Attempt to Unite Them
• The Concept of Atheistic Speech of Enlightenment: Religious Dogmatics Debunktion by Voltaire
• Voltaire: Ignorance, Fanaticism, Delusion and Lies Are Cultivated by Christianity
• The State as a Level of Inequality between the Rich and the Poor, According to Rousseau’s Views.
• The Immense Book of Nature as an Object of Knowledge According to Denis Diderot
• The Structure of Existence through Its Concepts: Elements, Substratum, Substance, Objective Reality beyond Human Consciousness and the Condition of Multiplicity.
• Concepts of Understanding Space and Time in Enlightenment Philosophy
• “Molecular Motion” by Paul Holbach: What is It?
• Social Life Based on the Principles of Reason and Justice – “About Reason” Andrian Helvetius

Let Your Philosophy Paper Shine

Good philosophy research paper writing requires some craft and care. Edit your work until it feels right, and make sure you are confident about your claims. If this science is just not your thing, or you struggle to understand it and doing assignments is sheer torture for you, then order a philosophical work crafted by real professionals! The best way to do your assignment is to leave it to experts and forget about your problems.

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How to Write a Philosophy Essay: Ultimate Guide

What Is a Philosophy Essay: Definition

Philosophical writing isn't your typical assignment. Its aim isn't to provide an overview of professional philosophers' works and say whether you agree with them.

Philosophy demands becoming a philosopher for the time of writing, thinking analytically and critically of ideas, pondering the Big Questions, and asking 'Why?'. That's why it requires time and energy, as well as a lot of thinking on your part.

But what is philosophy essay, exactly? If you're tasked with writing one, you'll have to select a thesis in the philosophical domain and argue for or against it. Then, you can support your thesis with other professional philosophers' works. But it has to contain your own philosophical contribution, too. (This is only one definition of philosophy essay, of course.)

What's a Good Philosophy Paper Outline?

Before you start writing your first line, you should make a philosophy essay outline. Think of it as a plan for your philosophy paper that briefly describes each paragraph's point.

As for how to write a philosophy essay outline, here are a few tips for you:

• Start with your thesis. What will you be arguing for or against?
• Read what philosophical theory has to say and note sources for your possible arguments and counterarguments.
• Decide on the definitions of core concepts to include precise philosophical meanings in your essay.
• After careful and extended reflection, organize your ideas following the structure below.

How To Structure a Philosophy Paper?

Like any other essay, a philosophy paper consists of an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion. Sticking to this traditional philosophy essay structure will help you avoid unnecessary stress.

Here's your mini-guide on how to structure a philosophy essay:

• Introduction - Clarify the question you will be answering in your philosophy paper. State your thesis – i.e., the answer you'll be arguing for. Explain general philosophical terms if needed.
• Main body - Start with providing arguments for your stance and refute all the objections for each of them. Then, describe other possible answers and their reasoning – and counter the main arguments in their support.
• Conclusion - Sum up all possible answers to the questions and reiterate why yours is the most viable one.

What's an Appropriate Philosophy Essay Length?

In our experience, 2,000 to 2,500 words are enough to cover the topic in-depth without compromising the quality of the writing.

However, see whether you have an assigned word limit before getting started. If it's shorter or longer than we recommend, stick to that word limit in writing your essay on philosophy.

What Format Should You Use for a Philosophy Paper?

As a philosophy and psychology essay writing service , we can attest that most students use the APA guidelines as their philosophy essay format. However, your school has the final say in what format you should stick to.

Sometimes, you can be asked to use a different college philosophy essay format, like MLA or Chicago. But if you're the one to choose the guidelines and don't know which one would be a good philosophy argumentative essay format, let's break down the most popular ones.

APA, MLA, and Chicago share some characteristics:

• Font: Time New Roman, 12 pt
• Line spacing: double
• Margins: 1" (left and right)
• Page number: in the header

But here's how they differ:

• A title page required
• Sources list: 'References' page
• No title page required
• Sources list: 'Works cited' page
• Sources list: 'Bibliography' page
• Footnotes and endnotes are required for citations

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Guideline on How to Write a Philosophy Essay

If you still don't feel that confident about writing a philosophy paper, don't worry. Philosophical questions, by definition, have more than one interpretation. That's what makes them so challenging to write about.

To help you out in your philosophical writing journey, we've prepared this list of seven tips on how to write a philosophy essay.

• Read Your Sources Thoughtfully

Whether your recommended reading includes Dante's Divine Comedy or Jean-Paul Sartre's Existentialism Is a Humanism , approach your sources with curiosity and analytical thinking. Don't just mindlessly consume those texts. Instead, keep asking yourself questions while you're reading them, such as:

• What concepts and questions does the author address?
• What's the meaning behind key ideas and metaphors in the text?
• What does the author use as a convincing argument?
• Are there any strange or obscure distinctions?

As for which sources you should turn to, that all depends on your central question; philosophy topics for essay are diverse and sometimes opposed. So, you'll have to do your fair share of research.

• Brainstorm & Organize Your Ideas

As you're reading those texts, jot down what comes to your mind. It can be a great quote you've stumbled upon, an idea for an argument, or your thoughtful, critical responses to certain opinions.

Then, sort through and organize all of those notes into an outline for your essay in philosophy. Make sure that it holds up in terms of logic. And ensure that your arguments and counterarguments are compelling, sensible, and convincing!

Now, you might be wondering how to write a philosophy essay introduction. Don't worry: there's an explanation right below!

• Craft Your Introductory Paragraph

Think of your introduction as a road map preparing your reader for the journey your essay will take them on. This road map will describe the key 'stops' in your essay on philosophy: your topic, stance, and how you will argue for it – and refute other stances.

Don't hesitate to write it out as a step-by-step guide in the first or third person. For example: 'First, I will examine... Then, I will dispute... Finally, I will present….'

Need an example of an excellent introduction for a philosophy paper? You’ll be thrilled to know that we have one of our philosophy essay examples below!

• Present Your Key Arguments & Reflections

Philosophy papers require a fair share of expository writing. This is where you demonstrate your understanding of the topic. So, make your exposition extensive and in-depth, and don't omit anything crucial.

As for the rest of the main body, we've covered how to structure a philosophy essay above. In short, you'll need to present supporting arguments, anticipate objections, and address them.

Use your own words when writing a philosophy paper; avoid pretentious or verbose language. Yes, some technical philosophical terms may be necessary. But the point of a philosophical paper is to present your stance – and develop your own philosophy – on the topic.

• Don't Shy Away from Critical Ideas

Whenever you examine a philosophical theory or text, treat it with a fair share of criticism. This is what it means in practice – and how to structure a philosophy essay around your critical ideas:

• Pinpoint what the theory's or idea's strengths are and every valid argument in its support;
• See the scope of its application – perhaps, there are exceptions you can use as counterarguments;
• Research someone else's criticism of the theory or idea. Develop your own criticism, as well;
• Check if the philosopher already addressed those criticisms.
• Ponder Possible Answers to Philosophical Questions

Writing an essay in philosophy is, in fact, easier for some students as the topic can always have multiple answers, and you can choose any of them. However, this can represent an even tougher challenge for other students. After all, you must consider those possible answers and address them in the paper.

How do you pinpoint those possible answers? Some of them can come to your mind when you brainstorm, especially if you'll be writing about one of the Big Questions. Others will reveal themselves when you start reading other philosophers' works.

Remember to have arguments for and against each possible answer and address objections.

• Write a Powerful Conclusion

The conclusion is where you sum up your paper in just one paragraph. Reiterate your thesis and what arguments support it. But in philosophical writing, you can rarely have a clear, undebatable answer by the end of the paper. So, it's fine if your conclusion doesn't have a definitive verdict.

Here are a few tips on how to write a conclusion in a philosophy essay:

• Don't introduce new arguments or evidence in conclusion – they belong in the main body;
• Avoid overestimating or embellishing the level or value of your work;
• Best conclusions are obvious and logical for those reading the paper – i.e.; a conclusion shouldn't be surprising at all;
• Stay away from poorly explained claims in conclusion.

Philosophical Essay Example

Sometimes, it's better to see how it's done once than to read a thousand guides. We know that like no one else, so we have prepared this short philosophy essay example to show you what excellent philosophy papers look like:

Like this example? Wondering how to get a custom essay as great as it is? You're in luck: you can buy online essay at EssayPro without breaking the bank! Keep in mind: this example is only a fraction of what our writers are capable of!

30 Philosophy Paper Topic Ideas

Philosophical writing concerns questions that don't have clear-cut yes or no answers. So, coming up with philosophy essay topics yourself can be tough.

Fret not: we've put together this list of 30 topics for philosophy papers on ethics and leadership for you. Feel free to use them as-is or tweak them!

15 Ethics Philosophy Essay Topics

Ethics deals with the question of right and wrong. So, if you're looking for philosophy essay topic ideas, ethics concerns some of the most interesting – and most mind-boggling – questions about human behavior.

Here are 15 compelling philosophy essay topics ethics has to offer you:

• Is starting a war always morally wrong?
• Would it be right to legalize euthanasia?
• What is more important: the right to privacy or national security?
• Is justice always fair?
• Should nuclear weapons be banned?
• Should teenagers be allowed to get plastic surgery?
• Can cheating be justifiable?
• Can AI algorithms behave ethically?
• Should you abide by an unfair law?
• Should voting become mandatory?
• When can the right to freedom of speech be limited?
• Is it the consumers' responsibility to fight climate by changing their buying decisions?
• Is getting an abortion immoral?
• Should we give animals their own rights?
• Would human gene editing be immoral?

15 Leadership Philosophy Essay Topics

You're lucky if you're tasked with writing a leadership philosophy essay! We've compiled this list of 15 fresh, unconventional topics for you:

• Is formal leadership necessary for ensuring the team's productivity?
• Can authoritative leadership be ethical?
• How do informal leaders take on this role?
• Should there be affirmative action for formal leadership roles?
• Is it possible to measure leadership?
• What's the most important trait of a leader?
• Is leadership an innate talent or an acquired skill?
• Should leadership mean holding power over others?
• Can a team function without a leader?
• Should you follow a leader no matter what?
• Is leader succession necessary? Why?
• Are leadership and power the same?
• Can we consider influencers contemporary leaders?
• Why do people follow leaders?
• What leadership style is the most ethical one?

7 Helpful Tips on Crafting a Philosophical Essay

Still, feeling stuck writing a philosophical essay? Here are seven more tips on crafting a good philosophy paper that can help you get unstuck:

• Write the way you would talk about the subject. This will help you avoid overly convoluted, poor writing by using more straightforward prose with familiar words.
• Don't focus on having a definitive answer by the end of your philosophical essay if your conclusion states that the question should be clarified further or that there are multiple answers.
• You don't have to answer every question you raise in the paper. Even professional philosophers sometimes don't have all the answers.
• Get straight to the point at the start of your paper. No need to warm up the reader – and inflate your word count.
• Avoid using quotes. Instead, explain the author's point in your own words. But if you feel it's better to use a direct quote, explicitly state how it ties to your argument after it.
• Write in the first person unless your assignment requires you to use the third person.
• Start working on your philosophical essay well in advance. However much time you think you'll need, double it!

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Philosophy Writing

Sometimes, knowing what you shouldn't do in a philosophical essay is also helpful. Here are seven common mistakes that often bring down students' grades – but are easily avoidable:

• Appealing to authority – in philosophy, strive to develop your own stance instead;
• Using convoluted sentences to appear more intelligent – instead, use simpler ways to deliver the same meaning;
• Including interesting or important material without tying it to your point – every piece of evidence and every idea should explicitly support your arguments or counterarguments;
• Inflating your word count without delivering value – in the writing process, it's crucial to 'kill your darlings';
• Making poorly explained claims – explicitly present reasons for or against every claim you include;
• Leaving core concepts undefined – explain what you mean by the words like 'free will' or 'existentialism' in the introduction;
• Worrying about being wrong – no one can be proven wrong in philosophy!

Realize that your draft contains those mistakes, and it's too late to fix them? Then, let us help you out! Whether you ask us, 'Fix my paper' or ' Write my paper from scratch,' our philosophy writers will deliver an excellent paper worth the top grade. And no, it won't cost you a fortune!

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1.7: Creating a Philosophical Outline

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6 Creating a Philosophical Outline 12

Choosing a topic and figuring out the basics

When choosing your topic for a philosophical essay, make sure you choose a topic that requires you to take a position that requires significant defense. The basic things that you need to do for a complete outline is: pick your topic, describe it, pick your side, explain your side, defend it, and state and respond to an objection for your argument (such as, “Someone might disagree with me because I’m not a nuclear scientist, but they’re wrong because…”). For example, you cannot choose to argue that Double Stuf Oreos are better than regular Oreos because everyone would agree with that. You can, however, argue for one side in classic debates such as abortion, free will, or that the Dodgers are better than the Lakers.

You need to be sure to recognize the important philosophical aspects in your topic, break down the issues, and discuss them. You should first identify the important aspects of your issue – doing so will help you organize your thoughts and make your arguments. When you proofread your assignment (and you should do this) you should always think that the person grading it will be constantly asking “Why?” and you should be sure you have answers to these “Why?” questions. If you need more help, read your outline or essay aloud to a friend (seriously, despite how bad of an idea this sounds) – you’ll get some good feedback and notice problems for yourself.

Make sure you CONNECT all of your ideas to each other and always be sure that everything you say leads back to your thesis. If something you are saying doesn’t help you make your case, then you should probably leave it out.

One aspect of making a good argument is anticipating a strong objection to what you are saying and addressing it. Consider what an opponent to your view might say, make it as strong as you can, and then respond to it. You don’t have to completely destroy the argument, but you need to make a convincing case that your answer is better than your opponent’s answer. (TIP: If you don’t know where to begin, you can structure your essay by presenting the counterargument and using that to set up your own arguments, like “Some people say the death penalty is wrong because killing is always wrong. However, this is not a good argument and killing, especially in capital punishment, is permissible because…”)

While you will always be stating your opinions, you must be sure to back them up with arguments. An argument is NOT simply stating something – you must say WHY it supports what you say it does. It’s not about whether you are right or wrong, but whether your position is more justified than the others.

Outlines can take many forms, and I prefer to keep it simple. As long as the following get you’re your outline, you’ll have the skeleton of a properly structured essay:

1) Briefly describe what you the topic you would like to write about.

2) Write your thesis statement.

3) Write a one paragraph introduction to your paper that (a) clearly states your thesis, (b) briefly states all of your reasons in support of your argument (as you will elaborate on in part 4), and (c) briefly states why someone who disagrees with you is wrong.

4) Write at least 3 reasons to support your thesis with at least 2 pieces of evidence or arguments that support each of your reasons.

5) State in ONE sentence what you think the strongest objection is to your thesis and then state in ONE sentence why you think the objection is wrong.

6) List at least 2 sources you will use to help make your argument – only ONE of them may be a dictionary or Wikipedia.

7) Write a one paragraph conclusion that brings your thesis and all of your points together.

Example of a thesis statement: “I agree with Socrates that Philosophers should rule us.” If you want to add more, then put your strongest and most important reason into it as well, such as by saying, “I agree with Socrates that Philosophers should rule us because they are so amazingly brilliant and kind.” These would be reasonable thesis statements in response to a question like, “Do you agree with Socrates that Philosophers should be rulers? Why or why not?” THEN you would go on to elaborate in good detail giving good reasons supporting your thesis statement.

See below for an example of how to do this.

Name: Noah Levin

1. Topic: There is a lot of disagreement over the effectiveness of online classes, especially in comparison to in-person classes. I would like to argue that they can be just as effective if they are run properly.

2. Thesis: Online courses can be just as effective as in-person courses when designed and taught properly.

3. Introduction:

A lot of people believe that online courses can never be as effective as in-person courses, but I disagree. I maintain that online courses can be just as effective as in-person courses when designed and taught properly. I believe this because all of the elements that are present in an in-person class can be maintained, and sometimes even enhanced, when done online. Many people have the misconception that discussion and interaction cannot take place in an online course, but with the proper use of things like discussion boards, blogs, wikis, and chat rooms, discussion and interaction can still take place effectively. In fact, because students have more time and are not “put on the spot” in online forums, discussing online can be more fruitful than it is in person. Additionally, with the plethora of media devices available to use, such as live webcasting and videos (both pre-recorded, like YouTube, and created by the instructor), there can be no loss in the effectiveness of instructional delivery, despite the fact that traditional lectures might not be present. Student engagement can also be had through the use of interactive media, like games and activities, which would be analogous to what could be done in an in-person class. When all is said and done, if an online course is run properly, it can be just as effective as an in-person class.

4. Reasons:

Reason 1: Discussions and interactions between students can take place online

Supporting evidence/argument #1: Discussion boards, etc., are good tools for discussing

Supporting evidence/argument #2: Students can think more about what they want to say before posting

Reason 2: Instructional delivery is not hindered from going online

Supporting evidence/argument #1: All of the materials that a student would use in a class, like textbooks, can still be used online

Supporting evidence/argument #2: Instructors can, at the very least, post videos of their own lectures online, which would make them no worse than in-person classes

Reason 3: Online games and activities can be useful in engaging students

Supporting evidence/argument #1: Playing a game online can help get students engaged and applying learning points

Supporting evidence/argument #2: For philosophy, there are a lot of interactive activities that have students directly apply critical thinking concepts, perhaps even better than could be done in an in-person class

5. Objection and response

Objection: Online classes cannot work as well because students don’t get the personal interaction with an instructor as they do in in-person classes.

Response: Instructors can interact with students plenty with online courses through chat rooms, video chats, discussion boards, emails, and phone calls.

6. Sources:

7. Conclusion:

Although in-person courses have their perks and conform more with traditional educational methods, online courses can be just as effective when designed and taught properly. A properly designed online course will make use of available technologies and media to help engage students in creative and inspiring ways. They will also include plenty of discussions and interactions using web-based boards and blogs. The important thing to note, as numerous studies have illustrated (see the studies by Ithaka, 2012, and the US DOE, 2010), is that student learning is not hindered in online courses as compared to in-person courses. But this is not to say that any online course will be good – they need to be designed and taught properly so that the important educational elements that are present in traditional in-person classes are not lost and ideally end up enhanced. Also, who doesn’t want to be able to attend class in their underwear at 3am?

Below is a blank template for you to use.

1. Topic: Summarize your topic here.

2. Thesis: Write your thesis clearly and simply here.

Write a one paragraph introduction that summarizes all of your points and reasons and DEFINITELY contains your thesis.

Reason 1: Write one of the main reasons you will use to support your thesis

Supporting evidence/argument #1: Write one thing to make me accept your reason (some sort of argument, evidence, statistic, etc.)

Supporting evidence/argument #2: Write another thing to make me accept your reason

Reason 2: Same as above

Supporting evidence/argument #1:

Supporting evidence/argument #2:

Reason 3: And same as above again

Objection: Write the strongest objection to your argument here.

Response: Write how you would respond to the objection.

Source #1: ONLY ONE may be a dictionary or Wikipedia

Write a one paragraph conclusion that contains a brief summary of your reasons and drives your point home.

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How to Write a Philosophy Paper

• Develop a Thesis
• Formulate an Argument
• Structure & Outline
• Grammar & Style

Writing a Paper in Philosophy Part 4 -- Paper Structure, Style, and Citation

Outline & Structure

--Aristotle

Image source:  School of Athens. Plato and Aristotle.  Public domain.  Wikimedia Commons.

Source:  Feinberg, Joel.  Doing Philosophy: A Guide to the Writing of Philosophy Papers .  Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2008. p. 6.

"A philosophy paper presents a reasoned defense of some thesis. So a philosophy paper typically does at least one of the following:

• Defend a thesis by offering plausible reasons to support it
• Defend a thesis by showing that arguments against it are unconvincing
• Criticize a thesis by showing that the arguments for it are unconvincing
• Contrast two or more views on a given issue and argue for one view over the other."

Source: Bumpus, Ann. Writing the Philosophy Paper. Dartmouth University. 2004. 

• << Previous: Formulate an Argument
• Next: Grammar & Style >>
• Last Updated: Jan 22, 2024 10:48 AM
• URL: https://libguides.lvc.edu/philosophypaper

AFS Programs

Complete Guide to Writing a Philosophy Paper Outline | Expert Tips

When it comes to writing a philosophy paper, outlining can be a tough task. But fear not! In this ultimate guide, we will explain what a philosophy paper outline is and why it is essential for a good paper. We will also offer expert tips on how to create an outline that is clear, logical, and well-organized. So, if you’re asking yourself “what is an outline and why do I need one?” – this guide is for you.

An outline is a roadmap for your paper. It helps you organize your thoughts and arguments, providing a clear structure for your writing. Think of it as a map that guides both you and your reader through the complex terrain of philosophical thinking. With a well-designed outline, you can summarize your main points, anticipate counterarguments and criticisms, and offer your own reasonable opinions.

So, how do you create an effective outline? First, start with a strong thesis statement. This is the main point that your paper will revolve around. It should be specific, meaningful, and well-defined. Once you have a clear thesis, you can begin outlining the major arguments and claims that support it. Use the format that works best for you – whether it’s Roman numerals, bullet points, or a combination of both.

Next, break down each major argument into smaller sub-points. This will help you provide more clarity and explore your thinking in a more organized manner. Use logical and reasonable examples to support your claims and back them up with references to reputable sources. Remember, a philosophy paper requires a mix of your own original thinking and the ideas of philosophers that came before you.

In your outline, make sure to include any objections or counterarguments that you anticipate. This shows that you’ve thought deeply about your topic and are willing to engage with opposing viewpoints. Address these objections in a way that strengthens your own argument and highlights its strengths. You can also include quotations from philosophers to strengthen your points, but be sure to use them sparingly and in a way that adds value to your own arguments.

As you map out your outline, keep the reader in mind. Ensure that your outline is clear, organized, and easy to follow. A poorly structured outline can make it hard for readers to understand your main points and the logical flow of your argument. Remember, philosophy can be a tough subject, so it’s important to offer your readers a roadmap that takes them through your ideas in a step-by-step manner.

Understanding the Importance of a Philosophy Paper Outline

Many students find philosophy papers challenging because they require deep thinking and the ability to present complex ideas in a concise and precise manner. Without a well-structured outline, it can be difficult to develop your thoughts and arguments effectively, making the writing process much tougher.

An outline helps you stay focused and prevents you from going off-topic. It keeps you on track, ensuring that you address the main points and answer the guiding questions of your paper. It also helps you evaluate the appropriateness of your claims and theories, offering a framework for presenting and supporting your ideas.

When outlining your philosophy paper, start with a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should present the main argument or claim that you will be discussing throughout your paper. It should be specific and precise, giving your readers a clear understanding of what your paper is about.

Next, divide your paper into sections or paragraphs, each focusing on a specific point or argument. Use clear and concise topic sentences to guide your readers through your paper and keep them engaged. Make sure to support your arguments with evidence, such as examples, quotations, or references to philosophical texts.

Remember to develop your ideas in-depth and provide thorough explanations for your claims. Avoid vague or ambiguous statements and ensure that your reasoning is sound and logical.

Finally, don’t forget to leave enough time for revisions and editing before your deadline. Revising your drafts allows you to refine your arguments, clarify your thoughts, and make sure that your paper is well-structured and free of errors.

Key Steps to Creating an Effective Outline

By following these key steps, you can create an effective outline for your philosophy paper. Remember to always keep your readers in mind and offer clear and reasonable arguments to support your thesis statement. Good luck with your writing!

Tips for Developing a Clear and Engaging Opening

1. map out your arguments.

• Before diving into writing the opening, take a moment to map out the main arguments you will be making in your paper.
• This will help you clarify your thoughts and ensure that your opening effectively introduces the key ideas you will be discussing.

2. Keep it concise

• While it’s important to provide enough context for your reader to understand your topic, try to keep your opening paragraph concise.
• Avoid unnecessary tangents or lengthy background information that may distract from your main arguments.

3. Explore the philosophical problem or question

• One effective way to start your paper is by exploring the philosophical problem or question you will be addressing.
• This helps to establish the significance of your topic and engages the reader’s curiosity.

4. State your thesis

• Clearly state your thesis or main argument in your opening paragraph.
• This is the foundation of your paper and will guide the reader through your arguments.

5. Use clear and concise language

• Make sure to use clear and concise language in your opening paragraph.
• Avoid using overly complex or technical vocabulary that may confuse the reader.

6. Illustrate the problem with an example

• To make your opening more engaging, consider illustrating the philosophical problem or question with a relevant example or scenario.
• This helps to ground the abstract concepts in real-world situations and makes the topic more relatable to the reader.

7. Follow the guidelines and format

• When writing a philosophy paper, it’s important to follow the specific guidelines and formatting requirements outlined by your instructor.
• Ensure that your opening paragraph adheres to the recommended length and organization.

By following these tips, you can develop an opening paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention, introduces the main arguments of your paper, and sets the stage for a clear and engaging discussion. Remember to revise and refine your opening as you go through multiple drafts, always aiming for clarity and precision in your writing.

Structuring Your Arguments and Supporting Evidence

The format: exposition and argumentation.

Your philosophy paper should follow a clear structure that makes the exposition of your ideas and arguments easy to follow. Start with a well-written outline, which will serve as a roadmap for your paper.

Begin by presenting your main points in a clear and concise manner. Make sure to use accurate and precise language to avoid any ambiguity or confusion. Each point should have its own paragraph, where you can dive into the details and provide examples or evidence to support your claims.

When presenting your arguments, it is important to switch from exposition to argumentation. This means that instead of just stating your claims, you need to explain and defend them. Offer reasoning and logical connections that show why your claims are reasonable and support your overall thesis.

The Role of Supporting Evidence

Supporting evidence is crucial in a philosophy paper, as it adds credibility and strengthens your arguments. It can come in the form of examples, theories, empirical data, or even quotes from other authors. However, it is important to choose your examples and evidence carefully.

First and foremost, your supporting evidence should be relevant to your arguments and clearly support your claims. Make sure to explain the significance of the evidence and how it connects to your overall thesis.

Second, the evidence you present should be accurate and reliable. Avoid using obscure or poorly sourced examples, as they can weaken your arguments. Instead, stick to well-known and reputable sources that can be easily verified.

Furthermore, it is important to critically evaluate the evidence you are presenting. Does it address the main question or problem at hand? Does it contradict or support other theories or arguments? By doing this, you show that you have thought critically about the given topic and can engage in a meaningful debate.

Tight and Clear Language

When presenting your arguments and supporting evidence, it is important to use tight and clear language. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex vocabulary, as it can obscure your ideas and confuse your reader.

Instead, focus on using simple and precise language that is easy to understand. Take the time to explain any difficult concepts or terms, using clear and concise explanations. This will make your paper more accessible and ensure that your arguments are accurately conveyed.

Remember, the ultimate goal of your philosophy paper is to present your arguments and supporting evidence clearly and effectively. By structuring your ideas and following these guidelines, you can ensure that your paper is strong and well-written.

Methods for Organizing and Presenting Your Ideas

1. begin with a clear and concise thesis statement.

The beginning of your paper should introduce the main idea or argument that you will be exploring. This thesis statement should clearly state what position you will be taking on a particular issue and provide a brief summary of the main points you will be discussing throughout your paper.

2. Use the “Problem and Solution” Approach

One effective method for organizing your ideas is to structure your paper around the problems you will be addressing and the solutions or arguments you will be providing. This allows you to develop your thoughts in a logical and coherent manner.

3. Support Your Arguments with Examples and Quotations

One of the most important aspects of a philosophy paper is providing evidence to support your arguments. Use examples and quotations from philosophers and other scholarly sources to demonstrate the validity of your claims.

4. Ask and Answer Important Questions

As you develop your paper, constantly ask yourself important questions related to the topic. By answering these questions, you will be able to refine your arguments and strengthen your overall position.

5. Use Clear and Precise Language

In philosophy, it is essential to use clear and precise language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid obscure or overly technical terms that may confuse your readers. Instead, strive for clarity and simplicity in your writing.

6. Summarize Your Thoughts at the End

At the end of your paper, summarize the main points you have discussed and restate your thesis statement. This allows your readers to easily grasp the key takeaways from your paper without having to go through your entire exposition.

By following these methods, you can ensure that your philosophy paper is well-organized, thought-provoking, and engaging to your readers. Remember to critically analyze your own writing and make necessary revisions and drafts to improve the clarity and coherence of your arguments. Good luck!

Concluding Your Philosophy Essay with Impact

Next, be sure to follow a logical structure in your essay. Each paragraph should build upon the previous one and support your thesis statement. This will help make your arguments more coherent and easier to follow.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and guidance from your professor, a librarian, or fellow philosophy students. Sometimes, having an outside perspective can offer valuable insights and help you improve your essay’s overall clarity and impact.

• Avoid repeating information that has already been discussed in the body of your essay.

What is a philosophy paper outline?

A philosophy paper outline is a structural plan that helps to organize the ideas and arguments presented in a philosophy paper. It provides a roadmap for the writer to follow and ensures that all important points are properly addressed.

How do I create a philosophy paper outline?

To create a philosophy paper outline, you should start by identifying the main arguments or points you want to make in your paper. Then, arrange these points in a logical order and outline the supporting evidence or reasons for each point. Finally, create subheadings and bullet points to further organize your thoughts.

What should be included in the introduction of a philosophy paper?

The introduction of a philosophy paper should provide a clear and concise overview of the topic and its relevance. It should also present a clear thesis statement or main argument that will be discussed in the paper. Additionally, it can briefly outline the structure of the paper.

How should I structure the body paragraphs of a philosophy paper?

The body paragraphs of a philosophy paper should each focus on one main point or argument. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main idea, and then provide supporting evidence or reasons to support that point. You can also include counterarguments and rebuttals if necessary.

What are some tips for writing a strong conclusion in a philosophy paper?

When writing a conclusion for a philosophy paper, it is important to summarize the main points discussed in the paper and restate the thesis statement in a different way. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion. Instead, focus on reinforcing your main argument and leaving the reader with a lasting impression.

A philosophy paper outline is a roadmap that helps you organize and structure your thoughts and arguments before you start writing your paper. It includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, as well as a thesis statement and supporting evidence for each argument.

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

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Preparation

Referencing & help.

• Good essay writing begins with good course preparation. You should remember that just attending courses is not enough. You will engage with the lectures and seminars only if you do the required primary and secondary reading. By the time you come to write your first essay you should already know enough to approach the subject confidently.
• Make sure you have properly understood the question. If you do not, ask. Review your lecture notes and the course outline in order to put the question into context and to relate it to other aspects of the subject. If you can break down the question into parts, do so. Decide which are the most important and weight each part accordingly.
• Read the suggested texts with your question or questions in mind. If you find the reading hard to understand, try reading a whole article or chapter to get the gist and then re-read slowly, making notes.
• Think for yourself. Don't borrow thought or ideas without giving yourself time to digest them. Discuss them with your fellow students. It can be very helpful to discuss the articles and books you read with others. Also, when you take notes, don't simply excerpt long passages, write them in your own words.
• Always start from a plan, however rudimentary; but you will inevitably find your argument developing a dynamic of its own, so do not be afraid to revise your plan as you go along. As Socrates says in Plato's Republic: 'Where the argument takes us, like a wind, hither we must go.'
• Write a draft, leave it for a while, then come back and revise it. On the first draft concentrate on getting the content and structure right and do not dwell on the style. Do not be held up by the precise formulation of a sentence, jot down a phrase and move on.
• Write the final draft. Check the spelling, grammar and make sure all the bibliographical details are correct. leave a wide margin on the right hand side of your page for the marker's comments. Be kind on your marker: use a font that is easy to read and a line spacing of at least 1.5 or 2. Make a photocopy of your essay as a precaution, since they sometimes can go astray.
• Your essay should contain a clear exposition of the theory you are studying, a detailed discussion and critical assessment of that theory. The criticisms you look at may be your own, or those of other philosophers.
• Make sure you indicate when you are expounding the view of someone else and when you are writing in your own voice. Don't just write a long list of objections to a particular argument. Indicate whether you endorse or reject them and give your reasons.
• Use examples to illustrate your point. Preferably, choose your own examples. Always make the point of your example clear to the reader.
• Don't worry too much about the 'originality' of the content of your essay. Nobody expects you to come up with a new philosophical theory in your first four pages of writing. Your essay will be original enough if you think for yourself, use your own words, give your own examples and always provide reasons for accepting or rejecting a particular view.
• Avoid rambling introductions and conclusions. Some books begin with a portentous opening sentence e.g., 'Philosophy, from the earliest times, has made greater claims, and achieved fewer results, than any other branch of learning.' (B. Russell) You can get away with such a sentence as the opening line of a 400 page book, but not as the opening line of a 4 page essay. State briefly what you think the question involves, if this is not obvious, and get stuck in to your answer. With conclusions, sum up your argument if you want to and leave it at that.
• Think small or be methodical. There is a gap between your brain's ability to grasp something and your ability to express in writing what you have already understood. It is as if your intuition can leap up whole flights of stairs at once, whereas your written explanations climb one step at a time. This means that you can easily get ahead of yourself, producing the illusion that your ideas are far more lofty than they really are. Only by patiently stepping through the details of an argument can you avoid such illusions. So be patient! If you are not sure whether you have made your point, try putting it another way; 'The upshot of this argument is...', 'the point of this example is...'. Do not simply repeat yourself, try instead to look at your subject from different angles. Sometimes it will feel as if your point is trivial and not worth making. But a trivial point can be a solid step in an interesting argument. The ability to tease out the subtleties of a small point will serve you better than a grand philosophy of life, the universe and everything.
• One way to structure your essay is to outline an argument, consider an objection, then reply to the objection and then move on to the next point. Avoid the two extremes of length and unbroken paragraphs on the one hand, and staccato sound bytes on the other. Divide your essay into clearly defined paragraphs and devote a whole paragraph to each point. Make the connections between them explicit, by telling the reader what they are. Write things like, 'There are two major objections to this line of thought...' or 'what this example shows is...' Think of these connections as signposts telling the reader where she is, where she has been or reminding her where she is heading.
• 'Style is the feather in the arrow, not the feather in the cap.' Do not worry about repeating important words or phrases. In philosophy it is more important to be consistent in your terminology than to find new and imaginative ways of saying the same thing. Clear prose has its own elegance, wordiness can sometimes cloud the issue.
• Empathise with your reader. Once you understand something, you forget what it was like not to understand it; but doing just this will help you to get your point across. To write clearly you have to put yourself in the place of your reader. Imagine the reader is someone who knows nothing about the subject. What would you have to do firstly to convince them and secondly to maintain their interest. Generally speaking a concrete example will get you much further than a passage of purple prose or a string of high-falutin' epithets. One useful way to attain clarity and simplicity of style is to write in short sentences. It is easier to waffle in long rambling sentences.
• Use 'signposts' to let the reader know what you are trying to do. You can say things like , 'one objection is...', 'A possible reply to this is...', 'What this example shows...', 'This importance of this point is that...', 'What X is assuming is that...'. Be explicit about what you are arguing and why.
• Stylistically it is vital to use your own words. Quite apart from the dangers of plagiarism, if you borrow chunks of text from another author and then insert them into your essay, you will end up with a patchwork of different styles that reads awkwardly. By all means paraphrase someone else's view, although make it clear that you are paraphrasing. This will help you to understand the position you are adumbrating; and there is a lot of skill involved in a lucid and concise exposition of somebody else's argument.
• Occasionally you will want to cite somebody else's words directly. Be sparing in your use of quotation. There is much less skill to quotation than to paraphrase or précis. When you select a passage for quotation, make sure it is both brief and relevant. There is nothing worse than reading a string of long quotations interspersed with brief and gnomic comments.
• Use a dictionary (or spell check) and a grammar. Good spelling and good grammar are not wholly unrelated to the content of your essay. The thread of an essay is easier to follow if the reader does not have to guess the word which you actually meant to write. Good grammar makes not only for elegant but for precise prose. So do not be ashamed to use a dictionary. I prefer the Chambers to the Collins single volume dictionary, but both are good. (Webster's and M.S. Word dictionaries are American.) Michael Dummet, the philosopher, has written an excellent little English grammar for his students, published by Duckworth.

Use of sources

• All verbatim quotations, whether long or short should be enclosed in inverted commas or indented, and the precise source given. Make sure that you give enough information for the reader to find the passage, i.e. author, work, edition page number or section.
• Passages of close paraphrase should be acknowledged, and the purpose of these paraphrases made clear e.g. as a summary of a view to be discussed disputed or agreed with.
• When a point has been derived directly from an author, even though it mode of expression may be original, this should be acknowledged in a footnote or parenthesis.
• Extensive use of an essay written by another student should be acknowledged. This applies to essays borrowed from the 'Essay Bank' and to essays which are borrowed on a personal basis. Just as the rule that you should acknowledge your dependence on published sources is not supposed to discourage you from reading widely, the rule that you should acknowledge your dependence where it exists, on other students' essays, is not supposed to discourage you from reading each others' essays. In the end however the only thing of value to you and of interest to us is work in which you express and develop your own thoughts.
• At the end of any essay to be submitted for formal assessment (not tutorial essays) write a list in alphabetical order of all the works consulted or read during the preparation and writing of the essay, as well as those from which you quote directly (see Referencing).

Referencing

The Philosophy Department accepts the Harvard or MLA styles of referencing.  Please refer to the specific information below on each permitted style.

Additional help

You may find the extra help below useful when writing Philosohy essays.

This guide to writing Philosophy essays was written by Gordon Finlayson

Department of Philosophy University of York , York , YO10 5DD , UK Tel: work +44 (0)1904 323251 | Fax: fax +44 (0)1904 324023 | [email protected]

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Writing Philosophy: A Student's Guide to Writing Philosophy Essays

Writing Philosophy is a brief tutorial/manual that covers the basics of argumentative essay writing and encourages students to master fundamental writing skills with minimal teacher input. It provides step-by-step instructions for each phase of the writing process, from formulating a thesis and creating an outline, to writing a final draft. For the benefit of both students and teachers, it uses a rulebook format that encapsulates core principles of good writing while providing models of well-written essays, outlines, introductions, and conclusions.

Related Papers

Brian D. Earp

I wrote up the following tips a couple of years ago when I was teaching assistant for an introductory philosophy class at Yale led by Daniel Greco called “Problems in Philosophy.” The tips were intended, then, for college students, many of them right out of high school, and most of whom had never written a philosophy paper before. So the focus is on clarity and mastering the basics. With that in mind, I hope you will find these tips helpful for teaching or writing in philosophy (or any other relevant field or discipline).

The Philosophical Quarterly

Carla Bagnoli

Benjamin P. Davis

I wrote this "tip sheet" for philosophical writing a la other tip sheets passed around in creative writing workshops. I invite feedback on what has worked for your students and how you might modify my suggestions.

South African Journal of Philosophy

Ewa Latecka

This article aims at presenting the argument for the modification of Dennis Earl’s “four-sentence paper” template into the “six-line essay” writing intervention. The underlying reason for this research is a relative paucity of literature covering the topic of philosophy writing interventions at a beginner’s level. In order to fill this gap, the article takes the following course. For general background, it presents the general views on teaching essay writing and the relative unavailability of philosophydirected methods and techniques. It then describes Earl’s template in relative detail. Further, it refers to my experience teaching philosophical writing to University of Zululand students. Next, it describes the specific group of students with whom I first tried the method in 2019 and whose needs prompted the modifications. I then explain the “six-line essay” model step by step, commenting on the rationale behind each step and the way in which it is presented to students. True to form, the article also presents objections and the relevant counterarguments. Finally, the article points to the possibility of further, more structured research, with formal questionnaires/ structured interviews and their subsequent analysis.

tilahun guade

IJOLTL: Indonesian Journal of Language Teaching and Linguistics

Assessment of essay writing varies in product oriented, primary trait scoring system, and process oriented. This study examines how rubric in argumentative essay writing are developed. The findings emphasized that essay writing focused on the argumentative essay. Models of essay utilized for TOEFL test are considerably suggested for the topics. In addition, descriptors of the essay elaborated for standard assessment refer to characteristics of a good paragraph outlining: topic sentence and controlling ideas, developing sentences, and concluding sentence; and those for essay writing would emphasize on introductory paragraph whose thesis statement is included in the paragraph, developing paragraphs for details, and concluding paragraph.

Eduscience Journal

Fuad Abdullah , Fuad Abdullah

Since argumentative writing skills play an indispensable role in higher educational contexts, the students are required to produce academic works representing their academic insights and critical perspectives towards problematized issues around them. Conversely, the students may frequently encounter intricacies while applying complicated syntactic forms and proper aspects during writing Discussion essays as one of the argumentative writing genres. For this reason, the current study aimed at exploring how Talk-Write technique facilitates the students in writing Discussion essays. This study involved 30 EFL students and an experienced writing teacher at a university in Indonesia. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis following the notions of Talk-Write (Meyers, 1985; Ling, 1986; Radcliffe: Crasnich & Lumbelli, 2005). The findings indicated that Talk-Write technique enables the students to produce the Discussion essays. Besides, it stimulated them to speak actively in English while negotiating ideas, exchanging debatable arguments and positioning stance and voice. Briefly, Talk-Write technique can facilitate the students in exchanging vocal to scribal dialogue, gaining pivotal and desired ideas and fostering professional competencies as the talkers and the writers and personal styles.

Journal of English for Academic Purposes

Ursula Wingate

Journal of Writing Research

Montserrat Castello

This study investigated students&#39; practice of philosophical thinking through collaborative writing in secondary education. A philosophy course was developed following the rationale of the learning communities in which writing was used as an epistemic tool. 45 students organized into 13 teams participated in the course. In this study, a subsample of six students working in 2 teams during one collaborative argumentative writing activity were analyzed. These groups were selected on the basis of their output (high and medium quality) and because both followed an integrating construction strategy for collaborative writing. Data collected included audio, video and computer screen recordings of both groups&#39; discourse and writing activity during collaborative writing (using Camtasia and Atlas-ti software). Analysis focused on collaborative writing interaction (types of talk; evidence of philosophical competences - problematization, argumentation and conceptualization; regulation of ...

Shazna Abu Bakar , Aysha Sharif

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Philosophy Paper Format: Guide How to Write a Philosophical Essay

Philosophy Paper Format

Writing a philosophical essay is a journey into ideas where critical thinking and eloquent expression converge. 

This guide will navigate you through the intricacies of philosophical paper format, helping you articulate your thoughts coherently, develop compelling arguments, and explore profound concepts. 

Whether you are a novice philosopher or a seasoned thinker, this guide will assist you in crafting an essay that engages readers in philosophical discourse. Read on.

Writing a philosophy paper is an intellectual endeavor that requires precision, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity. 

Whether you’re a student delving into philosophical discourse or a philosopher refining your thoughts, understanding the suitable format is essential. 

We present a comprehensive guide to help you structure and compose philosophical essays effectively.

Introduction

Begin with a concise and engaging introduction that presents the central problem or question you will address.

Provide context for the issue and outline your thesis or argument.

Background and Context

Offer relevant historical, philosophical, or cultural context to help readers understand the problem’s significance.

Summarize critical theories or ideas related to the topic.

Thesis Statement

Present a clear, concise, and arguable thesis statement that encapsulates your main argument or position.

Argumentation

Develop your argument logically and coherently, providing evidence, reasoning, and examples.

Anticipate and respond to potential counterarguments.

Critical Analysis

Engage in critically analyzing concepts, theories, or arguments related to your topic.

Use philosophical tools like logic, ethics, and epistemology to evaluate ideas.

Structured Paragraphs

Organize your essay into well-structured paragraphs , each focused on a specific point or idea.

Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs.

Clarity and Precision

Write in clear, concise, and precise language, avoiding jargon or overly complex terminology.

Define terms when necessary.

Summarize your main arguments and restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented.

Reflect on the broader implications of your findings.

Citations and References

Properly cite all sources, adhering to a recognized citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, and Chicago).

Include a bibliography or reference list.

Revision and Proofreading

Revise your essay for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Proofread for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Writing a philosophy paper can be challenging, but with a clear understanding of the format and a commitment to rigorous thinking, you can craft essays that engage readers in profound philosophical discussions.

Remember that philosophy is about exploration, inquiry, and the pursuit of wisdom, and your essays contribute to this timeless quest.

How to Write a Philosophical Essay

Philosophical essays are a unique form of writing that invites readers to engage deeply with profound questions, challenge assumptions, and explore the complexities of human thought. 

Whether you are a student tackling a philosophical assignment or a seasoned philosopher contributing to the ongoing discourse, crafting a philosophical essay follows a distinct path.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this intellectual journey.

1. Choose a Thoughtful Topic

Selecting a thoughtful topic is the initial step in crafting a compelling philosophical essay. It involves choosing a question, problem, or concept that piques your interest and possesses philosophical depth and relevance.

A thoughtful topic should be open to philosophical analysis, inviting critical examination and exploration.

It should inspire contemplation and reflection, and ideally, it connects to broader philosophical themes or debates.

Choosing such a topic sets the stage for meaningful philosophical discourse and ensures that your essay addresses issues that matter deeply within philosophy, fostering engagement and thought-provoking discussions.

2. Thorough Research

Thorough research is the cornerstone of a well-crafted philosophical essay.

It involves delving deep into the philosophical question or problem you’re exploring, immersing yourself in the relevant literature, and comprehensively understanding your topic’s historical, cultural, and philosophical context. 

Through research, you gain insights into various philosophical perspectives, theories, and arguments related to your subject.

Also, this knowledge enriches your understanding and equips you to engage in critical analysis and construct well-supported arguments. 

In essence, thorough research lays the foundation for a thoughtful and informed exploration of complex philosophical concepts.

3. Formulate a Clear Thesis

Develop a concise, arguable thesis statement encapsulating your main argument or perspective on the chosen topic.

Ensure your thesis is specific, debatable, and addresses the central issue.

4. Structured Introduction

Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that provides context for your topic and outlines the questions or problems you will address.

Present your thesis statement to guide readers.

5. Elaborate on Your Thesis

Use the body of your essay to present and elaborate on your thesis. Organize your ideas logically and coherently.

Each paragraph should focus on your thesis’s specific point or argument.

6. Critical Analysis

Engage in critical analysis by evaluating and assessing your topic’s concepts, theories, or arguments.

Use philosophical tools and methods, such as logic, ethics, or epistemology, to examine and critique ideas.

7. Present Evidence and Examples

Support your arguments with evidence, examples, and references to relevant philosophical works.

Use concrete illustrations to elucidate complex concepts.

8. Address Counterarguments

Acknowledge potential counterarguments and address them fairly and rigorously.

Demonstrating an understanding of opposing viewpoints strengthens your argument.

9. Clarity and Precision

Write in clear, concise, and precise language. Avoid jargon or overly complex terminology that may obscure your message.

Define terms when necessary to ensure clarity.

10. Structured Conclusion

Reflect on the broader implications of your findings or the unresolved questions your essay raises.

11. Citations and References

Include a bibliography or reference list to acknowledge your sources.

12. Revision and Proofreading

Revise your essay for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Ensure each paragraph contributes to the overall argument. Proofread meticulously for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Writing a philosophical essay is about conveying information and inviting readers to engage in profound and critical thinking.

It is a dialogue with the great philosophical minds of the past and an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the fundamental questions that shape our understanding of existence, ethics, knowledge, and reality.

As you follow this guide and embrace the spirit of philosophical inquiry, you can craft essays that inspire contemplation and meaningful discourse.

Philosophy Paper Topic Examples

These topics span various branches of philosophy and offer opportunities for in-depth exploration, critical analysis, and engaging philosophical discourse.

When selecting a topic, consider your interests, the philosophical questions that resonate with you, and the potential for meaningful philosophical inquiry.

Choosing the right philosophy paper topic can be both exhilarating and challenging. Here are some diverse examples to inspire your philosophical exploration:

• The Trolley Problem: Exploring Moral Dilemma
• The Ethics of AI :  Can Machines Possess Moral Responsibility?
• The Nature of Time: A Philosophical Investigation
• Are Universals Real or Conceptual?
• The Gettier Problem: Reevaluating Justified True Belief
• The Role of Intuition in Philosophical Inquiry
• Social Contract Theory: Rousseau vs. Hobbes
• Liberty vs. Security: The Ethics of Surveillance
• The Mind-Body Problem: Dualism vs. Materialism
• Consciousness and the Hard Problem: Can It Be Solved?
• The Subjectivity of Art: Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?
• The Ethics of Artistic Expression: Balancing Freedom and Responsibility
• Jean-Paul Sartre’s Existentialism: Freedom and Responsibility
• The Absurdity of Life: Camus and the Myth of Sisyphus
• Deep Ecology: Intrinsic Value of Nature
• Anthropocentrism vs. Biocentrism: Shifting Perspectives on Nature
• The Problem of Evil: Can God and Suffering Coexist?
• Faith and Reason: The Intersection of Science and Religion
• Ethical Dilemmas in Genetic Engineering
• End-of-Life Ethics: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide”

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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• Knowledge Base
• How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples

How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples

Published on August 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold.

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Table of contents

Organizing your material, presentation of the outline, examples of essay outlines, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay outlines.

At the stage where you’re writing an essay outline, your ideas are probably still not fully formed. You should know your topic  and have already done some preliminary research to find relevant sources , but now you need to shape your ideas into a structured argument.

Creating categories

Look over any information, quotes and ideas you’ve noted down from your research and consider the central point you want to make in the essay—this will be the basis of your thesis statement . Once you have an idea of your overall argument, you can begin to organize your material in a way that serves that argument.

Try to arrange your material into categories related to different aspects of your argument. If you’re writing about a literary text, you might group your ideas into themes; in a history essay, it might be several key trends or turning points from the period you’re discussing.

Three main themes or subjects is a common structure for essays. Depending on the length of the essay, you could split the themes into three body paragraphs, or three longer sections with several paragraphs covering each theme.

As you create the outline, look critically at your categories and points: Are any of them irrelevant or redundant? Make sure every topic you cover is clearly related to your thesis statement.

Order of information

When you have your material organized into several categories, consider what order they should appear in.

Your essay will always begin and end with an introduction and conclusion , but the organization of the body is up to you.

Consider these questions to order your material:

• Is there an obvious starting point for your argument?
• Is there one subject that provides an easy transition into another?
• Do some points need to be set up by discussing other points first?

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Within each paragraph, you’ll discuss a single idea related to your overall topic or argument, using several points of evidence or analysis to do so.

In your outline, you present these points as a few short numbered sentences or phrases.They can be split into sub-points when more detail is needed.

The template below shows how you might structure an outline for a five-paragraph essay.

• Thesis statement
• First piece of evidence
• Second piece of evidence
• Summary/synthesis
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement

You can choose whether to write your outline in full sentences or short phrases. Be consistent in your choice; don’t randomly write some points as full sentences and others as short phrases.

Examples of outlines for different types of essays are presented below: an argumentative, expository, and literary analysis essay.

Argumentative essay outline

This outline is for a short argumentative essay evaluating the internet’s impact on education. It uses short phrases to summarize each point.

Its body is split into three paragraphs, each presenting arguments about a different aspect of the internet’s effects on education.

• Importance of the internet
• Concerns about internet use
• Thesis statement: Internet use a net positive
• Data exploring this effect
• Analysis indicating it is overstated
• Students’ reading levels over time
• Why this data is questionable
• Video media
• Interactive media
• Speed and simplicity of online research
• Questions about reliability (transitioning into next topic)
• Evidence indicating its ubiquity
• Claims that it discourages engagement with academic writing
• Evidence that Wikipedia warns students not to cite it
• Argument that it introduces students to citation
• Summary of key points
• Value of digital education for students
• Need for optimism to embrace advantages of the internet

Expository essay outline

This is the outline for an expository essay describing how the invention of the printing press affected life and politics in Europe.

The paragraphs are still summarized in short phrases here, but individual points are described with full sentences.

• Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages.
• Provide background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press.
• Present the thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
• Discuss the very high levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe.
• Describe how literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites.
• Indicate how this discouraged political and religious change.
• Describe the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
• Show the implications of the new technology for book production.
• Describe the rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible.
• Link to the Reformation.
• Discuss the trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention.
• Describe Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation.
• Sketch out the large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics.
• Summarize the history described.
• Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period.

Literary analysis essay outline

The literary analysis essay outlined below discusses the role of theater in Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park .

The body of the essay is divided into three different themes, each of which is explored through examples from the book.

• Describe the theatricality of Austen’s works
• Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
• Introduce the research question : How does Austen use theater to express the characters’ morality in Mansfield Park ?
• Discuss Austen’s depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
• Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
• Introduce Austen’s use of stage direction–like details during dialogue
• Explore how these are deployed to show the characters’ self-absorption
• Discuss Austen’s description of Maria and Julia’s relationship as polite but affectionless
• Compare Mrs. Norris’s self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
• Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
• Answer the research question
• Indicate areas for further study

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
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You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.

Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . It’s a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.

If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If you’re not sure, ask your supervisor.

When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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How To Write A Philosophy Essay

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Article structure

How to write a philosophy essay, what is philosophical writing.

• List of topics
• Outline sample
• Structure  

Philosophy essay writing refers to writing aimed to defend a thesis. This means that in philosophical writing, there has to be a specific point that you are trying to establish or you want the reader to accept. Philosophy essay writing gives the reasons why the thesis should be accepted. This is a guide on how to write a good philosophy essay.

How to choose topic for a philosophical writing

Establishing the point of discussion in a philosophy essay is the most difficult part. Topics for a philosophy essay should be thought over as you cannot work with a rough idea. Choose good philosophy essay topics that are factual as they are easier to prove. In so doing ensure that you have an interest in the topic and you are well equipped with the relevant material to source for data. A well researched topic makes you stick to context.

However, there are some philosophical essay topics to choose from in philosophy essay writing :

• 20th century art;
• Political theories;
• Economic times in the medieval era;
• The place of modern day medicine;
• Why A students work for B students;
• The origin of fear and phobias;
• Critical analysis of law of diminishing returns;
• Feminism in modern day media;
• Industrialization at Melfi in the 14th century;
• Theories of cultural development.

Outline sample for philosophy essay

The philosophy essay outline depends on your thesis statement.

Topic: Feminism in modern day media

Introduction

Over the years, women were seen as the inferior being. They were seen to belong in the kitchen. Women’s roles were to bring up children, build a family, give birth and be submissive to their husbands. In a council of men, they had no right to speak as it was perceived they would make no sense. But in the modern society, things are different.

Despite the 21st century being a fight for the girl child empowerment, the media still portrays women as the weaker sex indirectly. This thesis looks at feminism theory in communication and media.

• Women are given small roles in films such as gardeners, cooks and maids. The managerial positions are left for men.
• Women are seen as objects of sexual satisfaction for men. In the media, women are objectified as sex toys for men to use as they please.

In as much as the media is propagating for equality of men and women, there is a need to fully appreciate the role women play in the society. Women should not hide behind the silence and work twice as hard as men to be recognized.

The outlining of a philosophy essay differs from other essays as it has a very specific outline.

Structure elements

Tips on writing the introduction.

The first thing to consider when choosing the introduction for a philosophy essay is to determine how you will convince your reader that your thesis is correct. Present your arguments clearly to the reader. Do not make the mistake of assuming that the reader understands your thesis as well as you. Always choose your philosophy essay topics with care. You might use a draft for philosophy essay to make our points and have a rough idea of the philosophy essay structure.

Make a rational presentation in the philosophy essay introduction; that is; ensure that your opponent’s ideologies do not outshine you. This is important to start off on a strong foot. The reader should be swayed by your words in the first lines. In so doing, assume your reader is intelligent with vivid knowledge about the subject, but is not on your side.

Tips on thesis writing

• In writing the thesis avoid fence sitting. This refers to a situation where the reader is left hanging. Your thesis should clearly give a stand irrespective of whether or not research had been previously conducted. For this reason, clearly ensure that the reader understands your thesis.
• Another point to consider is to avoid being vague. Your thesis should not have a different understanding. For example, abortion leads to social ills like death. In this case, death itself is a social ill.

Tips on writing the body

• Avoid writing too many arguments in your defense as the reader might find it difficult to keep up. Keep your main points centered on a certain point to avoid the fortress approach. Fortress approach refers to where the arguments come from different points of view.
• Dig deeper into the ground of your thesis. It is better to have a narrow scope that is detailed than a thinly spread out argument. Remember that your reader does not have the same insight as you and your essay should stand out. Your paper is all the reader has to refer to and therefore, accurate communication is very crucial. Present your arguments in well structured sentences.
• Take notes of clarity, grammar and coherence of paragraphs. Your paper should sound intelligent. Use correct tenses, and have a good vocabulary to color your work. An error in your essay militates against you in all directions.
• Avoid long quotations, unless it is absolutely essential. Your reader is after understanding your thoughts and too much paraphrasing kills originality. Make your sentences short.
• Ensure that your paragraphs smoothly blend into each other. The essay should sound as natural as possible. To achieve this, you can use connective words such as:
• In the first place;
• Correspondingly;
• By the same token;
• Henceforth;
• With this in mind.

Tips on conclusion writing

When writing the conclusion for philosophy essay, ensure that you do not present your opponents as being wrong. Understand that everyone has their own freedoms of expression and they are right to think the way they do. Do not presuppose that yours is the only correct position.

Defend your thesis using a summary of the main points. Make sure that you support these claims, give the reader a reason to believe in. Give credit to other works by citing them properly.

Wrap up your arguments in philosophy essay conclusion by anticipating objections. As everyone is entitled to their own opinion, be flexible and ready to receive criticism. Not everyone will go with your flow as desired.

Sources for essay writing

▪ There are very many places to look for sources of a philosophy essay. Before settling on a source, ensure that it is available readily. Be open-minded and ready to seek philosophy essay help whenever you get stuck.

▪ Journals serve as a good source of philosophical material.

▪ The internet has scholarly articles on different topics. There is a philosophy essay writing help to be used by students. Besides, one can find philosophy essay writing services by professional writers.

▪ Books on philosophy also provide resourceful background information on some topics. They provide ideas for philosophy essay writing.

▪ Consulting the teacher will also help you come up with philosophy essay ideas to write about.

▪ The school library is stocked with all these materials for studying. Is also contains books on philosophy essay guides.

Finalizing the essay

After all is said and done, go through the essay a few times before submitting. Ensure that you cross off all the t’s and dot the Is.  No errors on grammar should be found in your essay. To prevent these, there are applications that can guide you into editing your work

Make relevant citations using the required format. To avoid plagiarism, paraphrase all works that appear to be plagiarized.

Feel free to make additions that you might find necessary or make cut offs for irrelevant points. Ensure that your essay has the required philosophy essay outlining as directed

To make a good philosophy essay, the following should be considered. Following these philosophy essay tips improves your knowledge on how to write a philosophy essay and make sure that your philosophy essay hooks the reader.

• Have a reasonable defense of a title. Offer an argument that goes beyond your opinions.
• A good philosophy paper is original. It should show some degree of intelligence.
• It is modest and straight to the point. A good paper does not beat around the bush.
• Choose your topic wisely.
• A good paper should relate the thesis to current affairs or use hypothetical situations.

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