How to Write a Philosophy Paper in 6 Easy Steps?

The process of creating this type of academic piece is vastly different from your previous experience with other types of academic pieces. You will deal with big questions like “To be or not to be” or “What is the meaning of a human being’s life.” Prepare yourself to dive into the world of sophisticated philosophical concept that you must accept or repute. How to write a philosophy paper? For many students, this is a daunting task. However, it is possible to overcome the challenge using helpful tips: provide careful planning and work hard on your project. But first, let’s know about how to start a philosophy paper.

How to Start a Philosophy Paper: Logical Steps

Have you ever made an effort to ask yourself "What is the truth"? If you are talking about these complicated things to other students, you probably express your own opinion on the matter. However, philosophical methods are different. They demand from the speaker attaining clarity about the controversial topic as well as logically structured arguments to support a viewpoint. Let’s become a philosopher!

Step 1: Preparation

• Read the text at least twice. Think thoroughly.
• Study your lecture notes;
• Consult secondary sources;
• Visit your professor during office hours;
• Assemble study groups;
• Brainstorm, free write, work, take a break, etc.
• Don’t forget ARCI.

Step 2: Outline your essay

It will keep you on track and ensure that you include all needed information. How to write a philosophy paper outline? Usually, simple one includes:

• The prominent idea for introductory paragraph;
• Present thesis statement;
• Key points of your evaluation;
• Give possible objections as well as your refutations.

Step 3: Developing your thesis

• Choose a topic that interests you or controversial theme;
• Ask yourself a specific “yes” or “no” question about topic;
• Formulate the reason why you would answer “yes” or “no” to your question and pick a side. Discuss it vividly.

These three steps determine a generic structure around which you may form your thesis statement

Step 4: Forming an Argument. Features

It supports the reasons you’ve provided your thesis statement and proves your point of view.

• Should have 2-3 in an average term paper
• Basic form

Thoroughly describe the viewpoint that you are going to argue or disagree with. Help the readers to understand your positions clearly.

Step 5: Counter-Arguments

• Always pros and cons to a philosophical issue; very few absolutes
• Admit the shortcomings in your own viewpoint
• Provide a possible solution, explain your choice.

Step 6: Structure

How do you write a philosophy paper? The final product and your writing approach will differ substantially:

• General approach
• Exposition (introduce key terms/ideas, etc.)
• Argument
• Counter-Argument and Response
• Introduction
• Conclusion

How to Write a Philosophic Paper: Great Tips

1. Introduction/Conclusion

• Write after you’ve finished with the body of the essay.
• How to start a philosophy paper? Write introduction dialectically; show both sides and which one you plan to agree with. Catch your reader with an attention-grabber hook.
• Your introduction should include a thesis statement, brief description of arguments and counter-arguments you will utilize in your paper.
• Your conclusion should restate your key point and leave some food for thought.

2. Style and editing

• No need unnecessary long words;
• Use effective images and metaphors to add nuances to your paper;
• Get someone else to read your piece. It is important!
• Get started early enough that you have time for the draft.

3. Thesis support

Having explained the issue clearly, consider about careful evaluation that should support your thesis. Avoid arguing all the time or defending your view. Find proper words. Follow to your reasoning position. Using examples that draw from your personal experiences is an excellent way to provide your thesis statement with evidence. If you are discussing that virtue and beauty are related, you can tell about a wicked woman that consider by many to be beautiful.

4. Citing

How to write a philosophy paper? Typically, we use the Chicago Style as the citation method

• You can use footnotes or endnotes (ask your teacher) in the text;
• How many quotes: 20%; 80% should be your own words;
• Cite whenever you use an argument that’s not yours (quoted or paraphrased).

5. Grammar

If you have followed our pieces of advice, it’s time to polish your essay with proofreading. Check for any errors, typos, and possible grammatical mistakes and make your project flawless!

We want our brief guide on how to write a good philosophy paper serves you well and brings a portion of inspiration. (Learn here how to write a good scientific paper) Meet this challenge staying in a proper philosophical mood and remember that the real aim of the sophisticated assignment is to get you doing philosophy! Understand and love this study, and you will achieve the best grades and results!