Writing a Philosophy Paper

OK, it’s time to start thinking about writing papers. Here again is the assignment:

Write a 1000 word essay on one of the topics below. Clearly state a position on the topic and supply a positive argument for that position. Also, consider carefully at least one argument against your position. Include a brief paragraph in which you introduce the topic and state your claim. Your paper must be between 900 and 1100 words to be accepted. Papers are due at the final class. You may write in the first person.

1. What makes a good action good? Answer with reference to the Euthyphro. Defend your answer. Consider one or more objection.
2. Am I justified in believing that the sun will rise tomorrow? Answer with reference to Hume. Defend your answer. Consider one or more objection.
3. Is it OK to believe without sufficient evidence? Which is the more important, to believe what is true or to avoid error? Defend your answer. Consider one or more objection.
4. Does God exist? Defend your answer. Consider one or more objection.
5. Are we free? Defend your answer. Consider one or more objection.

So how to go about doing this? There are many ways to write a great philosophy paper but I recommend a certain structure. A good paper will have the following features…

1. A section in which you present your thesis
2. A section in which you present of the target view or argument
3. A section in which you present your own argument
4. A section in which you introduce objections to your argument
5. A section in which you address the objections  

… and the most coherent way to order these sections is as I have ordered them.

1. The reader needs to know what you’re trying to do… so tell him right away.
2. It's best to present your subject before you start talking about it.
3. You should get out your argument before presenting objections to it.
4. And you should present the objections before answering them.
5. All that is left, then, is to answer them.

A concluding paragraph, in which you restate your thesis, is unnecessary.

Two words to live by: ‘clear’ and ‘concise’ 

You must faithfully present views or arguments which you will later ctiticize. No Strawmen.

Sometimes you’ll find that you have shown something other that what you’d said you’d show. It’s not too late to go back and revise your thesis statement. If you find that you haven’t done what you said you would do, go back and say that you’ll do what you did.

Again…

1. Thesis
2. Target view or argument
3. Your argument
4. Objections
5. Objections answered

We can apply this to the second option above…

You may want to refute Hume…

1. David Hume argues that beliefs based upon inductive reasoning are unjustified. If his argument is sound, I am not justified in believing that the sun will rise tomorrow. But this can’t be true! I will show that Hume’s argument is unsound.
2. Hume argues as follows…
3. Hume’s argument is unsound. Here’s why…
4. This is how one might object to what I have said…
5. But this objection fails and this is the reason…

Or you may want to support him…

1. David Hume argues that beliefs based upon inductive reasoning are unjustified. If his argument is sound, I am not justified in believing that the sun will rise tomorrow. This might not seem true, but it is. I will defend the soundness of his argument.
2. Hume argues… Some claim his argument is unsound. They argue as follows…
3. Their argument is unsound. Here’s why…
4. This is how one might object to what I have said…
5. But this objection fails and this is the reason…