How many times have you sat down ready to write a philosophy paper only to realize you cannot seem to organize your thoughts or, worse, have nothing in mind to write? This then leaves you feeling bad about yourself.

Writing a philosophy paper is different from writing other academic papers. An excellent philosophical text depends on proper training, practice, and hard work. The paper should show your knowledge and understanding of the philosophical topic. They should also investigate the nature of the issues at hand, present a solution, and argue in support of the solution given.

For this reason, you have to be eager to learn and carefully plan your work, and then write the paper with your audience in mind.

The following are guidelines designed to help you in your philosophy paper. They are a framework to ensure effective written and clear representations of your argument.

EssayManiacs has great philosophy paper writers you can hire to write your papers if you do not have time or need help.

Steps to Writing a Top-Grade Philosophy Paper

Unlike other papers that require summarizing a text, you must provide an argument and defend it to the best of your abilities.

Philosophy papers are analytical or if you like, critical. Apart from giving insights from others on a topic, you need to elucidate the points from your understanding but do so objectively.

Here are the steps you can take to write a paper that your philosophy professor/tutor will not get enough of reading:

Read and Understand Your Question Well

The key to writing a top-grade philosophy paper is understanding the question (philosophical topic) at hand. You can research or ask friends and classmates what they think about the topic. You need to develop one if you have not been assigned a topic.

• The best way to choose a topic in philosophy is by first evaluating your knowledge about all the discussed topics. You can also come up with one if you:
• Study all your classroom discussions and tests. This is why taking notes in class and revising your old examination papers is best.
• Write a list of different options- write down all the best topics you enjoyed in class. Then, look through them to see which one you prefer to write about.
• Select a topic that you have an opinion about
• Go for a topic where you can see both sides of the argument.

Some of the topics to write about include:

1. What is the concept of happiness?
2. What is eternity?
3. Do humans have free will?
4. Is it possible to establish an ideal world?

Do thorough research so that you only write what you are comfortable handling. Remember that your chosen topic will be your thesis statement and should be reflected throughout the paper. If given a list, select a philosophy topic that resonates with your interests.

Carefully Read the Instructions Given

Before you begin writing, you need to know what philosophy is and carefully read all the instructions and recommended readings. In addition, readings should be conducted thoroughly, and as you do so, ask the following questions:

• What is the philosophical question the author is addressing?
• What is meant by the key terms and concepts in your paper? Remember that just like any other discipline, philosophy has its technical terms, so you should know them.
• What theories are being proposed by the author?
• What arguments does the author have?

Organize Your Ideas Logically

As you read your materials and research the topic, take notes and ensure they are written. Then, use these notes to organize your thoughts and ideas about the topic.

A logical argument precedes all philosophy papers. Therefore, you need to develop an outline that captures the structure of your thesis.

A properly written outline will allow you to spot problems in your arguments before you begin writing.

Provide a Road Map for Your Essay

When writing a philosophy paper, you must write a thesis statement summarizing the position you are taking. Additionally, there should be a road map of what you intend to accomplish at key sections in your paper. This road map should only be a few sentences stating the sequence of your intentions in the paper. Most road maps require that you use the first-person narrative. However, if advised otherwise, describe what your paper will accomplish; for instance, the paper will analyze.

Provide a Clear and Accurate Exposition

You will be required to write a clear and accurate explanation of the arguments and then show a logical connection between all the different parts of the paper.

Try as much as possible to avoid vague exposition or any misunderstandings. As you explain your points, ensure you support them with relevant citations.

Critically Evaluate a Theory in Philosophy

If this is any paper other than expository, you must evaluate a theory by providing your thoughts about its strengths and weaknesses.

Remember that an evaluation is not just your opinion about the theory, although your views are central. Your evaluation should show your critical reasoning abilities about the topic.

As you read a theory from another philosopher, do not just agree with their conclusions without checking whether they have provided sufficient proof and support to their claims. You must evaluate the arguments to make sure you get the point. A theory can be evaluated and criticized based on the following criteria:

• For lack of clarity in reasoning. Sometimes, the problem with a theory could be that the reasoning is unclear. In your paper, you precisely describe what is unclear and why it makes it hard to understand the theory.
• Because the Reasons in Support of the Claim are False. An argument can succeed or fail because its supporting premise is false. Therefore, if one or all premises are false, your conclusion will not follow. Remember that if you question these "truths," you must provide sufficient reasons for your doubt. Simply examining the truth without sufficient backup is of no use. Also, remember that when questioning the conclusion of an argument, you are putting into question the degree of support given by the reasons to provide the conclusion.
• For lack of Relevance. Sometimes, a philosopher may give a reason but fail to provide adequate information supporting the conclusion. Thus,, as the reader, you don't have adequate ground to accept the conclusion. You should show this in your paper if it does not meet these criteria. One of the best ways to address this issue is to provide counterexamples. A counterexample undermines the reasoning provided. In other words, it shows that even if the reasons are true, they have failed to support the argument.
• For lack of comprehension. Sometimes, a philosophy theory can fail to touch on the subjects it claims to cover. A philosophical theory that makes sense will be highly favoured over one that does not. In addition, one that has been explained broadly will do much better than one that is only focused on one issue.
• For Lack of Consistency. You cannot claim to support something and then contradict yourself in the process. For instance, there could be a statement like "I have determination, but I also have free will," this statement feels Innocent. Still, in philosophy, it is contradictory and must be revised to be consistent.

You must also explain these arguments and support them with textual references.

Come Up with Answers to Philosophical Questions

If you are writing a critical assessment, to some extent, you are showing your philosophical position. As you read through other philosophers' arguments, ask yourself what is the best theory so far.

Do not just understand these theories; try to develop your own.

Outline of a Good Philosophy Paper

A philosophy outline is good for several reasons.

First, it will help you identify your paper's main parts and detail it as much as possible.

Second, it enables you to organize your ideas and thoughts. A well-written outline will help you organize your thoughts about the given topic so that when you finally write, you do so without any challenges.

Third, glancing at your philosophy outline can help you decide what needs to be done.

The following is an outline you can use to write your philosophy paper. Please note that there are other philosophy outlines, but this is ideal. Also, keep in mind that the outline should contain the following:

• A clear and precise introduction that includes your thesis statement.
• Many developed arguments that support your claim and the position you've taken.
• Conclusion summarizing your arguments and the position you've taken.

Here is a sample outline:

1. Introduction

• Thesis statement- this is what drives the paper. In other words, what are you arguing about?
• Your position or perspective - it doesn't matter whether your instructor agrees with your side or not. How you intend to argue for the position taken is the most critical part of the paper.

      Background information

• Define the key terms in the paper, including the Parameters and Justification.
• Take note that the background information could also be included in the introduction.

2. Analysis and explanation of your thesis statement

To analyze your thesis, you must explain all the terms you have used clearly and concisely. Even though this seems trivial, there is much to be explained, particularly in philosophy.

Notice that you are not presenting your main arguments yet at this stage. You are simply explaining what your thesis is about. This is important because it will help set the tone for your paper.

3. Arguments in support of your thesis with evidence.

This entails the body of the essay. You can have as many arguments as possible if you support them with solid evidence.

Your points should look like this:

1. a) Your reason
2. b) Evidence from other philosophers supporting your reason.
3. c) All the anticipated objections
4. d) Refutation of the objections
5. e) Simple transition to the next point

4. Explaining what you're critiquing

If your assignment demands that you critique another philosopher's arguments, you must first explain the argument before showing your critique. As you do this, ensure you clearly show that when you are speaking in your voice as opposed to explaining another's argument.

5. Conclusion

This is the summary of your arguments. Briefly write your main points and provide your conclusion. Take note that you are just restating your main points briefly. A comprehensive explanation of your arguments should be dealt with in the body of the paper.

Things to Avoid When Writing a Philosophy Paper

Here are some things you should avoid when writing a research paper.

Generalization in the Introduction

Statements like "Since the dawn of time...," or "Beginning in ancient times..." etc. don't do much for your paper. They are unnecessary words that fill up your paper. There is also no need to point out that your paper is important. Your introduction should be brief.

Lengthy Quotations

Relying too much on quotations or paraphrases is bad. You should keep all these to a minimum. Learn how to use direct quotations and use them only if necessary. You can summarize the author's arguments in your own words, but you must cite them. Remember that this is your paper should be kept as such, so do not overindulge in quotations and paraphrases.

Fence Sitting

The definition of fence sitting is when you cannot decide which position you intend to support. When writing a philosophy paper, avoid presenting a different number of positions and then claiming you can help any of them.

In addition, do not say that other philosophers can't settle on the matter at hand, so you shouldn't be expected to decide in just a few pages.

Stilted and Flowery Language

Whichever your topic is in philosophy, it is serious and should be treated as such, so avoid any flowery language. Also, please do not copy the phrases or words written by famous philosophers because most of them are famous despite their writing and not because of it.

Assuming that the Reader is Stupid

If you feel the reader is not smart enough to understand your words, you will be tempted to explain each step. Write your paper with the idea that a reader is a college-educated person who can clearly understand what you are saying but does not presently know about the topic in discussion. Do not write the paper for the instructor because you will deliberately omit certain words and points because you think they are aware of the points. Strive always to show that you understand the arguments, relevant steps taken, and the problems associated with the claim.

Avoid Using 'man,' 'mankind,' 'he,' 'him,' and 'his' When You Mean All Humans

Some readers can feel excluded when you use the above words. Research has shown that when girls are exposed to such language, they are less likely to think about themselves in a wide variety of occupations.

Tips for Writing Your Philosophy Paper

Take note of the following as you write your paper

• Use first-person pronouns and possessive pronouns; signpost.

Using phrases like "I will show you that" and "Now I will argue that...' I will give three examples..." are referenced as signposts, and they are extremely useful for communicating the structure and

Key points of your essay. Incorporate these phrases in your essay whenever you can to show your audience the direction of your arguments.

• Say what you mean.

Oftentimes, some writers struggle so much with saying what they mean because they fear claiming it is obsolete.

Try to use simple, short, and concise sentences. If you run out of words and find out that are fewer pages than the assignment allows, then go back to the steps that need further information. You can even add a few examples to support your argument. However, you need to use them carefully. Remember that even the best examples can be easily misinterpreted or fail to convince the reader.

• Be wary of Specialized Words.

There are certain words and phrases that you need to be careful about how you use them. Words like deduction, valid, invalid, sound, and unsound or begs the question are used differently in philosophy. Therefore, you must understand this first before applying them in your paper.

Checklist for a Good Philosophy Paper

The checklist below will help you ensure your Philosophy paper is up to par. That is, it meets the required structure, contains proper arguments, and that is well written.

Structure

Is your introduction well written? Check that you have the following:

• Stated the main topic in about two sentences
• Briefly explain the issue at hand.
• Explain the steps you will take in your paper, i.e., your game plan.
• Provide a written thesis statement without overpromising.
• Keep your introduction to the required length (½ page or 10% of the word count). It should go over the limit stated by your instructor.

Mechanics

• Your paper's structure is well organized and can be easily discernible. You can ensure this by having an outline.
• There are no epically long paragraphs.
• Each paragraph makes one main point.
• There is enough "signposting". The first sentence of every paragraph clearly shows the main goal of the paragraph and how it fits into your paper.
• The sentences are short and precise.
• There are no flowery languages.
• There are no redundant or irrelevant sentences or paragraphs. Note that some redundancy is okay if it clarifies the paper.
• There are no typos or grammatical errors.

Content

• The paper explains all the relevant points in your own words instead of relying on the direct quotation. A few quotes are okay, but only if you use them to support your statement.
• Every relevant reading is properly cited.
• Your paper is accurately written.
• Your arguments are stated as accurately as possible. You explicitly made the main argument of your paper.
• The argument supports your conclusion
• Throughout your paper, you have stayed focused on the main point.

Analysis

• You've not merely summarized the text.
• You've allocated more space to analysis than to summarize the text.
• You've adequately defended your main thesis, as stated in the introduction.
• The paper meets what you consider the best objection to your main argument.
• Your paper only focuses on the best objection. If it considers more than one objection, it should have adequate space.
• Your objection either targets one of the premises of your argument or challenges your argument's validity.
• The objection of your paper shouldn't be that the conclusion is false.
• The objection is stated directly.
• You've provided sufficient information for your objection. You've not just hastily stated.
• You've clearly stated that you think the response to your objection is successful and provided information as to why.
• If you've considered two objections, you should write responses to both of them and state whether your thoughts are successful and why you think so.

Documentation

• You have accurately quoted the material and properly used direct quotes.
• You've provided references with exact pages for every material you've cited.

Strategies to Check, Clarity, Organization, and Focus in Your Paper

• Read your paper aloud or have someone read it to you to spot awkward phrases and sentences.
• Proofread your paper; don't rely so much on online tools.
• Use short sentences to highlight a single point.
• Use transition words
• Check that the thesis statement is clear and supported well throughout the paper.

Final Word

Philosophical papers are not like your typical papers. You have to show that you understand the material and can think critically. Writing a philosophy paper requires a particular approach to ensure your work is top-notch. For this reason, it can be daunting to write one when you are used to conventional writing. However, there is a lot you can learn if you have the right guidelines in place. I hope the steps and tips above will help you with your assignment.

FAQ

How do you start a good philosophy paper?

Start your philosophy paper with an introduction which:

• Should be concise
• Contain a written thesis statement
• Has an introduction to your topic and its significance
• Shows a brief statement of what your main argument will be
• Contains a map of how the structure of the paper should be

Can I use personal pronouns in a philosophy paper?

Using first-person pronouns in a philosophy paper is allowed but only when appropriate. You can do this while introducing or showing what you will do in the article (signposting). For instance, saying "will show you that", "Now I will argue that..." etc. Please don't use personal pronouns such as I to state your opinion in the paper.

How do I organize my philosophy paper?

Your paper should have the following structure:

• Introduction to the topic. This is where the thesis statement is.
• Background information
• Arguments
• Conclusion

What elements make a good philosophy paper?

You must include all the following points to write a good philosophy paper.

• A written introduction that states the thesis statement.
• Analysis and explanation of your thesis statement. Also included here is brief background information.
• Arguments backed by evidence supporting your thesis.
• A summary of your arguments.

Is writing a philosophy paper hard?

Most students find it hard to write a philosophy paper because it has different expectations from other types of essays in other disciplines. However, if you master the given guidelines, it will be smooth sailing for you.