Free Essay

Pathways to Philosophy Writing a Philosophy Essay

In:

Submitted By aaleasval
Words 623
Pages 3
There is no technique, or recipe, or set of guidelines for writing an essay in philosophy. — That statement might not appear very helpful. To the beginner, the very idea of a philosophy essay seems mysterious, and the prospect of having to write one quite intimidating. Any attempt to explain the nature of philosophical writing in the abstract, however, merely serves to deepen the mystery. All one can say is that once you have started to grapple with various actual examples of such writing, you will begin to form an idea of the type of approach that is needed. Then, all you can do is have a go yourself. In short, like the very first things we were taught as infants, one learns by imitation and by trial and error.

But why is it necessary to write philosophy anyway? Isn't it enough just to study the works of philosophers? Writing — whether in the form of books, articles, essays, or dialogues — is, quite simply, the way one works at philosophy. Reading, thinking, talking philosophy are all parts of the process. But none of these is a satisfactory substitute for the discipline of expressing your thoughts on paper. (The lone figure of Socrates is perhaps the only recorded exception to this statement.) A student who has not yet produced his or her first piece of written work has simply not reached first base. — That is why at Pathways we encourage our students to get into the practice of writing from the start.

By 'writing' one does not mean simply jotting down thoughts as they come into your head, though this too can be an initial part of the process. Philosophical writing involves constructing an argument. It is reflective and self-critical. Even when the writing flows, the words form an organised structure. For all the wide variations in style and presentation, the writings of philosophers possess a common architecture, which is none other than that of logic itself.

What is so special about writing a philosophy essay, as opposed to an essay on any other subject? — Simply that the cogency of one's argument depends solely on reasoning and logic. The appeal to observations, or to the results of experiments or surveys, or to any other forms of recorded data has no place in a philosophical argument. — At the risk of over-simplifying, the subject matter of philosophy is not the way things, as a matter of contingent fact, happen to be in our world, but rather how things must be in every logically possible world.

Unfortunately, one all-too-easily becomes a victim of the mystique of philosophy, the thought that while a few exceptional individuals might possess the extraordinary vision or powers of reasoning needed to create works of philosophy, the most one can aspire to as a mere student is to be able to read and appreciate the writings of others: in short, to be a consumer, but never a producer.

There are two replies to this. The first is that studying philosophy is an active, not a passive process. If you do not try to produce examples of philosophical writing yourself, you will find that you are severely handicapped in your ability to appreciate the productions of others. There is no better way to test your understanding of a theory or an argument than to attempt to express it in your own words. And since it is hardly possible to agree with everything you read (since the writings of philosophers themselves disagree!) you need some way of testing your disagreements, of seeing whether your criticisms of a piece of philosophy are valid. The only sure way is to express those criticisms in writing, where their validity can be subjected to further examination.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Outline Two Definitions of the Term ‘Miracle’. Examine Key Reasons for Believing in Miracles

...the the time that the ground-breaking Pathways to Philosophy distance learning program has been running, students from around the world have produced many fine examples of philosophical writing. Reproduced here are essay portfolios which have received the Associate Award, as well as dissertations successfully submitted for the Fellowship Award. For shorter essays by students taking the six Pathways to Philosophy programs, follow the links at Pathways to Philosophy: the six programs. All work is copyright of the original authors. No material may be transmitted or reproduced without permission. For further information, e-mail klempner@fastmail.net. Geoffrey Klempner Director of Studies [pic] Associate Award • Paul Meakin • Mary Jennings • Andrew Watson • Kenneth Head • Stuart Hopkins • Tony Bellotti • Oliver Leech • Alan Bradnam • Shirley Hughes • Terence Kuch • Fr. Seamus Mulholland • John Eberts • Gordon Kennedy • Justin Woods • Neil Munro • John Dudley • Samuel Thorpe • Jürgen Lawrenz Fellowship Award • Tony Fahey • Martin Jenkins • Peter Jones • George Brooks • Samuel Michaelides • Mike Finch • Rachel Browne • Jürgen Lawrenz back [pic] Paul Meakin: Associate Award Essay One Heidegger, Dasein and the quest for authentic Being-in-the-world Essay Two 'I am Condemned to be free': Sartre...

Words: 1030 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Kant

...Amy Vu Philosophy 205 May 14, 2016 Essay Assignment Kant Kant was one of the most influential philosophers in Western philosophy. His works contributed in whether or not we call any philosophy based on experience empirical, if we call it pure philosophy if it sets its principles based on priori principles, or any form of pure philosophy that is formal, logic. However, if logic were known to be only in specific objects of understanding this pure philosophy would be called metaphysics. He based a large amount of his writing on the question, “What can we know?” and through that, he stated, “our knowledge is constrained to mathematics and the science of the natural empirical world. It is impossible, Kant argues, to extend knowledge to the supersensible realm of speculative metaphysics” (McCormick). He believes that the mind is limiting us to only the empirical realm of space and time. In Kant’s view in ethnics, he states that the sole reason that gives the action moral worth is not actually the outcome once achieved but it is the motive behind the action. He argues that the mind is a blank slate that we would write our experience by experiencing the empirical world. That motive which causes that action arises from the universal principles of reason. Kant claims that only actins done from duty have moral worth, which is true because in his writings, morality is something that only rational beings are able to preform these principles because they are rational. “Everything in nature...

Words: 1733 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

James.Doc

...of Nursing (Professional) Master of Nursing (Research Methods) [pic] The Master of Nursing course at La Trobe University is one of its flagship professional programs, attracting great interest from highly qualified local applicants. The program has been further developed to allow flexible delivery mode enabling LTU to offer the course in Singapore. The aim of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills that assists professional development within a nurse’s area of practice. It offers nurses the ability to design a study pathway that meets their career needs.   Degree Award This course is equivalent to the Master of Nursing degree conducted by La Trobe University in Australia and students who complete the course will receive the same award. Upon successful completion of a minor thesis, students may be eligible for admission into a higher degree research program such as Doctor of Nursing or Doctor of Philosophy.   Course Structure The Masters program is a 180 credit point program with exit options available at the Postgraduate Diploma level (120 credit points of study). Students can...

Words: 709 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Leadership

...REGENT UNIVERSITY The Understanding and Practice of ServantLeadership Servant Leadership Research Roundtable – August 2005 Larry C. Spears President & CEO The Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The best test is: do those served grow as persons; do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? —Robert K. Greenleaf The mightiest of rivers are first fed by many small trickles of water, and an apt way of conveying my belief that the growing number of individuals and organizations practicing servant-leadership has increased from a trickle to a river. Servant-leadership is also an expanding river, and one which carries with it a deep current of meaning and passion. The servant-leader concept continues to grow in its influence and impact. In fact, we have witnessed an unparalleled explosion of interest and practice of servant-leadership in the past fifteen years. In many ways, it can truly be said that the times are only now beginning to catch up with Robert Greenleaf’s visionary call to servant-leadership. The idea of servant-leadership, now in its fourth decade as a concept bearing that name, continues to create a quiet revolution in workplaces around the world. This article is intended to provide a broad overview of the growing influence this inspiring...

Words: 4875 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

Gender and Development Essay

...19 Home Analytics Upload Papers S65 no pic Shailaja Gender and Development Essay Yelden Sarybay Uploaded by Yelden Sarybay top 2%416 Info Bookmark Download DOCX Report Work that may take a diversity of pathways, but for which there are rarely the kind of short-cuts envisaged by the proponents of empowerment- lite.” (Harcourt, 2009) Conclusion Effective of not, Kazakhstan‟s most marginalized are simply not affected by the discussion. “This is a debate about gender and power, about body politics and political bodies, about norms and hierarchies, about intimate and institutional violence, and about liberation and justice.” (Cornwall et al., 2002) Before the population as a whole risks an identity crisis, it makes sense to formulate a familial, non-intrusive policy on gender so that it may pursue development. “For instance, writing of events in Serb ia in the 1990s, Blagojevic (1999) notes that „[t]he political and economic changes endangered the male identity much more than the female‟. Consequently: New prophets appeared on the scene offering various socio -biological arguments in support of the claim that men are inherently superior. One such was Tosevski, who proclaims Serbian masculinity to be superior to the western variety and advocates open promiscuity for males....” (Alan et al. , 2000) Such absurd views can only be taken seriously by those who lack ideological grounding. The Serbian example also “ warns us that masculinity...

Words: 594 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Management

...Philosophy of Classroom Management A constantly changing and naturally evolving classroom management plan would be the cornerstone of my philosophy, with the central question being “what do these students need and how can I meet those needs.” This type of approach would ensure that I would respond to the diverse intellectual nature of a student body that are also culturally, socially and economically different. Acknowledging that these magnificent young people with exciting and formulating minds need lessons that will arouse their natural curiosity and provoke critical thinking skills, I will develop and implement an engaged pedagogy that honors them, recognizes their abilities, and challenges their constantly expanding dendrites. There is no greater honor than to help another individual come to a realization of their unique and natural talents—to facilitate another’s blossoming in this world and to bring them to an awareness of their place in this continuum. It will be my role and daily challenge to devise relevant and engaging lesson plans that will help create deep thinkers and problem solvers, so that when problems do arise, the students themselves can devise the solution. The goal is to create loving and caring individuals who will take risks, establish realistic goals and assume personal responsibility for the results of their behavior; where the only competition is with themselves, the individual, and not with each other, and where the process is about discovering...

Words: 4650 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

European History

...his prescriptions he contends that the heretics, specifically the Gnostics who believed the pathway to salvation is through intellectual seeking which allows them to be closer to their God, are amiss in their justification. He then goes one step further and attempts to identify the root of the heretics motivation, that being the study of philosophy. “… we ought not to be surprised ether at the occurrence of the heresies, since they were foretold”, states Tertullian in Chapter 1 which embodies the thinking of the Christian writers of the time. Given the fact that heretics and naysayers were prophesied in the religious texts these Christian scholars were always on the defense and ready to repudiate any claims made against the church, no matter how much validity there was to the argument. To begin Tertullian asserts that the prevailing heretics would in fact be those that call themselves Christians as well, “ The Lord teaches that many ravening wolves will come in sheep’s clothing. What is this sheep’s clothing but the outward profession of the name “Christian””. He then claims that the heretic is “self- condemned”, that being because “he chooses for himself the cause of his condemnation”. Yet his essential argument is that the nucleus of the heresy is philosophy, “It is philosophy that supplies the heresies with their equipment.” He presents a very narrow view of the way philosophy must be conducted; the constant seeking for the truth that is common practice within the study...

Words: 3057 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Tragic Ballets and Female Heroinism

...Introduction In my essay I am going to be discussing ‘Tragic Ballets ‘and ‘Heroines’. As a child I spent a brief period studying ballet and on a visit to Prague, in February 2013, I enjoyed watching the Russian Ballet perform 'Giselle' at the Prague State Opera House. I have often wondered why so many ballets and the female heroines in them end in tragedy. My essay will discuss the issues that female heroines face and the events that eventually bring them to their fate. I will also discuss the origins and definitions of ‘heroine’ and ‘tragedy’. In order to examine my chosen themes I started my investigation by watching, analysing and comparing the films ‘Black Swan’, ‘The Red Shoes’ and the ballet ‘Giselle’. I read the feminist writings of Marina Warner on the portrayal of women, the Catholic Church and also her book on ‘Joan of Arc. In my essay I will be discussing the themes of love, conquest, devotion, deception, spirituality and how they play a role in altering the lives of the female protagonists in various different situations and offer my own opinions on how the tragedies are formed. I will begin my comparison of the female heroines that I will be discussing, with Giselle. Figure 1'Giselle and Count Albrecht' The Russian Ballet Giselle is a poor peasant’s daughter who falls in love with Count Albrecht. Count Albrecht’s character plays the main part in the protagonist Giselle’s downfall during the ballet, as he breaks her heart when she learns that he is betrothed...

Words: 3377 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Rizal

...Reflections on Rizal - Three Thoughts Tiny Dancer Hero There is this idea that heroes inevitably reflect their country. When you think about it historical heroes exist as receptacles of a nation’s hopes and dreams. They are the guiding lights, the individuals who helped shape the nature of a people. Heroes are, in other words, can be considered the soul and conscience of a country. Their philosophies, ideals, and examples acting as the benchmarks for right collective action. That, as well, is why each generation must recast their nation’s heroes in new forms and view them in new perspectives. Heroes and their actions, much like all of history, are consistently up for reinterpretation. Without that process they will never be relevant. A disturbing question to ask is if our heroes are really relevant today. As a result, studying how our heroes are approached and constructed in the public sphere gives a country an understanding of who they are as a people. Heroes are a reflection of the values of a people. And if that is the case, as I strongly suspect it is, then the way we currently construct Jose Rizal (the way we approach him and his legacy) does not speak too well of us. There is something faintly disturbing about the fact that more is written, and known, in popular society (and pop history) about how many languages Rizal spoke (and how many women he supposedly bedded) than the importance of his annotated Morga. Or even that there is this pervasive sense of Rizal the...

Words: 1293 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Learning and Knowledge

...Running head: KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS AND DOMAIN LEARNING Knowledge Domains and Domain Learning Liliana Maggioni and Patricia A. Alexander University of Maryland In press Keywords: discipline, domain, learning, history, knowledge, mathematics, reading, science, writing. Abstract The roots of current disciplines and domains of study reach well back in history. An exploration of their development shows that these areas of knowledge have not only reflected cultural changes but have also influenced societies, especially through formal educational systems. Besides being characterized by their focus on a particular part of the world, disciplines are also distinguished by a specific way of thinking about their respective domains of study. Psychological research has identified several features of these pathways to knowledge (e.g., reading, writing, history, mathematics, and science) that generally define the landscape of academic practice. Although educational psychologists’ interest in how knowledge develops within specific domains has fluctuated across time, formal education throughout the world is organized around particular fields of studies and students soon come to characterize their experience of school in terms of subject matters. Thus, in education, domains seem to make a difference. The term knowledge domain refers to the part of the world investigated by a specific discipline. In other words, the domain can be characterized as the object (e.g., plants...

Words: 7525 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Reasearch

...RESEARCH METHODS MODULE STUDY GUIDE Module Title: | Research Methods | | Module Leader email: | Sharif.Sheriff@uwl.ac.uk | | Module Code: | BA70020E | Level: | 7 (Masters) | Credits: | Academic Year: | 2012/ 2013 | | School: | West London School of Business | Field: | Post Graduate International Business Management | © UWL 2013 Contents Section A - Overview and Content Page 4 Module Leader and Team details Welcome Office hours / contact details Administrative and Technical support Timetable Venue / rooms Module information Content of the module Aims of the module Learning outcomes Learning resources Pre-requisites Section B – Module programme Page 8 Section C – Assessment and Feedback Page 19 Assessment schedule (including deadlines for submission) Formative assessment opportunities and feedback Plagiarism regulations Evaluation of the module Frequently asked questions Appendix 1 Research presentation: marking criteria for MAHRM & Top up students, MBA, Msc, MIBM. Appendix 2 Research Proposal: marking criteria for MAHRM & ‘Top up’ students, MBA, Msc, MIBM. Details of Module leader Name | Sharif Sheriff | Field & School | Postgraduate IBM Field West London School of Business | Email | sharif.sheriff@uwl.ac.uk | Phone | 0208 231 2243 | ...

Words: 9695 - Pages: 39

Premium Essay

Zdckakcj; Zc

...major philosophical issues that challenge the conduct of ethics as a rational enterprise, exposes students to major traditions in philosophical normative ethics and applies those traditions to specific value conflicts in the business world. A critical thinking component is included in the course. Specific problems relating to topics such as corporate responsibility, employee rights, and the nature of the free enterprise system, environmental concern and ethical business practices. In deciding how to act, managers reveal their inner values, test their commitment to those values, and ultimately shape their characters. In general, Ethics is both an academic “subject” and a thoughtful way of doing things.  Theoretical Ethics is that branch of Philosophy concerned with determining what is right (with regard to principles and actions) and what is good (what ends or ideals are worth pursuing and what values are worth holding).  Practical Ethics is the art or techne (know-how) of figuring out how to make things better rather than worse with regard to concrete or actual situations.  Business Ethics is a type of applied ethics.  As such, it is concerned with principles applied and actions taken in the workplace and the boardroom.  At the same time, since business practice is inseparable from the rest of human life, Business Ethics has to take account of the well-being of human society and the natural environment. Aim: This module gives an opportunity to consider the ethical challenges that...

Words: 3480 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Learning Styles

...Learning Styles & Professors Both your professors and your learning styles are different and unique. By knowing your professor and his/her teaching style you will have a distinct advantage. Once you know how to properly use your learning style so that you can manipulate it to work with your professors teaching style, you will notice that lectures and studying will be come far more easier for you. You can no longer be a passive student, taking only what is spoon-fed to you; you must seek out your own education. This includes both the knowledge you have about your professors and the knowledge you have about yourself. The more you know about each of these the better prepared you will be for the class. I. Meeting A Professor Explain to your students that professors are not teachers and may never have had any classroom training. They are here because they are experts in their field. We are a learning institution as well as a teaching university, so most professors are here to do research to advance knowledge, as well as teach classes. Remember that your professors are people too; some people are nice and some people are not. Be polite and adult when interacting with your professors. Professors who obtain tenure have academic freedom. Having tenure basically means that the professor can form his or her own guideline for teaching. In order for a professor to receive tenure they must teach at the U of S for a minimum of three years and go through a process...

Words: 2051 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Q&a Jurisprudence

...R outledge Revision: Questions & Answers  Jurisprudence 2011–2012 Each Routledge Q&A contains approximately 50 questions on topics commonly found on exam papers, with answer plans and comprehensive suggested answers. Each book also offers valuable advice as to how to approach and tackle exam questions and how to focus your revision effectively. New Aim Higher and Common  Pitfalls boxes will also help you to identify how to go that little bit further in order to get the very best marks and highlight areas of confusion. And now there are further opportunities to hone and perfect your exam technique online. New editions publishing in 2011: Civil Liberties & Human Rights Commercial Law Company Law Constitutional & Administrative Law Contract Law Criminal Law Employment Law English Legal System Routledge Q&A series Equity & Trusts European Union Law Evidence Family Law Jurisprudence Land Law Medical Law Torts For a full listing, visit http://www.routledge.com/textbooks/revision R outledge Revision: Questions & Answers Jurisprudence 2011–2012 David Brooke Senior Lecturer in Law and Module Leader in Jurisprudence at Leeds Metropolitan University Fifth edition published 2011 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN Simultaneously published in the U S A and Canada by Routledge 270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2011...

Words: 105136 - Pages: 421

Free Essay

Fallacies of Development

...AFRICA’S DEVELOPMENT: THE IMPERATIVES OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND VALUES by MARTIN ODEI AJEI submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in the subject PHILOSOPHY at the UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA PROMOTER: PROFESSOR M. B. RAMOSE AUGUST 2007 Contents Declaration Acknowledgement List of Acronyms Key terms Summary vi vii viii x xi INTRODUCTION: DEVELOPMENT AND PHILOSOPHY i. Statement of the Problem ii. Against Economism iii. Critique of Competition iv. Poverty is Unnatural v. Thesis Statement vi. Methodology vii. Structure of Dissertation 1 1 1 5 6 9 10 15 CHAPTER ONE: DIMENSIONS OF DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON AFRICA 1.1. What is Development 1.2. Development and Economic Growth 1.3. Schools of Development Thought and their Influence in Africa 1.3.1. The Modernization School and its Essential Claims 1.3.1.1. Growth Theory under Economic Liberalism 1.3.1.2. Evolutionary Theory 1.3.1.3. Functionalist Theory 1.3.1.4. Common Assumptions and Methodology 1.3.1.5 The Influence of Modernization on Development Practice in Africa 1.3.1.6. Critique of Modernization 1.3.2 Dependency Theory and its Essential Claims 21 21 25 27 27 28 29 30 32 34 36 39 i 1.3.3. The Theoretical Heritage of Dependency Theory 1.3.3.1. Structuralist Economics and the ‘Prebisch Thesis’ 1.3.3.2. Marxism 1.3.4. Common Assumptions of Dependency Theory 1.3.5. Criticisms of Dependency Theory 1.3.6. The Influence of Dependency Theory on African Development Practice...

Words: 90729 - Pages: 363