How to write an introduction. Don't begin with a very general opening statement: “Plato was one of the world's greatest philosophers…” or “The definition of virtue is something that philosophers have debated for centuries…” Do briefly tell your reader what your paper is about and what your main thesis is.
How do you start a philosophy essay?
State your
thesis clearly and concisely in your introduction
so that your reader understands what your paper sets out to achieve. Get to the point quickly and without digression. Don't try to introduce your argument within a grand historical narrative, for example.
What is the introduction to philosophy?
An introduction to philosophy through
topics found in classical and contemporary philosophical writings
, such as the nature of truth and knowledge, mind and body, freedom and determinism, right and wrong, and the existence of God.
How do you write a philosophy paper outline?
a clear, concise introduction that states what the paper will argue and how. several arguments in favor of your position. These arguments should be fully developed, i.e., you should anticipate and refute possible counter-arguments to your points. a conclusion that summarizes your position and the way you have argued it …
How do you write a thesis statement for philosophy?
- answer a question;
- be engaging; it can be challenged or opposed, thus also defended;
- pass the “so what? why should I care?” test;
- be supported by your paper;
- not be too broad nor too vague.
What is the best introduction to philosophy?
- Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder.
- A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell.
- Philosophy: The Basics by Nigel Warburton.
- The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant.
Where do I start with philosophy?
- Plato, The Last Days of Socrates — this includes four dialogues: the Euthyphro, the Apology, the Crito, and the Phaedo.
- Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics.
- Epictetus, Discourses, Fragments, Handbook.
- Augustine of Hippo, Confessions.
- Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy.
What is the format of a philosophy paper?
a clear, concise introduction that
states what the paper will argue and how
.
several arguments in favor of your position
. These arguments should be fully developed, i.e., you should anticipate and refute possible counter-arguments to your points.
How do you write a short philosophy paper?
- Organize carefully. Before you start to write make an outline of how you want to argue. …
- Use the right words. …
- Support your claims. …
- Give credit. …
- Anticipate objections. …
- Edit boldly.
How do you write an introduction?
- Attract the Reader's Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader's attention and introduces the general topic. …
- State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper. …
- State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.
How do I write an essay introduction?
- Attract the Reader's Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader's attention and introduces the general topic. …
- State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper. …
- State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.
How do you write a thesis statement example?
Example:
To make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, you must procure the ingredients, find a knife, and spread the condiments
. This thesis showed the reader the topic (a type of sandwich) and the direction the essay will take (describing how the sandwich is made).
How do you end a philosophy paper?
The basic purpose of your
conclusion
is to restate your thesis and summarize your argument, but it should not just be a copy of your introduction. In your conclusion, you should make a final effort to convince the reader that you have both established your thesis and offered a cogent argument in its defense.
What is philosophy in simple words?
1 :
the study of the basic ideas about knowledge, right and wrong, reasoning, and the value of things
. 2 : a specific set of ideas of a person or a group Greek philosophy. 3 : a set of ideas about how to do something or how to live Live and let live—that's my philosophy.
How do you read philosophy?
- Do the assigned reading. The philosophical texts simply are the content of the course; if you do not read, you will not learn. …
- Consider the context. …
- Take your time. …
- Spot crucial passages. …
- Identify central theses. …
- Locate supportive arguments. …
- Assess the arguments. …
- Look for connections.
