How to write the perfect philosophy essay

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John Shahawy//2022-11-06//8 min read

Start with a clear thesis statement that answers the question asked.

A good thesis statement for a philosophy essay should be clear and concise, and answer the question that is asked. It should also be specific, outlining what you will discuss in your paper.

A good thesis statement will make it easier to write a strong essay, so it is worth taking the time to craft a well-thought-out message.

Crafting a good thesis statement

Thesis statements should not be too broad or too narrow, as this can make your essay unfocused or unable to address all parts of the question.

A good thesis statement will be specific enough to give your essay a clear sense of direction, but not so precise that it can only be addressed in a single paper.

Your thesis statement should be arguable, meaning that it should be debatable and open to interpretation.

A good thesis statement for a philosophy essay should be debatable and open to interpretation. In other words, it should be something that someone could reasonably disagree with. This will make your essay exciting and thought-provoking, rather than simply a regurgitation of information or a rehashing of someone else's arguments.

Supporting your thesis statement with evidence from philosophical texts or other sources is important.

Keep in mind the overall structure of your essay when crafting your thesis statement, as this will help you stay on track throughout the writing process.

Your thesis should be located at the end of your introduction paragraph.

The strength of your thesis statement will dictate the structure of your essay. A well-crafted thesis will make for a strong and concise argument, while a weak or rambling statement will only muddy the waters and make your essay less clear. When in doubt, always err on making your thesis as tight and focused as possible.

A strong thesis statement is not a question; it makes an assertion or claims that must be proved by the evidence presented in your essay.

Qualities of a good thesis statement:

  • A good thesis statement makes an assertion or claim that must be proved by the evidence presented in your essay.
  • A good thesis statement is clear, concise, and specific.
  • A good thesis statement takes a position.
  • A good thesis statement is not a question.

Make sure to address all parts of the thesis statement, and don't stray from your argument.

It is important to be clear and concise when writing your philosophy essay. Rambling or using too many words only weakens your argument. Moonbeam's AI Smart concise function is great to ensure you don't ramble.

Additionally, make sure that you address all parts of the thesis statement. By doing this, you will be able to provide a well-rounded argument that covers all aspects of the topic.

Addressing all parts of the thesis statement will make you less likely to stray from your argument. Depending on your thoroughness, the most challenging part of writing your essay may be cutting out sections so you don't exceed the maximum word count.

Make a list of the key points you want to address in your essay.

Before you start writing your essay, take some time to list the key points you want to address. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your argument is clear and concise.

Some things you may want to include on your list are:

  • The main point or thesis of your essay
  • The arguments or supporting points for your thesis
  • The counterarguments or objections to your thesis
  • Your conclusion

This list will help keep you focused while you write and ensure that your argument is clear and well-organized.

As you write, don't forget that your goal is to engage in critical thinking and argument. This means that your essay should not simply be a rehashing of familiar ideas but should instead offer new insights or perspectives on a topic. Be sure to support your claims with evidence and reasoning, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your philosophy essay is thought-provoking and well-reasoned.

When writing a philosophy essay, supporting your argument with evidence from philosophical texts or other sources is important. This will help to make your argument more convincing and prevent you from making any errors.

Try to find at least one or two pieces of evidence for each point you want to make, and make sure that your evidence is clear and easy to understand. If you can, find examples that are directly relevant to the topic of your essay.

Use philosophical terminology and concepts correctly in your essay.

To write a good philosophy essay for college, you need to make sure that you clearly understand the philosophical concepts and terms you will be discussing in your paper. This means researching and reading up on the philosophers and theories you plan to discuss. Once you grasp the material well, you can start planning and writing your essay. When crafting your argument, use philosophical terminology correctly and in a way that adds to your overall point. Remember that your goal is to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, so using the correct language is essential. If you are unsure how to use a particular term or concept, don't hesitate to ask your professor for help. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can write an excellent philosophy essay that will impress your professors and earn you an excellent grade.

This means understanding the meanings of terms like "ontology," "epistemology," "ethics," etc., and using them in your essay in ways that are consistent with their definitions. Failing to use philosophical terms correctly can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of your argument.

You must also be able to apply terms correctly to specific arguments and examples. This means using them in a way that supports your claims and helps to develop your argument. If you are unsure about how to do this, it may be helpful to consult with a tutor or another expert in philosophy.

Support your claims with evidence from readings or lectures.

A philosophy essay is a chance to explore a philosophical topic in depth. To write a good essay, you need to be able to make an argument and support your claims with evidence. There are many different sources of evidence that you can use when writing a philosophy essay. If you have been assigned readings or lectures on the topic, these can help support your claims. You can also look for other sources of information, such as articles or books written by experts on the subject. Whatever evidence you use, make sure that it is relevant and supports your argument. When I write, I find 1-2 sources to cite supporting any point I make.

When providing evidence to support your claims, cite specific passages or ideas from readings or lectures. This will help strengthen your argument and show that you understand the material well.

Remember that your goal is to convince the reader of your argument. To do this, you will need to provide robust and well-reasoned evidence. This evidence can come from readings or lectures that you have attended. Make sure that you carefully select your proof and that it supports your claim logically.** Do NOT throw the kitchen sink at the wall and hope it will stick**. Citations should be a precision instrument. Quality is much better than quantity.

In addition to supporting your claims with evidence from readings or lectures, be sure to also address counterarguments or objections that could be raised against your position. By considering and responding to potential objections, you will strengthen your argument and show that you have thought critically about your topic.

Cite all sources using MLA or APA format.

Citations will vary depending on your class and the college's requirements, so I will keep this short and to the point:

Typically when citing sources, you should use MLA or APA format.

MLA and APA formats are the most commonly used citation formats in academia.

Citing sources correctly is essential to avoid plagiarism.

When choosing a citation format, consult your professor or the style guide for your specific assignment requirements.

Edit your essay

It's important to take the time to edit your philosophy essay carefully before submitting it. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, and make sure your writing flows well. With a little effort, you can submit a polished and impressive essay that will impress your professor.

To ensure your essay is as strong as possible, take the time to revise and edit it before submitting it.

To jumpstart your philosophy essay, try Moonbeam out. Moonbeam will help you write a first draft in <5 minutes. Get started here.

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Kevin Newman

Founder of LegendCV
Moonbeam has beamed my writing output to the moon. Now with the new feature of adding your notes to get a coherent piece of writing started, it's a critical part of my workflow! Best tool out there!