Undertaking a philosophy research paper, students aim at showing all their creative powers to uncover some puzzling topics and bring in the sense, so that the paper will be something to catch attention of their professors and contemporaries. However, are there any precise rules to do it skillfully?
Here, you'll find a step-by-step approach to how to compose a paper on the subject of philosophy. The presented tips can be useful both for experienced writes and for those who are new hands in this.
No matter which type of writing you are going to work on, you should be aware of its main characteristic. In our case, a philosophical paper can be defined as a kind of paper, which proposes a claim and defenses it with the help of careful reasoning.
The beginning step in the writing process is gathering a number of sound arguments, which you are going to apply to present your point of view and convince a reader. Sure, the topic should be engrossing and fascinating; it has to be something that provokes your curiosity and reaction. Once you've done quality research to opt for a nice topic, dozens of ideas will appear in your mind. An author should not only retell his/her position, but also back all these arguments with proofs. For example, you could quote some other authors, use theoretical materials and other sources. Everything you state should be proved with evidence. The thing you should desire is the trust of a reader.
Formulation is, in fact, a very important element of writing, especially when the purpose of your writing is to persuade and be in touch with a potential reading audience. That is why, be careful with every claim you make and do not go off the track in order not to mislead a reader. You need to have no fear to establish evidence that some philosopher was wrong if you have really found out some opposing and totally right position.
Starting a paper, you should have a clear plan of action in your head. In simple words, in the beginning of the process, you should understand how it all functions. You can start with some sentences that may light the sparkle of interest in a reader, or with a sentence directly related to a topic. A technique of introducing a hook usually proves to be effective.
Do not think that if you need to carry out research, it should be groundbreaking and have dozens of outcomes. Try to sound unpretentious. Be realistic and do not try to cover all the aspects at once. When you try to bring in all the ideas and all the possible solutions out of your theme, it can make a mess and become very difficult to perceive. It is better to be concentrated on concrete details and dig deeper.
Be creative and try to analyze the topic yourself. Do not try to copy somebodies ideas. Think critically and create your own theory on the selected subject. It's far more catching when a person puts all the effort to produce original ideas on the topic.
You may also find out what others think about the topic, which you have chosen, interview your peers, friends or parents to understand the way they view this thing. This also will help you to be the most objective.
Have a look at numerous sources. You can choose various magazines, newspapers, books and articles of the experts in the branch of studies.
A proper outline may be a guarantee of a successful paper. It clarifies the structure of a paper and determines other points that are important for the paper. The count of words here depends on the amount of the work and research, which a student is going to complete. For instance, if a project takes ten pages, then you'll need to have a two-page outline.
Definitions, basic information that is necessary for further reading.
Why the topic is essential as a subject for studying.
Concluding a philosophy research paper, you should take your reader's breath away. A conclusion that amazes and inspires a reader is your way to successful ending and good feedback. You should rephrase the thesis statement. Then, list the most influential arguments from the body paragraph. In the end, introduce a rhetorical question and your own thoughts on the future of the subject.