Most philosophy papers present an argument for a thesis. Sometimes the thesis is normative (e.g., animals should have rights; we can establish clear conditions for when patients should have access to lethal doses of medicine). Sometimes they are technical (e.g., the mind is nothing but the brain; to be is to be perceived). And sometimes, if not usually, they focus on interpreting philosophers (e.g., Anslem鈥檚 ontological argument is sound proof for God鈥檚 existence; Hume鈥檚 sentimental theory of taste better accounts for the value of art in our lives than Plato鈥檚 claim that there is a Form of Beauty).
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Elements to Consider as You Write a Philosophy Papers
Consider Avoiding the Following as You Write a Philosophy Paper
Last revised: 04/2012 | Adapted for web delivery: 07/2021
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