Some Advice for Writing a Philosophy Paper

(1)Organize your paper, and make sure that each part of each question has been answered clearly.  (Starting with an outline can be invaluable here.)

(2)If you use terms that have been defined in a special way in class or in the readings (e.g., libertarianism, incompatibilism), then be sure to explain how you are using those terms in your paper.

(3)Using examples can be very helpful in writing a philosophical essay.  The only danger is that you rely exclusively on examples to make your points.  So if you use an example, be sure to explain what the example is meant to show or illustrate. 

(4)It is often part of the purpose of the assignments that you answer the question within the prescribed page limits, so don’t exceed them.  Your task is to write as concise a paper as you can, and, at the same time, to set out fully the most important arguments and ideas that are relevant.  This means that you will be making critical decisions about what the most important points are. 

(5)Given the previous suggestion, it follows that you should not waste precious space by writing lengthy introductions and conclusions.

(6)Since you have a limited amount of space, it is not helpful to quote at length.  You receive credit for showing that you have understood the material, so if you do use a quotation, be sure to go on to explain its meaning and significance.

(7)Whenever you use the words or ideas of others, you must cite the source.  If you quote, you must use quotation marks, and cite the article or book and page number from which you quote.  If you paraphrase a passage, you should also cite the work and page number on which the passage appears. 

(8)Proof-read your paper for spelling mistakes, grammatical mistakes, and an other kinds of errors.  Also, make sure that your paper reads well.  (A good way to do this is to read over your paper and imagine that you are reading it for the first time.  Ask yourself, “does this make sense?”  “Have I clearly set out all the points I want to make?”