how to write a philosophy essay
First, a word about reading. Tutors differ as to whether they expect you to complete all the readings on their reading list. I will always tell you in person which readings I consider essential, and which optional, for you . Now, philosophy. Philosophical problems are rooted in a puzzle - in bafflement or wonder at something. They often take the form ‘how is it so much as possible that….?!’ (e.g. “How is it even possible that anyone could ever know what someone else thinks or feels?”) Sometimes you’ll find that a particular philosophical problem puzzles you too. But at other times you might think ‘Well, why’s that even an issue?!’ There’ll typically be no straightforward answer to a philosophical problem. But by grappling with it honestly you stand a chance of experiencing a growth in wisdom. You’ll first need to be willing to get lost in the thickets … and to then do what you can to find your way out. So when writing your essay, the first thing to do is to get a clear ques...
