How to choose a (good) topic and to write a (good) paper
It is important to remember that your paper should offer an argument to defend. This argument should consist of a small, specific point that is clearly presented, along with good reasons to support it. It is important to note that most philosophical topics have already been solved, so it is best to choose a problem that is very specific and not too general. The paper should not consist of a mere report of your opinion, but rather should focus on providing reasons for the claims you are making. Simply summarizing what others have said on the topic will not be enough to create a strong argument. Remember to be clear and concise, and to present a well-reasoned argument to defend your point.
Structure of the paper for this course
- Abstract (The last thing to do):
- Brief summary of the lecture
- max 200-300 words, usually in a single paragraph
- Introduction:
- Explanation of the thesis and its importance
- generally divided in:
- presentation of the problem/research inquiry
- purpose and focus of the paper
- summary writer’s position or arguments
- Sections:
- Detailed steps supporting the thesis and counterarguments
- Conclusions:
- Summary of the lecture
- Possible future directions discussed
- References:
- List of works referred to
General useless rules
- Formulate a precise thesis in your introduction
- Define technical or ambiguous terms used in your argument
- Motivate your thesis by explaining why it is interesting
- Explain how you will argue in favor of your thesis
- Make the strongest possible argument to support your thesis
- Anticipate and respond to objections to strengthen your argument
- Prepare an outline and use concise language
- Avoid repetition and use each paragraph efficiently
- Support your conclusions with various considerations
- Accurately describe the consequences of believing a conclusion
- Only explain what is essential and manage references correctly
- Seek feedback from peers in class
- Prepare an outline to organize your thoughts
- Use simple and concise prose
- Clearly state your argument in the introduction
- Provide a logical and intelligible structure
- Avoid repetition in your paper
- Use each paragraph efficiently
- Support your conclusions with various considerations or premises
- Accurately describe the consequences of believing a certain conclusion
- Consider the strongest objections to your arguments and respond to them.
- Use complete, grammatical sentences and select words appropriately.
- Explain key concepts accurately and make use of helpful examples.
- Focus on overall clarity and structure rather than small word choices.
- Ensure the information provided is correct and unambiguous.
- Only explain what is essential.
- Manage the references correctly and consistently.
- Seek feedback from peers in class.
- Don’t focus on title but on content
- you have to read some material and start from it to elaborate your argument
- there is a scholarship basically on every topic but you cannot read everything has been written on :(
Bibliography
Bibiography can useful to give credit to ideas or works created by somebody else but also to allow readers to follow up the ideas presented. Main points on how to bibliography:
- Include a reference page at the end of the paper
- It is arranged in alphabetical order (typically by the creator)
- Use a consistent citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.)
- Avoid plagiarism by properly citing all sources used.