1. Start by brainstorming a list of topics that interest you.
2. Narrow down your topic to a specific, manageable research question.
3. Make sure your topic is appropriate for a philosophy paper.
• Avoid topics that are too broad or too narrow.
• Avoid topics that are purely empirical or historical.
• Avoid topics that have already been extensively researched.
Conducting Philosophical Research
1. Start by gathering information about your topic.
2. Use a variety of sources, including:
- Philosophical texts
- Books
- Journal articles
- Encyclopedias
- Databases
3. Skim through your sources to get a general overview of your topic.
4. Take notes on important ideas, arguments, and evidence.
5. Be sure to cite all of your sources.
Organizing Your Paper
1. Decide what you want to say about your topic and what arguments you will present.
2. Create an outline to organize your thoughts.
3. Structure your paper with the following components:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Main Body
- Conclusion
Writing Your Paper
1. Write in a clear and concise style.
2. Avoid using jargon and technical terms.
3. Proofread your paper carefully before submitting it.
Here are some additional tips for writing a philosophy research paper:
• Be aware of the difference between paraphrasing and plagiarism. Plagiarism is copying someone else's work without giving credit, while paraphrasing is putting someone else's ideas into your own words. Be sure to cite any sources that you paraphrase.
• Avoid relying too heavily on secondary sources. Secondary sources are works that discuss primary sources, such as books or articles that analyze philosophical texts. While secondary sources can be helpful for gaining an overview of your topic, you should always refer to the primary sources whenever possible.