Content Frame

Defining Your Topic

What should you write about? First, you should be reading philosophical texts. If you are doing this properly (see section on "How to read philosophy") you will have already written several pages on various topics and articles you have been reading. These pages will include initial analysis and criticisms of those articles, the structure of the arguments, and strengths and weaknesses of both the arguments and the claims. Pick a topic that interests you. It is probably best to consider an argument you do not agree with because you might not be as sensitive to weaknesses in an argument you find totally convincing.

Decide what the philosophical issue is. What exactly is the argument you will support or take issue with? What exactly is the problem with the argument? Are one or more premises inadequately supported? What is wrong with them? Are there presumed truths that the argument in question does not state, which are necessary for the argument? Is the reasoning flawed? Does the conclusion fail to follow? Do you want to consider the strengths and weaknesses of two opposed positions? There may be several problems with a position you want to discuss. Pick only one or, at most, two for your topic. Philosophy moves slowly, because it moves very carefully. You do not have to destroy an argument. Recognizing a potential problem and articulating a modest point is all that is necessary and, realistically, all you should expect to accomplish.




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