Develop an extended analysis of one of the major philosophical texts presented in modules 1–5, including:
“The Allegory of the Cave” by Plato from Module 1
Phaedo by Plato from Module 3
“The Simple and Happy Life by Epicurus” by Epicurus from Module 4
“On the five ways to prove God’s existence” (in Summa Theologiae) by Thomas Aquinas from Module 5
A Compendium on the Soul by Avicenna from Module 5
The Book of the City of Ladies by Christine de Pisan from Module 5
The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius from Module 5
“Philosophical Plumbing” by Mary Midgley from Module 1
“The Value of Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell from Module 1
Your essay should offer a clear reconstruction of the core philosophical argument(s) and or concept(s) presented by the philosopher with attention to the context in which they wrote—as well as analyze the logic (critical thought) and rhetorical or written strategies used to develop their philosophical position(s).
The goal is not only to write about what the philosopher said but how they wrote and thought.
Your supporting paragraphs should address the claims the philosopher makes, any objections (counter-claims) considered and refuted, and the conclusions drawn. Analyze the approach to philosophy (such as the type of philosophy they are writing in metaphysics, epistemology, etc. or cultural traditions, Ancient Greek, Roman Catholic, etc.), the premises and named or unnamed assumptions, and types of evidence included.
Focus mainly on the primary source or main philosophical text that is the subject of your essay yet consult quality sources such as peer-reviewed journal articles or books to help you understand the philosopher’s argument(s) as well as the context in which he or she lived and the philosophical schools or traditions to which he or she belonged.
Aim to write more than a book report, which would simply be a summary; work to analyze how the philosopher’s work is put together both in thought and language.
Note: some of the philosophy provided in the online course shell are excerpts from longer works; using the assigned readings is sufficient for a paper of this length, yet you may wish to consult more from and/or the full-length original texts. Feel free to dialogue with your instructor about options and strategies.
(For additional paper guidance, see the UNC, Chapel Hill writing center guide below, specifically their advice for writing “argument reconstruction.”)
Target length: 4–5 pages (800–1,000 words)
Minimum sources required: One (1) primary source (the philosophical text your analysis focused on) plus at least one (1) secondary source (peer-reviewed article from a scholarly journal or book).
Additional sources may be included, yet all should be of sufficient academic quality and the focus of the essay should be on analyzing the primary source or main work of philosophy that is the subject of your essay.
Students may review the advice about writing in philosophy provided in the following guides from other institutions:
The Writing Center—Philosophy Links to an external site. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Writing a Philosophy Essay Links to an external site. from University of Toronto
Guide for Writing in Philosophy Links to an external site. about writing in Philosophy from Southwestern University
Remember to format your essay and document all sources according to either MLA or APA Style (as determined by your instructor). Consult the following online style guides as needed or reach out to the FSCJ tutoring services in writing for support.
MLA Formatting and Style Guide Links to an external site. from Purdue University
APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition) Links to an external site. from Purdue University
