How to Write a Philosophy Paper that will Impress Your Professors

Students sometimes get the impression, while reading famous authors like Aristotle or Nietzsche, that a great work of philosophy needs to be highly complex and totally innovative in both content and style. But in fact, the best way to write a great philosophy paper is to be as clear as possible about the opinion you’re defending and your reasons for holding it. 

I’ve graded a lot of philosophy papers. The students who earn As do these 3 things:  

1. They include a clear thesis statement in the introduction paragraph. 

In most cases, your thesis will summarize your response to the prompt for the assignment. You should be able to explain in one sentence: What is the key point you are trying to defend in this paper? Be as specific as possible.

For example, this thesis is not as strong as it could be: “Malebranche’s proposed solution to the problem of evil does not succeed.” 

This thesis is stronger: “Malebranche’s proposed solution to the problem of evil does not succeed, because his view makes use of a crucial distinction between general and particular “volitions,” or acts of will, that collapses on further scrutiny.”  

2. They offer specific, well-developed reasons throughout the body of the paper for why they hold that view.

Your professor may not fully agree with you. They don’t have to! They just want to see that you’ve thought very carefully about the relevant issues. 

3. They remember to revise their first drafts for clarity and consistency.

It’s only natural that while you’re honing your arguments, your view will shift subtly over time. This is good - it means you’ve thought through the issues carefully! But before you click “submit,” remember to go back to the beginning and make any necessary revisions. You may have changed your mind while writing your paper, but the thesis you promise to defend at the beginning of your essay should be exactly the same as the thesis you claim to have defended at the very end. 

Do these 3 things, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing your professor with a successful philosophy paper!