The School of Historical and Philosophical Studies Philosophy

Guide to Researching and Writing Philosophy Essays


5th edition

by Steven Tudor, for the Philosophy program, University of Melbourne, 2003.

 

1. Introduction

2. Philosophy Essay Topics

3. What do I do in a Philosophy Essay?

(a) Exposition
(b) Critical discussion

4. Researching Your Essay

(a) Research
(b) Note taking
(c) Libraries and electronic resources

5. Writing Your Essay

(a) Planning and structuring your essay
(b) Relevance
(c) Citing philosophical "authorities"
(d) Examples
(e) English expression
(f) Vocabulary of logical argument
(g) Revising your essay
(h) Word limit

6. Plagiarism and Originality

(a) Plagiarism
(b) Originality

7. Quotations, Footnotes, Endnotes and Bibliography

(a) Quotations
(b) Footnotes and endnotes
(c) Bibliography

8. Presentation of Essays

(a) Format
(b) Late essays
(c) Essays not handed in

9. Seeking Advice

(a) Tutors and lecturers
(b) Student Counselling
(c) Language assistance for non-native speakers of English

10. A Bit on Philosophy Exams

11. Checklist of Questions

 

 

This fifth edition of How to Write a Philosophy Essay: A Guide for Students (previous editions titled A Guide to Researching and Writing Philosophy Essays) was prepared in consultation with members of the Philosophy program, University of Melbourne. For advice and assistance on this and earlier editions, thanks are due to Graham Priest, Barry Taylor, Christopher Cordner, Doug Adeney, Josie Winther, Linda Burns, Marion Tapper, Kimon Lycos, Brendan Long, Jeremy Moss, Tony Coady, Will Barrett, Brian Scarlett, and Megan Laverty. Some use was also made of materials prepared by the Philosophy Departments of La Trobe University, the University of Queensland, and the Australian National University.

 

Disclaimer: University, Faculty and Departmental Rules

Please note that this booklet does not provide authoritative statements of the official policies or rules of the University of Melbourne, the Faculty of Arts, or the Philosophy program with regard to student essays and examinations or any other matters. Students should, therefore, not rely on this booklet for such information, for which they should consult the various appropriate notice boards, handbooks, websites, and/or members of staff.

 

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