Click here to get this post in PDF
We have addressed the topic of the argumentative essays (or critical essay), which is an academic document that is based mainly on the opinion of the author but which is the product of deep and documented reflection on a topic or problem that requires be approached or raised from the perspective of the writer. It does not necessarily seek to provide solutions to the issue or problem. It is true that this writing has a good dose of critical reflection, subjectivity, or personal and controversial perspectives; however, it is also necessary to provide evidence of various kinds that substantiate the opinions that are expressed. This is precisely what gives academic rigor to the critical essay.
Taking into account the presentation and the brief reading of the last session, below I propose the following scheme on how to prepare a critical and argumentative essay:
Here, you will find some guidelines for developing a personal philosophical essay, which will serve us both to exercise and to accredit some philosophy courses.
Preparation of an Essay on a Philosophical Problem
Selection and Delimitation of the Topic
Brainstorm about controversial topics that you have heard or read from your other philosophy classes. Choose from the brainstorm the theme that is most attractive to you. The issue or topic of interest should allow more than one opinion or view.
Be sure to delimit the subject well taking into account the number of words or pages you should write as part of your assignment.
Now that you have defined the subject well take a few minutes to make a balanced list of pros and cons of the subject matter. Use a two-column table and put your topic at the top.
Research
With all the results you get from search engines, you must identify the worthwhile pages. The degree of professionalism of the design and the presentation of the site talk about the content. On the other hand, remember that arbitrated and indexed sources are the most robust and rigorous for discussing a topic from an academic perspective.
Don’t forget to search the library catalog. Consulting a book might be less comfortable than the click of the mouse. However, the books contain organized information, and they are texts with a logical progression that report the results of research done by experts in the area. Undoubtedly, the books will provide excellent evidence for your essay. You can also try to access the database of other libraries (electronic libraries).
Select articles or book chapters (it is not about reading entire books) that you consider will help you develop your essay (5 bibliographic materials on the chosen topic). Hierarchize the order in which you will read the materials, starting from the one that addresses the subject directly to the material in which it is addressed in a complementary or secondary way.
Reading and Analysis of Bibliographic Sources
In reading and analyzing bibliographic sources, identify the fundamental arguments. An argument has two main components: An opinion and the evidence underlying that opinion. If one of the elements is missing, the argument simply does not exist. When you analyze an argument or when you build your own, first identify the opinion and then all the reasons that support it. The sentiment is the disputable or begging-to-be-proven wrong proclamation of the article, while the reasons offer clarifications and proof about why the conclusion is right.
Does the writer use any Logical Fallacy?
Fallacies are wrong beliefs or faulty reasoning. If you learn to recognize them in the texts you read, you can avoid being deceived. There are many types, and the six most common are listed.
- Haste generalization fallacy: Consists of generalizing from little information.
- False Cause Fallacy: When there is no necessary relationship between cause and effect, or the cause is taxed to an effect without adequate justification.
- Authority fallacy: Accept what you think is true simply because someone else said it.
- “Slippery slope” fallacy: refers to exaggerating the consequences of a fact.
- “Non sequitur” fallacy: A fallacy whose conclusion is not followed, does not follow from the premises.
- Polarization fallacy: It consists of reducing the options to two extremes, when in reality there are more alternatives.
You may also like: From a Student to a Professional: The Role of Writing Skills in Your Life
Image source: Depositphotos.com
