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WRITING THE STRUCTURE OF AN ARGUMENT You are required to outline a philosophical argument as a project in this class. The classic structure of an argument in Philosophy includes:
1. Your task is first to choose one philosopher and read a comprehensive (more extended version than the classroom excerpt) part of his/her work. The length depends on the difficulty of the primary text. Usually you should choose your philosopher from the names on the tentative reading list for the class. This reading will take time, and you likely will have to read some parts more than once. Please use the primary text - spark notes should not replace your work! Contact me if your philosopher writes in a poetic style (e.g. Nietzsche) or if you plan on choosing a philosopher who is not on the tentative reading list. 2. Sit back and think about the text. Take this chance to think about what you have been reading. 3. Identify the proposition, premises, and conclusion in a part of your reading. Note that you might have to analyze the text like a detective in order to follow the argument. Be aware that some times a philosopher will actually discuss what might be used as an objection to his/her proposition. 4. Write the structure of your argument. Do not forget to identify each passage clearly in a parenthetical reference to the primary text. 5. Add your works cited.
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