Philosophical Essay Writing Structure
Introduction: Touch on Social Problem* related to prompt, and how your philosophical idea to alleviate it
- Present your opening Social Problem and how it relates to the topic.
2. How does this Social Problem impact the individual. Is it an urgent matter?
3. Allude to your philosophical solution of choice; how can it solve the problem?
Example. Structure for introduction
“(1) The unimpeded progression of digital transformation has revolutionalised the process in which we interconnect with family and friends, yet, the transparent nature inherent within this form of communication has encouraged uniformity in the way we express ourselves.
(2) In many ways, technology has subdued our individual identities, to live in such a state that is bereft of true expression, is a heinous sin to ourselves and a disservice to our precious earthly time. ****
(3) In alleviating this irrational phenomenon, introspection into our virtues can provide clarity in finding meaningful purpose within ourselves.”
Paragraph 1: What is the social problem related to the prompt and its impact on the individual?
Table. Social Problems
Paragraph 2: Why should we care about this social problem?
One key word - authenticity or individuality
Example. Prompt on success and authenticity (transient life)
“The transient nature of our existence, necessarily hastens the need for us to redefine success. With each waking moment diminishing, how wasteful must it be, to spend our times fulfilling society’s norms of successful life. The subjective opinions of others, will often corrode our own resolve, leading us to choose regretful actions in the pursuit of success and prestige. We don’t want to live out own later years with regret, reminiscing of missed opportunities that could have brought us meaning within our lives. We must realise in earnest, that to find forms of long-lasting gratification, would be the only true success worth pursuing.”
Paragraph 3: How can your philosophical idea of choice, fix the problem?
Example - Confucian philosophy, Cynicism philosophy, Jeffersonian Philosophy or Kantianism
Example. Prompt on space travel and Confucianism
Whilst space exploration seeks clues outward toward the infinite oblivion, to find true meaning within our lives we must turn inward toward our personal chasms. Classical Chinese philosopher – Confucius once mused, “The virtues of courage and sincerity are bedrock to a wholesome lifestyle.” Just like how the first astronauts courageously boarded the spaceships, we must also show courage and faith in pursuing our dreams. These Chinese virtues denounce a life in pursuit of materialistic goods, opting instead for time spent in pursuing the subjective ideals of each individual. By acting with these virtues in mind, we take the first steps in fabricating an exploration of our most sincere desires, whatever they may be. In doing so, we act as role models for those around us, promoting meaningful lifestyles that are worth exploring
Conclusion: Aim to summarise your ideas in a captivating way - 5 minutes
- Reiterate the Social Problem and how it relates to the topic.
- Touch on the effect of the Social Problem on the individual
- How does the philosophical solution of choice solve the problem
Example. Prompt on government control conclusion
Whilst space exploration seeks clues outward toward the infinite oblivion, to find true meaning within our lives we must turn inward toward our personal chasms. Classical Chinese philosopher – Confucius once mused, “The virtues of courage and sincerity are bedrock to a wholesome lifestyle.” Just like how the first astronauts courageously boarded the spaceships, we must also show courage and faith in pursuing our dreams. These Chinese virtues denounce a life in pursuit of materialistic goods, opting instead for time spent in pursuing the subjective ideals of each individual. By acting with these virtues in mind, we take the first steps in fabricating an exploration of our most sincere desires, whatever they may be. In doing so, we act as role models for those around us, promoting meaningful lifestyles that are worth exploring
Full Essay Examples:
Andy Xu
Example - Idea for framing a Philosophy (Immanuel Kant) to a Prompt (Taxation):
Other philosophical ideas and relevance to this topic include:
- Jeffersonian philosophy: taxation and government regulation have no place within individual lives. In essence, the less government intervention (including taxation) the better!
- Descartes philosophy: be sceptical about the reasons behind why taxation exists. Challenge all these ‘facts’ that we take for granted, even though taxation in some form has existed since the earliest civilization, is it still necessary in the modern day?
Whilst none of these philosophers deal with taxation directly, we could still take their principles and apply it in a manner that still stays on topic. This is the crux of why this method is so effective.
Philosophical ideas can tie into a prompt as restricting as taxation. Success in staying on topic is more closely related to how you frame your philosophical idea, rather than which philosophical idea you choose.