How to Write a Philosophy Extended Essay?
As an experienced IB writer, I’ve helped many students write their Philosophy Extended Essays. This subject is one of a kind and hard to study in the IB system. So, the IB Philosophy EE needs a focused, critical, and well-researched approach. Writing a Philosophy Extended Essay can be challenging, but it’s doable if you follow the proper steps and keep an open mind.
How Does a Philosophy Extended Essay Differ from Other EEs?
The Philosophy Extended Essay differs from other EEs because it focuses on critical and abstract thinking. The IB Philosophy EE is based on mental thinking and debate, while courses like History and Biology focus on facts or data collection. You’re not doing studies or collecting history records. Instead, you’re reading philosophy texts, figuring out what theories mean, and making well-thought-out cases.
Philosophy Extended Essays are different because they usually start with a question that doesn’t have a clear answer. In some classes, you might try to come to a clear conclusion based on facts or data. But in Зhilosophy, the point is to look into ideas, question assumptions, and develop a logical chain of reasoning. This task needs unique skills, like thinking critically and logically and understanding vague ideas. So, the Philosophy Extended Essay is different from other courses in the following ways:
- Focus on argumentation. You’re building a structured argument rather than proving a hypothesis.
- Interpretation of texts. Engaging with primary philosophical texts is crucial.
- Conceptual thinking. Philosophical essays dig into ideas, not just facts or data.
From what I’ve seen, students often find the Philosophy EE hard and satisfying because it makes them think about the subject and pushes them to develop their ideas. For those who like to think deeply about important issues and see how well they can reason, the Philosophy Extended Essay is the perfect way to show off your skills.
Choosing a Relevant Topic for Your Philosophy EE
Picking an interesting and important subject is one of the first things you must do when writing a Philosophy Extended Essay. This is one of the most critical choices you will have to make. A theme that is both engaging and specific enough to facilitate in-depth analysis is a good choice. The important thing is to narrow down your topic. A broad topic like “ethics” won’t let you go into enough detail, but a narrow question like “Can moral obligations be universal?” makes it easier to find study.
Additionally, picking a subject that interests you will inspire you while researching. Working with IB students has taught me that an important topic will make you want to learn more about it. Here are some ideas for topics to think about:
- “Is free will compatible with determinism?”
- “To what extent is justice achievable in a utilitarian framework?”
- “Can humans be morally responsible in a simulated reality?”
- “What is the role of emotions in moral decision-making?”
Each of these topics can be turned into a focused research question. In my experience, they are all narrow enough to be investigated in depth while addressing philosophical points already made.
How to Write and Develop Your Philosophy Argument?
In my experience, students frequently succumb to the temptation of employing excessively complex language to appear more philosophical. It is simple to believe that using more intricate language will bolster your argument; however, it can confuse the reader and obfuscate your ideas. In my opinion, the most effective essays effectively and understandably communicate complex and nuanced ideas. This method perfectly maintains the attention of your examiner.
So, here are a few suggestions to assist you in maintaining the clarity and organization of your writing:
- Start with clear definitions of key terms.
- Build your argument step-by-step without skipping the central explanations.
- Use transition words to connect ideas smoothly.
I believe a well-developed argument should be constructed progressively, beginning with precise definitions of essential terms and concepts. Establishing one’s philosophical stance at an early stage facilitates avoiding ambiguity in the future. Ensure that each point logically follows the previous one as you advance, establishing a continuous flow of ideas.
Employ Evidence and Logic
Your Philosophy Extended Essay is no exception to the philosophy that significantly relies on logical reasoning. In my opinion, a well-organized argument is indispensable. You should use the evidence from the texts and theories under analysis to substantiate each claim. For instance, when discussing Kant’s moral philosophy, it is necessary to explicitly reference his works and elucidate how they bolster your argument.
Always be mindful of logical fallacies, as they can undermine your credibility. Faulty reasoning can weaken your essay, even if your ideas are sound. Instead, aim to explain the reasoning behind each conclusion, ensuring that your argument is logical and persuasive.
In my opinion, a successful Philosophy Extended Essay combines insightful analysis with plain, structured reasoning.
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Structuring Your Philosophy Extended Essay
Setting up the structure of your Philosophy Extended Essay is the next most important thing to do after choosing a topic. IB rules say the essay should be broken up into parts that clarify your point and follow a reasonable flow. In my opinion, this framework works well.
Introduction
In the Extended Essay introduction, you can clearly state your research question and discuss why it is essential from a moral point of view. I think that a good opening will not only lay out the rest of the essay but also make it clear to the reader what intellectual problem you’re talking about and how you plan to solve it.
Main Argument and Analysis
In the central part of your essay, you should make your main point and back it up with philosophy texts and ideas. Being clear is very important in Philosophy, so it’s best to stay reasonable and avoid using unnecessary jargon. Transition words like “thus,” “furthermore,” and “in contrast” will help the reader follow your point of view.
Counterarguments
From my observation, the best Extended Essays on Philosophy deal with cases against the main idea. A good essay knows what arguments people will use against your point of view and how to counter them successfully. It shows that you have thought about the subject from different points of view and have been critical of it.
Conclusion
In your EE conclusion, you should sum up your point and think about what it all means in a bigger-picture way. In my experience, this is not the place to present new ideas. Instead, it’s where you should emphasize how robust your analysis is and leave the reader with a strong image of your work.
What Are the Assessment Criteria for Philosophy EE?
The Philosophy EE is graded on several areas, including how well you know and understand the topic, your ability to think critically, the depth of research, and the organization of the essay.
Think Critically and Analyze
The IB puts a lot of weight on critical thought, and this is where I’ve seen philosophy students shine. Philosophy requires you to think deeply about different points of view and question commonly held beliefs. You should look at current points and think critically about them.
This means you must formulate your viewpoint and support it with evidence and rational thinking. For instance, if you’re criticizing utilitarian ethics, don’t just summarize them; break them down, point out their pros and cons, and give your opinion on how true they are.
Here are some ways to make your writing more critical thinking-friendly:
- Engage with different points of view to show that you understand a lot.
- Instead of just outlining points, you should also evaluate them.
- Make your well-thought-out analysis and ensure it’s backed up by evidence.
From what I’ve seen, philosophy writings that include a well-thought-out review of different philosophical points of view tend to get better grades because they show that you can think for yourself.
Formal Presentation
Not less significant is the formal presentation of your Extended Essay on Philosophy. Although the material would appear to take the front stage, a well-organized, well-designed essay may significantly affect how examiners see your work. Essays with well-organized titles, seamless transitions, and concise paragraphs — that is, those with clean structure — are, in my view, more straightforward to understand and, thus, more likely to score highly.
You should also consider formatting rules like word count and citation formats. Staying within the word limit is crucial — it’s part of the IB’s criteria and teaches you to express your ideas concisely. From my experience, students who go over the word limit often add extraneous material, compromising their case’s clarity and emphasis.
Final Thoughts
Completing a Philosophy Extended Essay is a challenging but very rewarding chore. The secret to success, in my view, is selecting a subject you’re enthusiastic about, organizing your essay precisely, and closely interacting with philosophical claims. With enough preparation, study, and commitment, you may create a solid work displaying your philosophical ability.
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Valerie Green
Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.
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