Philosophy essays can be a bit tricky as they are not entirely factual. Articulating your thoughts based on other people’s is majorly what philosophy essays are about. It seems really easy but people tend to make a lot of mistakes. Some things you need to avoid when writing your next philosophy essay are uncertainty and controlling the outcome.
Uncertainty
Many people like to end their essays with how they are in a dilemma. This is a huge slip up. You picked a side from the beginning. You based your whole argument on this particular side winning and yet you are in a dilemma? Doing this leaves you out in the open. Seal the deal by being more than sure. Show the instructor you know what you are doing by being assertive.
Controlling the outcome
Philosophy essays do not necessarily have a common answer. Your answer is always correct provided you back it up as required. Controlling the outcome is where you decide that there is only one side and conclude that the other side is wrong. This is a grave mistake. Denying others an opinion is not philosophical. Allow them their opinion but show them that your opinion is stronger.
Being a loud mouth
Approach your arguments in a subtle way. While doing your essay, arguments aimed at showing your side is more superior should be civil. Argue in a subtle and intellectual manner. Avoid being rash because you have different opinions with whatever you read in the research phase. Philosophy essays should be serene and beautiful, even inspiring to the reader.
Inadequacy
Even though philosophy essays are more of personal than universal opinion, you have to conduct proper research. You may believe that what you think is right but on further research, your opinion might change. You also need to dig deep because quotes are required. On the subject of quotes and paraphrasing, do not overdo it. Excess quotes and paraphrasing may discredit your work as universal rather than personal.
Convince yourself
You know what you are thinking. You clearly know which side you are on, now try and bring others to your side. Convince them, not yourself. Arguing on one side is convincing yourself. Alternating between one plane and the other is convincing others. Take a stand but at the same time, intelligently attack the weaknesses of the other side, in a bid to try and convince the readers.