5.5 Axiology

Expressing Yourself Philosophically

Dr. James A. Dunn

June 2, 1999

Your first exposure to the discipline of Philosophy may very well be this course. This fact

means you will be analyzing what you believe and how you think about what you value in everyday

life. It also means you are going to learn how to defend what you believe/think. What is more is the

fact that philosophy often engages students in written work as a large part of course requirements.

This being said, philosophy papers can be some of the most challenging papers you will encounter in

your academic experience.

There is no library research telling you what you think on a given issue. You are the sole

expert regarding what is real to you, what you know as well as what you value in life.

Therefore, below are some helpful insights you will want to consider while “Expressing

Yourself Philosophically.”

1. The key to any philosophical defense or opinion is what is called a Thesis Statement. A philosophy paper or presentation is a defense of a thesis. So, make your main statement a clear

representation of what your entire defense is about. Another way to put it is: A thesis is a

statement that makes some clear, definite assertion about the subject matter at hand.

2. Once a thesis statement is in place, it will be time to Analyze and Explain the Thesis. It is crucial to interact and explain each piece of your thesis. Make sure each concept and issue is

precisely defined, as trivial as it may seem to do so. We cannot take it for granted that others

responding to our philosophical defense of a given thesis will understand the parts nor the

whole of the defense.

3. After the thesis has been precisely analyzed and adequately explained, Develop the Arguments in Support of the Thesis. This is where you will endeavor to convince your reader that your

thesis is true, or at least has philosophical merit. Developing the arguments in support of the

thesis will entail the bulk of “Expressing Yourself Philosophically.”

4. Good philosophers know what the opposing side(s) thinks in regard to the topic of his/her topic(s). Put yourself in their shoes for a moment and Develop Opposing Arguments and

Objections to the Thesis. One might call this developing an antithesis. Whatever the

definition, play Devil’s advocate – it will actually help you believe and defend your thesis with

more passion and thought.

5. Then, Respond to the Arbitrary Objections. That is, argue with the objections. Why do you feel the objections are not valid compared to the truth of your thesis? Do your homework.

Create and answer the major possible questions toward your thesis.

6. Finally, Sum it All Up. Ideally you will find yourself convinced more about your thesis statement than ever before.

7. Stay Clear, Precise, Accurate, Focused and Consistent with your Thesis Statement.

8. As this simple outline is thoughtfully followed, you will not only find yourself communicating more proficiently, but you will be “Expressing Yourself Philosophically” and doing it quite

well.