aper instructions
Write about: Between Sartre and Murdoch, who do you think has a more convincing theory of human freedom?
The Structure of this Argumentative Essay
The point of an argumentative essay, unsurprisingly, is to produce arguments in favor of some thesis. This thesis can be a positive claim (e.g. “Humans have free will”) or a negative claim (“Humans do not have free will”). It can even be a skeptical claim (“There is no way of knowing whether humans have free will”). Here are the components that you will need to include in your essay:
(a) A clear thesis to be defended. Your thesis statement should address a philosophically significant subject matter concerning which there is reasonable disagreement. And it should be formulated in unambiguous, straightforward terms. Be sure to underline your thesis statement and put it in the first paragraph of your paper.
(b) At least one main argument in support of your thesis. This argument will ideally consist of premises which logically entail or render highly probable your thesis, and which are at least as, and hopefully more, plausible than the thesis itself. Your thesis is the conclusion of this argument. If an argument contains a premise that is decidedly controversial, you may need to argue for that premise as well. So, your main argument may consist of sub- arguments for at least some of its premises. It always helps to illustrate your central points with examples.
(c) At least two objections to your thesis and/or your arguments for it. These objections must be cogent and strong. Since your goal is winning the truth rather than winning a
debate, you should try to think of the very best and most plausible objections to your thesis you can come up with or discover. If those objections weaken your credence in your thesis, that’s fine. It’s rational to lower one’s confidence when compelling objections arise and to be uncertain when matters are unclear. Just say so in your essay! Think of your task as that of presenting the best possible case for a thesis rather than that of producing unshakeable conviction in your readers or yourself. (But, of course, if you have more confidence in the truth of an objection than your thesis, choose another thesis.)
(d) At least one response to each objection—two responses altogether. In most cases, your response must specify which premise or set of premises is wrong in the objection, and explain why it is wrong.
As always, I urge you to write clearly and straightforwardly—like you’re trying hard to find the truth and to be understood by others. (Some philosophers write as though they’re trying hard not to be understood. Please don’t emulate them.)
Finally, the structure of your essay should be clear. You should, for instance, flag transitions with sentences like “One objection to my view is this:…” “In response to this objection, I maintain that…”
Sample Solution