Writing strong, critical essays is a challenging process, and can be a fun and exciting way to discover what you really think and feel about a particular subject. Even though we all carry around various beliefs and thoughts, we rarely explore the deeper reasons why we think and behave the way we do. Philosophical writing can help us understand our own views and the world we live in--even if no one ever reads what we write. However, when sharing your thoughts with others, it’s important to write in a clear, precise, and meaningful way. Here are 3 suggestions to help you craft strong, critical essays:

1. Clarity and Focus

1. •  The most important feature of excellent philosophical writing is clarity. Given that you’re being asked to write a philosophical essay, you might feel the tendency to appear profound, deep, and complicated, and you should resist this temptation at all costs! Try to write in a simple, clear, and straightforward way. Use short, simple sentences, and minimize jargon as much as possible.
   

1. •  Try to say exactly what you mean. If you're not sure about a particular word then look it up in a dictionary: find the word that coveys exactly what you want to say, and if you do use technical vocabulary, be sure you know what it means.
   

1. •  Make sure your thoughts are organized and focused. Don’t jump around from one idea to another or switch subjects. Think about developing a central idea or thesis so that each part of your essay supports it. Focus on a single question or issue and be clear about it.
   

2. Develop an Argument

1. •  It’s important to remember that philosophical and critical writing is not just a catalogue of statements, opinions, or facts. It is an exploration into the reasons and justifications we (and other philosophers) give for our thoughts and beliefs. Thus, it’s important to develop an argument throughout your essay that offers reasons and support for a particular position. Don’t just state a position and leave it at that, but make it the conclusion of a line of reasoning that supports your position.
   

1. •  When writing about other thinkers, texts, and traditions, look at the arguments and views in a holistic way: don’t just focus on the conclusions or final statements, but explain how the argument fits together and works (or doesn’t work). A good philosophical exposition is not easy and entails paying careful attention to the reasons philosophers give for their positions.
   

1. •  Write a straightforward introduction and let the reader know your position. Keep in mind that a philosophy essay is not a mystery novel, and so state your position from the very beginning. The conclusion should paraphrase your argument but is also a good time for self-reflection. Think critically about your writing and raise questions about your own assumptions and the weaknesses in your argument.
   

1. •  Exclude unnecessary details. After completing a preliminary draft of your essay, mercilessly delete anything that doesn’t directly relate to your argument. Don’t pad your essay with irrelevant material and stay focused on developing the reasons for your position.
   

The Principle of Charity

1. •  Keep the “principle of charity” in mind when you criticize other philosophers and texts. If you see an obvious weakness in an argument, strengthen it; if you see mistakes or gaps, suggest ways to correct them. Assume the best of your philosophers by exploring their ideas and theories rather than only attacking their views. Try to avoid a simple “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” when evaluating their ideas, and remember that even poor arguments can sometimes yield interesting insights!
   

1. •   Apply the “principle of charity” to your own argument as well: evaluate the weaknesses in your own argument and explore why a reasonable person might disagree with it. Even though you’ll probably agree with your own position in the end, consider the strongest possible objections to your argument, and then respond to these objections by strengthening your position.