how to write a dissertation in philosophy

Philosophy dissertations

undergraduate Y4

I supervise at least one undergraduate a year. Many of the same questions come up each year. I have prepared below a set of guidelines to help when starting out on a dissertation.

Please note that this is personal advice and not to be taken as a substitute for the undergraduate handbook and marking scheme.

Do’s and Don’t’s for a dissertation

• Have a claim. You should be able to state your claim clearly in 1–2 sentences.
• Have claim of the right size – viz. a size you can defend (be careful not to be too ambitious here)
• Have a rigorous argument for your claim. Your argument should be able to convince a rational person who does not already believe your claim
• Make your dissertation clearly understandable to a philosopher who is not an expert in this area
• Explain why your claim is important
• Be honest if you do not conclusively establish your claim – e.g. clarify that your claim follows conditional on certain stated assumptions, list unresolved objections
• Make clear your original contribution
• Make use of your supervisor for feedback on drafts

Don’t:

• Aim for this to be your magnum opus or last word on the topic
• Try to solve a major problem (e.g. the mind-body problem, external world scepticism)
• Cover every possible view in the field
• Include extra material unless it advances your argument
• Have one massive 6,000 word chapter
• Leave it until Semester 2 to start work

How to write a dissertation

The points above give you an idea of what to aim for but they don’t provide a method for how to get there. There are many ways to write a dissertation. It may be reassuring to know that there are simple methods that can reliably produce an excellent dissertation. The algorithm below is one method:

• Find the general area you like (e.g. phenomenal consciousness)
• Select one article/book chapter in that area that you find fascinating (e.g. Smith (2009))
• Summarise Smith (2009) carefully in your own words, paying attention to whether each step in the argument follows from the previous
• Look for weaknesses in Smith (2009)’s argument
• Which new resources do you need to draw on?
• Which alternative conclusions follow?
• Which objections can be raised to your proposal?
• Draw on relevant bits of surrounding literature to support (5)

You have a first class dissertation!

Filling the dissertation with enough words

A common worry among students is whether they are able to write enough words. The longest piece of philosophical writing they may have done so far is 3,000 words. How can you write a sustained argument that lasts for 8,000 words? This turns out to be easier than you might think. Indeed, the difficulty often turns out to be not going over the word limit.

For the sake of argument, let us see how following the algorithm above might work out in terms of word count.

• Introduction (500 words): What is your claim, the outline of your argument?
• Chapter 1 (1,000 words): Why is your claim important? What are the pay-offs?
• Chapter 2 (2,000 words): Careful and charitable summary of X in your own words
• Chapter 3 (2,000 words): Your rigorous criticism of X
• Chapter 4 (2,000 words): How X should be corrected, associated costs, consequences for views that use X, possible objections
• Conclusion (500 words): Summary and next steps for future work

And we are done!

Milestones to aim for

Milestones depend on the specific project and you should talk to your supervisor about your workload and what would be a reasonable plan for finishing the dissertation in the year. Below is a rough plan that one might aim for.

• End Y3: meet supervisor & agree on general topic
• Summer vacation: background reading on topic
• Start Y4: find 1 article/chapter to focus

Year 4, Semester 1:

• Start: meet with supervisor & agree plan for year
• Middle: first draft of 2 chapters
• End: polished draft of 2 chapters

Year 4, Semester 2:

• Start: first draft of entire dissertation
• Middle: polished draft of entire dissertation
• End: revisit, revise, and submit dissertation

Background reading

A dissertation in philosophy is a story … like all good stories, it only includes what is essential to the story — Robert Paul Wolff’s astute advice that applies just as well to UG dissertations as well as PhD theses

Be concise, but explain yourself fully — Jim Pryor with an excellent 3-stage plan for writing philosophy

Style is the feather in the arrow, not the feather in the cap — Peter Lipton has some wonderful and concise writing advice

Read your work aloud. … Be firm: take your prose to the gym, and keep working at it until the bones and sinews show through! — Peter Smith, previously editor of Analysis , with some fantastic advice

What is an argument? — Jim Pryor’s guide is essential reading for anyone writing philosophy; it contains a lexicon of philosophical terms and a taxonomy of good and bad arguments, which is useful for classifying the arguments you consider

Mastering Philosophy: Advice For Writing A Dissertation

Writing a dissertation is an important step for those who wish to pursue a career in philosophy. It can be a difficult and intimidating task, requiring significant research and writing skills. Fortunately, with the right strategies, it is possible to master the process of writing a dissertation in philosophy.

This article provides advice for students on how to successfully write a dissertation in philosophy. The advice presented here covers all aspects of the dissertation-writing process, including developing research questions, constructing an argumentative thesis statement, organizing ideas into sections and chapters, formulating persuasive arguments and evidence, and editing.

In addition, this article offers suggestions for resources that will help students develop their understanding of philosophical concepts and terms as well as improve their writing skills. With this guidance, readers can confidently approach the process of writing a successful dissertation in philosophy.

What Is A Dissertation?

A dissertation is a lengthy and detailed written work that presents an original argument based on extensive research. It is typically required to obtain a postgraduate degree, such as a doctorate or master’s degree.

Dissertations are typically composed of multiple chapters and sections that contain the conceptualizing of philosophy, philosophical arguments, philosophical analysis, philosophical implications, and philosophical methodology. This allows for the writer to explore their thesis from various angles and make well-rounded claims.

The dissertation should be written in an academic style, including objective and impersonal language without the use of personal pronouns. The writing should also be engaging for readers who have a subconscious desire for serving others.

The goal of writing a dissertation isn’t just about presenting a theory; it is about providing evidence that supports it as well. The writer must consider how the evidence will interact with their argumentation in order to create an overall cohesive piece of work that can be evaluated by peers and defended against counterarguments.

Once they have presented their thesis in full detail with supporting evidence and analysis, they can draw out the implications of their findings.

Research And Planning

The research and planning stage is crucial for any dissertation. It is important to define your objectives, perform a keyword analysis, manage resources, obtain feedback, and track progress.

Here are 4 tips to help you on this journey:

Define your objectives – setting specific goals can help you stay motivated and focused throughout the writing process.

Perform a keyword analysis – use relevant keywords to ensure that your topic will be relevant to the audience you are targeting.

Manage resources – it is important to carefully manage the time and resources available to you when writing a dissertation. This includes making sure that all materials needed are readily available and that deadlines are met.

Obtain feedback – regularly seek feedback from peers or mentors to ensure that you’re on track with the project and make adjustments where necessary.

Tracking progress is also essential for successful completion of a dissertation project; use an online tracking system or journaling techniques to log milestones achieved and tasks completed along the way so that you always know where you stand in terms of progress made on the project.

Taking these steps will not only help keep you on track but also give you peace of mind as you embark on this exciting endeavor!

Outlining And Structure

Organizing Ideas is an important aspect to consider when writing a dissertation. It involves gathering ideas, classifying them by relevance, and organizing them in a logical manner.

Developing an Outline is a great way to ensure that the dissertation is structured properly and that all relevant information is included. It is also a helpful way to make sure that the research is organized and presented in a concise manner.

Creating a Roadmap is a useful technique to help writers stay on track and organized while writing their dissertation. It provides an overview of the main points and helps writers identify the different sections of the dissertation.

Organizing Ideas

Structuring ideas and information is a critical part of writing a dissertation. Concept mapping, mental models, and logical reasoning are all helpful tools for organizing your ideas when you are outlining and writing your dissertation.

One useful tool for organizing ideas is concept mapping. Concept mapping involves creating diagrams or visual representations of ideas and their relationships to each other.

Mental models are another useful tool for organizing your thoughts. Mental models involve constructing a mental representation of the world around us, in order to better understand how things work or why certain decisions are made.

Finally, logical reasoning is an important skill for structuring your thoughts and arguments in a dissertation. Logical reasoning involves analyzing evidence, forming hypotheses, drawing conclusions based on that evidence, and then testing those conclusions against reality.

By employing these three tools – concept mapping, mental models, and logical reasoning – you can more easily structure your ideas into an organized outline that will help you write an effective dissertation.

Developing An Outline

Once you have structured your ideas with concept mapping, mental models, and logical reasoning, it is time to start developing an outline for your dissertation.

Exploring ideas, identifying problems, and brainstorming solutions are all key components of creating a comprehensive outline.

As you explore the ideas related to your dissertation topic, consider the various ways in which these ideas can be organized.

Having a clear understanding of the main issues and topics will help you form a comprehensive outline.

After brainstorming possible solutions to any identified problems or gaps in your knowledge, use this information to further refine your outline.

This process should help ensure that your dissertation is well-structured and logically presented.

By developing an effective outline for your dissertation, you will be able to create a cohesive argument that follows a logical flow of thought.

Creating A Roadmap

After structuring your ideas and creating an outline for your dissertation, it is important to develop a roadmap of how you will achieve your goals.

This roadmap should include strategies for effectively managing time and referencing resources. In this way, you can ensure that the research process runs smoothly and efficiently.

Additionally, by setting clear goals and milestones, you can monitor your progress along the way and adjust your plan as needed.

Crafting a well-thought-out roadmap will help you stay on track throughout the entire writing process and ensure that each step is taken towards producing a quality dissertation.

Writing The Chapters

Having outlined the dissertation, it’s time to begin writing. It’s important to have a plan for managing time and resources. This includes organizing notes, exploring avenues for research, and developing ideas related to the subject.

The following table provides a guide for managing the process of writing a dissertation:

The first step is to find sources of information relevant to your topic area. These might include books, journal articles, websites, or interviews with experts in the field. This will give you an idea of what has already been written on the subject and provide valuable background information.

Once you have enough resources to begin writing, it’s time to start outlining and structuring your chapters. This involves deciding which topics need to be covered in each chapter, summarizing your research findings, and creating an outline of how the information should be presented.

After this is complete, you can begin writing each chapter one by one. As you write each section make sure that your arguments are clear and supported with evidence from your sources.

Finally, as you near completion of each chapter take some time to proofread and edit your work before moving onto the next one. Following these steps ensures that you remain organized throughout the process of writing a dissertation while also providing yourself ample opportunity for exploration and discovery as you develop ideas related to your topic area.

Editing And Proofreading

Grammar errors are often overlooked when writing an academic paper, but they should be addressed to ensure that the paper is clear and concise.

Fact-checking is an essential step in the editing and proofreading process to ensure that all information presented is accurate and reliable.

Word choice is an important factor to consider when writing an academic paper as it can have a significant impact on the overall quality of the writing.

Grammar Errors

Grammar errors are one of the most common mistakes when editing and proofreading. To help you become a master of language conventions, punctuation marks, and grammar rules, it is important to develop an eye for spotting mistakes.

To do this, read your work aloud or have someone else read it for you. This will help you catch any awkward or incorrect sentence structures that may need to be revised.

Additionally, using online resources such as grammar checkers can also be beneficial in catching any lingering errors. Therefore, mastering grammar is key when editing and proofreading; by reading aloud and utilizing online resources, you can ensure your writing is as accurate and polished as possible.

Fact-Checking

When editing and proofreading, it is also important to ensure that the information presented is accurate. To do this, accuracy checks must be conducted by researching reliable sources and consulting peer review.

This can be done through online research or by speaking with experts in the field to ensure the validity of the information. It is essential to double-check all facts for accuracy when editing and proofreading as it helps maintain credibility and trustworthiness.

By verifying the accuracy of information, you can confidently present a polished piece of writing that will serve your readers well.

Word Choice

When editing and proofreading, it is also essential to pay attention to word choice. Using clear terminology and precise language is important for creating an effective piece of writing that will serve the reader’s needs.

Selecting the right words can help ensure that the message is communicated effectively, without ambiguity or confusion. When selecting vocabulary for your writing, it is important to consider the audience and their level of understanding in order to select words that are appropriate for them.

Doing this will help make sure your writing resonates with your readers and provides them with a clear understanding of the message you are conveying. Making sure each word you choose is relevant and meaningful will help you craft a powerful piece of writing that serves its purpose.

Citing Sources Properly

When it comes to academic writing, proper citation of sources is paramount. Not only does citing sources accurately demonstrate thorough research, but it also prevents plagiarism.

To ensure that your dissertation is written in accordance with accepted conventions and referencing guidelines, take the following steps:

Familiarize yourself with the different citation styles used in philosophy (e.g., APA, Chicago).

Research how to cite quotes properly from different types of sources (books, websites, etc.).

Take notes as you read so that you can easily reference where ideas came from when citing them later.

It’s important that you use a consistent style for citing sources throughout your dissertation; not doing so can lead to confusion and mistakes on the part of both you and your reader. Pay close attention to detail when citing sources accurately; this will help demonstrate that your work is of high quality and trustworthy.

Make sure each source is accurately referenced and double-check all citations before submitting your final document.

Formatting And Layout

When formatting and laying out your dissertation, it is important to choose a citation style that is appropriate to the discipline you are writing in. Additionally, it is essential to structure the content of your dissertation in a way that is both coherent and logical, allowing you to effectively communicate your arguments.

Choosing A Citation Style

When formatting and laying out your dissertation, one of the most important things to consider is choosing an appropriate citation style.

Interpreting the rules of each style can be complicated, so it’s important to do your research and determine which method best suits your needs.

Different styles will emphasize different referencing methods, such as placing citations in the body of the text or at the end of each section.

Examples of popular citation styles include APA, Chicago and MLA.

As a tutor, I recommend finding a comprehensive guide outlining the differences between each citation style to ensure that you are accurately citing sources in your dissertation.

Thus, by carefully considering these referencing methods, you can ensure that your dissertation is properly cited and formatted according to your chosen style.

Structuring The Content

When it comes to structuring the content of a dissertation, brainstorming techniques and project management can be extremely helpful.

Taking the time to plan out your ideas prior to writing can make the entire process much more efficient.

Time management is also important in order to ensure that each section of your dissertation is given the appropriate amount of attention.

It’s wise to allocate enough time for research, writing, editing and revising in order to create a cohesive finished product.

Thus, by utilizing these strategies, you can approach structuring your content with greater confidence and achieve success in constructing a well-structured dissertation.

Quality Assurance

Formatting and Layout are important steps in writing a dissertation, but Quality Assurance is just as crucial. Quality assurance involves making sure that the research has been conducted ethically and with rigorous methodologies. Peer review is a key part of this process, as it allows for other researchers to assess the strength of arguments and the quality of data collected.

Argumentative Logic:

• Present clear evidence to support all claims.
• Analyze facts from reliable sources deeply.
• Ensure you have strong supporting sources.

Critical Thinking:

• Analyze deeply to ensure your arguments are sound.
• Use reliable sources to back up your claims.
• Exercise sound judgement in all areas of research.

Research Ethics:

• Follow APA standards and guidelines throughout your dissertation.
• Ensure that you follow all ethical guidelines for conducting research.
• Seek out accurate information from reliable sources.

As an online tutor, it is essential to ensure that your work meets the highest standards of academic rigor. By following these guidelines for argumentative logic, critical thinking, and research ethics, you can guarantee a high-quality dissertation that meets the criteria for excellence in academic writing.

Working With An Advisor

Working with an advisor can be a rewarding experience if there is clear communication and expectations are established. It is important to be as open and clear as possible when discussing goals and objectives with an advisor, to ensure that the dissertation is on track.

Communication

It is important for a student to have strong interpersonal skills when working with an advisor. This includes having the ability to effectively communicate ideas, discuss progress, and ask questions.

Furthermore, it is beneficial to practice oral presentations of research findings in order to gain feedback from peers and advisors.

Additionally, engaging in peer review activities allows students to learn from each other’s work and improve their own research.

Therefore, it is important for students to practice these communication skills in order to successfully collaborate with an advisor on their dissertation project.

Ultimately, engaging in these communication activities will help students become more confident in their research and bolster successful collaboration efforts.

Expectations

When working with an advisor, it is important to have a clear understanding of expectations.

Time management is essential for staying on track and meeting deadlines.

Moreover, critical thinking skills are required when formulating research ideas and responding to feedback from peers and advisors.

Additionally, peer review activities can help students become more aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to improve their research.

Therefore, having the ability to effectively manage time, think critically and engage in peer review activities is essential for successful collaboration with an advisor.

In conclusion, effective communication and a clear understanding of expectations are paramount for successful collaboration.

Completing The Dissertation

Completing a dissertation is a challenging and rewarding process. It requires discipline, motivation, organization, and time management in order to be successful.

Finding motivation can be difficult when working on a long-term project with no immediate rewards or feedback. But it is important to keep in mind the end goal and the sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing your work.

Managing time effectively is key to making progress on the dissertation while maintaining other obligations such as a job or family commitments. Break down larger tasks into smaller pieces and set achievable goals for each day or week. Don’t forget to take breaks as well in order to stay focused and energized throughout the process.

Seeking feedback from colleagues, mentors, friends, or family can also be beneficial when working on your dissertation. Feedback helps identify strengths and weaknesses in your work that you may have missed while improving clarity of argumentation and structure.

Remember to stay organized by keeping copies of drafts, notes from meetings or phone calls, relevant documents, etc., in one place so they are easily accessible when needed.

Finally, it is essential to remain focused despite any distractions along the way. Set aside dedicated times for writing where possible and avoid multitasking as much as you can during these periods. This will help maximize efficiency and ensure quality work is produced over the duration of the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to write a dissertation.

The time it takes to write a dissertation varies greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as time management, research strategies, mental health and writing techniques.

Generally speaking, it is important to plan ahead and have an effective timeline for completing all the necessary steps associated with writing a successful dissertation.

For example, setting aside specific blocks of time each week dedicated to researching and gathering data can help streamline the process.

Additionally, taking regular breaks in between intense periods of writing and data analysis can be beneficial for maintaining mental health and productivity.

Lastly, having an understanding of the fundamental principles of effective writing can help ensure that the final product is well-written and persuasive.

What Are The Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Dissertation?

Writing a dissertation can be a daunting task, and there are several common mistakes to avoid when undertaking such an important project.

Firstly, it is important to pick topics that are feasible and relevant while ensuring they are not too broad or too narrow.

Additionally, time management is essential; allowing enough time for research, writing, and editing can help make the process less stressful.

Furthermore, when researching ideas and using sources it is important to properly cite them in order to reduce the possibility of plagiarism.

Finally, managing stress levels while working on a dissertation is key as burnout can occur if it becomes overwhelming.

Following these tips can help make writing a dissertation easier and more successful.

What Is The Best Way To Stay Motivated While Writing A Dissertation?

Staying motivated while writing a dissertation is essential for success.

One of the best ways to stay motivated is to set achievable goals, breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Additionally, it is important to research thoroughly and track progress on individual goals in order to have a clear idea of where you are in the process.

Finally, getting feedback from an advisor or mentor can be incredibly helpful in order to stay motivated throughout the process of writing a dissertation.

By following these steps, you will be able to keep yourself focused and motivated throughout your dissertation-writing journey.

What Is The Best Way To Stay Organized While Writing A Dissertation?

Staying organized while writing a dissertation is key to success. Identifying resources and conducting research are essential steps that require effective communication and time management skills.

Additionally, strategies such as avoiding procrastination can help keep things on track. Achieving organization while writing a dissertation means developing an effective plan of action, identifying what needs to be done on a daily basis, and sticking to it.

It also involves being mindful of one’s progress and making necessary adjustments when needed. By following these guidelines, you will be able to stay organized while writing your dissertation.

How Often Should I Consult With My Advisor While Writing A Dissertation?

Consulting with an advisor is an important part of writing a dissertation. Advisors can help students set goals, analyze sources, research methods, and set deadlines. Additionally, they can provide guidance on citing sources correctly.

It is important for students to consult with their advisors regularly throughout the dissertation process in order to stay on track and ensure that their work meets the expectations of their institution. Taking the time to discuss progress and issues early on will save time and energy in the long run.

Writing a dissertation can be a long and daunting process. It is important to remain organized, motivated and focused throughout the entire writing process.

To ensure successful completion of the dissertation, it is essential to avoid common mistakes such as procrastination, being unfocused or disorganized, and not consulting with your advisor often enough.

It is recommended to take plenty of breaks throughout the writing process. This will help maintain focus and motivation.

Additionally, it is beneficial to consult with your advisor regularly for guidance and feedback on your work. This will help ensure that you are on track for completing the dissertation in a timely manner.

Finally, it is important to remember that you are in control of the writing process. Take ownership of your project and stay organized while writing your dissertation.

Writing a dissertation may take several months but with proper planning and discipline you can create an impressive piece of work that will be rewarding both personally and professionally.

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