How to Argue Like a Philosopher

Abstract

This assignment sequence helps students to learn how to argue like a philosopher. Philosophical arguments have a certain structure, and the often very abstract content requires a high level of clarity. My preparatory writing exercises focus on three components of clear writing (quotations, transitions, and verbs). My assignment sequence consists of three assignments that ask students to write papers of increasing complexity. The third assignment provides an opportunity for students to use their acquired skills in a real-life debate about a controversial topic.