Preface Part 1 Reading and Writing 1: How to Read Philosophy What is Philosophy? Reading Philosophy - Rule 1-1 Approach the Text with an Open Mind - Rule 1-2 Read Actively and Critically - Rule 1-3 Identify the Conclusion First, Then the Premises - Rule 1-4 Outline, Paraphrase, or Summarize the Argument - Rule 1-5 Evaluate the Argument and Formulate a Tentative Judgment Writing a Paraphrase or Summary Applying the Rules 2: How to Read an Argument Premises and Conclusions Judging Arguments - Rule 2-1 Know the Basics of Deductive and Inductive Arguments - Rule 2-2 Determine Whether the Conclusion Follows from the Premises - Rule 2-3 Determine Whether the Premises Are True Applying the Rules 3: Rules of Style and Content for Philosophical Writing - Rule 3-1 Write to Your Audience - Rule 3-2 Avoid Pretentiousness - Rule 3-3 Keep the Authority of Philosophers in Perspective - Rule 3-4 Do Not Overstate Premises or Conclusions - Rule 3-5 Treat Opponents and Opposing Views Fairly - Rule 3-6 Write Clearly - Rule 3-7 Avoid Inappropriate Emotional Appeals - Rule 3-8 Be Careful What You Assume - Rule 3-9 Write in First Person - Rule 3-10 Avoid Discriminatory Language 4: Defending a Thesis in an Argumentative Essay Basic Essay Structure - Introduction - Argument Supporting the Thesis - Assessment of Objectives - Conclusion - A Well-Built Essay Writing the Essay: Step by Step - Step 1 Select a Topic and Narrow It to a Specific Issue - Step 2 Research the Issue - Step 3 Write a Thesis Statement - Step 4 Create an Outline of the Whole Essay - Step 5 Write a First Draft - Step 6 Study and Revise Your First Draft - Step 7 Produce a Final Draft An Annotated Sample Paper 5: Avoiding Fallacious Reasoning Straw Man Appeal to the Person Appeal to Popularity Appeal to Tradition Genetic Fallacy Equivocation Appeal to Ignorance False Dilemma Begging the Question Hast Generalization Slipper Slope Composition Division 6: Using, Quoting, and Citing Sources - Rule 6-1 Know When and How to Quote Sources - Rule 6-2 Do Not Plagiarize - Rule 6-3 Cite Your Sources Carefully - Rule 6-4 Build a Bibliography if Needed Part 2 Reference Guide 7: Writing Effective Sentences - Rule 7-1 Make the Subject and Verb Agree in Number and Person - Rule 7-2 Express Parallel Ideas in Parallel Form - Rule 7-3 Write in Complete Sentences, Not Fragments - Rule 7-4 Connect Independent Clauses Properly - Rule 7-5 Delete the Deadwood - Rule 7-6 Put Modifiers in Their Place - Rule 7-7 Be Consistent in Tense, Voice, Number, and Person - Rule 7-8 Communicate Pronoun References Clearly Exercises: Writing Effective Sentences 8: Choosing the Right Words - Rule 8-1 Select Nouns and Verbs Precisely - Rule 8-2 Prefer the Active Voice - Rule 8-3 Use Specific Terms - Rule 8-4 Avoid Redundancy - Rule 8-5 Be Aware of the Connotations of Words - Rule 8-6 Learn to Distinguish Words That Writers Frequently Mix Up - Rule 8-7 Strive for Freshness; Avoid Clichés - Rule 8-8 Do Not Mix Metaphors - Rule 8-9 Beware of Awkward Repetition - Rule 8-10 Spell Correctly - Rule 8-11 Distinguish Commonly Confused Words Exercises: Choosing the Right Words Appendix A: Formatting Your Paper Appendix B: Documenting Your Sources Appendix C: Grammar Handbook Appendix D: Researching a Philosophy Paper Index.