Philosophy Research Paper Ideas: Tips for Beginners and Experienced

Topics and ideas
Posted on March 13, 2019

The philosophy research paper is aimed at an investigation of a specific philosophical issue or idea. Philosophy is quite an ancient branch of science that was trying to explain natural and behavioral aspects that were difficult for people to realize. Famous philosophers were representing their ideas about the human, being, nature, soul, fear, and many other concepts. As a result, the student in a philosophy research paper should analyze the specific idea, compare it with other concepts, and make suggestions regarding its implementation in daily human life.

Choosing a topic for the philosophy research paper can become a challenge for a student due to the variety of themes and complexity of the science. As a result, it is important to choose the topic that will be connected with the task of a professor and will be in the sphere of students’ interests. The variety of topics is quite wide and to choose the most interesting and specific, try to make it clear, narrow, and accurate.

Pro tip

It is not a secret that a student needs to introduce a research proposal in order to write a paper. It is brief, so one should select exact words and clear sentences to convey the idea and get permission. Hemingway.app and Grammarly help students avoid wordy and intricate expressions.

Topics and Ideas for Philosophy Research Papers

Philosophy research paper topics can be unique or not. The main thing is to provide some novation to their presentation. Our experts from online research paper writing service are going to share their opinion. Below, you can see great examples of Philosophy research ideas.

  • It is easier to please and make a poor person happier than a rich individual

You can introduce this topic in your philosophy research paper in different ways. The first one is to agree and say that a penniless person feels satisfied after a cup of tea and a sandwich, while a rich person needs something supernatural to get satisfied. Another variant is to deny the statement and prove that wealthy people are already happy and lighthearted. Consequently, they require a little to stay happy, while poor people will never feel 100% satisfied.

  • Is love eternal?

Use facts to define love and prove your viewpoint. Speak about kinds of love (mother’s, wife’s, child’s, pet’s feelings, etc.) to convince the target reader. Try to remain unbiased.

  • Does 100% democracy really exist?

Democracy lets the electorate choose a president who should follow his governmental program. The press is free to select topics and the content for their articles. Do all states stick to these and other rules of democracy?

  • Positive vs. negative traits of character

Who decides what traits of character are positive or negative? Can negative features become positive in some life circumstances? What positive trait can be considered negative in some cases? Use real-life and literary stories to evidence your theory.

  • Can the fallen angel become a saint again?

Religion topics are tricky. Nevertheless, philosophers adore it when their students use the philosophy of religion research paper topics. If a sinner can be forgiven, the devil will get a chance to become an angel and enter Eden again, won’t he?

  • Dream job and well-paid job: what is more significant?

 

One needs a job to earn money and afford the required things. Is it better to sacrifice things that you love to earn more, or should you be thankful for small mercies but do things that please and make you happy?

  • Should animals become wild again?

Today, many people have pets and domestic animals. Do we have the right to imprison them and keep them in cages and leashes? Should all animals lead wildlife? Do some animals need human protection and care? Is it dangerous for both animals and humans to release all pets and domestic animals?

  • Does remote learning hurt students?

The loneliness that leads to the antisocial mainstream is one adverse side of remote learning. Another negative feature of distance education is Internet addiction. Can positive aspects of online classes prevail over the negative aspects?

  • Are all myths 100% made-up?

Are all historical facts verified? Are all myths made-up? Is it a good idea to trust everything that textbooks describe? How do fakes hurt a person’s ability to analyze and think logically?

  • Should robots with artificial intelligence get any rights in the future?

Scientists have already created robotic assistants who help to conduct lessons, lectures, surgeries, and services in hotels and shelters. Artificial intelligence and improvements make them more human-like. Should they have the same rights?

Philosophy Research Paper Mind Map

How to Decide on Your Research Paper Topic?

When embarking on philosophical writing research, selecting the right topic is crucial. Here are some steps to help you validate your research paper topic and make the final decision:

  • Explore Your Interests. Start by considering your interests and areas of curiosity within philosophy. Reflect on what topics or philosophy essay questions intrigue you the most. This will make your research journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.
  • Background Knowledge. To choose good philosophy paper topics, evaluate your existing knowledge of potential topics. Ask yourself if you have a solid understanding of the subject matter or if you need to delve deeper to grasp the nuances and complexities involved.
  • Preliminary Research. Conduct primary research to gather information on your chosen philosophy essay topics. Look for reliable sources, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. It gives you a better understanding of existing scholarship and debates surrounding your chosen subject.
  • Relevance and Significance. Assess the relevance and significance of your topic. Is it an essential issue in philosophy? Does it contribute to ongoing discussions or challenge existing philosophy ideas? Ensure that your chosen topic has substance and academic merit.
  • Feasibility. There are no easy philosophy paper topics. So, consider the feasibility of your research paper topic. Can you access enough resources and reference materials to support your arguments? Can you find relevant case studies or empirical data to strengthen your analysis?
  • Consultation. Seek feedback from your peers, professors, or mentors. Discuss your topic ideas with them to gain different perspectives and valuable insights. Their input can help refine and improve your chosen topic.
  • Final Decision. After evaluating all these factors, decide on the philosophy essay topic. It should align with your interests, has academic value, and is feasible, given your available resources.

First Steps After Choosing the Topic

So, you have decided on one of the research paper philosophy topics. Now, it’s time to take the first steps toward writing your research paper. Here are some essential actions to kickstart the process:

  1. Create an Outline. Develop a structured outline for your paper. Start by identifying the main sections. They can be an introduction, background/context, philosophical thesis statement, arguments, counterarguments, and conclusion. This framework will serve as a roadmap for your writing process.
  2. In-Depth Research. Engage in thorough research to gather relevant sources and material related to your topic. Utilize academic databases, libraries, and reputable online resources. It expands your understanding of the subject matter.
  3. Note-Taking. Take comprehensive notes while conducting research. Document key ideas, arguments, and quotes from your sources. Also, add proper citations. These notes will be invaluable when writing and referencing your paper later on.
  4. Refine Your Thesis. Develop a clear and concise philosophy thesis statement. It should reflect the central argument or position you will be defending in your research paper. Your thesis statement should grab the idea of your paper and guide your subsequent analysis.
  5. Analyze and Evaluate. Analyze the sources you have gathered. Also, critically evaluate their relevance and reliability. Consider their strengths and weaknesses and any potential biases. This will help you build a strong foundation for your arguments.
  6. Seek Different Perspectives. Engage with a variety of philosophical viewpoints and theories related to your topic. Examine both supporting and opposing arguments. It gives you a  well-rounded understanding of the subject and strengthens your own analysis.

Following these initial steps will establish a solid foundation for your philosophy research paper. Creating an outline will provide structure to your writing process. In-depth research will ensure a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Note-taking will help you organize and retain critical information. Refining your thesis will establish a clear focus. Analyzing different perspectives will contribute to a well-rounded exploration of your chosen topic.

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A profound and well-considered philosophy research paper will be “a little bit more” than the first ten propositions you get from any search engine. You can use it as a criterion: look for the most average sample of the research paper and think of what it lacks.

Key Takeaways for Writing a Philosophy Research Paper

To ensure a successful philosophical paper, keep these key takeaways and tips in mind:

Clarity and Coherence. One of the essential aspects of writing philosophy papers is maintaining clarity and coherence throughout your work. Use simple and concise language to convey your ideas effectively. Avoid unnecessary jargon or convoluted expressions that may confuse your readers. Make sure each paragraph and sentence contributes to the overall coherence and logical flow of your paper.

Engage with Philosophical Ideas. Philosophy papers require a deep engagement with philosophical ideas, concepts, and theories. Show a thorough understanding of the relevant philosophical literature related to your topic. Incorporate these ideas into your arguments and analysis. It allows to demonstrate your knowledge and grasp of the subject matter. Engaging with different philosophical perspectives and theories will enrich your paper. It also showcases your ability to think critically.

Develop Strong Arguments. A good philosophy paper should present strong and well-supported arguments. Start by formulating a concise thesis statement reflecting your main argument or position. Use evidence, logical reasoning, and philosophical principles to support your claims. Draw on both primary and secondary sources to bolster your arguments and provide a solid foundation for your analysis. Consider potential counterarguments and address them effectively to strengthen your overall position.

Thorough Analysis. Philosophical research involves in-depth analysis and interpretation of philosophical texts, arguments, and ideas. Take the time to analyze the philosophical concepts relevant to your philosophy essay thoroughly. Engage critically with primary sources and secondary literature to develop insightful interpretations. Offer thoughtful reflections on the implications and broader significance of your analysis.

Proper Referencing. Accurate and consistent referencing is crucial in good philosophy research papers. Follow the specific citation style recommended by your instructor or the academic institution. Whether it’s APA, MLA, or another citation style, ensure that you properly cite and reference all the sources you have used in your paper. This includes both in-text citations and a comprehensive bibliography or works cited page. Failing to give proper credit to the original authors can result in plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense.

Revise and Edit. The best philosophy research papers require revisions. Allow sufficient time for revising and editing your philosophy research paper. Start by reviewing the overall structure and organization of your paper. Ensure that your arguments flow logically and coherently. Pay attention to the clarity of your writing, grammar, and spelling. Edit and proofread your paper multiple times to catch any errors or inconsistencies. Consider seeking feedback from peers, professors, or writing centers. It allows you to gain valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

By following these key takeaways, you will successfully write your philosophy research. And incorporating these tips into your writing process can help you create a well-crafted, interesting philosophy research paper. Remember to engage deeply with philosophical ideas. Present strong arguments supported by evidence. Maintain clarity and coherence throughout your work. With careful attention to detail and rigorous analysis, you can produce a philosophy paper showcasing your philosophical thinking skills.

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If you decide to speak about religion in your term or thesis paper, you should be careful when discussing things that can offend the reader. There are three types of religion to discuss. What is Ok for Buddhists can be unacceptable for Christians.

 

The selection of ideas for research papers is time-consuming and challenging. If you do want to impress the target reader, you will have to investigate reliable sources to see what novelty you can bring. This is a list of some reputable websites.

  • NBC News
  • Interface Calendar
  • AllTop

Tutors can ask students to write essays, term papers, reviews, course papers, presentations, and other academic assignments about Philosophy. The best option is to read guides and at least one sample to understand what and how to write. These are some useful links for those who want to prepare for academic writing in Philosophy.

Summary

One should create striking titles for Philosophy research papers. To do that, one needs to investigate literature because only awareness lets people select the most impressive idea and reflect it in the title. Topic presentation must be logical. Besides, you should evidence your ideas to write convincingly. One should use only trustworthy sources so as not to introduce fakes in academic papers.

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