Doing Philosophy: A Practical Guide for Students - Softcover

."..well worth a read for those either preparing to or currently studying philosophy for the first time. Indeed, it will help many students to understand that, as the authors recognise, 'the focus of your philosophical study will be to learn not what to believe, but how to think.'" Emma L Williams, Philosopher in Residence, Rugby School, UK 'This is an excellent book, and I'll definitely be advising my first-year Philosophy students to buy it. Doing Philosophy basically tells the student beginning philosophy at university everything they need to know. The topics include finding resources, reading philosophy, plagiarism, referencing, taking notes, seminar discussions, and more. In particular, I think the chapter on writing philosophy - and especially the examples of essay questions, together with advice on how to tackle them - will be hugely useful. It's easy to forget just how different writing a philosophy essay is to anything else most beginning philosophy students have done; even (perhaps especially) those who have studied philosophy at A-level. The authors guide the student through each question, showing them how to find and filter relevant information, how to make sure they stick to the question, and how to maintain a properly philosophical approach to the topic. I'm sure beginning students - and their teachers - will be very grateful. Professor Helen Beebee, University of Birmingham, UK. 'Anyone coming to the study of philosophy at university for the first time will find help here, and some more advanced students might gain from reading it, too...by offering a clear account of some of the barriers to successful engagement with philosophical texts and questions, and helping to overcome them, [the authors] have done a real service.' Dr Dave Leal, Brasenose College, University of Oxford, UK

Doing Philosophy provides a practical guide to studying philosophy for students. The book offers guidance on:

Reading and analyzing philosophical texts
Preparing for and participating in seminars
Choosing essay topics
Constructing arguments and avoiding plagiarism
Using libraries, the internet and other resources
Technical terms, forms of expression and logical notation
Doing Philosophy outlines the difficulties and challenges faced by students and the exciting scope of the subject as a consequence. The book uses examples of philosophical texts from a wide range of authors to explore strategies that enable the student to develop critical reading skills. The book also offers advice on taking notes, analyzing arguments, using resources effectively, and writing philosophical essays.

Concise and accessible, this book equips the student with the tools needed to succeed at undergraduate level, presenting a variety of practical strategies for tackling tasks that a first-year student will inevitably encounter.