Understanding Unconventional Writing Guidelines in Academic Philosophy: A Closer Look at the “Philosophical Paper Roadmap”
Navigating academic writing can often be a daunting task, especially when instructors introduce unique or unconventional templates. Recently, a student in a second-year philosophy course shared their surprise and confusion regarding a specific writing requirement imposed by their professor—a mandated “Philosophical Paper Roadmap.” This template requires students to open their essays with a phrase such as:
“In this paper, I will argue __. I will proceed as follows. First, _, second, _, third, _____.”
This approach has raised questions and concerns among students, many of whom have heard standard advice warning against certain phrasing, particularly the common “In this essay, I will…” opening. The student’s confusion centers on whether this specific template is appropriate or even advisable in philosophical writing, and whether it aligns with best practices.
The Standard Wisdom on Academic Introductions
In academic writing, the introduction sets the tone and guides the reader through the paper’s structure. Traditional advice generally suggests avoiding overly formulaic openings like “In this essay, I will…” because they can sound repetitive or diminish the writer’s voice. Instead, a more engaging introduction that contextualizes the argument and clearly states the thesis is often preferred. Many instructors emphasize clarity and originality over rigid templates.
The Instructor’s Perspective: “Philosophical Paper Roadmap”
Despite this, some educators, particularly in philosophy, advocate for explicit “roadmaps” within the introduction. The term “Philosophical Paper Roadmap” suggests a structured outline designed to prepare readers for the progression of the argument. This method aims to enhance clarity and logical flow, especially in complex philosophical discussions.
By explicitly stating the plan—what the paper will argue, and how it will proceed—students may find it easier to organize their thoughts and for readers to follow their reasoning. In this context, the template functions as a scaffold, especially for those new to academic writing or tackling dense philosophical topics.
Is This Approach Common in Philosophy?
While such templates are not universally mandated, they are sometimes encouraged in introductory philosophy courses to teach students how to communicate their ideas effectively. It’s worth noting that different instructors have varying preferences regarding sentence structure and organizational cues. Some prioritize stylistic diversity, while others emphasize clear signaling of argument structure.
Balancing Formality and Engagement
Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between