How to Write a Philosophy Extended Essay?

Writing an IB Philosophy EE is a real chance to push your limits and level up your analytical skills. From my time in IB field, I’ve learned that the secret to achieving a perfect grade is having a solid writing plan. Many students struggle to pick the right topic, build solid arguments, and keep things clear. Luckily, if you play your cards right, you can whip up a killer Philosophy Extended Essay that hits all the IB criteria and shows off your perfect critical thinking skills.

I’ll show you how to write a Philosophy Extended Essay that will definitely impress your examiners. These tips will help you stay on track and make your paper stand out, whether just starting or polishing up your last draft.

What Is a Philosophy Extended Essay?

In an academic research paper called a Philosophy Extended Essay, IB students can deeply analyze a philosophy question using logical reasoning and critical evaluation. A Philosophy EE doesn’t use empirical data, experiments, or literary analysis. Instead, it focuses on making strong cases, weighing different points of view, and clearly and precisely handling vague and complex ideas.

One thing that makes a Philosophy Extended Essay unique is its focus on conceptual analysis rather than actual investigation. For example, a History EE might be about figuring out what historical records mean and taking conclusions from them, and a Biology EE might require you to do experiments in the lab. On the other hand, Philosophy is all about making arguments, so students have to present, support, and criticize philosophical points of view. 

According to general IB standards, a good IB Philosophy EE must:

• Be focused on a well-defined philosophical question. There shouldn’t be too many or too few answers to the research question. Instead, it should let you think critically about philosophical ideas and arguments.
• Include well-organized points. In contrast to writings on other subjects that may rely on stories or data analysis, a Philosophy Extended Essay needs to focus on ordered discussion and clear reasoning. Each claim should be backed up by logic, and different points of view should be thought about and handled.
• Show that you can see things from different points of view. Finding the “right” answer in philosophy is rarely the goal. A well-written essay should include counterarguments and rebuttals dealing with different viewpoints. Being aware of other points of view strengthens the whole case.

Many students make the mistake of seeing the IB Philosophy EE as a general essay on a philosophical idea. Instead, the attention should be on thinking about and studying a clear research question and considering various points of view.

Tips for Choosing a Topic for Your IB Philosophy EE

When you choose the right topic, writing goes more smoothly. Picking a specific topic and question will help you organize your points clearly and stay within the word limit, because Philosophy is a subject with many vague ideas and complicated discussions.

Select a Philosophical Question

From what I’ve seen, the best research questions for Philosophy Extended Essays meet three main requirements:

• Simple and clear. “What is justice?” is too broad of a question. Instead, ask a more specific question like, “How well does Plato’s definition of justice in the Republic still apply to modern society?”
• Debatable. A good research question doesn’t have a clear answer that everyone agrees on. Stay away from questions that have easy answers like “yes” or “no.” Instead, pick a question that can be discussed in depth from different points of view.
• Based on philosophical works. There are a lot of great IB Philosophy EE topics that are based on well-known philosophical works and arguments. Philosophers’ points should be analyzed in your essay, and you should either back or refute them using logical reasoning.

In addition, I always tell my students to pick a topic that interests them. Writing about a subject you’re interested in makes research more interesting and keeps you motivated.

Common Areas of Philosophy for an Extended Essay

“Which branch of philosophy should I choose?” is something my students often ask me. The answer relies on what you’re interested in and what kinds of arguments you like to use. The following are some general areas of philosophy that are good for an IB Philosophy EE:

• Ethics – moral principles and theories. (example: “Is moral relativism a defensible position?”)
• Epistemology – the nature of knowledge and belief. (example: “Can we truly know anything?”)
• Political philosophy – the relationship between individuals and society. (example: “Is John Rawls’ theory of justice still relevant today?”)
• Metaphysics – the fundamental nature of reality. (example: “What does it mean for something to exist?”)

Each of these fields provides a rich base for conversation. The important thing is not just picking a topic, but also making a good research question out of it.

Tips for Structuring Your Philosophy Extended Essay

If you organize your Philosophy Extended Essay correctly, you can show how all of your ideas fit together clearly. From what I’ve seen, having a clear framework makes your points easy to understand and proves you can think critically.

Introduce Your Argument

In my opinion, a strong introduction sets the stage, clarifies the question’s relevance, and lays out the essay’s structure. At its core, a solid introduction part should contain:

1. A concise thesis statement. In an essay, the central argument is known as the thesis. It needs to convey your position on the matter and provide a relevant response to your research question.
2. Some historical context about the philosophical problem. You must provide a context for your question. In a piece discussing free will, you should briefly overview the issue and identify prominent philosophers (such as Dennett, Descartes, or Hume) who have weighed in on the matter.
3. The general structure of the essay. The reader is more prepared for what’s to come because of this. Make note of the arguments you want to provide, the counterarguments you intend to answer, and the steps you will take to arrive at your conclusion.

“This essay is about free will.” is a bad introduction. That doesn’t provide your argument adequate structure or clarity and is too general. Remember, a well-structured, convincing, and backed by evidence Philosophy Extended Essay begins with an excellent introduction.

Develop Your Argument

In the body of your essay, you should lay out your case, elaborate on it, and then defend it. A Philosophy Extended Essay focuses on logic and analysis, as opposed to other subjects where you could give factual material:

• Start by presenting your case. Outlining your thesis and supporting arguments should be your first step. This will help the reader grasp your stance before presenting opposing arguments.
• Talk about supporting philosophical perspectives. Cite relevant works by prominent philosophers and philosophical writings supporting your claims. The categorical imperative by Kant and the Theory of Forms by Plato are two examples of works that might be used in support of moral realism.
• Discuss opposing viewpoints and provide rebuttals. Instead of only stating an opinion, a good philosophy essay will consider and rationally disprove any competing arguments. For example, consider and respond to Kantian critiques of consequentialism when arguing for utilitarianism.

Critical engagement is one of the most important criteria for IB evaluation, and this method helps show it.

Summarize Your Points

You should emphasize its larger ramifications and reaffirm its importance in your IB Philosophy EE’s conclusion. After reading a well-written conclusion that closes your analysis, the reader will grasp the significance of your results and the soundness of your reasoning.

To write the perfect conclusion for your Philosophy Extended Essay, follow this structure:

1. Restate the main aspects and how they bolster your thesis in a quick summary of your primary arguments.
2. While evaluating the discussion in the main body, consider whether your argument has provided a clear answer or whether more philosophical investigation is necessary.
3. Consider the bigger picture, including how your research contributes to ongoing philosophical debates or addresses pressing ethical or political problems in the real world.

Students often commit a standard error of adding fresh arguments in the conclusion. Don’t introduce new issues that ought to have been handled previously; this part is for concluding your conversation.

In the same way, restating your introduction without showing how your case changed throughout the essay lessens the overall effect. Instead, try your best to show how important your analysis is and how good your reasoning is.

Final Thoughts

Of course, writing a Philosophy Extended Essay can also be very difficult, but a cohesive plan and tips above will make the process much easier. Your knowledge and ability to think critically will shine through in your paper if you take the time to organize your research, make your arguments clear, and participate in philosophical discussions. And the most significant advice is to pick a theme and question that interests you deeply. Any Extended Essay is usually better when the writer is passionate about the topic.

Good luck with your IB Philosophy EE! Remember that philosophical reasoning entails more than simply providing answers; it also involves challenging the answers.

And by the way, our IB Writing Service is here 24/7 to assist you in every way we can. Each paper is produced from start to finish by professional IB writers knowledgeable about the IB Philosophy curriculum.