The Philosophy Extended Essay subject makes me think of all the IB students I’ve helped over the years. I believe that picking this subject is more than just finding a topic to write about.
So, today we should talk about who should choose the Philosophy EE subject and whether it’s really that hard.
What Is the IB Philosophy Extended Essay Subject?
As an IB tutor, I can say that the IB Philosophy Extended Essay subject gives students a special place to think about vast, timeless questions. Philosophy EE lets students look at ideas that affect how we understand the world, what we know, and what is right and wrong. In contrast to subjects that emphasize memory or data analysis, Philosophy encourages you to question beliefs, create arguments, and clearly express complicated ideas.
Philosophy is a subject for students who want to think deeply about philosophical ideas and arguments. For this subject, you have to come up with a clear research question, read many philosophical works, and put together a strong argument. I love this subject because it doesn’t just require recaps; it also demands original thought and critical engagement.
Let’s now examine a few traits that an IB Philosophy EE subject usually possesses:
- Keep your attention on a specific, philosophical question. Formulate a clear and concise question.
- Use of philosophical texts and thinkers. You must draw from both modern and classical thinkers.
- Critical evaluation. Your essay should provide a well-supported argument while analyzing opposing points of view.
- A well-structured academic writing. Coherence, clarity, and appropriate reference are essential.
I think that Philosophy is one of the best subjects for the IB Extended Essay. It makes you think deeply and express your thoughts clearly, which are skills you will need in college and even in your future career. But it’s better to pick a topic that you’re interested in, though, because the reading and writing can be hard.
From what I’ve seen, students who choose Philosophy as their extended essay subject out of genuine interest and dedication often write papers that they are proud of.
Who Should Select the Philosophy Extended Essay Subject?
Philosophy is not a subject that I think is right for every student, but for the right one, it can be a perfect experience. The question is, who will take the risk and choose this option for Extended Essay writing?
Students with an Interest in Abstract Thinking
This subject could be great for you if you like to think about concepts like truth, morality, justice, and existence. While writing your Philosophy Extended Essay, you must push yourself to think critically and come up with complex ideas.
For instance, if you’ve ever stayed up late thinking about what life is all about or arguing with your friends about whether morality is relative, this subject is calling your name. Philosophy also gives you a special chance to consider things that don’t have easy answers, which can be fun and challenging at the same time.
Students with Good Writing Skills
IB rules state that a Philosophy Extended Essay needs to be organized, clear, and critical. Coming from my own experience, I know how important it is to explain complex concepts in a way that is both clear and sophisticated.
So, these are the writing skills you need to do well on the Philosophy EE:
- Clarity. Getting thoughts across without any confusion.
- Coherence. Putting together reasonable links between things.
- Being brief. Staying away from needless confusion.
- Use of correct citations. Giving credit to sources and not plagiarizing.
- Tone of analysis. Putting more emphasis on review than on easy explanation.
In contrast to other subjects where bullet points or easy accounts might do, Philosophy requires paragraphs that flow logically and develop one another. Students need to be able to write extended statements and make connections between ideas to succeed.
Those Who Are Comfortable with Complex Concepts
Philosophy isn’t about finding the “right answer,” as I often tell my students. Instead, it’s about making points that are well-supported, thought-provoking, and make you think deeper. You’ll probably like this subject if you like to analyze the writings of thinkers like Plato, Kant, or modern philosophers.
Additionally, reading challenging books requires patience and intellectual curiosity, both of which are essential for success. I believe that students who relish the idea of grappling with theories of knowledge, the mind, and justice seally think about picking Philosophy as their subject for the Extended Essay.
Is the Philosophy Extended Essay Subject Hard?
To be honest, the IB Philosophy EE subject has a reputation for being hard, and that reputation is partly true. Let’s look more closely at the reason for this.
What Makes Philosophy Challenging?
From what I’ve seen, the problem is that it forces students to read thick philosophical works in a way that goes beyond just skimming the surface. As an example, you’ll have to deal with complicated ideas that are sometimes explained in vague or even cryptic language. On top of that, students often feel overcome by the sheer amount of philosophical thought. Metaphysics, logic, ethics, and political theory are just a few of the topics covered by Philosophy in IB.
Also, students often have trouble balancing different points of view and opinions. There isn’t usually just one “right” view in philosophy. It means that your essay needs to make a strong case while also recognizing and responding to opposing views.
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What Makes Philosophy Manageable?
However, I don’t think this problem can’t be solved. I’ve seen many students write great Extended Essays by carefully narrowing a chosen topic. They might decide to focus on a single philosopher’s point of view or even an argument from a single book rather than trying to address broad issues like “justice in all its forms.”
Here are some valuable tips that will help you handle the subject of your Philosophy Extended Essay better.
- Pick a topic that is clear and narrow. Do not ask too many or too unclear questions.
- Formulate a clear question for your research. Make sure you ask a straightforward question that will guide your Extended Essay.
- Ask for help early. Talk to your EE supervisor or IB teacher about your thoughts.
- Plan how you read. When selecting sources, don’t try to cover everything; instead, focus on the most important texts and views.
- Maintain your order. Outlines and drafts can help you organize your ideas well.
If you follow these steps, your Philosophy Extended Essay will go from being a scary challenge to something you can do and even enjoy.
From what I’ve seen, interest in the subject often compensates for its difficulty. In fact, I’ve seen students who were afraid of Philosophy at first fall in love with the subject after picking a topic that really piqued their interest.
Who Should Avoid the Philosophy Extended Essay Subject?
For starters, Philosophy might be hard for students who like clear, straightforward answers. This subject excels with vagueness and open-ended questions, which may be unusual for those accustomed to clear “right” and “wrong” answers. If you feel bad leaving questions unanswered, Philosophy might not be for you, based on my experience.
Second, you need more than just a desire to write a Philosophy EE. You need to be able to keep your mind on it and be willing to work through complex texts. This subject may be too much for you if you have trouble reading thick material or staying focused for extended amounts of time. Additionally, Philosophy places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and independent thought. Students who learn best when they are led and given clear steps may struggle to understand philosophical arguments because they are often so abstract.
If you’re not sure if the IB Philosophy EE subject is right for you, here is a short list of things to think about.
- You do not like reading long or complex books. In philosophy, you have to deal with tough topics all the time.
- Instead of open-ended questions, you’d rather have clear solutions. Philosophy likes things that aren’t clear or simple.
- You find it hard to organize long, critical writings. The EE on Philosophy needs a continuous, rational case.
- You’d rather be guided than think for yourself. Philosophy requires you to be self-motivated and think critically.
- You dislike hearing counterarguments and other perspectives. Philosophy encourages being open to different points of view.
From what I’ve seen, noticing these possible problems early on can help you make a better decision. Consider a different subject for your Extended Essay if these statements speak to you. After all, picking a topic you’re interested in can make the whole writing process a lot more fun and successful.
To Sum It Up
Some students find Philosophy to be an excellent subject for an Extended Essay, but I’ve found that it’s not the best fit for everyone. When deciding whether this option is right for you, I think it’s very important to know your skills and interests.
Remember that no matter what subject you choose for your Extended Essay, our experts are ready to help. You can contact IB Writing Service at any stage of the writing process, whether you’re just starting out or have a finished draft you’d like to review.
