how to start my philosophy paper?

Question

I need to describe Socrates. i want to open my paper by describing him. here is what i have...There are many ways we can describe Socrates: the father of ethics, the father of political philosophy, an inquirer... not much of a start, but tell me what ya think i should add. thanks!

Answer 1

do some research on the life of Socrates and try and open up your paper with an idea of how Socrates lived and teached. The important thing to remember about Socrates is that he never wrote anything down, so explain to your reader in a vivid and creatively truthful way how you think Socrates shared his wisdom, and how possibly these open explanations of truth and life eventually led to his death.

Answer 2

I like to start papers, especially ones that are more philosophical, by being pretty general then moving towards the more specific. Maybe start with something like 'Throughout history, there have been many great minds that have forever changed the way we look at the world. Among them, Socrates stands out as someone whose ideas began a new era of philosophy.' Then you could go into the different ways you are going to talk about him, the 'father of ethics' stuff.

Answer 3

Give yourself a target to hit, or demolish...

Find, say, three short quotes on Socrates, preferably with some contradiction in them, and that will give you an instant framework on which to develop your position either in support or in contrast of those positions from the past.

"The more I read him, the less I wonder that they poisoned him."
-- Thomas Babington Macaulay

Answer 4

Just spew back what the teacher said in your own words. trust me I have experience with this sort of thing. I've never gotten a good grade on a paper in which I spoke my mind, and I've never gotten a bad grade on a paper that I regurgitated the teachers opinion. Save your opinions for your Internet blog and what not. use your best B.S. in class you'll never fail.