PHILOSOPHICAL TEXT ANALYSIS

Studying a text consists in extracting the philosophical interest of it by its organized analysis. In
those guidelines Ive separated both tasks, but they can be done simultaneously.
INTRODUCTION
Indicate the general question the text aims to answer.
Identify the main thesis defended by the author concerning that issue.
Announce the plan of your essay (First I will then further on finally in order to
conclude that)
BODY
A) Analysis:
In this part you have to show the logic of the text.
The text has been chosen because it allows a philosophical problem to arise. You have to treat
this problem indirectly through the perspective of the text.
Generally the author of the text holds a particular position concerning this problem, and he does
so through arguments you will have to unfold. Its your business to explain which objections each
argument faces.
Its no use juxtaposing fragmentary considerations about the text, you have to give the text a
meaning issued from the main problem it faces. You must show whats at stake and how the author faces
it. The internal coherence of the text has to be shown (not necessarily following literally the text).
Usual problems in the analysis:
The worst problem is paraphrasing (repeating the text with different words). To prevent it from
happening you have to define the concepts appearing in the text, analyze each important notion, show the
logical connections which link arguments, make explicit whats implicit and enrich the text with your
own philosophical culture.
Another important problem is turning a text analysis into a recitation of your knowledge about
the author. If you face a text from Schopenhauer it is this text you have to analyze, not to repeat last
weeks lesson concerning Schopenhauer. That might be considered off-topic.
B) Philosophical interest:
In this part you react to the text.
You have to take a little distance from the text to show the open perspectives it displays, you
have to develop its philosophical consequences (what it implies or what it means). Previous philosophical
knowledge is useful here as long as theres no lesson recitation as previously mentioned.
Finally you have to take sides with respect to the text, to critically study the authors thesis and
define the position you hold concerning the philosophical problem of the text. Your position doesn't have
to be concluding, reasons are more important than opinions. An opinion without any argument alongside
has no value, it just proves that we don't even know why we think what we think.
Usual problems in considering the philosophical interest of the text:
Turning the text into a "pretext" to expose our philosophical ideas has to be avoided, a text
analysis not a philosophical dissertation. In order to prevent that problem we could complete the text with
those aspects which you consider relevant but were put aside by the author, show the limits of the text
perspective, formulate (always prudently and justifying them) your own objections, or mention
alternative philosophical systems always mentioning the appropriateness and interest of the perspective of
the author.
CONCLUSION
Make a recapitulation of the body of the analysis in a few lines.
Note, without dogmatism and categorical statements, if the author reaches its objective.
Usual problems in the conclusion:
It's useless to give your opinion in two lines at the end of the analysis, your personal opinion
must show itself in the way in which the author's thought has been addressed throughout the analysis.

CORRECTION CRITERIA
FOR PHILOSOPHICAL TEXT ANALYSIS
Parts of the analysis:
INTRODUCTION (2 points): The philosophical problem has to be stated clearly and
with precision, as well as the author's answer to it as it appears in the text. The student
has to present the plan of his or her composition.
BODY - Part A (3,5 points): The main ideas of the text are to be connected in order to
give an overall and systematic explanation of the author's perspective concerning the
general question the text aims to answer, also it is important to state clearly the
consequences of holding the author's position and how he or she justifies it.
BODY - Part B (3,5 points): The philosophical problem has to appear clearly
understood, it has to be displayed which perspective concerning the problem the student
is defending and why, whether it's the author's position or not. The student has to
compose a short philosophical essay addressing personally the problem the texts lays
out and defending his or her own perspective with arguments.
CONCLUSION (1 point): A final or provisional solution to the problem (or a justified
belief in the improbability of a final solution) issued from the arguments of the author
and the student has to be offered with a short summary of the work done throughout the
analysis.

Formal criteria:
INTERNAL STRUCTURE: Relevance of the answer to the topic, clear exposition of
the main thesis, continuity and progression of argumentation, justification of the
conclusion from the arguments presented.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Originality of the perspective, examples and arguments,
without resorting to stereotypes and clichs.
ARGUMENTATION: Coherence and quality of the arguments, enough and varied, well
founded and elaborated with objectivity.
EXPRESSION: Grammar, clarity and presentation.