This fall, I signed up for a Philosophy and Ethics class. And now that I’m a few weeks in, I think it’s safe to say: Studying Philosophy can (and will!) make you a better writer.
Why? I have a few thoughts on this. Let’s start at a high level, though.
Writing serves as a bridge between internal thoughts and external communication. It transforms our internal dialogues into something others can access and understand.
Exceptional writing, therefore, is the result of exceptional thinking. To convey ideas clearly and persuasively, writers must cultivate a methodical and logical approach to their thoughts, translating into clearer, more effective writing.
One of the most effective ways to refine thinking is through philosophical study. Philosophy, emphasizing argumentation, logic, and critical questioning, is particularly adept at sharpening our ability to think systematically and coherently. Writers can enhance their clarity and precision by engaging deeply with philosophical methods.
Makes sense, right? Let’s dive in a bit deeper on a few of these points.
Philosophy as a Tool for Refined Thinking and Writing
To write clearly, convincingly, and with structure, writers can leverage philosophical concepts and analytical methods. Philosophy aids in this process by:
Improving Thinking: Philosophy demands a rigorous approach to thinking. It encourages individuals to examine ideas thoroughly and systematically, transforming disorganized thoughts into coherent and well-structured arguments.
Enhancing Critical Skills: Philosophy cultivates critical thinking skills through its emphasis on logic and argumentation. This helps writers question and assess the validity of ideas, leading to more nuanced and persuasive writing.
Encouraging Methodical Analysis: Philosophy's methodical approach to exploring concepts ensures that writers can dissect ideas carefully, leading to clearer and more precise communication.
Applying Foundational Philosophical Concepts to Writing
To elevate your writing, understanding and applying key philosophical concepts is helpful. A few of these include:
Definition and Essence: Writers must clearly define their key terms and concepts. Understanding what something fundamentally is helps them articulate ideas more effectively and prevent misinterpretation or misrepresentation.
Appearance vs. Reality: Recognizing the difference between initial perceptions and underlying truths is crucial. Complex topics often appear simpler at first glance, but a deeper analysis can reveal more intricate and insightful perspectives. This approach helps writers avoid superficial treatments of their subjects and seek more profound connections.
Objectivity vs. Subjectivity: Writers need to be aware of biases and partiality that can influence their work. By understanding the difference between subjective opinions and objective facts, writers can craft more balanced and credible narratives. This awareness encourages humility and precision in writing.
The Relationship Between Philosophy and Writing
Writing begins as an internal thought before it is articulated externally. As a result: Disorganized thoughts lead to disorganized writing, while clear thinking results in clear writing.
Philosophy helps give individuals the necessary tools to critically evaluate and refine their thoughts. It promotes meticulous, analytical thinking that is essential for writing effectively. By demanding a thorough examination of ideas, philosophy helps writers address technical, logical, and ethical aspects of their work more adeptly.
As John Campbell said, "Philosophy is thinking in slow motion." It enables us to analyze our intellectual processes, revealing alternatives and deeper insights. By integrating philosophical methods into their practice, writers can improve their ability to make sense of complex ideas and clearly communicate them.
