A Philosophy Extended Essay (Group 3) investigates a focused philosophical questions through argument, analysis, and evaluation of ideas. The essay must engage with philosophical concepts, thinkers, arguments, and theories, rather than describing real-world events or opinions.
A Philosophy EE must:
focus on a clear philosophical question or problem
develop a structured, reasoned argument
engage with philosophers and/or schools of thought
analyse and evaluate different perspectives
use logic, reasoning, and justification
reach a supported conclusion
While it is part of Group 3, Philosophy is distinct because: evidence comes from ideas and arguments, not data or case studies
Your essay should feel philosophical, not historical, psychological, or political.
A strong topic is:
clearly philosophical in nature
framed as a focused, arguable question
grounded in philosophical theory or thinkers
narrow enough for depth
manageable within 4,000 words
ethics (e.g. utilitarianism, duty, rights)
epistemology (knowledge, truth, skepticism)
free will and determinism
philosophy of mind (consciousness, identity)
political philosophy (justice, equality, power)
aesthetics (art, meaning, interpretation)
broad or vague questions (“What is truth?”)
essays that become history of philosophy
psychological or scientific explanations without philosophy
personal opinion essays
descriptive summaries of theories
Philosophy requires argument, not explanation alone.
In Group 3 subjects, essays often use data. In Philosophy, “evidence” is different.
A Philosophy EE should use:
philosophical texts (primary sources)
interpretations of arguments
thought experiments
logical reasoning
conceptual analysis
Real-world examples may be used to: test or illustrate arguments
Avoid:
relying only on personal opinion
using examples without linking to theory
treating sources as facts instead of arguments
Evidence in Philosophy = reasoned ideas, not datasets.
Unlike other Group 3 subjects, Philosophy does not use empirical research.
Appropriate methods include:
close reading of philosophical texts
analysing and comparing arguments
evaluating key concepts
constructing and critiquing arguments
using thought experiments
applying theory to examples
The method must demonstrate: engagement with ideas, not data collection
Across Group 3, analysis is essential. In Philosophy, this specifically means:
clearly explaining arguments
breaking down reasoning step-by-step
comparing perspectives
identifying strengths and weaknesses
questioning assumptions
using precise terminology
building a coherent line of argument
Analysis is not summary. It is evaluating ideas and reasoning through them.
Evaluation in a Philosophy EE may include:
strengths and weaknesses of arguments
counterarguments and objections
limitations of theories
logical consistency
implications of conclusions
comparison of competing viewpoints
A strong essay answers: Which argument is most convincing, and why?
Avoid these issues:
describing philosophers without analysing them
turning the essay into history or biography
relying on personal opinion instead of argument
questions that are too broad or vague
no clear thesis or position
weak structure or unclear reasoning
misunderstanding key concepts
using examples without linking to theory
Most common issue: description instead of argument
To what extent is utilitarianism a sufficient moral framework for decision-making?
Can Descartes’ method of doubt establish certain knowledge?
Is free will compatible with determinism?
To what extent does Rawls’ theory of justice achieve fairness?
Can artificial intelligence possess consciousness in a philosophical sense?
Is moral responsibility possible in a deterministic universe?
Each question is:
focused
arguable
grounded in philosophy
answerable through reasoning