General Tips

1. Come to all lectures and tutorials. 

You or your parents are paying or this, sunshine! Also, did we mention that knowledge is a priceless gift?

2. Make notes in class, even if there is a handout. 

This helps you process the information as you hear it and identify areas you don't understand. If you can't put it into your own words, you probably don't get it.

3. Do all the readings, and read creatively: see how to read. 

4. Participate in class. 

People learn philosophy best by doing it, and one of the best ways to do it is to talk about it with other people. Come to class prepared to discuss the readings you've been assigned and don't be shy about making points that aren't yet fully developed or suggestions that you're unsure of. Here's a useful list of some of the many different ways you can helpfully contribute to a philosophical conversation.

5. Choose your paper topics carefully. 

Pick a subject that you find both intriguing and manageable. Your instructor will be happy to discuss the options with you and help you narrow in on the one that suits you best.

6. Start writing your papers early. 

At least two weeks in advance of the deadline is a good rule of thumb. That way you have time to check in with your instructor if you run into any difficulties and properly revise your first draft.

7. Seek out advice and feedback. 

See your instructor before (and, if you like, after) papers are due, to discuss your work. (Regular meetings with your instructor improve your grade: it's a fact!) Also consider running your drafts past a classmate, friend or writing tutor. 

8. Revise your papers thoroughly. See how to revise.

9. When confused, ask questions of your instructor and other students. 

Don't be afraid to look stupid.  A large step to success in philosophy is recognizing that you're stupid and learning to deal with it.

10. Unleash your Inner Philosopher. 

The ideal philosopher takes nothing on faith, leaves no assumption unchallenged, scrutinizes every step of an argument, and aims at utter clarity of expression, unfailing accuracy and rigorous adherence to the laws of logic.

Imitating the ideal philosopher at all times will ruin your social life.

Crucially, the ideal philosopher is patient. They are able to live with uncertainty and are happy to proceed one step at a time:

“The only difference between science and philosophy is that science is what you more or less know and philosophy is what you do not know…Just as there are families in America who from the time of the Pilgrim Fathers onward had always migrated westward, toward the backwoods, because they did not like civilized life, so the philosopher has an adventurous disposition and likes to dwell in the region where there are still uncertainties.” --Bertrand Russell (1918)

"Got it?  Excellent work, petal!  Time for some advice on how to read philosophy papers!"