A Model Essay

Here is an un-edited version of a paper that was submitted in answer to Topic Two from this semester's Philosophy 205 First Paper Assignment. If you are not familiar with the assignment, please read it before reading further.

I consider this to be an excellent paper. It is not without its flaws, though, and in the notes that are appended to the text (via hypertext links) you will see comments on both strengths and weaknesses.

I hope that working with this paper and my notes will help you to improve your ability to write philosophy papers. Note, though, that this assignment was distinctly limited: the goal was to provide a clear and compelling interpretation of Confucius' view, not to assess that view. Assessment or defense of positions is an important part of most philosophical writing--as it will be an important part of the next papers for this course.

Enjoy the paper, and I welcome any feedback on the paper, my comments, or the idea of presenting model papers in this format! All references in the text, by the way, are to D. C. Lau's translation of the Analects.

Go to the paper

Last Update 8/12/98
Copyright 1988, Stephen C. Angle