Writing to Learn: An Introduction to Writing Philosophical Essays

Rating:
Summary: Helpful advice, helpfully given.
Review: I started using this book in my philosophy classes as a supplement for student writing and thinking. The book uses Bloom's taxonomy to build student thinking and writing from the simply understanding what you are reading (being to able to paraphrase and summarize) to applying it, analyzing and evaluating it, and finally synthesizing it with your own beliefs. Edwards' explanations are short but very much to the point, and she includes examples both good and bad to clarify her ideas. Her basic belief I think is right on: the best way to understand a topic is to have to write about it. More people need to see this connection between thought and paper! Edwards never talks down to you either. This gives the basics principles clearly and concisely, and is an excellent way to improve philosohical thinking and writing!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book is excellent. It belongs in the same category as Strunk and Whit's book on writing. It is only 106 pages long. But the author uses every inch to deliver sound advice about writing philosophy essays in particular and other kinds of essays in general. In seperate chapters, she explains and illustrates the different kinds of essays that are assigned in college philosophy courses: essays for understanding, application, analysis, evaluation and systhesis. She even discusses how to research philosophy problems and take philosophy exams. She must have worked very hard to pack so much sound advice into such a slim volume. Any philosophy student who "understands" and applies her principles will enhance his GPA dramatically. This book should be required reading in every undergraduate and graduate philosophy course.