125+ Philosophy Essay Topics – A Comprehensive Guide

What is a Philosophy Essay?

A philosophy essay is an academic piece that establishes certain significant points through the use of logical reasoning backed with relevant examples, events and thought-provoking views and arguments.

The true essence of a philosophy essay is in its profound ideas and explanations(and not in using flowery language, discombobulating statements or incorporating bombastic phrases).

What is the Chief Goal of a Philosophy Essay?

Over the course of time, various philosophers have pursued and compiled countless theories on numerous aspects. Some are intricate, some are inexplicable, while some are quite astonishing. 

Nevertheless, these mixed bags of philosophies have helped morph our intellectual lives and shape our world in more ways than one can fathom.

So, when discussing the primary goal of a philosophy essay, make sure it focuses on the following

Here, truth accounts for what's there in reality. Ancient Greeks referred to it as 'LOGOS.' Goodness, however, focuses on the welfare of all humans living together in a conjoint world community.

A philosophy essay seeks the complete truth of something whole by combining both objectives.

• It could be an account of a specific thing.
• It could be an account of the relationship with each separate thing.
• It could be an account of an interrelationship of several things.
• It could be a complete account of the past and the future.
• It could be an account of things that can’t exist and things that don’t exist.
• It could be an account of what’s sensible and what’s not.
• It could be an account of what’s right and what’s wrong.
• It could be an account of beauty.
• It could be an account of the wise and the imprudent.
• It could be an account of what’s good and what’s evil.
• It could be an account of divinity. 
• It could be an account of how we must behave and respect others.
• It could be an account of our whole life’s meaning.
• It could be an account of what to do and what to avoid to make our lives meaningful.
• It could be an account of all the Right & Wrong Acts.
• It could account for philosophy’s role (practically and theoretically) when pursuing a fulfilling and happy life.

And so on!

What Should Be Your Philosophy Essay’s Structure?

Au contraire to any typical essay, your philosophy essay requires evaluation and exposition. 

• With expository writing, you can convey your specific topic argument.
• And with the evaluation, you can write your views, thoughts, position and philosophy on a crucial topic.

Also, some experts state that a philosophy essay doesn't require quotations. You must answer all of them in your words to showcase your understanding of the topic and where you stand. 

However, you must include appropriate in-text references whenever applicable throughout the paper to acknowledge others' work and make your claims on the sorted coverage.

Ideally, your philosophy essay structure must incorporate the following,

1. An Introduction

It will brief your readers about what you want to share so they know what to expect. So, prepare an introduction that appeases your readers and compels them to read your work without stoppage and with expectations.

2. A Thesis Statement

It surmises your stand towards the essay topic. So, when writing the thesis statement, ensure you include arguments with evidence that support both sides – for and against!

Moreover, the thesis statement must come in the last stanza of the introduction. Focus on writing it properly, as it will act as a map of your essay coverage.

3. The Body

It elaborates on everything you incorporated into the essay outline. You can divide the body into 3-4 sections per necessity.

Furthermore, you must make apt use of examples, data, and information to support your detailed arguments, views and philosophy on the topic. You can also boost the reader's engagement using visual representations to emphasise crucial parts of your body. 

4. The Conclusion

It surmises all the main points explained throughout the essay. You must also reinstate your thesis statement (but rephrase it differently). 

Furthermore, you can also ask a question or present a strong assertion to arouse interest in the readers and prompt meaningful action among them.

Keep the conclusion concise (like the introduction). Refrain from adding something new to the conclusion. It creates unnecessary confusion among readers.

Aspects to Focus on when Preparing a Philosophy Essay Structure

A.Create an apt outline for what you intend to convey

Craft an appropriate essay outline of everything you wish to incorporate into your written piece. Ensure all idea progressions are rational and lucid for your readers.

Everything must be smooth to allow readers to read and comprehend your work easily. Jumping about in your written piece will make your readers baulk. Many may even leave your post thinking it's not worth their time.

So, after crafting your essay outline, leaving it for some time would be best. Come back after a momentary break or the next day (if the deadline allows). Then sit down to write with a fresh mindset.

Moreover, if you must edit, add or subtract sections from your outline – do it. The goal should be to present a smooth, understandable paper with powerful views, arguments supported by accurate data, apt examples and relevant information.

Or else, your whole endeavour will turn out to be one colossal disappointment.

B.Pick the Appropriate Words to State Your Arguments

Your words or language give readers a glimpse into your mind and thoughts. Thus, using appropriate words to state your central argument is imperative. 

If you are unsure about a particular word, refer to a dictionary (for meaning) or thesaurus (finding apt synonyms) when writing your philosophy essay. 

In layman's terms, they are called transition words. Use them correctly wherever applicable.

Most importantly, don't make spelling mistakes or typos in words. Such errors are inexcusable in a college or university-level philosophy essay. 

C.Always Provide Verifiable Evidence to Support Your Claims

Modern-day readers like questioning facts, fundamentals and arguments. So, there is every chance your readers will ask questions too. The key is to prove your claims are true and 100% accurate and provide verifiable evidence to substantiate your perspectives and claims. 

It is one way to silence your critics and make them take note of the points you're talking about through your written piece.

D.Anticipate Objections to Nullify Criticism  

If your views and arguments are worth sticking to – do it! However, your readers may have their (own) opinions. So, they may not always agree with what you state. Don't let them sway your steadfastness and message. It is your job to convince them or provoke thoughts within them.

Thus, when writing your philosophy essay, anticipate objections and adopt engaging argumentations to help your readers see things your way.

You can incorporate compelling data, statistics, graphs, numeric visuals and other means to establish your primary message.

E.Edit and Proofread Your Work Comprehensively

The Holy Grail or compelling writing is boldly editing and proofreading your work.

So, remove clutters. Focus on punctuation, spelling (names of places/people/brands or when using homonyms) and grammar flaws. 

Use an active tone to shorten sentences. Maintain consistency in numbering, bullets, font and spacing. Include appropriate transitions between sentences and stanzas. Lastly, ask a friend to review your work and share feedback. Make amendments per necessity to refine your work more pre-submission.

What Not to Do when Writing Your Philosophy Essay?

• Refrain from Writing Lengthy Introductions

There is no need to overcompensate. Keep your beginning direct and concise. 

The body section will give you plenty of scope to elaborate on your topic. There is no need to go out on a limb and explain everything in the introduction, only to repeat it in the body section. It will make your work redundant and boring for your readers. 

• Avoid Incorporating Long Quotes

Keep quotations short and use them only when necessary. Overusing it kills the purpose entirely and lessens your work's uniqueness and credence. 

 It is YOUR paper. So, what you write must be your thoughts, views and arguments. Even keep paraphrasing to a minimum. Stay original even when referring to others' opinions on the same topic. 

• Avoid Cuteness or Cockiness

Maintain dignity when working on your philosophy essay. The topic coverage is no matter of joke. It must reflect strong views and arguments that compel people to think likewise. 

Also, don't get cocky or overconfident in your language usage. An extravagant writing tone won't do you any good. So, stick to simple writing that one can relate to and grasp in one read.

Also, don't discredit or violate any writer while making your point. They aren't fools! Carefully adopt an argumentative tone.

• Refrain from Circular Reasoning

Many are guilty of begging the question (or circular reasoning) on some specific discussion. 

For example,

Mathew begs the question by arguing that abortion is equivalent to murder on moral grounds. Here Matthew repurposed the specific argument by treating abortion as moral wrong-doing. His stand denotes the issue's conclusion. 

Thus, people who don't support the final verdict may disagree with Matthew's views about abortion being morally wrong. 

So, you see the confusion it creates? You don't want that. So, avoid circular reasoning or begging the question on a specific issue.

125+ Philosophy Essay Topics for Students

A.Critical Essay Topics

Check out this below list of critical essay topics .

1. Does your wisdom increase with your age?
2. Does keeping memories seem worth it even if you can't return to them?

• Racial Prejudice – Where did it originate from?

1. If humans were immortal- what would happen?
2. Does religious education seem worth it?
3. How intricate is a human life from birth to old hood?

• What is the definition of anger?
• Moral values versus Politics

1. The general perception focusing- on disabled individuals
2. What happens after one's death?
3. Western morals Versus Eastern Values 

• What is the core philosophy of Hinduism?
• What is the philosophy of LOVE in Jainism?
• The Philosophy of LOVE in Christianity?

1. The Constant battle between Good Vs Evil? Where does it end?

• What makes LOVE the strongest force in the universe?
• What does being MORAL mean in this modern world?

B.Final Philosophy Essay Topics

Check out these below ideas on Final Philosophy essay topics.

1. Do supernatural beings (really)exist?
2. Do video games influence people negatively?

• Are we humans alone in the universe, or are there other life forms?

1. Describe loneliness and your experience of it.
2. How to augment one's creative flair?
3. Is there an afterlife?

• What entails being 'Conscious'mentally?
• Most crucial leadership traits

1. Should you continue to keep learning or stop at some point
2. What does it mean to have a big heart?
3. Why do people commit suicide than face their demons?

• How does one prepare for death when reaching its precipice?
• What are the most significant life values in today's time?
• 'Is something better than nothing' always advantageous?

1. Why is there so much Evil in our society?

• What turns educated people into savages and homicidal?
• Is there any justification for WARS and countless man-slaughter?

C.Existentialism Essay Topics

Check out these below ideas on Existentialism essay topics.

1. Write a philosophical essay on the concept of existentialism.
2. An account of Existentialism in the 20th century

• What's the prevalent theory on Atheistic Existentialism?

1. Existentialism and Humanism – Describe these two concepts with examples 
2. Give a contrast between Existentialism and Shakespeare in the 20th century
3. Does Existentialism comply with the concepts of Christianity?

• Explain the prime ideas behind Existentialism
• Does Existentialism influence one's faith in the All-Mighty?

1. Is the concept of Existentialism Wrong?
2. Human nature underlying Existentialism and Psychoanalysis
3. The main theme of Existentialism

• Existentialism – Its popularity in France during World War II
• Cover the theme of Christianity and Existentialism in Waiting for Godot
• What is the reverse of Existentialism?

1. Way Existentialism views Human beings

• Explain the difference between Humanism and Existentialism
• Existentialism – How does one practice it?

D.Controversial Philosophy Topics

Check out these below ideas on controversial philosophy topics.

1. Should parents physically punish their kids?
2. Is it possible for free will and predestination to co-exist?

• Is a rich person's life more important than poor people?

1. Does Ignorance truly lead to Bliss?
2. Does everyone deserve respect?
3. Is Evil born, or is it created?

• Can kids be born Evil?
• Does being Selfish mean you're wrong or bad?

1. What determines one's worth – people's opinions or self-realisation?
2. Is it alright to lie to protect someone you love?
3. Is it slavery when you get what you want?

• Is it right to consider Arthur Schopenhauer as the 'Darkest Philosopher'?
• Why is Friedrich Nietzsche the Most Controversial Philosopher?
• Why Did Aristotle reject Plato's theory Of Forms?

1. Should personalised usage of Drugs be legalised?

• Explain Machiavelli's ideas – are moral rules enslaving people, and can they violate them to achieve a shared good?
• Does GOD exist? If so, why is there such depth of Evil in our society?

E.Abstract Essay Topics

Check out these below ideas on Abstract essay topics. 

1. Present your philosophical analysis on – 'Humans live in Deeds & not in Years.'
2. One's status and wealth don't determine one's happiness. 

• Surveillance against Privacy intrusion 

1. Why do people put up walls to hide their disappointments and pain?
2. Nothing is wrong or right – It is how one sees it.
3. Living alone or living in Unison – Which makes you stronger?

• For the weak – 'Honestly is the best policy'but for the strong ones, ' Might Makes Right' – Explain these differences of opinions!
• Those not learning from historical outcomes are doomed to repeat it – How true is this statement?

1. Are our experiences a collection of our mistakes?
2. The best WARs are fought from the mind and not using weapons.
3. There isn't any conquering weapon than the NEED OF CONQUERING – Explain your philosophical views.

• Society needs both pessimists and optimists – Is it true?
• Are Humans a blessing or a curse?
• Are we inevitably approaching our Doomsday?

1. Tears dry sooner than everything – Share your philosophical views!

• Are ends justified by the means?
• Can you ever truly know someone at their core?

F.Ethics Topics for Essays

Check out these below ideas on Ethics topics for essays.

1. Moral issues and restrictions regarding ABORTION
2. Sexism and workplace ethics

• Is it unethical to have someone else do your assignments?

1. Is it ok for schools to teach religion?
2. Is Physical torture justifiable?
3. Is downloading X-rated content online unethical?

• Is having SEX before turning an adult unethical?
• Is the production of Weed Ethical?

1. Social media marketing – Discuss the ethics behind it
2. Does changing your face using makeup or plastic surgery seem ethical?
3. Highlight the difference between professional and personal ethics

• Bioethics – Its concept in today's society!
• Keeping alive a brain-dead patient– is it moral?
• Same-Sex relationship – Explain the moral side!

1. Highlight the ethical problems faced in the Marijuana industry

• Committing a crime in self-defense - Is it ethical?
• Cryptocurrency usage and the ethics behind it
• Does it seem ethical to infuse someone with neuroenhancement drugs?
• Highlight the common ethical issues faced in the Medicine industry.

1. Explain the nursing code of ethics

• Does faith in God change a person's ethics?

G.Informative Philosophy Essay Topics

Check out these below ideas oninformative philosophy essay topics. 

1. Share your philosophy on Capitalism & Communism
2. Why do people commit egregious acts or taboos even knowing they must face lawful judgement?

• Is Love merely a mixture of chemicals in our brain?

1. What does our family legacy teach us?
2. Subjective against objective in the cinematic world
3. Stoicism – Explain its key aspects

• Nihilism – explain its philosophical aspects
• Is building a JUST world from God's love and blessings feasible?

1. Does having Faith protect you in the face of catastrophe?
2. 'The Apology' – Explain Plato's philosophy
3. Explain Plato's Philosophy and the literacy devices used

• Write on Marxism Philosophy
• Do affection and love make humans better human beings?
• What are the common challenges of Free Will?

1. Eternity as a phenomenon – Explain your philosophical views 

• Explain your philosophical ideas on Pacifism
• Why do kids lie to their parents?
• WARS are a necessary evil in society – Is this statement true?
• Why do people fear change in technological times?

1. Modern Romance – Present your philosophical take 

• The Philosophy behind' The Black Lives Matter Movement
• Protesting Peacefully – the philosophy behind it

These philosophy essay topics will adequately serve your needs for your writing assignments. You can take topic ideas from various genres depending on your preferences and passion. 

Of course, if you need additional help researching and writing the topic, enlist expert help from MyAssignmenthelp.com immediately.

Our experts will offer customised writing and editing assistance on your current philosophy essay assignment. 

You can also view thousands of pre-crafted samples for free from our resource database whenever you see fit. 

Most Frequently Asked Questions By Students

Q.Define Life and in what way can one find our true existential meaning and purpose/

The ultimate meaning of life, in general, is – to stay healthy, focus on others' wellness, be humble and be happy and fulfilled.

That said such notions differ among individuals. For some, it's about gathering riches. While for others, it's about finding LOVE, fighting Wars, or wanting all the knowledge in the world.

You find purpose and meaning in your existence by – finding what you're passionate about, learning humility, spending time with inspiring people, turning pain into purpose, hearing what others appreciate about you and possessing a growth mindset with a personal vision for your continual existence. 

Q.Explain Reality (by nature) and ways to be aware of it?

The fundamental nature of reality is a perception, a description of your real life. Scientifically, it is called Meta-Physics – the study of the fundamental nature of actuality and life. 

We can know the fundamental nature of reality by observing what exists, who we are, whom we interact with, where we belong and what things are genuine. We use our senses, life-long experience and cognisance to know and perceive reality.

Q.Is our mind and body interconnected? If so, how does one grasp their consciousness?

Our mind and body (also known as emotional and physical well-being) are interconnected. As humans, our biology and chemistry often influence our emotions, mood, beliefs and thought processes. These factors collectively hamper both emotional and physical health. 

You can understand your consciousness by being aware of your memories, sensations, thoughts, feelings and surroundings. However, understanding consciousness is a unique ability for individuals. So, it is subjective in nature.

Q.What is morality? Explain how one decides right and wrong?

Morality isn't subjective. It's objective. Morality, involving obligations and rights, can generally apply with logical people aggreging to what's right or true. 

You can distinguish right from wrong through your personal experiences and moral testimony and by assessing the situation with a neutral viewpoint.

Q.Explain Free Will (by nature)? Can one really make decisions not predetermined?

‘Free Will’ primarily denotes 'Freedom of choice.' One has the impunity to act freely provided it doesn't harm another or lead to a collective dispute. Every individual has the right to make their life decisions. However, they must also be willing to accept the consequences of their actions – good or bad!

Moreover, we can make choices even in a matter that seems predetermined. Inevitably, the person decides the best course of action for themselves.

Q.Explain the connection between your thoughts and language? Also state how helps us grasp the world around us?

Our language acts like a mirror to our thoughts. It enables us to communicate and present our perspectives and arguments to others. 

Furthermore, language does not restrict our thoughts or ability to see and understand the world. Instead, it helps focus our thoughts on particular aspects of the world, conceive and impact perception pertaining to gender, world events, communal disputes, etc.

Depending on our thought process and communicative language, our understanding of the world varies from one another. 

Q.Explain Truth and if it’s possible for one to know what’s true and what’s not?

Truth refers to hard, cold facts or a glimpse of what's real. Truth is the opposite of façade or fiction. 

To know what's true, you must have- coherence, consistency, sound and rational explanations, and measurable actuality.

It's difficult, especially in a world where many are habitual liars. But these elements should help distinguish Truth from falsehood. 

Q.Explain how emotion and reason contribute to developing ethics and making decisions?

Reason and emotions are separate/independent facets of ethical behaviour and decision-making. While reason results in making moral decisions, emotions can drown reason and lead to deontological decision-making. 

Moreover, reason compels us not to fall prey to our whims. Emotion persuades us of what we deserve and to go for it. 

Often it is suggested not to make decisions through emotions, but with reason or logic.

Q.Explain Justice and ways one can build a FAIR society?

The nature of justice is simple – giving those what they deserve within the confines of the law. It denotes awareness of what's Just and what's Unjust in a society. Justice is often synonymous with fairness. 

You create a Fair/Just society by – helping the vulnerable, speaking or fighting for what is right, accepting all gender, race and diversity, triggering awareness and giving back to society. 

Q.Is pleasure and happiness different? And ways one can pursue both?

The difference is subtle. You receive or derive pleasure while you provide or give happiness to those you care about. Pleasure can be experienced alone, while happiness can felt individually and conjointly.

Of course, extreme pleasure often causes addiction- in behaviour or substances.

You can pursue happiness by doing what you like, being with whom you love, focusing on how you want to feel, making others smile, doing good deeds in society, etc.

You can pursue pleasure by dreaming big, mindfulness, practising gratitude and striving to achieve your lifelong dream.