The dialectic essay is typically used in philosophy to explore the whole range of perspectives about a philosophical stance. Students often tend to endorse one opinion without being able to see the merits of the opposition’s point of view. For example, if the student is against abortion, they may be unable to understand why the opposition feels that the right to choose is important. The dialectic essay forces the student to consider the opposing side’s opinion. Elements of the dialectic essay are also used in the basic argumentative essay because the structure allows the writer to refute the opposition’s argument.
Tone and Audience
The audience of the essay consists of people who have an opinion about the philosophical issue. Some of the audience may agree with the writer’s thesis, whereas others may espouse the opposing viewpoint. Because the audience has a mix of opinions, the writer should strive for a fair and balanced tone that does not use emotional appeals or inflammatory language. Maintaining an objective and respectful tone ensures that the essay appeals to a broad audience and encourages thoughtful consideration of the arguments presented.
Basic Structure
The basic structure of the dialectic essay has three main parts:
- The Thesis: In the first portion, the writer presents their opinion and supports it with sources and examples. This section sets the stage for the discussion and lays out the writer’s initial stance.
- The Antithesis: After the writer has made their case, they present the opposition’s argument. This section requires the writer to step into the shoes of their opponents and present their arguments as convincingly as possible.
- The Synthesis: Finally, the writer either refutes the opposition’s argument, accepts part of the opposition’s argument and refutes part of it, or abandons their original argument in favor of the opposition’s argument. This nuanced conclusion helps the writer synthesize the arguments and reach a balanced perspective.
This structure is similar to that of a traditional argumentative essay, but with some major differences. The argumentative essay also includes the opposing side’s opinion, but the intent of including their viewpoint is to strengthen the original argument by knocking holes in the opposition’s position. The writer of an argumentative essay never ends the essay having changed their opinion, as they can in a dialectic essay. This openness to changing one’s mind is a hallmark of the dialectic essay and reflects a deeper engagement with the philosophical debate.
Introduction and Thesis
The introduction of the dialectic essay provides background for the philosophical argument. It may or may not use outside sources. The thesis of the essay states a position that the author endorses, such as “Abortion should be illegal.” The introduction should set the context for the debate, briefly explaining why the issue is significant and outlining the main points that will be discussed. For example, the introduction might mention the ethical, legal, and social dimensions of the abortion debate, setting up the detailed exploration that will follow.
Supporting Paragraphs
The supporting paragraphs present evidence for the writer’s argument. Like the introduction, the assignment may ask the student to use outside support, or it may ask the student to use hypothetical examples to support the point. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the argument, providing detailed reasoning and evidence. For instance, in the abortion essay, one paragraph might discuss the moral implications of abortion, using philosophical theories such as Kantian ethics or utilitarianism to support the writer’s stance. Another paragraph might present legal arguments, referencing court cases and legal precedents.
Presenting The Opposition’s Argument
After the writer’s complete argument and the supporting evidence are presented, the writer presents the opposition’s objections to the argument. The author must present this argument in a fair and balanced manner, striving to avoid emotional language. This section should be as robust as the supporting paragraphs, demonstrating that the writer understands and respects the opposing viewpoint. For example, the writer might discuss the arguments for the right to choose, including bodily autonomy and women’s rights, citing relevant philosophical and legal sources. Presenting these arguments thoroughly shows that the writer has engaged deeply with the topic and considered multiple perspectives.
Conclusion
In the conclusion, the writer decides which opinion is valid, or if a mixture of both is valid. If the writer continues to avoid their original opinion, they should present evidence that supports their position, even in light of the opposition’s argument. If the author accepts the opposition’s argument, they must explain why their opinion was changed. If they move to an undecided position or accept parts of each argument, the author must also explain that position.
For instance, in the abortion essay, the writer might conclude by affirming their original stance against abortion but acknowledging the importance of women’s rights and suggesting potential compromises, such as stricter regulations rather than an outright ban. Alternatively, the writer might decide that the right to choose is more compelling and explain how the process of writing the essay led to this change in perspective.
Practical Examples
To further illustrate the dialectic essay, let’s consider a few practical examples:
- Capital Punishment: Suppose the thesis is “Capital punishment should be abolished.” The supporting paragraphs might discuss the ethical implications, such as the potential for executing innocent people and the moral arguments against taking a life. The opposition’s argument might present the idea that capital punishment deters crime and provides justice for victims. The conclusion might synthesize these views, perhaps suggesting reforms to the justice system to prevent wrongful executions while maintaining some form of capital punishment for the most heinous crimes.
- Climate Change Policies: If the thesis is “Government regulations are essential to combat climate change,” the supporting paragraphs could provide evidence of environmental damage and the effectiveness of regulations in reducing emissions. The opposition’s argument might focus on the economic impact of such regulations and the potential for innovation in the private sector to address climate change. The conclusion might acknowledge the economic concerns but argue that the urgency of climate change necessitates government intervention, proposing a balanced approach that includes both regulations and incentives for private innovation.
- Universal Basic Income (UBI): For a thesis like “Universal Basic Income should be implemented,” the supporting paragraphs might highlight the benefits of UBI, such as reducing poverty and providing financial stability. The opposition’s argument could address concerns about the cost of UBI and its potential to discourage work. The conclusion might explore a middle ground, such as pilot programs to test the feasibility of UBI and adjustments based on the outcomes.
Conclusion
The dialectic essay is a powerful tool for exploring philosophical issues in depth. By considering both sides of an argument and being open to changing one’s perspective, writers can develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. The structure of the dialectic essay, with its emphasis on presenting and refuting opposing arguments, encourages critical thinking and intellectual honesty. By carefully planning, presenting balanced arguments, and thoughtfully concluding, writers can create compelling dialectic essays that contribute meaningfully to philosophical discourse.