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Philosophy · 01 / 08

Philosophy: construct a problem

Final-year concepts · Worked example and 4 exercises with solutions, at your pace.

UnderstandSee an exampleGuided exercise3 progressive challenges

The principle, simply

A philosophical question requires examining concepts and their relations. Define terms, then identify tension between plausible answers. A problem is not decorative rewording. An argument connects a reason to a conclusion; an example clarifies but does not replace justification.

THE PICTURE TO REMEMBERPhilosophy: construct a problem
  1. 01Define
  2. 02Identify tension
  3. 03Argue
  4. 04Examine an objection

WORKED EXAMPLE

From principle to reasoning

“Is freedom doing whatever we want?” contrasts absence of constraint with control of desires. Obeying a dependency may reduce rather than increase freedom.

Solve a problem in this subject

  1. Distinguish concepts

    Define terms in context. Test two meanings with examples; a distinction often reveals the problem.

  2. Expose a difficulty

    State a plausible answer and a serious objection. Explain why each is defensible and how their tension concerns the exact question.

  3. Argue and examine

    Connect premises and conclusion. Explain how an example supports the reasoning and which conditions limit it.

  4. Develop a progression

    Each next answer should address the previous limit. Conclude from your reasoning without inventing author quotations.

YOUR TURN

01 · Try before checking

Object to “Every rule removes freedom.”

One hint

Find a rule that enables action.

Reveal and understand the solution

A discussion rule against intimidation can protect participation. Distinguish arbitrary constraints from justified rules.

Compare method, conditions and answer; identify the exact part to revisit.

IMPROVE THROUGH PRACTICE

Three additional challenges with solutions

Start with the first challenge. Write your method before opening a hint; use the solution to find the first step that needs work.

Reflect after practising
02 · Recognise and understandLink to this exercise

Turn “Does freedom mean obeying nobody?” into a philosophical tension.

A hint to get started

Contrast absence of constraint with chosen rules.

Step-by-step solution
  1. Obedience appears to limit choice.
  2. Yet collectively chosen rules can enable joint action.
  3. The problem is whether every form of obedience removes autonomy.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

03 · Apply the methodLink to this exercise

Why define happiness before arguing about it?

A hint to get started

The word can refer to several states.

Step-by-step solution
  1. Distinguish momentary pleasure from lasting fulfilment.
  2. Specify the definition your argument uses.
  3. Test its implications and limits rather than assuming universal agreement.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

04 · Go furtherLink to this exercise

Object to “Every choice is free”.

A hint to get started

Consider constrained or uninformed choices.

Step-by-step solution
  1. A choice may be forced between two threatening options.
  2. There is a decision without full autonomy.
  3. Freedom requires examining conditions, knowledge and constraints, not options alone.

Which step did you miss? Retry without help, then explain why the method works.

The trap to avoid

Do not replace argument with personal opinion or quotation lists.

Without notes, can you…

  • Explain the principle in your own words?
  • Rebuild the diagram and its connections?
  • Solve the exercise and justify the method?

Choosing a state saves it in this browser. This is your assessment, not a grade.

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