- Make good use of signposts--the title of the article, the abstract (if there is one), the headings. They often signal what’s most important in the article.
- Authors often start by talking about what they’re against and then move on to what they’re for. Make sure you notice the transition, and don’t interpret the author as having the views that they’re against.
- Look for the main views espoused by the author.
- Look for arguments the author uses to support the main views. “Argument” means reasoning from premises to a conclusion.
- Notice key terms and make sure you understand what the author means by them, to the extent possible.
- Don’t get bogged down. You will not understand every single sentence. You will sometimes need to skim or ask questions in class.
- Read the RR question first. It will help you focus.
- Spend enough time. This won’t be like reading the newspaper, in most cases.
- Wear two hats: first, a charitable hat. You’re in sympathy with the author. You’re just trying to understand.
- Second hat: be a critic. Are there problems with the arguments? Did the author convince you? Why did they, why didn’t they?
Reading Philosophy
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