Writing a Dialectical EssaySocial 30 – Unit 1 Project

What Is a Dialectical Essay

It is an essay that examines a question from 2 points of view and concludes by choosing a view or an alternative point of view based on the data and evidence examined.

Dialectical ThinkingThe process of finding a resolution by

Searching out the oppositions, conflicts, contrasts , and contradictions in a situation and byFinding an idea that unites them while keeping and using the tension between them

Beginning the analysisAs this is a process which requires some practice, begin by examining a controversial issueMany times there is more than one possible solution to a problem or an issue. People may not even agree on what the problem is. Life is complicated, and different people see things in different ways. But they still have to live together, and often they have to figure out how they can come to one conclusion even though they disagree. Dialectical thinking is a method people can use to work things out. You are doing dialectical thinking when you have and arguments with yourself about something in your head.

Becoming aware of your thinking…(1)

You want to do something badlyYou imagine how wonderful it would be to carry it out in a certain way. Let’s call it AYou think of all the reasons why you should do this thing, how it would be good for you and how it would be good for others

Becoming aware of your thinking…(2)

Suddenly you think of something else to doYou become very interested in this thing. Let’s call it BYou now think of all the reasons why you should do BNow you must make a choice. What are you going to do? Do I really want to do A or B? Do I know for sure that one is as good as the other? What will happen if I do one and not the other?What is the best choice to make under these circumstances knowing that sometimes it is vest to make no choice at all?

Finally…A looks great and I wish I could do it, but I’m going to go with B, or vice versa

You are now doing dialectical thinking

Dialectical thinking begins by understanding that most situations are complicated and often you want two opposite things at the same time.You must understand all points of viewYour point of view must be supported

How a dialectical essay would look…

Part 1 – This is an introduction explaining briefly to your reader what the essay is about.Part 2 – Here you explain the position you are going to take on an issue. I believe that…Part 3 – This paragraph is the “same-side” argument which outlines logically all the reasons supporting the position you are taking.Part 4 – This is the “other side” position on the issur you are discussing in this essay.

How a dialectical essay would look…

Part 5 - Here you outline logically all the reasons supporting that position. You must be fair and fully explore this side of the argument even if you disagree with it.Part 6 – This is your conclusion in which you examine both sets of reasons and then explain why you reached the conclusion that you did.

You have 3 choices in your conclusionYou can agree with your thesisYou can change your mindYou can combine both sides

Organizing the information

Subject Source 1

Source 2

Source 3

First Question

Second Question

Third Question

Create a Gathering Grid

A gathering grid can help you organize your information for a research report

Write down your questions on the left-hand columnWrite the title of your sources at the top of each columnWrite down the answers you find and note where you found them

Use a pro and con collection grid…

A pro-con chart can help you gather and organize information for pro-con essaysIn the “pro” column, list benefits or facts to support your thesisIn the Con column, list drawbacks, or facts to support the antithesis

Pro Con

Writing the Dialectical Essay

How an essay would look if you used the system of dialectical thinking to handls an issue.

The Question: In the Robert Latimer case, where he was found guilty of murdering his daughter, does the sentence fit the crime?

Although you may have chosen a side, you need to examine both sides carefully.

The Process:Make point form notes based on your research and readings from your collection grids.

In the Robert Latimer case, does the sentence fit the crime?

Part 1:This is an introduction explaing briefly to your reader what the essay is about.

You should…Write and introduction providing the purpose and context for the essay. Discuss why the subject of the essay is meaning ful, interesting and worthwhile. Define or explain key ideas, terms, situations, controversies, complexities stc.

Part 2: Here you explain the position you are going to take on an issue. I believe…

Clearly state your thesis and describe it.

Part 3:This paragraph is the “same-side” argument which outlines logically all the reasons supporting the position you are taking.

Present arguments for your position. Describe and evaluate the reasons and supporting evidence for the thesis.

Now…the other sidePart 4:This is the other-side” postion on the issue you are discussing in this essay. Let your reader understand what the other side is.

The AntithesisAcknowledge and present the antithesis. Describe how it is contrary to the thesis.

Part 5: here you outline logically all the reasons supporting that position.

Describe and evaluate the supporting arguments and evidence, with a degree of rigour and passion equal to the original thesis. Be fair and do it justice.

Now…the conclusionPart 6:This is your concluding paragraph in which you examine both sets of reasons and then explain why you reached the conclusion that you did.

In the conclusion of this essay you can do 3 basic things… Conclude that your position is correct, change your mind or combine both sides

The conclusion needs to carefully summarize the consideration given the thesis and antithesis. Weigh and compare the ideas. Point out the significant strengths/weaknesses, advantages/disadvantages of the two positions. Explain the how and why of reaching the conclusion.

Three options 1. Affirm the thesis 2. Adopt the antithesis 3. Synthesize and combine the 2 arguments

The FormatYour essay must have a cover page with the title, class, name and date.Your essay must have a Works Cited pageYou must cite your essay using APA formatYour essay must be no more than 750 words but no less than 600 wordsBe sure to give credit to other peoples ideas, plagerism will result in a failing grade.Your essay is due on Tuesday February 28th.