Philosophy 5: Critical Thinking and Composition
Pierce College
Department of History, Philosophy, & Sociology
Lecture Notes for "Chapter 5: Analysis"
Behrens, Laurence and Leonard J. Rosen. A Sequence for Academic Writing. 5th Ed.
The Action
Analysis is "a type of argument in which you study the parts of something ... to understand how it works, what it means, or why it might be significant."
Analytic Tools
Analyzers use "an analytic too: a principle or definition on the basis of which the subject of study can be divided into parts and examined."
The Results
The results of analysis depend on the tool used.
The same subject of study can be analyzed in different ways, with different analytic tools.
Inasmuch, the "choice of an analytic tool simultaneously creates and limits the possibilities of analysis."
Lens Analogy
"It's as if the writer of an analysis who adopts one analytic tool puts on a pair of glasses and sees an object in a specific way."
"Another writer, using a different tool (and a different pair of glasses, sees the object differently."
The Power of Analysis
" ... it's ability to reveal objects or events in a way we would not otherwise have considered."
"Locate and Apply an Analytic Tool"
General Purpose
By now it should be clear: "The general purpose of all analysis is to enhance one's understanding of the subject under consideration."
Evaluating Analyses
"A good analysis provides a valuableÐif sometimes unusual or unexpectedÐpoint of view, a way of seeing, a way of interpreting some phenomenon, person, event, policy, or pattern of behavior that otherwise may appear random or unexplainable."
Writing
The authors give this advice for those who are tasked with writing an analysis: "consider these to general strategies:
"[1] Locate an analytic toolÐa principle or definition that makes a general statement about the way something works, and
"[2]" Systematically apply this principle or definition to the subject under consideration."
Clarity
"[W]hatever discipline you are working in, the first part of your analysis will clearly state which (and whose) principles and definitions you are applying."
"For audiences unfamiliar with these principles, you will need to explain them; if you anticipate objections to their use, you will need to argue that they are legitimate principles capable of helping you conduct the analysis."
Practical Advice
1: "Create a context for your analysis. Introduce and summarize for the readers the object, event, or behavior to be analyzed. Present a strong case for why an analysis is needed: Give yourself a motivation to write, and give readers a motivation to read. Consider setting out a problem, puzzle, or question to be investigated."
Practical Advice
2. "Locate an analytic too: a principle or definition that will form the basis of your analysis. Plan to devote an early part of your analysis to arguing for the validity of this principle or definition if your audience is not likely to understand it or if they are unlikely to think that the principle or definition is not valuable."
Practical Advice
3. "Analyze your topic by applying your selected analytic tool to the topic's component elements. Systematically apply elements of the analytic tool to parts of the activity or object under study. You can do this by posing specific questions, based on your analytic principle or definition, about the object or phenomenon. Discuss what you find part by part (organized perhaps by questions (, in clearly defined subsections of the paper."
Practical Advice
4. "Conclude by stating clearly what is significant about your analysis. When considering your analytic paper as a whole, what new or interesting insights have you made concerning the object under study? To what extent has your application of the definition or principle helped you to explain how the object works, what it might mean, or why it is significant."
"Formulate a Thesis"
Theses
The thesis for an analysis essay "compresses into a single sentence the main idea of your presentation."
For me, a thesis must be original, interesting, and argumentative.
For me, theses must be clearly stated.
For me, theses must not only be clearly stated, but also preferably in the first paragraph (for shorter essays at least).
"Write an Analysis, Not a Summary"
Mistake to Avoid
"The most common error made in writing analysisÐan error that is fatal to the formÐis to present readers with a summary only."
Success
"For analyses to succeed, you must apply a principle or definition and reach a conclusion about the object, event, or behavior you are examining."
The Role of Summarizations
"Summary is naturally a part of analysis; you will need to summarize the object or activity being examined and, depending on the audience's needs, summarize the principle or definition being applied."
"But in analysis, you must take the next step and share insights that suggest the meaning or significance of some object, event, or behavior."
"Answer the 'So What?' Question"
What Have You Learned?
"Have you learned anything significant through the analysis?"
"If not, neither will readers, and they will turn away."
"If you have gained important insights through your analysis, communicate them clearly."
"At some point, pull together your related insights and say, in effect, 'Here's how it all adds up.'"
"When Your Perspective Guides the Analysis"
Personal Perspective
"In some cases a writer's analysis of a phenomenon or a work of art may not result from anything as structured as a principle or definition [held by others]. It may follow from the writer's cultural or personal outlook, perspective, or interests."
Clarity
"If you find yourself writing an analysis guided by your own insights, not by someone else's, then you owe your reader a clear explanation of your guiding principles and the definitions by which you will probe the subject under study."