This essay provides an orientaion to the activity and content of philosophy. I strongly suggest that you read this more than once. I very, very strongly suggest that you take notes from the essay as you read. Taking notes as you read is an effective method of learning for any sort of reading. I know that you already do so with some texts. If you are using a phone book, for instance, to find a dozen numbers, it is likely that you will write them down rather than try to hold them all in your memory. Strangely enough, few students will do the same when reading texts that contain even more information and complexity. I admit that I am judging from my own case. I have been a great student and am an expert learner (in some areas, anyway). I always take careful notes on texts that I want to really understand. I suggest that you do so as well. In fact, I suggest that you have a notebook and pen or pencil with you whenever you study from this web course. As you study the pages here, keep purposeful notes on what you read. I've even provided writing guides that will help with the task of developing a biographical precis and rhetorical precis.
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