Write an introduction to a Philosophy and Ethics question

A good introduction provides clarity to the question and informs the reader to what is going to be argued.1.) An effective introduction immediately offers a clear judgement, this gives clarity to the main thrust of the essay and provides focus. For example, in the question: 'Evaluate the claim that Natural Law Theory is useful.' The essay should straightaway state whether Natural Law Theory is or is not useful. A student can work out what sort of judgement is required by focusing on trigger words such as 'evaluate', 'discuss', 'explain' et al. 2.) An introduction needs to define what specific terms are being used. For example, for the question: 'Evaluate the claim that Natural Law Theory is useful', a student must define 'useful'. Maybe in this instance, 'useful' is what best aids somebody to undertake moral decisions in everyday life. This gives further focus and defines the parameters that will be used to evaluate 'Natural Law Theory', this gives the student command over the debate and makes his argument more compelling. 3.) An introduction should next introduce the reader to the specialist debate, for example an essay arguing that Natural Law Theory is not useful may contrast this against Bentham's Utilitarianism, which they do believe to be useful. In this case, an essay must make this clear in the introduction; 'I am going to argue that Natural Law Theory is not useful because it is not conducive to effective moral decision making, thus, I will conversely argue that Bentham's Utilitarianism is useful...' Introductions need to outline what specialist concepts they are going to introduce to further their own judgement. 4.) An introduction is the reader's first exposure to the essay, and therefore needs to be excellently formatted, taking into consideration the tense, person and style that the essay is going to follow. Strong introductions will be bold and stylistically impressive to offer an additional 'wow' factor.If a student can fulfil these four parameters they will have offered an impressive introduction which clearly sets the debate and engages with the question in an impressive manner. Following this formula also makes it clearer in the mind of the student as to how they can structure the rest of their essay.