What is an Essay?

Thoughts on the Essay as the Form of Philosophical Expression at the International Philosophy Olympiad (IPO)

Abstract

The author examines the essay as the form of philosophical writing practiced in the context of the International Philosophy Olympiad. He questions the idea that the essay would be an open, smooth, and neutral form in view of the many expectations of the jury. He argues that these expectations as to what constitutes a good essay, sometimes uncertain, ambiguous, or even contradictory, are not yet sufficiently explicit.