These tips are just suggestions, based on things that I found helpful when I was working on improving my class participation.
- Have fun
It might sound counterintuitive, but the more you focus on trying to impress me or your classmates, or focus on making an awesome philosophical point, the harder it will be to accomplish any of those things. The best philosophy happens when you are totally relaxed. Try to have fun. Laugh. Think of the class as engaged in a collaborative activity. If you need an adversary, treat me, the instructor, as your adversary—not your fellow students.
- Think of “inaccurate” questions or “failed” objections as successes
I used to be terrified of speaking in class because I was terrified of being wrong. This is a terrible approach, because philosophers are constantly wrong about everything. Yes, even professional philosophers at Yale make error after error after error. (Ask any of my advisors!) Instead of treating an inaccurate question or failed objection or problematic theory as a failure, think about it as a success. You tried some philosophy! That’s the only way to get better at it. And remember that even an “A” student in participation will almost always be wrong about everything.
To be a good boxer, you have to learn to “take hits”—to absorb hard blows and not let it deter you. Think about your participation as learning to “take hits.” The more comfortable you get “taking a hit,” the better philosopher you will become.
- Prepare
Maybe this is obvious, but the more you think about the puzzles from class outside of class, the better off you will be in class. Try to draw out the implications of a theory, or object to a theory, on your own. Imagine what responses I or your classmates would give and see if you can counter them.
- Simple is good
Often the best philosophical questions are the simplest and most obvious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like, “What does that word mean?” or “How does that work? or “What does that explain?”
- Focus on understanding, not objecting
All philosophical theories ultimately fail, which means that there are always objections to a theory. But it can be overwhelming to try to find objections to a really convincing theory. If you focus on trying to understand the theory, seeing how its nuts and bolts work, you will eventually find a place where the theory starts to breakdown. This is inevitable. It’s just the way philosophy works. So if you’re having trouble objecting, try to focus on understanding first.
- Cooperative questions are extremely helpful
Don’t be afraid to be cooperative. You can say, “One of the reasons that I like what you said is x.” Or, “A related point is y.” This can feel less overwhelming than objecting, and it’s often very helpful and productive.