Final answer:
In developing a useful philosophy, the two major tasks involved are constructing a well-structured argument and enhancing critical thinking and reading skills to comprehend and evaluate philosophical texts and arguments accurately.
Step-by-step explanation:
Developing a Useful Philosophy
When developing a useful philosophy, two major tasks are involved. The first is constructing a coherent and well-structured argument.
This involves planning the structure of your argument in advance, thinking critically about your thesis statement, and setting an achievable aim relative to the length of your paper.
The second task is becoming adept at critical thinking and reading. This entails the ability to read and comprehend primary and secondary philosophical texts, discerning key claims and arguments, while avoiding cognitive biases.
It is crucial to evaluate different viewpoints systematically and consider alternative perspectives to enhance understanding and avoid the confirmation bias trap.
Both of these tasks are essential in exploring philosophical issues such as the nature of the mind or ethical behavior. By focusing on making cogent arguments and practicing reflective thinking and reading, one can develop a useful and robust philosophy.