Can I use "I" in a formal academic essay, or is that a big no-no?

[Luchia]

my high school teacher was super strict about this. She would literally take a red pen and circle every single "I think" or "In my opinion" and write "NO FIRST PERSON!" in the margins. It got so ingrained in me that I still flinch when I type "I."

But now I'm in college, and I'm getting mixed messages. My history prof says to never use it, but my comp teacher said it's okay sometimes. I'm so confused! For this philosophy paper, I'm supposed to argue my interpretation of Plato, but how do I do that without saying "I argue"? It feels so clunky to say "This paper will argue" or "It is the belief of this author that..."

Is the "no I" rule actually a rule, or is it more of a guideline? And if it depends on the subject, how do I know when it's allowed? I don't want to lose points for something that might not even be a rule anymore. Help!

 

[Nigel]

Here's the thing: "I think" is weak. "I argue" is strong. Same word, different vibe.

"I think Plato means X" sounds uncertain.
"I argue that Plato means X" sounds like you have a position and you're about to defend it.

So maybe the rule isn't "no first person" but "no wishy-washy first person." Use "I" when you're making a CLAIM, not when you're expressing a FEELING.