Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the political ideologies of Aristotle and Machiavelli. The paper focuses on the concept of human rights of both philosophers, and how they were influenced by the politics of their eras. The essay also compares their theories to our modern American political philosophies.
From the Paper "There are, perhaps, no two more disparate political philosophies than those of Aristotle and Machiavelli. In these two systematic views we see a total separation between Aristotle's idealistic politics in which people and the state cooperate for the good of the whole, and Machievelli's visceral "survival of the fittest" acquirement of power. The argument that presents itself is that although both political theories contain some elements of validity, neither of them are not realistic in light of the kind of politics as we know them in the 1990s."
Abstract This paper re-examines Plato's "Republic X" as it attempts to denounce the poets from Plato's "perfect" republic. It argues for the expulsion of poetry that is not of lyric or historical importance and in doing so attacks some of the very important ideals that modern poetry is founded upon. The paper takes Plato's arguments that the poet does not actually "create" in his craft and is therefore, basically, a liar, and attempts to further this argument by using quotes from James and Wordsworth in an attempt to re-argue Plato's point.
From the Paper "In the Republic, Book X, Socrates, through the pen of his brilliant pupil Plato, argues for ?our refusal to admit the imitative kind of poetry, for it certainly ought not to be received.? (p. 21) However, although Plato is widely regarded as a man of unquestioned genius, and his Republic a work of infinite possibility, this single phrase that sums the whole of the tenth book up has become the topic of heated debate in western literary criticism."
Abstract This comparative essay focuses on Coleridge's "Dejection: An Ode" and Shelley's "Mont Blanc". Although it focuses on the author's respective philosophical views on the mind and perception as it is affected by language, the essay maintains attention to poetic form. Reality, truth, imagination and illusion are all discussed.
From the Paper "Both Coleridge and Shelly center imaginative investigations on perception. They study the relationship between thoughts and the individual and the relationship between thoughts and surroundings. The imagination is the most direct faculty of creating images in the mind's eye. Perception is greatly affected by the impact of the external world upon the mind. The imagination plays with impressions in Coleridge's "Dejection: An Ode" and Shelley's "Mont Blanc", to both interpret and create reality. Both Coleridge and Shelley attempt to reflect the imaginative process which is inaccessible. In both works, a step back from the external world is taken, in a reflection upon experience. In "Mont Blanc" and "Dejection: An Ode", the poet engages the external world in an attempt to make sense through perception. Both "Dejection:An Ode", and "Mont Blanc" present a sublime moment between the "self" and the ?other.? Through interpretation and poetry, illusion is created, masking reality. Both works reflect the world's imprint upon human senses which is organized through nature and nurture. Shelley and Coleridge express value in the imagination, a product of both nature and nurture, containing the essential nature of the universe."
Tags: blanc, coleridge, dejection, mont, ode, perspective, poetry, shelley, truth
Abstract An analysis of the use of mythology by Sophocles. The author discusses the use of myths in Ancient Greece to define gods and their laws, showing the terrible consequences of disobeying them and forming the structure of society and politics. The author discusses Sophocles, a Greek dramatist and his use of myths and religious rituals. Included is an analysis of Sophocles' play "Antigone".
From the Paper "Unlike his contemporaries, Sophocles based his tragedies on human actions and reactions, rather than on divine influence. He does not, however, ignore the gods or say they do not play a role. He uses them to show the human limits and possibilities. The Sophoclean gods thus are placed in the background of the plot, influencing it but not interfering in the course of action Greek dramatists often based their plots on myths, which are believed to reflect the national identity and various historic periods. Besides serving as lyric entertainment stories, myths were used to persuade and enlighten citizens in matters of politics, religion, and customary rituals (Bremmer, 58)."
Tags: myths, religion, gods, tradition, punishment, tales, citizen, society
Abstract This essay concerns the Greek philosopher Socrates and his definition of a good person. The author presents the argument that Socrates? definition is solid, but his defense is flawed. The author supports his argument with examples from Socrates' "The Apology".
From the Paper "The Greek Philosopher Socrates claimed that no harm or evil can come to a good person. He argued this stance first of all by defining the characteristics of a good person. He believed in five basic traits of virtue that a person must exemplify in order to be good: justice, courage, temperance, piety, and wisdom. Of these five, all are centered on wisdom; that is, each trait must be understood somehow through wisdom (ECP 506). For example, Socrates lived to a relatively ripe age of around seventy years, and, by the time of his death, had gained a certain level of wisdom that taught him the importance of piety, temperance, courage, and justice. Thus, by gaining wisdom because he lived so long, he was able to relate the importance of the afore-mentioned traits. Overall, Socrates defines a good person as having virtue, wisdom or knowledge, and a certain goodness (or improvement) of the soul."
Abstract This essays concerns Socrates? famous attack on poetry. Socrates argues that poetry hampers reason and appeals to the irrational part of the mind. The author draws from two works: Plato's "Republic", and a critique of it, Aristotle's "Poetics" to expand on Socrates' argument.
From the Paper "Socrates laid the foundation for his famous attack on poetry. In Book 10 of Plato's Republic, Socrates discussed with Glaucon why poetry should not be allowed into the Just City, and he offered two principle reasons why. First, Socrates claimed that poetry represents things as they appear to be, not as they really are (Rep. 595a). Secondly, Socrates claimed that poetry forces humans to indulge in emotions, and because emotions hinder reason, poetry must not be trusted (Rep. 605c)."
Abstract An analysis of the writings of psychologist John C. Searle and his philosophy of the mind. Includes a deep probing into the mind-body debate and an analysis of Searle's concepts and ideas.
From the Paper "Searle's answer to the mind-body problem is a radical adjustment in how we view mental and physical phenomena in regards to the philosophy of the mind. In fact, his solution demands a complete shift in the language we use to approach the mind-body problem. Searle asserts that we must no longer partition phenomena into either the mental and the physical. What we observe as mental phenomena are actually higher-level views of physical events taking place in the brain and perhaps the central nervous system. The workings of the brain do not exist in two separate domains that are related by rules, programs, or processing of information. To even consider one big all-inclusive domain would be wrong. Searle's whole point is to discard the language we have used to describe the workings of the brain. Our language reflects our approach towards the problem, and by using the terms "mental" and "physical" we unnecessarily compartmentalize the observations we make about the mind. A philosophy of the mind does not need to incorporate a mysterious mental component that is seemingly detached from the physical."
Abstract This paper discusses Plato's famous work "Republic" and how it relates to the idea of justice in society. The author analyzes some key concepts of the book and the principles of justice and examines their connection.
From the Paper "If asked to define justice, every individual would have a different answer to that question. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion; but in the case of trying to figure out something that can have an effect on society, either positively or negatively, one should have a basic understanding of some sort of definition of this quality. The people of a society need to live together in peace and harmony for a society to thrive and survive."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the legendary story of the hero Aeneas who survives the fall of Troy and follows the will of the gods and fate to build a nation that will eventually become Rome. The paper includes an analysis of "The Aeneid", written in Homeric style and gives a comparison of Aeneas's character with Greek heroes, Odysseus and Achilles.
From the Paper "The son of Anchises and Venus, a prince of Troy and leader of the expedition to Italy, Aeneas is the main character in the book "The Aeneid". The most admired and valued characteristics in Augustan Rome are marked on his personality. He is true to his word devout, a courageous and skillful soldier and a pious. The heroism of Aeneas is his ability, to place his belief in Rome in all times and the Roman ideal before his own selfish interests, which was unlike Achilles and Odysseus."
Abstract This paper explains that the antagonistic view regarding the phenomenon of Jihad is too shallow, inaccurate and unreasonable. The author explains that it is a grim fact that these views prevail as opposed to the true meaning of Jihad. Endnotes.
From the Paper "The inception of every single religion has experienced forces working against its expansion. Consequently, there have been instances where most major religions have had to use force in order to survive, prevail or exist at all for that matter. We can look up the Christian crusades or the Samurai war crimes or the Six-day war between Israel and the Arabs or even the kamikaze pilots of the Shinto faith and the list goes on and on. Although we cannot discount the political and social undercurrents involved in these wars, anyone with little common sense can arrive at the conclusion that the core basis of these wars was religion. Islam is no exception in this regard. History, especially from the western perspective is riddled with the Muslim conquests of Spain and India. Islam (at least in the west) has been labeled as the modern version of barbarianism. This dim sightedness is a result of several factors originating from the Muslims themselves and eventually developing into the increasingly popular concept that Islam in essence is the Mecca of le diable a quatre. If we take a closer look at the Muslim warfare, one word that comes up every time is Jihad. "
Tags: islam, jahada, muhammed, arab, muslim, religion, non, violent
Abstract This paper examines the various characteristics that separate man from animals specifically the trait of rationality.
From the Paper "Seeing things from the philosophical point of view, according to philosopher John Stuart Mill, rationality is summed up into having five qualifications: #1. Deduction: example: All seagulls are white. (major premise) This bird is black. (minor premise) Therefore this bird is not a seagull. (conclusion) #2. Induction: example: From particulars, we go to universals; example: After putting my hands in the fire a lot of times, I concluded fire burns. #3. Comparison: example: We compare and contrast then conclude something, we generalize. #4. Goals / Ends: example: Substantive rationality, we think and plan for future wants and needs. #5. Means / Tools: example: Instrumental rationality, we use means for an end. John Stuart Mill also broke down man as a person into having six distinctive qualities. #1. Personality, #2. conscience, #3. rationality, #4. feelings, #5. love, and #6. knowledge."
Abstract This paper uses the movie "Rain Man" to illustrate the concepts of three thinking processes. The writer underscores the mechanics of deductive reasoning, creative thinking or reasoning and problem solving while citing examples from the movie as well as discussions on cognitive psychology.
From the Paper "The human thinking process is extremely complex. We have many ways of problem solving that we are not aware of but simply use. The movie Rain Man is an excellent illustration of what can happen if the processes are not complete or they are confused in our brains. Deductive reasoning, creative reasoning and problem solving are all intertwined and the movie about an autistic man provides a clear picture of the differences."
Abstract This paper examines the historical evolution and maturation of tragedy in ancient Greece, and the characteristics of a tragic hero. The author focuses on one of the most famous Greek tragedies, Oedipus Rex, and greatly details the story of Oedipus and his tragic flaws. The paper also discusses all elements in an ancient Greek production, such as the prologue, chorus, and exodus.
From the Paper "Oedipus Rex is a story of one man's pursuit for truth. Although Oedipus falls victim to obstacles he is unable to overcome, he encounters these obstacles along his journey to find the truth. In the view of Sophocles, the tragic hero must accept the responsibility for his actions, as does Oedipus in the final scene, regardless of his original motives and inability to control or understand the forces in which rule his life. The plot, Oedipus? search for truth, and the chorus are all contributing factors that make Oedipus Rex the greatest in the history of all Greek tragedies."
This paper provides an overview of the life and works of the great philosopher Immanuel Kant and will attempt to understand how Kant's philosophy of reasoning deviated and synthesized that of his philosophical predecessors.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 48.95
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the life and works of the great philosopher Immanuel Kant and will attempt to understand how Kant's philosophy of reasoning deviated and synthesized that of his philosophical predecessors.
From the paper:
Emmanuel Kant's name is one of the bywords for intellectual rigor and ethics in philosophy. But an equally important part of the body of his work is Kant as a great synthesizer of the great philosophical writers of the pre-existing period. Rather than concentrate on Kant's ethical judgements, this paper will attempt to understand how Kant's philosophy of reasoning deviated and synthesized that of his philosophical predecessors. Such an understanding will better enable a reader to understand Kant's ethical imperatives and the reasoning behind them
Abstract In this paper the author examines the work of Voltaire and looks at social evil as demonstrated in Candide. The author makes mention of what happened to Candide and suggest that human beings are able, through great philosophical effort and not through mere creed and dogma, to create some good out of the sweat of one's own brow and the effort of one's own mind.
From the paper:
?Voltaire is secular in the sense that he mocks religion and is anti-Catholic in the sense that he does not believe in innate human goodness. Yet his belief that the only value lies in acceptance of the world as it is, which Candide finally achieves, also shows that he is not entirely a cynic.?
