Abstract This paper examines the trial of Socrates. He was accused of corrupting youth and encouraging disbelief in the gods. He was convicted and sentenced to death. This paper argues that he may have been guilty of the second charge but was innocent of the former accusation. .
Abstract This paper explains Aristotle's concept of happiness. Based on his book "Nicomachean Ethics", it argues that happiness or living well is the attainment of the highest good, which is guided by proper function and virtue. None of them are instinctive actions in that human beings do not act without using reason. They lead a person to act voluntarily and well to attain happiness.
Abstract This paper is an examination of the perspective of moral qualities in the works of Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Nietzsche. Morality is compared in two formats: These formats are those of the individual morality, or how morality applies to a single person, and the social morality, or how morality works within a social context.
Abstract This paper is on "the effects of social darwinism theories", espoused by British sociologist and philosopher Herbert Spencer and others. It also includes what effects did it had on issues of class, ethnicity, and race in European society in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries (up to the first World War).
Abstract This paper will address the difficulties inherent in defining and explaining an identity in relation to postmodern definitions. It is hoped that through using postmodern theory that the loose comprehension of an identity will be better clarified, as well as will provide a better understanding of the modern cognitions of "identity", both personal and broad in nature. This paper shall accomplish this goal in three steps. First, it shall define the term of "identity" as it will be used in this paper. Second, it shall apply this term to personal identities. Third, the definition of an identity will be applied to more broad social situations. All of these steps shall rely heavily on the postmodern theory as a foundation for references.
Abstract This paper will argue that Hume's view of the importance of empirical information to all human understanding emphasizes the fact that custom or repeated experience of the world - not reason - is a primary determining factor of the human condition.
Abstract This paper will discuss the 'confessions' of Saint Augustine, and reveal how original sin plays a large part in his views of human nature. By organizing this study along the text of Augustine, we can relate how this philosophy occurs earlier in Christianity.
Abstract This paper will discuss the philosophy of John Stuart Mill and make clear his intentions of liberty in his book "On Liberty", as well as the concept of liberty as pronounced by Rousseau in his Social Contract. Both use themes of politic to discuss views on Utilitarian government and the way that he thought government should be, as will be compared with Rousseau's Social Contract. By making it clear of the individuality of both of these similar philosophies, they opened up the gateway for more rights to be had in governments around the world.
Abstract This paper discusses Plato's perspective of the Parthenon and how it supports his dictum that, "That which changes least is most real." The author also examines the role of Plato's tripartite soul and his views of the value of architecture in the context of the Parthenon.
Abstract A discussion of 19th century Socialism in Europe, firstby giving a brief background on the subject then highlighting the concept of socialism in France, Germany and England. It looks at the work of early socialists, the rise of socialism, and lastly socialism in France, Germany & Russia. It concludes with a look at the current state of socialism in the world.
Background
The Early Socialists in Europe
The Early Concept of Socialism in France, Germany and England
The Rise of Socialism
Socialism in France
Socialism and Austria
Socialism and Germany
Socialism in Russia
The Failure of the System
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "It was in the first half of the 19th Century when the working classes in the newly established industrializing countries, England and Germany undergo several forms of developments (Lemke, 1992). For instance, the old feudal limitations had been fixed peasants in place on the land as well as restricted their income further guaranteed a place for them in the world."
Tags: concept, early, england, france, germany, rise, russia, socialists
Abstract This paper tackles the issue of "universals" from all sides, looking at both the Platonic and Aristotelian models to understand the theories that arose from those bases. The idea of a universal is thoroughly defined, explored in terms of different theories (Bundle Theory, Nominalism, Classic Platonism, etc.), and finally boiled down to a discussion of the implication that the idea of "universals" has in regards to the more general notions of "nothingness" and "somethingness".
From the Paper "The following essay is focussed on exploring all aspects of the theory of universals as it applies to metaphysical investigation. I will proceed in defining universal in general terms, presenting the arguments that support universal theory, presenting the opposing arguments, briefly defining the individual nominilist theories, and finally presenting my own thoughts concerning universals. I have tried to present the following material logically and comprehensibly, to eliminate as many assumptions as possible, hopefully providing a coherent step by step exploration of universals and related issues."
Tags: aristotle, bundle, nimonalism, objective, philosophy, plato, subjective, theory
Abstract A look at Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics" and John Stuart Mill's "Utilitarianism". It briefly looks at the similarities and differences in their views on flourishing.
From the Paper "In his book Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle has very strong beliefs about what constitutes human flourishing. Only under certain conditions can humans properly flourish according to his ideals. His philosophies say that happiness does not come until the end of one's lifetime. Rather, it is a selfish pursuit of pleasure for the individual. On the other hand are the ideas of John Stuart Mill in his book Utilitarianism. He does not think that one is determined to have achieved happiness at the end of one's lifetime. Instead, he thinks that at all times, society should be working to achieve Bentham's principle of utility, or the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people."
Abstract This paper looks at how Copernicus, Kepler, and Galileo, all provided different proof, facts, and theories about the universe in support of a heliocentric universe. These three pioneers sparked the movement from the old world view to the new by proving the universe's existence can be explained by scientific theories that are supported by mathematical equations.
From the Paper "Thinkers during the medieval times grew up on Aristotelian physics. This Ptolemaic theory claimed that bodies of matter always moved to their natural places. This belief maintained that stones fell because their natural place was the center of the universe: the earth. Many people saw truth in this theory mainly due to a severe lack of education. In addition, the people of these times were highly dependent on guidance from the church. When the church claimed something to be true, then it was so even if the claim being made was completely void of any explanation: dogma."
Abstract This paper is an examination of St. Augustine's doctrine of evil, the existence of evil, the nature of evil itself, and why it exists in the world. It further examines whether or not this definition of evil is still applicable to the modern world.
From the Paper "Augustine's doctrine of evil is certainly among the more debated areas of his philosophy. In this paper we will examine Augustine's arguments on the idea of evil and determine whether or not they are still satisfying in the modern world. We do this first by examining what Augustine believed evil actually was and from whence it came. After we review Augustine's views on evil, we will consider arguments that claim Augustine's interpretation to be insufficient for explaining evil in the contemporary world. We will find that although Augustine's arguments on the subject of evil are enough to explain evil itself, they fall short in helping us to understand the root causes of evil."
Abstract This paper examines how Socrates, born in 470 or 469 BC and executed at the age of 70, presents how one can act solely on the grounds of his belief and dedicate the life for the ultimate values. It discusses whether his refusal to obey the city's orders were contradictory to his idea of obedience to the laws. Contrary to the view that sees Socrates as a defender of civil disobedience, it also argues that Socrates is a true defender of the laws who has dedicated the life for the active practice of the citizenship, using his acute reason and knowledge. It also shows how Socrates is different from conventional civil disobedients, such as Ghandi, and Martin Luther King Jr.
From the Paper "Socrates? refusals to participate in the trial of the ten generals, and the arrest of Leon the Salaminian are in fact clear examples of Socrates? use of reason in political decision. During the time when Socrates served as a member of the Council because it was his tribe's turn, the city ordered the presiding committee to form the body of the ten generals to rescue Athenian survivors in the naval battle (Apology 32a-b). Socrates reasoned that the city's order was illegal, so voted against it (Apology 32b). The orators were ready to prosecute him, but he argued that he would risk the death, rather than follow the city's order (Apology 32c). He also refused to obey the city's order to bring Leon from Salamis in order to prosecute him. He reasoned that prosecuting Leon is illegal because his guilt was manipulated by the city. Some people might think that it is ironical to disobey the city's order for the sake of the laws."
