Abstract A look at Immanuel Velikovsky's theories of the justification of 'miraculous' events which he claimed had been caused by major astronomical event. The author focuses mainly on the claims outlined in his popular book, "Worlds in Collision".
From the Paper "Immanuel Velikovsky, author of Worlds in Collision, was very well read when it came to the texts of ancient cultures. In his book he argues that our solar system has changed dramatically within the last few millennia, impacting considerably on the course of history on Earth. I will attempt to show that his statement, based on these ancient writings, is flawed. He does not question the veracity of the texts and takes everything said as literal, leaving them greatly open to interpretation. I will also illustrate how Velikovsky's theory is disproved by geographic evidence, which he fails to investigate."
Abstract This paper deals with what Aristotle termed as man's "highest good"--happiness--and to what extent happiness depends on material factors like fame and fortune.
From the Paper "In book one of Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethics, Aristotle muses over what he terms as ?The Highest Good,? happiness. He wonders about what it means to be happy and to what extent happiness is dependent on factors such as fate and fortune. One of the questions he raises along this line of inquiry has to do with the Greek saying, ?Count no man happy until he [is] dead.? He begins to deal with this question in section 1.82 of Irwin's translation. He first takes the Greek saying quite seriously, asking the reader if it is possible for someone to be happy after they die. Quickly, he points out that this interpretation is absurd?after all, if happiness is an activity, how can someone who is dead take part in it (1100a14)"
Abstract This paper examines and thoroughly explains the definition of holy and all it's concepts according to the famous philosophers Euthyphro and Socrates. In the Euthyphro, what would be essential for a definition of the holy? How do Euthyphro's definitions fall in this? What is Socrates? point to Euthyphro about claiming you know something when you do not know? These are all of the questions that are answered. In order to answer these questions, Euthyphro's definitions are summarized. Finally, how Socrates argues against them is also carefully scrutinized.
From the Paper "Here Socrates asks, is it holy because the Gods love it? Here, "holy" is the effect and "loved" is the cause. Or is it loved by the God's because it is holy? Here, "loved" is the effect and "holy" is the cause."
Abstract This paper looks into the Just War Theory of St. Augustine, and determines whether the war against drugs is war that is just and fair, or one that should be given up. The author argues that the war on drugs is something that can never be fully eradicated and rather one that can only cause for the reduction of drug use. Included are statistics as supporting evidence.
From the Paper "The war against drugs in the United States is one that has been fought for many years, and seems to have no end. Its "soldiers" always seem to come upon new enemies, which there are already countless numbers of to begin with. Many proponents of the war against drugs point to the facts that drug use has declined over the years, and the numerous amounts of arrests and drug busts that are made. While those proponents support the governments quest in the elimination of drug trafficking, there are also those who disagree.The opponents say that there is no end in sight, that the drugs will continue to be produced no matter what, these people desire the profit from the occupation, and will do anything to get it. Chances are, neither of the majorities of either of these groups have looked into whether this war against drugs is a just one, and should continue, or end. Which leaves the question, should we as Christian's be supporting this war, or would it be wrong and immoral to do so. This knowledge can only be obtained by looking into the just war theory, and making a decision from there. "
The paper discusses Darwin's self-proclamation of being the "murderer of God". It examines how Darwin forever altered the widespread belief of traditional Christianity that existed before the publication of his theories.
1,030 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 36.95
Abstract This paper looks at the evolutionary theories of Charles Darwin, and his most notable works, The Origin of the Species and The Descent of Man. The author examines how Darwin's theories were viewed by the church, the scientific community, and society in general. The paper discusses how the theory of evolution jarred the world, drastically changing people's views of God and creation.
From the Paper "Prior to Charles Darwin's publication of his novel, The Origin of Species, most people believed in some form of biblical creationism. The Origin of Species was published in 1859, containing theories of evolution and natural selection that were foundationally incompatible with many of the beliefs of the Church. Darwin was later quoted to have said that he "didn"t intend to murder God?, Small. However he did so in a sense?he forever altered the widespread belief of traditional Christianity that existed before the publication of his discoveries."
Abstract This paper is an argumentative exercise based on the thesis that the first processes that led to life on earth have taken place elsewhere thereby making it valid to believe that we are not alone in this universe.
From the Paper "Today we know that Galileo was right. Throughout history, people have been ridiculed, harassed and severely punished for their views that didn"t seem to fit in with the currently accepted cultural beliefs. Is it arrogant to assume that we are the only life in the universe" Almost everyone has caught himself or herself looking up at the sky wondering what that flashing light in the sky is. Almost everyone has wondered if we are alone in the world. And almost everyone has wondered about the truth in all the television shows and movies portraying aliens. Extraterrestrials are alive and well in our universe. They might not reveal themselves to us, but they do exist."
Abstract This paper presents an overview of Plato's philosophical dialogues. The author examines of some of Plato's main philosophical beliefs on human nature, the importance of morality in a society, and that gaining knowledge for the sake of having knowledge would help people lead more truth filled and moral lives.
From the Paper "Since the beginning of our history, we have had many great philosophers guide us along the path of our societal evolution. Some were religiously based while others were secularly based but they all had something to contribute. Few of them though could compare to Plato when it came to understanding human nature and the ways of society more than Plato did. Plato is considered one of the greatest philosophers of all time. He had knowledge of the workings of the human mind and heart that kept him light years ahead of his time. Plato taught many things that can still be applied to today's society. As one of the heavyweights in the field of philosophy Plato covered more ground in his teachings than many others have ever done since."
This paper discusses the works of Henry David Thoreau and the debate whether his writings were truly an influence on the 1960's cultural revolution, or if his works were misconstrued by society.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 55.95
Abstract This paper examines the influence of Thoreau's writings on the 1960's Cultural Revolution. It looks at the cultural change that took place during the 60s and how his writings laid the foundation for the social system, which prevails in America today. The author also discusses the argument that Thoreau's views were not in conformity with the cultural change of 60's, rather different generations formed own their views and presented contorted interpretations of Thoreau's beliefs.
From the Paper "In order to gain a better understanding of Thoreau's writings, it is important to discuss the movement and philosophy, which had a major impact on his work. Thoreau was an unknown and unpublished writer when Ralph Waldo Emerson published Nature, an essay which articulates the philosophical underpinnings of the Transcendentalist movement. This religious and social philosophy aimed at encouraging independent spiritual thinking. Most of the proponents of this movement were Unitarian ministers who dismissed the rationalist and conservative view of life. Thoreau later became an influential part of this movements and along with Emerson, he also came to be regarded as the one the greatest American thinkers and philosophers. The writings of Emerson had been an inspiration for Thoreau and his writings often illustrate the same philosophical depth. In his famous essay Nature, Emerson wrote, "The foregoing generations beheld God and nature face to face; we, through their eyes. Why should not we also enjoy an original relation to the universe" Why should not we have poetry and philosophy of insight and not of tradition, and a religion by revelation to us, and not the history of theirs??
Tags: emerson, transcendentalism, walden, nature, hippies, unitarian, social, system
Abstract This paper presents a look at the religious foundations in Leslie Silko's book, "Ceremony". The author uses "The Sacred Quest" by Lawrence Cunningham and the film "Ishi: The Last Yahi" to support the argument for the religious foundation in Ceremony. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of "Ceremony's" main character, Tayo.
From the Paper "As we go through life we draw our strength from different sources. Many people draw their strength from their religious beliefs and they are not even aware they are doing it. As they travel they tend to get away from the things they were taught as children and for a while they may seem lost and confused spiritually. After awhile though, most people come back to their spiritual roots and draw strength from them in time of need. The book Ceremony by Leslie Silko is a story that is founded in religious strength. It appears to be a side bar until one really begins to analyze the story and understand the meaning within the words. Once that is accomplished the spiritual strength of the story characters cannot be denied. The religious foundation of Ceremony is a study in strength from within and deeply imbedded."
Tags: tayo, war, native, american, spiritual, sacred, quest, ishi, yahi
Abstract This paper is a symbolic analysis of Aeschylus? Prometheus Bound. The author characterizes Prometheus as Reason, Zeus as Force, and Fate as Futility. The paper makes the further argument that there is a hierarchy of power among these three, and explores the nature of each character. It also focuses a good deal on the struggle between Force and Reason.
From the Paper "In Aeschylus? Prometheus Bound, we see Prometheus as the embodiment of Reason, Zeus as the embodiment of Force, and Fate as the embodiment of futility. Prometheus, as Reason, has a greater will, or power, than Zeus has as Force. Zeus is subject to the guiding power of Fate. Moreover, while it may seem like a controversial statement, that same force, Fate, does not bind Prometheus. From this, it is possible to extrapolate a hierarchy of power. Force restricts aspects of the material world. Fate will direct or hinder Force. However, Reason has the power to triumph over both."
Abstract This paper looks at the controversial question of what makes us who we are. The issues of religious and political ideologies as well as the influence of the family are dealt with in this essay.
From the Paper "This is a complicated question, whether one is referring to something serious like religious belief or political ideology or even something silly like preference in ice cream. Clearly a great deal of influence comes from one's family and the values that one was taught as a young child. But one's political ideology is also a function of extra-familial factors as well including (as Foner so eloquently demonstrates) the historical moment that one is born into and one's own experiences as one grows up.
Abstract This paper analyzes the philosophical work of Soren Kierkegaard called Fear and Trembling. It is an analysis of stories in the Bible on a personal understanding basis. The main focus of the work is on Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac.
From the paper:
"Soren Kierkegaard calls his philosophical treatise Fear and Trembling ?a dialectical lyric.? The author first retells and then reflects upon the story of Abraham's thwarted sacrifice of his son Isaac. He retells, then reinterprets the tale to offer the reader his definition of faith and ?the moment of infinite resignation,? a concept that is both integral to his conception of faith yet utterly separate in its nature, he asserts, from faith."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth discussion regarding the Church's position on politics. The author covers such issues as school prayer, evolution, abortion, censorship, euthanasia, the Democratic Party, and the separation between church and state.
From the paper:
"Christians have had a lock on education and government for a very long time, and they are reeling from the strides society has made away from myth and fantasy. They are ill equipped to handle their loss of power, because they have never had to deal with such a situation in their recent history."
"Christianity could not survive politically without support from a major political party, of which there are two. Irrespective of which political party Christians had allied themselves to; it would still have to compromise its beliefs. If they had chosen the Democratic Party, Christians would have had to accept a political platform that was open to homosexuals and women's liberation. The Democratic Party is also a party that is for religious freedom of choice, this to be expected from liberal organizations. The Democratic Party also has a liberal stand on censorship, which is in direct opposition to the Christian fundamentalist social agenda. For these reasons, and many others, the Christians kept shopping for a political home."
Abstract This paper discusses Aristotle's analysis of friendship. The author discusses three types of friendship: a useful friendship, a pleasurable friendship and true friendship. These belong to two aspects of friendship: character friendship and advantage friendship. Included are examples.
From the paper:
"It is argued that there are three branches of friendship: (1) doing favors for each other, (2) using each other for pleasure, and (3) true friendship. These branches belong to the two characteristics of friendship, which are character friendship and advantage friendship. Character friendship belongs to or is related to civic relations because it requires citizens to have active goodwill toward each other."
Abstract This paper tries to determine whether Greek tragedy supports or refutes the idea of fate through looking at the plays of Sophocles and Euripides, and the writings of Aristotle. The author examines how Aristotle is used to set up the question, and give an algorithm for finding the answer. By looking at Sophocles, it appears that fate is being fought, and by looking at Euripides, it looks like fate is upheld.
From the paper:
"Throughout the course of time, many cultures have held the belief that events happen for a reason, and that peoples? lives are predestined. This concept is a controversial one, and there is no good way to prove that fate is actually a force that acts upon people. Some argue that life is what people make of it, others contend that it is impossible that life is completely random and something out there is controlling the outcome of all that humans do. When analyzing tragedy, it is difficult to determine whether or not fate plays a role."
