Abstract This essay explains Bentham's reasons for developing utilitarianism as both a social and political framework. It examines utilitarianism in an individual and private environment, as well as its workings in a more widespread and universal atmosphere. The latter part of this essay focuses on the viability of utilitarianism in the public sphere, and whether it provides appropriate guidance for government policy-making. The main objective of this part of the essay is to determine whether Bentham's principle of utility is appropriate as the foundation of a political structure. Thusly, it focuses on the attributes and failings of the principle of utility as a public philosophy.
From the Paper "Bentham's theory of utilitarianism was a result of deficiencies in government institutions in his country, and their failing to adequately serve the general satisfaction of its population. The principle of utility is based on intrinsic facts that motivate individuals, namely pleasure and pain. It is human nature to pursue pleasure and to avoid pain. Therefore what we ought and ought not to do is determined by these two "sovereign masters". The element of pleasure or pain involved in an action determines whether or not an individual, or group of people proceed with that action. All forms of utilitarianism are consequential. In every circumstance or action, a consequence is identified and then compared with the consequence of inaction.Whichever produces the greatest happiness is what ought to be done."
Abstract A detailed discussion of the theories of evolution (naturalistic, theistic and creation science), and a comparison to the Christian belief of the world as G-d 's creation. The author analyzes whether a Christian can truly believe in the theories of evolution.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Evolution
A. Charles Darwin ? "Origin of Species"
B. Supporting Evidence
II. Creationism
A. Definition
B. Bible
C. Supporting Evidence
III. Conclusion
A. Survey
Summary
From the Paper From the paper:
There are three main views of how the universe came to be. Naturalistic evolution proclaims that the universe was driven by purely natural forces, without input from God. Theistic evolution states that evolution was a tool used by God. Creation Science states that everything was created by God in six days and six nights less than 10,000 years ago. What do people believe? Can a Christian, believing in God's miraculous creation, also believe in evolution?
Abstract An examination of the mind-body debate. The author attempts to answer whether the mind and body are independent of each other or whether they co-exist.
From the Paper "The mind-body problem deals with trying to figure out whether someone is made up of a body and a mind where the mind is independent of the body. It is known that people have minds.The question is whether they (the mind and body) are independent of each other or not for their existence."
Abstract This is a critical paper on Immanuel Kant's notions of moral obligation. The author argues that Kant's argument fails and thus his position has the effect of absolving people of all personal responsibility for the things they do.
From the Paper "Kant's criterion of moral obligation, known as the categorical imperative, states: "Act only on that maxim whereby thou canst at the same time will that it should become a universal law (367)." Kant's categorical imperative has often been interpreted to mean that it is always wrong to treat another person as simply a means to an end, rather than as an end-in-itself. In other words, Kant believes that one must show proper respect for other persons, simply a restatement of the Golden Rule, to treat others as one wishes to be treated."
Abstract This paper offers a biographical look at Pythagoras. The author discusses the many mysteries surrounding this man, in addition to his many contributions to mankind. Included are some explanations of some Pythagorean theorems, with pictures to highlight textual information.
From the Paper "Numbers play a large part in our everyday lives, from the time we get up, how long we cook our food, the distances we travel, and other such aspects, many of which we take for granted. A scholar who played a large part in the way we view certain numbers and objects people use regularly is Pythagoras. Pythagoras was a philosopher, medical practitioner, astronomer, and mathematician. Although he contributed many thoughts and ideas to society, such as those of the Pythagorean Society, the Pythagorean Theory is by far the most practiced and well-known."
This paper discusses the role of religion in science since the time of Newton. The author discusses their roles in society over the past few hundred years and how they are deeply entwined, even while holding opposing views.
1,395 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 46.95
Abstract This paper looks at the history of science and how it links with religious beliefs. The author discusses the works of Sir Isaac Newton, Descartes, Galileo, Kepler, Darwin, Einstein, how their discoveries were looked upon by religious institutions and by society, starting during the early Renaissance up until modern times.
From the Paper " The gap between science and religion is one that has been claimed for many years. Often times, this misconception of the relationship of science and religion is created by subjective views of history. While it does hold some historical accuracy, it is not necessarily the whole truth. In actuality, the roles of science and religion in society over the past few hundred years have been proven deeply entwined, even when holding opposing views."
Abstract This paper tackles the issue of personal identity. The author examines the leading theories of personal identity: the Soul Continuity Theory, the Brain Continuity Theory, the Body Continuity Theory, and the Memory Continuity Theory. This paper gives some detail on each of these competing claims and proves that in fact none are correct and personal identity is some combination of the above.
From the Paper "There are many theories as to what exactly constitutes an individual's personal identity, their self-identity over time; the very thing that makes them unique from all other beings. This paper will show, through a defense and counterargument of the best of these competing theories, the soul theory, that it as well as the others fall short of defining personal identity and that in fact true PI is constituted through both the brain and the soul."
Tags: body, continuity, memory, philosphy, soul, theory
Abstract This paper attempts to assess Plato's obsession with the role of philosophy. The author argues that Plato sees philosophy as the purpose in life and provides reasons for this such as Philosophy's ability to provide clarity to to all discussions of fundamental values and principles so important to human life. This paper examines Plato's concepts and principles.
From the Paper "Everyone knows that for Plato, philosophy is the summit of human life and achievement. Socrates, the grandfather of dialectics, gadfly to Athens, made no bones about it in the Republic: the philosopher is flatly superior to all other men. Why? Socrates formulates the same thought in many related figures. Only the philosopher sees the invisible realities obscured by visible facts. Others see the Many, the philosopher sees the One. Others are beguiled by shadows, the philosopher gazes into light. Others are taken in by simulacra viewed as being in constant motion, but the philosopher knows the unmoving essences that underlie all appearances. For Socrates-Plato, then, the philosopher not only epitomizes man at his finest (there is never a question of women becoming philosophers, not even so much as a murmur ? one can only imagine the outburst of sardonic laughter the idea might have provoked from Socrates and his entourage), but also ought to be the ruler of the ideal State. Concomitantly, those who are not philosophers deserve to be classed among the ruled. My question, in this short paper, will be: Does Socrates, as quoted by Plato in The Republic, make his case for these claims convincingly, or does he leave the reader feeling dubious?"
Abstract This essay compares the philosophies in Adam Smith's "The Background to the Wealth of Nations" and Karl Marx's "Communist Manifesto" & "Das Kapital". The way in which both Smith and Marx agreed upon the importance of capitalism for unleashing productive powers, amongst other similarities, is discussed. In addition the contradictions in their philosophies, such as their reasons for expanding markets, are also highlighted.
From the paper:
?Smith and Marx both agreed that capitalism required expanding markets. Smith believed this was so because jobs could not be divided too much without a large market. The money that went to paying wages came from profits. There always had to be an expanding market, so that there could be more profits or else there would not be more jobs.?
Abstract This paper is a detailed review of the life and principal works of Adam Smith, including "The Wealth of Nations", with an analysis of how his ideas on laissez-faire economics contrasted with those ideas of Karl Marx, and how his and Marx's ideas apply today.
From the Paper "Adam Smith was one of the most influential people in the lives of each of living at the beginning of the 21st century, although ? ironically ? we tend not to see the extent of his influence simply because it is so vast. It is like the air around us, something essential to our environment but impossible to see. But while oxygen supports us as biological entities, the ideas Smith (along with other key social critics and thinkers like Karl Marx) in their different ways support us as social animals.
This paper explores the contributions of Adam Smith to our understanding of the human condition, looking briefly at the personal backgrounds of this political philosopher before examining his ideas about social justice, the economy and the ways in which governments should and should not intervene in the economies of their states."
Tags: economic history theory Adam work industrialization agrarian society, modern economy laissez faire karl wealth of nations moral sentiments voltaire candide
Abstract An in-depth study of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, looking at major issues, such as god, life and evolution.
Table of Contents
I.Biography of Charles Darwin.
II.Explanation of the theory of natural selection.
III. Examples of Natural Selection
IV. Humans and God
V. Life on other planets and deathbed claims.
VI. Conclusion
From the Paper "Most people think of evolution when they think of natural selection, the famous theory proposed by the British naturalist Charles Darwin. But, that could not be more untrue. Although Charles Darwin did have the very basic idea of that, he only figured out that only the strongest animals survived, shaping the course of history in it's most basic ways. Many other naturalists built on the notion of evolution. But, along with a couple of other theories, that ranks among the most important to mankind."
Abstract This paper deals with the ethical and moral dilemmas of researchers and scientists when conducting their research on their fellow man. Discussed are certain issues such as blame and responsibility. Key cases such as the Tuskegee Syphilis experiments and the Milgram study are discussed.
From the Paper "When it comes to understanding human relations this can become even more complex and involved due to the involvement of intangible emotions and the aspects of inaccuracies that any study will contain due to the nature if the subject. One of the problems of this type of research is the ethical implications which may or may not be present in many of the research projects undertaken."
Abstract This essay takes a look at the definition of art. It discusses the purpose of art throughout the ages. The works of Monet and other Impressionists are examined and contrasted with the later work of Alfred Gockel. The impact of society on art as well as art on society is highlighted.
From the Paper "What is Art? Every person has a philosophy of art, or at least a definition. There is no correct answer, just an opinion, and for every person there is an individual opinion. Thus there are over 6,234,250,387 opinions on what art is. Throughout the ages, Art has been a form of recording history, expression oneself, immortalizing people, gods, landscapes, and depicting beauty in countless ways. Art is perceived differently to all, as the old adage states "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder". Certain Art Forms are appreciated by some, and rejected by others. "Art is the creation of works that are in form, content, and execution, aesthetically pleasing, and meaningful, as in music, painting, sculpture, literature, architecture, dance etc" states the Webster's Dictionary. What many definitions forget to leave out is emotion. As with almost any piece of art, the artist's raw emotion goes into it, the creation of the work is often a result of dealing with a life crisis. For some a diary lets out their build up of emotion, for artists, it's their hands."
Tags: design, photography, lithograph, beauty, Manet, Pissarro, Auguste
A discussion of the theory that a person can only will something which he perceives to be or do him good, but that idea of what is good can be entirely subjective and altogether incorrect or even evil.
Abstract This paper relates the ideas of sensitive appetite and practical intellect. It expands on the role they play in the deliberations of man to reach a decision based of his perception of good and evil.
From the Paper "Essentially or by nature, what man wills is good, since he can only will something to which he is inclined, and ?every inclination is to something good.? (Aquinas 2002) But every inclination takes a form, whether natural or apprehended. The form that exists in the nature of things appeals to the natural appetite, while that apprehended or perceived form appeals to the sensitive, or the rational or intellective appetite. In layman's terms, a person can only will something, which he perceives to be or do him good, but that idea of what is good can be entirely subjective and altogether incorrect or even evil."
Abstract This paper examines the use of civil disobedience throughout the history of humanity, as seen in Sophocles? play ?Antigone,? Henry David Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" and Martin Luther King Junior's "Letter from Birmingham Jail". The paper describes the common theme of non-violence, even under the threat of death. It illustrates the effects of demonstrating against oppressive rule of government through this method.
From the Paper "Civil disobedience is a common occurrence that can be traced back throughout human history. The long-standing questions that accompany civil disobedience are when is civil disobedience justified, why should you be disobedient, and what actions are morally right during civil disobedience? Sophocles, Henry David Thoreau, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., express their views on this subject matter and propose different answers to these questions by using different rhetorical methods. Sophocles argues two different views of civil disobedience, first the view of Antigone who, is willing to die to obey the laws of the gods, and then the view of Creon, who is the king and made the law of the land the law by which Antigone dies. Thoreau expresses civil disobedience by refusing to pay taxes. Henry David Thoreau argues for the idea of disobeying a government if it does not please the people. Martin Luther King, Jr. makes the better case for civil disobedience through strong rhetorical tactics, organized preparation, and peaceful negotiations."
