Abstract
This is a personal paper about belief in absolute truth, emphasizing the difference between absolute and relative notions of truth.

From the Paper
"Noting that metaphysics is the philosophical study of the nature of reality, Blackburn states that a key question in metaphysics is whether reality contains any absolute truths. The phrase 'absolute truth' is said to refer to an unalterable, unchanging and permanent fact. An absolute truth is valid in all times and in all spaces. Absolute truth can be contrasted with a relativistic idea of truth in which truth is viewed as something that is relative to the individual or individuals believing it. In other words..."

Tags:metaphysics, absolute truth, relativism

Abstract
Extraordinary musical talent is very rare; however a more uncommon talent, even among musicians, is absolute pitch. The paper explains that absolute pitch, also known as perfect pitch, is the ability to accurately identify pitches by name or produce a particular pitch without musical context or reference to another tone. The origins of absolute pitch have not been fully explored, but it is certain that genetic, environmental and biological factors all play a part in the development of this ability. The paper argues that more research should be done to separate the components affecting absolute pitch, as it can give valuable insight to the nature versus nurture debate.

From the Paper
"Another study used PET scanning to compare the cerebral blood flow of absolute pitch possessors to control musicians without absolute pitch. During pitch labeling tests, absolute pitch possessors demonstrated activation of the left posterior dorsolateral frontal cortex, an area related to learning associations. During interval-judgment tests, control subjects showed activation in the left posterior dorsolateral cortex and right inferior frontal cortex, an area of the brain thought to be used as working memory."

Tags:biopsychology, neurology, psychology

Abstract
This paper answers the question "Is it possible to know anything with absolute certainty" by using Descartes' proof of human existence and his theory of deduction to show that there are things human beings can know to be true with absolute certainty.

From the Paper
"One of the biggest questions to occupy philosophers throughout time is whether human beings have the capacity to know anything with absolute certainty. If we look at the philosophy of Rene Descartes it is apparent that there are some things we can know with absolute certainty. However, to determine the absolute certainty of a thing, we must measure them against Descartes' rigorous standards. This analysis will provide an explanation of Descartes test for the absolute certainty of...

Tags:God, mind, body, spirit, evil demon, dream conjecture, philosophy, axiom, logic

Abstract
This paper examines events that occurred in Europe during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, most notable the rise of the modern absolute monarchy and its relationship to the scientific revolution and the development of the Baroque style. The paper gives an overview of the European political and social landscape of the time, noting the conflicts between the privileged and working classes. It also notes the role of the Church in supporting feudal monarchies. This in juxtaposed to the Counter Reformation, which is described in detail. The paper further cites how the three historical events presented, the modern absolute monarchy, scientific revolution and baroque style, feed on one another and how the events of one had an effect on the other. The paper concludes with a discussion of the Baroque movement, which provided the Roman Catholic Church a setting to reclaim its lost glory after the success of the Reformation Movement. However, the paper acknowledges that the Baroque seems to have been in vain considering those that went into the Lutheran and Protestant fold did not go running back to the arms of the Roman Catholic Church.

From the Paper
"The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries are periods in mankind's history that paved the way for changes to occur and the effects of these changes then are still seen at present. In Europe most especially, the rise of the modern absolute monarchy, the development of the baroque art style and the scientific revolution served to change not only the social and political landscape of Europe and the world but the cultural, religious, economic and educational milieus as well. If there was a time in Europe's history that brought forth events causing the domino principle or ripple effect, it is the occurrences during this era that made it possible.
"The European landscape was in turmoil in the early sixteenth century. Different fiefdoms are controlled by the privileged class. This is more so prevalent in France and in England albeit there is an existing monarchy; there is no centralized form of government that controls the overall governance, administration and management of assets, facilities and resources. There are barons, dukes, lords, ministers and other titled individuals each with his own parcel of land and indentured servants. Loyalty was not to the existing monarch but to whatever political alliances..."

Tags:scientific revolution, Baroque, Early modern states, reformation

Abstract
The paper reveals that despite America's wealth and the efforts to reduce inequalities in income, poverty is much more prevalent in the country than in other industrialized nations. The paper explains the difference between absolute poverty and poverty but shows how since there is not an agreed upon definition of poverty and absolute poverty, there can be no standard form of measurement. The paper asserts that poverty is often a topic of politicians, but it is not as simple as they typically profess it to be.

From the Paper
"There is a distinct difference between poverty and absolute poverty as the two have been defined within the United States of America. Absolute poverty is considered when people lack the necessary food, shelter, or clothing that is necessary for survival. Relative poverty or simply poverty, on the other hand, relates to a person's inability to fully participate, economically speaking, in the society in which they live. Many underdeveloped or third-world countries experience absolute poverty that is persistent. It is reflected in their shorter life expectancies, higher levels of infant mortality, and overall poor nutrition. The complete lack of resources in some of these countries may be the cause or unequal distribution of wealth."

Tags:inequalities, deprivation, income, welfare

Abstract
This paper takes a look at relative power versus absolute power, from both realist and liberal perspectives. The paper uses Canada and China as examples. The paper concludes that it is better for the state to emphasize a realist perspective rather than a liberalist one.

From the Paper
"States have always been interacting with one another on a systemic level. According to realists, because states are self-interested, they worry about power of which there are two different kinds. Realists value relative power more than absolute power. Absolute power refers to a state's strive towards flourishing economically, and militarily. On the other hand, relative power refers to a state's emphasis on its relationship with other states around it, watching surrounding states and planning accordingly. However, unlike realists, liberals do not value power as highly and look to gains as being more important. Absolute gains follow a non-zero-sum mentality, which means that a state's gains are infinite. One state's gain does not have to be another state's loss as it could be in the case of relative gains. As a result, what is more important for a state to emphasize: a realist's view of power or the liberal view of gains?"

Tags:power, realism, liberalism, international, relations, cold, war, china, canada, arms, race

Abstract
The paper outlines the importance the aria holds for the opera and for music in general. The paper then outlines the debate depicting how music ought to be considered. Finally it considers whether the aria better fits one or the other of the arguments. The conclusion of the paper is that program music better explains the piece.

From the Paper
"In Verdi's "Ave Maria," from "Othello," Desdemona sings what is perhaps the opera's greatest addition to the storyline already laid out so brilliantly by Shakespeare. In a lilting, soaring soprano, Desdemona presents this liturgical prayer for the humble, the innocent and the oppressed in such a beautifully supplicant manner that the listener feels her purity and honesty pouring through her tender prayer. The story wins the listener over to the character, particularly as the music is juxtaposed to the hard declamations of the evil Iago. Though the character has a name that is purposefully indicative of demons, and the tragedy that befalls her later in the opera stems from the misunderstanding of her connection to evil, the listener knows from the moment that Desdemona has sung the "Ave Maria" that the character is pure of heart and gentle of spirit."

Tags:program, absolute, music

Abstract
This paper investigates the intelligibility of the philosophical understanding of truth as appearance and reality. After reviewing the nature of the philosophical picture of what constitutes truth, there is an extended discussion of an often-cited example of truth's relativity in the movie, "Rashomon". There is then a discussion of some other examples, which attempt to clarify the philosophical picture, only to conclude that the philosophical posing of truth and appearance is actually not yet understandable.

From the Paper
"In Theaetetus Socrates quotes Protagoras with what is possibly the first clear statement of the relativist: that "man is the measure of all things" and that anything "is to me such as it appears to me, and is to you such as it appears to you?" (856, 152a) On the other hand, there is Plato's well-known allegory of the cave in the Seventh Book of the Republic, (747- 750, 514a-518b) in which he advances the notion that there is an ultimate truth that lies beyond our interpretations or appearances of that truth. But how understandable are both the notions of relativism and of an absolute truth?"

Tags:rashomon, relativity, truth

Abstract
This paper explores Baroque, specifically Rembrandt's, use of elements to evoke emotions in the viewers of paintings. The paper explains that Baroque artists knew how to mesmerize and captivate the viewer in their intricate delicacies of the subject, and also had the capability to inject a sense of emotional experience through the power of their painting's visual experience. The paper notes that the Baroque style interplayed with a theatrical illusion, and was even used as political propaganda. The paper concludes that, consequently, a powerful expression emerged in their paintings, with their tools being the ecstasy, intensity, horror, and thus every mood that can play on the Baroque thought. This paper contains illustrative figures and photos.

From the Paper
"Another feature in Rembrandt's painting that made horror alluring and more convincing in spite of the true depiction of horrid details were the intricate detail. For instance in the painting "Belshazzar Feast" the artist had been intricately depicting the gold and shimmer of the king's cape and chains hanging from his dress. The girlsl pearls as their ornamentation and vessels all handled with a realism showing the exact material of the things. One could feel the Brocades and the silks through the handling of the draperies and their texture. These were all tools to develop an aesthetical trap that can open a gateway into the realm of expressional forces utilized to propagate the deepest beliefs of the painter. The expression of astonishment on the king's face with his eyes bulging out and his attendants sharing the fear with him, oblivious from all the festivities that were being performed before this incident and all the delicacies being its proof shows the unusualness of the situation. The incident is that of King Belshazzar holding a feast in the utensils taken from the Jewish temple in Jerusalem made by his predecessor Nebuchadnezzar. He is struck with fear and uncertainty on the sight of a hand in the air writing some words. Again the play of light and dark creates a mood that of mystery and austerity. The words are in light as they are important because the hand and the words are the reason for all the emotional activity in the painting. The faces are also given importance with light being the discoverer of their moment's haunting experience. The back pose of the lady near the king and the fallen liquid from vessel are all adding to the exact moment's ambience."

Tags:Baroque, art, Belshazzar, Feast

Abstract
This paper is an examines and compares the reigns of Chinese emperor k'angxi and French King Louis XIV, two Absolute Monarchs. The paper includes biographic details of the Emperor and of the King. The paper also discusses their goals.

From the Paper
"Louis XIV was born in September and died in September. He reigned as King of France from May until his death. However Louis did not effectively become ruler until after the death of Cardinal Mazarin. His reign generally epitomises the absolute power of a monarch. Louis was four years old when his father died but he played little or no role as King until he was thirteen years of age. Even at age thirteen Louis proved to be autocratic."

Tags:compare, analyize chinese emperor k'angxi, France, China, King Louis XIV. Versailles, monarchy, power, succession, regent, dowager, yellow river, grand canal, war, territorial expansion
Requirements: to get a analytical comparision between