Abstract The paper explains Berger's view that human beings are meant to have freedom. The paper shows how Kant basically believed the same thing when he stated that human beings are ends in themselves. The paper looks at the two passages that are concerned with the basic beliefs of these two individuals. The paper analyzes these passages in terms of assumptions, language, perspectives and arguments. The paper explains how both Berger and Kant believed that the human being has a high purpose but that the purpose could be easily taken away. The paper highlights how according to Berger, society could destroy it and Kant believed that humans can be used by other people.
From the Paper "Berger is concerned with the individual's position in society and with people's ability to deal with the facades of society. Society can lead in two directions. Kant was not concerned with society, but only with the individual's actions towards other people. In Berger's view, human beings are meant to have freedom, and Kant basically believed the same thing when he stated that human beings are ends in themselves. The two passages are concerned with the basic beliefs of these two individuals. The passages will be analyzed in terms of assumptions, language, perspectives and arguments."
Abstract This paper looks at two passages - the first from Peter Berger's Invitation to Sociology and the second from Immanuel Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals. The writer discusses two perspectives on the location of man and his actions in terms of society and ethical practice. The writer notes that although admittedly the objectives of Berger's depiction of modern sociology differs dramatically from Kant's philosophical discussion of ethics as a basis for human action, in both passages their respective authors deal with similar issues related to how human beings exist in the world, and how one should ethically interact with fellow humans.
From the Paper "In the two passages - the first from Peter Berger's Invitation to Sociology and the second from Immanuel Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals - we have two perspectives on the location of man and his actions in terms of society and ethical practice. Although admittedly the objectives of Berger's depiction of modern sociology differs dramatically from Kant's philosophical discussion of ethics as a basis for human action, in both passages their respective authors deal with similar issues related to how human beings exist in the world, and how one should ethically interact with fellow humans."
Abstract The paper discusses how in the two passages from Immanuel Kant and Peter Berger, the concept of freedom is explored in terms of human reason and its implications for our understanding of universal philosophical imperatives and sociological determinants. The paper argues that Berger both references and builds upon Kant's contention that freedom cannot be demonstrated through pure reason.
Abstract In this article the writer examines the works 'Invitation to Sociology' by Peter Berger, and 'Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals' by Immanuel Kant. The writer discusses how the authors present two distinct views upon human freedom. This essay argues that Berger, operating from a sociological perspective, contends that human freedom is illusory if one has a broad enough perspective to recognize how all human actions are linked in a chain of causality. In contrast, it is shown how Kant, operating from a philosophical perspective with a preoccupation with ethical principles, suggests that acknowledging the reality of human freedom is a prerequisite for any ethical reasoning.
This paper applies the critical-emancipatory paradigm and the constructivist-interpretive paradigm to T. R.Berger's 1988 book "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland: The Report of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry".
Abstract This paper explains that the critical paradigm recognizes that reality is the product of history and analyzes it accordingly through social, political, cultural, economic, ethnic and gender values developed over time. The author states that, when applying the critical-emancipatory approach to T. R. Berger's "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland", the observer understands that the whole issue surrounding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry involves a strong reaction to historical reality issues especially the importance of the First Nation people and the environmental supporters in deciding against the pipeline project. The paper relates that the constructivist-interpretive paradigm assumes that to understand the world and its meaning, one must interpret it. The author underscores that the constructivist-interpretive paradigm can be applied to Berger's work in that his assessment of the Mackenzie Valley pipeline is heavily subjective and based upon interpretation of multiple realities.
Table of Contents
The Strengths and Weakness of the Critical Paradigm
Application of the Critical-Emancipatory Approach to "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland"
The Strength and Weakness of the Constructivist-Interpretive Paradigm
Application of the Critical Constructivist- Interpretive Paradigm to "Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland"
From the Paper "It is easy to analyze the Northern Frontier, Northern Homeland document in terms of the critical-emancipatory approach. Indeed, the whole issue surrounding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry involves a strong reaction of social, political, cultural, economic and ethnic issues derived from processes over history. The writer, Berger, has assessed the contentious issue of the pipeline development firstly in terms of economic issues: that is, that it will be good for the Canadian economy, particularly the northern Canadians who will be brought now into the "mainstream of the Canadian economy" (Berger, 1988, p. 3). Ultimately, however, Berger has acknowledged the role of ethnicity in appraising the pipeline project and assessing its worth. His final position assumes the First Nation Canadians are correct; environmentally-speaking, the project should not go on). The role of acknowledging the importance of the First Nation people and the environment in deciding against the pipeline project display evidence of cultural, social, political and ethnic values in evaluating the situation.
Tags: interpretation, inuit, bias, reality, government
Abstract This essay compares moral decision-making in perspectives offered by sociologist Peter Berger and philosopher Immanuel Kant. Issues of free will, "bad faith" and individual choices in social contexts are discussed.
Abstract This paper reviews the painting 'A Bar at the Folies Bergeres' by Edouard Manet. This paper attempts to prove that this work of art is much more than just an image of a barmaid with a mirror behind her, but rather a painting reflecting a somewhat more complex objective.
From the Paper 'Edouard Manet's A Bar at the Folies-Bergeres (1881-82) is, without question, one of the most famous paintings of the nineteenth century. This (re)creation of a moment in the nightlife of Paris' Variete Folies-Bergeres is acknowledged as Manet's "final masterpiece" (Duchting, 111). While on initial viewing this painting appears simply to be an image of a barmaid with a mirror behind her, this essay will argue that Manet's objectives in this work are much more complex.'
Abstract The paper studies passages from Peter Berger's "Invitation to Sociology" and Immanuel Kant's "Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals". The paper argues that there is a common theme of the importance of freedom in both passages. The paper shows how for both thinkers, freedom is an inalienable quality that is central to our identities as rational human beings.
From the Paper "The passage from Berger's text revolves around the concept of "bad faith". Berger defines this concept as the pretence that "something is necessary that in fact is voluntary" (Berger 143). However, while this concept is central to the passage and is repeated and defined in several different ways, in actuality its primary role is to serve as a opening through which Berger can explore the core idea of his text: human freedom."
Abstract The paper demonstrates how while representing it's placement in history and society, "A Bar at the Folies-Bergere" also leaves much to be interpreted of its composition and subject matter. The paper focuses on the distortion of the mirror in this painting and how it has been the subject of sexual, personal, socioeconomic and symbolic interpretations. The paper highlights the techniques in this painting that are attributed originally, if not solely, to Manet. The writer offers a personal view that the distortion of the mirror was created to illustrate the gender relations of that time, the alienation one felt in that society, and the personal emotions of the barmaid. The paper includes color images.
From the Paper "During the mid to late 19th century in Paris, the society and culture that could be found was one of frivolity, decadence, and volatility. Edouard Manet and his contemporaries created many works on the subject of modern Paris and the popular performances of night cafes. Manet created a telling work of the time, A Bar at the Folies-Bergere (1882) , as his last large canvas (96cm x 130cm) . While representing it's placement in history and society, A Bar also leaves much to be interpreted of its composition and subject matter. More specifically, the distortion of the mirror in this painting has been the subject of sexual, personal, socioeconomic, and symbolic interpretations."
Abstract This paper examines how in the two novels "Johnny Got His Gun" by Dalton Trumbo and "Little Big Man" by Thomas Berger, individuals are changed greatly by war. It discusses how although both novels show war as a foolish endeavor which no one really wins, the authors treat war in different ways. It analyzes how Berger includes scenes of battle in his book, while Trumbo concentrates on the aftermath of war in the form of one blinded and crippled individual whose outer life has been taken completely from him, leaving him only an inner life of memory and immediate sensation. It also looks at how Berger presents his images of war in a comic manner, highlighting the foolishness and insanity of war through exaggeration and in his choice of details and how Trumbo's entire book represents the futility of war and the horror for those who are wounded.
From the Paper "Jack Crabb changes in various ways throughout the novel, shifting his personality to fit into the different worlds he finds himself in, first a settler, then an Indian, then a cavalry soldier, and always a man seeking to keep ahead of his fate. For Jack, war has different faces, depending on which side he is on at the time. This fact alone shows how war changes him, for he becomes what others want him to be. When with the Indians, he is told, "My son, those are white people that we are going to destroy" (Berger 91). When he is with the cavalry, he hears similar sentiment about how they are going to kill the Indian. For the real effect of war on the human psyche, there is Custer, who seems to be veering into insanity as he continues his campaign. War itself is depicted as insane, and it is not surprising that some of the warriors are as well, especially a committed leader like Custer."
Abstract This paper analyzes and compares two secular theories of religion - Berger's "The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion"; and Freud's "The Future of an Illusion". The paper shows that Berger's theory is based on a sociological understanding of human nature, while Freud's analysis is based largely upon his psychoanalytical theories. Both theories feel that the human fear of the terror of nature and death are at the root of the phenomenon of religion. The paper presents these theories, summarizes them and compares their different messages.
From the Paper "In "The Sacred canopy: elements of a sociological theory of religion", Berger seeks to understand religion through a sociological framework. His theory of religion is based on the premise that "every human society is an enterprise of world-building" (Berger). As such, Berger explains that our perceived world is constantly being created through what he refers to as a dialectical process. This process has three key aspects: externalization, objectivation, and internalization. In externalization, our thoughts become translated into the products we make and the actions that we take. When the products of our thoughts appear in the outside world (are externalized) they then influence us by shaping our behaviors and future thoughts (internalization)."
Abstract John Berger's "Ways of Seeing" is, in essence, a discussion of how human perception shapes and is shaped by, our production of visual images in a variety of media. However, as this review will show, Berger argues that this process is not simply a matter of art criticism. Instead, he suggests that a sort of feedback relationship exists between how we use images to represent the world and how our perception of these images in turn shape our actions and society in general.
Abstract In this paper, the author reviews the first half of Perter Berger's book about religion and society. The paper analyzes Berger's concept that religion is a dialectical phenomenon in which religion emerges out of human beings as part of an ordered and meaningful social reality, while at the same time, humans emerge out of this socially-constructed world and, indeed, are only human because of such emergence.
From the Paper "As a component of social reality ? particularly that component of social reality that legitimizes anomy (see below) ? religion, according to Peter Berger, is a ?dialectical phenomenon.? Thus, while religion emerges out of human beings as part of an ordered and meaningful social reality, humans ? at the very same time ? emerge out of this socially-constructed world and, indeed, are only human because of such emergence. This dialectical phenomenon is parsed out by Berger in terms of not two, but rather three concepts: externalization, objectivation and internalization."
Abstract The paper explains how Kathleen Stassen Berger, in her book "The Developing Person Through the Life Span", considers how each stage leads to the next and how biological and sociological causes affect the psychological development of any individual. The writer considers events from her own life in light of Berger's theories in order to determine the ways in which her own personal development has been a result of a string of causes and effects throughout the stages of her life. The writer looks at her infancy and preschool years, school years and adolescence and finally, adulthood.
From the Paper "In her book "The Developing Person Through the Life Span," Kathleen Stassen Berger outlines the stages of growth from infancy to adulthood and discusses the psychological impacts of each stage. She shows how each stage leads to the next and considers how both biological and sociological effect the psychological development of any individual. Using a concept called the "butterfly effect", she shows how small and seemingly unimportant developments in any single stage can compound through successive stages to result in specific types of personality development. (The "butterfly effect" is borrowed from the concept in environmental science in which it is said that when a butterfly beats its wings in one part of the world, a storm can occur in another part of world. The interconnectedness of events is the key concept here.)"
This paper explores the ideas of human free will vs. destiny or predestination in the works of William Shakespeare, Franz Kafka, Martin Buber, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Peter Berger.
Abstract The paper looks at how Shakespeare, Kafka, Buber, Dostoevsky and Berger all address the problem of free will in a universe that is seemingly deterministic. The paper explains that whether the determinism is termed Fate, God or Science, it has the same implications in terms of limiting human free will. The paper shows how Dostoevsky is the most radical proponent of free will and Berger the most radical proponent of determinism.
From the Paper "In the "To be or not to be" soliloquy, this speculation takes the form of Hamlet's reflecting upon the question of suicide as a way of removing oneself from the cares of the world. The dilemma as to whether it is better to exist or to not exist (i.e., to commit suicide) is a profound question not only for Hamlet but for humanity in general, as it goes to the basic question of existence: it is worth living. Unlike animals, human are not slaves to instinct but have consciousness and the capacity for choice. However, with this comes the capacity to evaluate one's condition, and the human condition in general."
