A critique of Michael Bratman's theory of what is required for one to properly identify with his or her desires.
Research Paper # 6371 |
3,310 words (
approx. 13.2 pages ) |
2 sources |
MLA | 2002
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Abstract
Michael Bratman, in his book Faces of Intention" offers a theory of identification with desires that states that "To identify with a certain desire, one needs to decide to treat it as reason-giving in some relevant practical reasoning and to be satisfied with that decision." After explaining Bratman's view in depth and the related views of Harry Frankfurt and J. David Vellemon, this paper presents an entire class of desires that by Bratman's definition should be desires that one identifies with but which in reality are not. This involves presenting examples of desires that one identifies with but that one would not treat as reason-giving in terms of his actions; that is, desires that one identifies with but would never reasonably act on. Some objections to the counterexamples are made by the author (some of which Bratman makes in his book and some of which he actually made to the author personally in the class this paper was writer for) and provides responses to them.
From the Paper
"As demonstrated by the writings of Michael Bratman, Harry Frankfurt, and J. David Velleman, explicitly defining what it means to identify with a desire has been no easy task for even the most prominent names in philosophy of action. The difficulties encountered in characterizing how we identify with certain desires and distance ourselves from others are not surprising when one considers how vague our intuitions are about the subject. There does not seem to be any simple, commonsense notion of what it means to identify with a desire nor is there an easy way to formally characterize classes, or even instances, of desires that we do or do not hold as really being "ours." In the end, "our intuitions seem to be able to tell us for sure only that there are desires we have that we do not identify with. And when one considers how little sense it seems to make that we should have such desires to begin with, it easy to see that one trying to offer a definition for identifying with a desire has an uphill battle in front of him. In this paper, I will consider one such definition offered by Bratman and show that it does not quite win this battle. After explaining Bratman's view, I will give a counterexample to his theory that highlights an entire class of desires that are not captured by his definition of identification. I will then respond to possible objections to this class of counterexamples and conclude by considering a shortcoming in Bratman's view that I believe leads to the problematic examples that I present."
Tags:actions, desire, frankfurt, identification, reasons, vellemon
A look at representations of fear and desire in Bram Stoker's "Dracula."
Book Review # 139941 |
1,750 words (
approx. 7 pages ) |
4 sources |
MLA |
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the central role of fear and desire in Bram Stoker's 19th century novel "Dracula." According to the paper, Stoker was examining the fear of sexual desire that was so pervasive in Victorian England. The paper concludes by stating that Stoker was intent upon demonstrating through the theme, plot, characterization, and ultimate outcome of the novel that sexual desire, especially in women, was inherently dangerous, destructive, and had to be repressed for the good of society.
From the Paper
"Analyzing the central role of fear and desire in Bram Stoker's 19th century novel Dracula indicates that Stoker was examining the fear of sexual desire that was so pervasive in Victorian England. He was intent upon demonstrating through the theme, plot, characterization, and ultimate outcome of the novel that sexual desire, especially in women, was inherently dangerous, destructive, and had to be repressed for the good of society."
Tags:fear, desire, dracula
An analysis of how sexual desires cause destruction in Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire."
Book Review # 133273 |
750 words (
approx. 3 pages ) |
0 sources |
MLA |
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Abstract
The paper analyzes Tennessee Williams' play "A Streetcar Named Desire," and the destruction of the three main characters of Blanche, Stella and Stanley by their inability to control their sexual desires. The writer discusses how Blanche ultimately goes mad, Stella retreats into this naive world and STanley becomes the animal Blanche seemed to unleash in him. The way Blanche got to New Orleans and the name of the street all three live on is also discussed.
From the Paper
"Bathing and drunkenness are two common threads exposing sexual tension in the play A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. Even the title of the play suggests the sexual tension between the characters. There are three main characters in the play: Blanche, Stella and Stanley. All three are driven by their sexual desire. Blanche is running away from her past that is filled with sexual promiscuity including a sexual relationship with one of her male students. Stella is so attracted to Stanley physically that she loses all perspective regarding her sister and her marriage. Stanley is a dockworker so filled with sexual prowess that...."
Tags:instinct, desire, dead
An analysis of the poem, "Desire" by Molly Peacock.
Poem Review # 141167 |
1,000 words (
approx. 4 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA |
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$ 21.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how Peacock uses a combination of poetry elements to help her define the meaning of desire. The paper examines the poetry elements that are diction and tone, sensory imagery, figures of speech, sound and rhyme, and irony. The paper explains that Molly Peacock uses these elements to successfully define the meaning of desire.
From the Paper
"How would a person define the meaning of desire? What words would a poet use to define and give meaning to desire? Desire, like love, is difficult to define. Molly Peacock wrote her poem, "Desire," in 1984. In Peacock's poem, "Desire," she wants her audience to understand the meaning of desire and she calls her poem, "Desire." She uses a combination of poetry elements to help her define the meaning of desire. In order for the poet to express her theme of desire, she uses several different poetry elements including diction and tone, sensory imagery, figures of speech, sound and rhyme, and irony."
Tags:desire, elements, theme
A review of Tennessee William's play "A Streetcar Named Desire".
Book Review # 86079 |
900 words (
approx. 3.6 pages ) |
4 sources |
2005
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$ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses two of the main characters in the Tennessee William's drama "A Streetcar Named Desire". This paper also discusses some of the sources available reviewing this play. The sources used provide excellent insight into the study of "Streetcar Named Desire" and into the playwright himself. The paper also reviews some of William's other works.
From the Paper
"'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams has an interesting title that first attracted me to his play. After reading the first few lines, I found myself interested because the description of the setting had details that captured my attention further. Williams uses words such as "raffish charm" (Williams 1797) and "quaintly ornamented gables" (Williams 1797) that paint a picture of the section of New Orleans where the action starts. The action of the characters led to questions in my mind after I finished reading the play. This play raised many questions about the human spirit and the ways that people deal with situations that they face. The two sisters in the play, Blanche and Stella, were raised in similar circumstances. Why did these two sisters deal with life in ways that are so different? The relationship between Stella and her husband also presents important questions."
Tags:streetcar, named, desire
An analysis of the themes of power and conflict in Tennessee Williams' drama "A Streetcar Named Desire".
Analytical Essay # 120764 |
1,250 words (
approx. 5 pages ) |
11 sources |
MLA | 2008
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$ 25.95
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Abstract
This analysis of Tennessee Williams' drama "A Streetcar Named Desire" focuses on the idea of power and conflict as it is played out between Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski. The analysis maintains that the powerful brutes of the world like Stanley are responsible for the destruction of hope and innocence in tender individuals like Blanche.
From the Paper
"A central theme of Tennessee Williams' drama "A Streetcar Named Desire" revolves around innocence and reality, one that plays itself out in the conflict and struggle for power between Blanche DuBois and her brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski. After being subjected to a variety of men in her life, Blanche DuBois is scared and scarred. She visits her sister Stella in the hopes of building a new and respectable life for herself with a suitor. However, Blanche continues to remain lost in an..."
Tags:sex, physical lust, illusions, pretensions, control, rape, insanity, South, Williams, Streetcar, desire
A literary analysis of "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams.
Term Paper # 75074 |
792 words (
approx. 3.2 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA | 2006
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$ 16.95
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This paper is a critical analysis of Tennessee Williams "A Streetcar Named Desire", focusing on the character Blanche and what she symbolizes.
From the Paper
"In A Street Car Named Desire, Tennessee Williams displays the character Blanche having many issues. She tells fibs to protect herself from being looked upon disapprovingly. But her secrets are unveiled when Stanley, Blanche's brother-in-law, bumps into a couple of Blanche's acquaintances. Blanche symbolizes all beautiful women who are insecure because they have something they cannot let go or hide from."
Tags:analysis, blanche, desire, literary, named, streetcar, symbol, symbolism
This paper focuses on the author's use of symbols and metaphors, specifically light, in Tennessee William's play, "A Streetcar Named Desire".
Analytical Essay # 58795 |
1,558 words (
approx. 6.2 pages ) |
3 sources |
MLA | 2003
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$ 30.95
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Abstract
Williams's play, "A Streetcar Named Desire," is the story of the final decay of Blanche DuBois, a woman who fell from grace until finally losing her mind. This paper focuses on Blanche's lies and how Williams symbolized them in several different ways, including the use of light. It shows how, throughout the entire play, Tennessee Williams uses light to symbolize Blanche's deceptions as they differentiate from the actual truth that is slowly revealed.
From the Paper
"A Streetcar Named Desire is a great play, where Tennessee Williams uses many different types of symbols and metaphors for other things in the play, and his usage of light to show Blanche DuBois' artificial realism was incredible. The way that each event in the story where Blanche was involved directly with lighting led up to a later important event in the story keeps the reader interested. Blanche's lies were eventually her undoing, if she had gone to visit her sister and been able to stand in the open light and face the truth about her life, she may have been married to Mitch. However she was scared of what she would see if stayed in the light, and more scared of what other people would see in her, so she hid in the metaphorical shadows created by Tennessee Williams and tried, unsuccessfully, to live in her false reality."
Tags:american, desire, light, literature, named, streetcar, sybolism, tennesse, williams
Analysis of Buddhist and Taoist philosophy about desires and expectations.
Essay # 32728 |
1,400 words (
approx. 5.6 pages ) |
4 sources |
2002
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$ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes how both religions teach to relinquish desires, attachments and wishful expectations. These traditions also emphasize the principle of compassion. The paper argues that these dual emphases are compatible, since there must be a harmony between action and inner beliefs.
Tags:taoism, buddhism, desire
This paper discusses the sexual tension present in the play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams.
Book Review # 103853 |
750 words (
approx. 3 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA | 2008
|
$ 16.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer analyzes the play 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams and notes that bathing and drunkenness are two common threads exposing sexual tension in the play. The writer points out that even the title of the play suggests the sexual tension between the characters. Further, the writer looks at the connections between desire and death as portrayed in the play. The writer maintains that it is as if Williams is telling us that from too much desire only death can come. The writer notes that Stanley, the most dead of all three characters becomes numb to his reactive behavior. The writer concludes that Stanley is trapped in his uncontrollable animalistic sexual desire destined to live like an animal surviving purely by instinct.
From the Paper
"Stanley is a man's man--full of animal instinct and desire. He cannot control himself in any regard. Stanley cannot control his temper so he beats his pregnant wife. He can't sequester his passion for Blanche so he rapes her. He can't bare losing Stella so he screams for her at the top of his lungs proclaiming his need and love for her. Stanley is all about sexual desire--it rules and runs his life.
"Drunkenness and bathing are the soothsayers for Blanche and Stanley when their desires become overwhelming. Blanche uses a bath to soothe her nerves and to try and wash away her sexually promiscuous path."
Tags:promiscuity, relationship, passion, destruction