Abstract This research paper describes the features of Confucianism and Taoism, philosophies which changed the way of life in China starting in the sixth century. Both Taoism and Confucianism and their values have been incorporated in the society as a way of life in China and other oriental countries. Taoism is one of the two great philosophical and religious traditions that became a way of life in China nearly 2500 years ago. The other philosophy that also originated in China is Confucianism. Both of these philosophies started around the same time in the sixth century B.C. For the past couple of centuries there have been three religions that have dominated the Chinese way of life, they are namely, Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.
From the Paper "Confucianism was founded by Confucius in the spring and autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC) and further developed by Menaces, thus called The Way of Confucius and Menaces (Confucianism). In the Han dynasty, Confucianism was adopted but other schools suppressed by the Han rulers to consolidate their reign. It was after the death of its originator that Confucianism flourished and became dominant in the Chinese history and culture for almost 2 millenniums. Later it even spread to Korea and Japan and has been influential in the two cultures. Confucianism had immensely impacted the Chinese civilization in ways unimaginable."
An in-depth look at the unanswered questions of famous philosophers such as Hobbes, Russel, Kant and Nietzsche, dealing with questions on thought, religion, science and more.
Abstract This paper attempts to understand the fundamental questions between science, religion, thought, and human balance, as well as illustrate the thoughts of these philosophers and how they never truly came at consistent answers to these questions. The writer discusses the philosophies of Hobbes, Russell, Kant and Nietzsche and focuses on philosophy and the relationship between the message it communicates and the questions it evokes. The writer also attempts to understand just whom philosophy intends to satisfy and includes a discussion on understanding technology.
From the Paper "Western culture has always grappled with the meaning of life, whether there is or isn?t a God, is he male or female, does science take precedence over this God, etc. Philosophers, in answering these questions, have made assumptions about the nature of reality. ?These assumptions tend to be expressed in oppositional language, such as mind and body, divinity and nature, orthodoxy and heterodoxy, science and religion.? In later philosophy, thinkers developed a larger capacity for thought and started to grapple with the concept of reason. This occurred at the time of Socrates and the formation of Platonic philosophy, and again in the 1470s and 80s during the Renaissance, when scholars were prone to finding magic and mysticism in the arts and the doctrines of religion. (Kaufman, 1987)"
Abstract A look at how the belief in a religion or deity has become weaker over the centuries. The writer examines what makes a 'perfect' religion, defines atheism, and looks at current philosophies of religion.
From the Paper "Pascal said "If you believe in God and turn out to be incorrect, you have lost nothing. But if you don"t believe in God and turn out to be incorrect, you will go to Hell. Therefore it is foolish to be an atheist.? This argument is known as Pascal? Wager. It contains several flaws. One of the biggest flaws is that it is based on the assumption that the two possibilities are equally likely. If, in fact, the possibility of the existence of God is close to zero, the argument becomes much less persuasive. So, sadly, the argument is only likely to convince those who believe already. Devotees of a particular faith are likely to believe that a definition ought to describe the true quality of religion. They are not happy with the concept that d definition is a heuristic device, useful for one purpose, but of no value to another. They are impatient with a definition that may seem to be a subtle evasion of an obvious truth. The strong belief in God makes them blind to seeing any other possibilities objectively."
Abstract This paper details the different attitudes of these scholars' views on God and religion. St. Thomas Aquinas and Machiavelli represent the two extremes of the understanding of reason and faith. Machiavelli exhibits the influence of the Renaissance on his conception of God and faith in God. The existence of God is unquestionable and need not be proven. Aquinas also believes that the existence is self-evident, but as a Christian scholar Aquinas is obligated to develop a proof for the existence of God.
From the Paper "Machiavelli mentions God in various passages of his writing, but God never represents the central theme of any of his writings. Typical of Machiavelli he manages to incorporate the gods of pagan religions into his writing and his theories. God's focus was justice and mercy. As a Christian, Machiavelli naturally mentions the importance of Jesus Christ. As with other people of the time, Machiavelli prayed to God when difficulties arose with the possibility that his prayers would be answered."
Tags:religion, philosophy, god, politics, realism, The, Prince, faith, Christian
Abstract This paper describes various ideas of ancient and medieval philosophy. The author begins by contrasting the concepts of reason and faith. Also analyzed is the belief system of a higher being. Philosophies of both Christian and Jewish religions are highlighted and the major writings briefly introduced. The author also includes other philosophical schools of thought from this time period, including realism and natural theology.
Outline:
Faith and Reason
Natural Theology
Universals
Works cited
From the Paper "Faith and reason are often seen as adversarial. It appears that since the middle ages the two principles fail to find common ground. Reason is about gathering evidence that supports a position. Faith, on the other hand, is the formation of belief in the absence of or in opposition to evidence that appears to prove other than that which is believed. For those who support reason, faith would appear to be irrational. "
An analysis of "Tamburlaine the Great Parts One and Two," edited by Christopher Marlowe, Edward Esche and David Fuller and how it can be taught in terms of Marxist literary criticism.
Abstract This paper discusses the teaching of "Tamburlaine the Great Parts One and Two," edited by Christopher Marlowe, Edward Esche and David Fuller. It particularly looks at the play in terms of Marxist literary criticism. The paper describes Marx' views and presents the content of the play. It then discusses how the two can be related to one another, particularly in terms of their teaching. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
Table of Contents:
Marxist Literary Criticism
Teaching Literature
Teaching Marxist Criticism
Teaching Tamburlaine
Politics
Power
Religion Manly Men
Conclusion
From the Paper "The second incident takes place when Tamburlaine burns the Koran, challenging Mahomet to punish him. Although he is later struck with illness, this act is a declaration of God's power and Mahomet's powerlessness: Mahomet can not prevent Tamburlaine from destroying the Koran, despite his ability to descend from the sky and interact with human beings (Dailey 158).
"These two passages can be read with an eye to Marxist literary criticism. In both scenes, religion is the source of conflict and destruction. A Marxist reading of this play would necessarily be compelled to examine these scenes, given Karl Marx's opinion on religion."
Tags: Mahomet, materialism, politics, religion, power
Abstract This paper tackles the difficult task of assigning a general definition and meaning to the art of poetry. It uses quotes from Aristotle, Plato, Pablo Neruda, Percy Bysshe Shelley, William Wordsworth and Charles Johnson. The claims made by the poetry greats and the author are then supported by examples in classic poetry. It is very articulate, and provides a strong, clear argument. It is both reflective and analytical.
From the Paper "According to Galileo, "All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them." This task of discovery is certainly not an easy one, and most are either not willing or not able to share such a process with the world. A good poet, however, thrives upon this very challenge. 1971 Nobel Prize Laureate Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto (penname Pablo Neruda) said that the poet's obligation is to "feel the crash of the hard water / and gather it up in a perpetual cup" so that "through [him], freedom and the sea / will make their answer to the shuttered heart" (ll. 16-17, 29-30). The poet must put his ear to the world and experience each of nature's lessons; this knowledge, however, is useless if he cannot convey it to an audience in indelible ink. He must share these axioms in his words, either through personal experiences or general observations. Most modern classifications of quality poetry are derived from two main camps: that of Plato, and that of Aristotle. Plato affirmed that "all good poets... compose their beautiful poems not by art, but because they are inspired and possessed" (1025). He emphasized that it is the driving force that overcomes a poet that distinguishes his work, not his ordinary ability use the craft. Furthermore, Aristotle explains that "the reason why men enjoy seeing [poetry] is, that in contemplating it they find themselves learning or inferring, and saying perhaps, 'Ah, that is he.'" (1026). Poetry, then, is an articulation of a worldly truth, which may be achieved through a variety of isolated or universal means, and is directly the result of profound passion escaping the author."
Abstract This paper examiners how in the early 21st century, in the context of the "War on Terror" and the conflict between the West and radical Islamic forces, the question of the relations between the state and religions in Europe has acquired considerable attention. While Europe has historically been region dominated by Christianity, the impact of modern secularism together with the rise of Islam through immigration, has led scholars to reexamine the relations between the state and religion in modern Europe. In addressing this question this paper attempts a comparative analysis between two countries: Great Britain and Germany.
Abstract This paper focuses on the two passages - one from Nietzsche's "The Gay Science" and the other from Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling". The paper discusses their common focus of the issue of belief in the modern world. However, the paper also argues they have adopted distinctly different approaches to how people in the modern world should relate to the practice of religion and the belief in a transcendent deity.
From the Paper " Religion and Belief in the Modern World: The importance of this question is highlighted by Nietzsche in the opening sentence of the passage where he asks: "Who are we anyway?" "
Abstract This paper examines how the path to combat inter-religious conflict has been the mission of Gandhi's objective mission in the world. This study explores the critical apparatus between modern scholars that often agree, but also disagree in how Gandhi actually viewed religious divisions within politics or without. The paper explains, however, that by understanding the ethical and moral basis for Gandhi's activity to bring religions into a unified world, one can understand why he sought to realize a harmonious world that could live without unnecessary violence and destruction to differing ideological doctrines in theology.
From the Paper "In this religious study, the inter-religious conflict that existed within Gandhi's time can be analyzed in realizing how religion can divide a society or culture. In this view, one can realize the various barriers that are created that are not really present in relation to how ethics and morals work within the philosophy of Gandhi's teachings. In essence, although there are certain problems of doctrine and belief systems between religions, the modern day view of Gandhi's influence in breaking down religious barriers dissolves inter-religious conflict. These are the positive ways and means in which Gandhi represents a tolerant and inter-religious unity, which can be practiced in today's modern world. The basis for inter-religious conflict has been critically evaluated from the standpoint of a separation of politics with religion."
Abstract This paper explores the relationship between the poetic style of haiku and the philosophy of Zen. The paper first discusses the history of Zen and haiku and then develops the relationship between the two.
From the Paper "The art of haiku and the philosophy of Zen both date back centuries into Japan's history. Many haiku poets also practice Zen. The relationship between haiku and Zen lies in the use of meditation and the ability to express or feel one's senses. To truly understand the relationship between haiku writing and Zen philosophy, one must first understand the history and background of each.
The philosophy of Zen originally began in the East in India, but was later mixed with Chinese teachings to form Zen Buddhism- which then became popular in Japan as well. Around 500 B.C. there lived a prince named Siddhartha Gautama who ruled in what is now India. He was very wealthy, but when he was 29 years old he became troubled by the world around him. He decided to give up his privileged lifestyle in search for a deeper meaning of life. He searched for six years until he "achieved Enlightenment" (www. Ibibli.org/zen/faq. Html#1). He then became known as the Buddha, or one who is awake, because he discovered that everything in life can change if one changes their attachments to things in their lives (www. Ibibli.org/zen/faq. Html#1)."
Tags: eastern, buddha, religion, philosophy, chinese
Abstract This paper discusses the contributions of the Greeks to Western philosophy, in how they broke from their mythopoeic past and how Socrates and Plato advanced the rationalism initiated by the cosmologists. The paper examines the works of early Greek philosophers and their contribution to the thoughts of Socrates and Plato.
From the Paper "The word Philosophy has been derived from the Greek word Philosophia meaning "the love of wisdom" or ?the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.? In ancient times, philosophy comprised of all areas of speculative thought and included arts, science and religion. Western philosophy thus began in Ancient Greece as speculation about the nature of the physical world and the philosophical thoughts developed by the Greeks during the height of the Greek civilization between 600 and 200 BC have formed the basis of all subsequent developments in Western philosophy. In this paper we will discuss the contributions of the Greeks to Western philosophy, how they broke from their mythopoeic past, and how Socrates and Plato advanced the rationalism initiated by the cosmologists."
Tags: philosophia ancient arts, science and religion physical world 600 200 bc mythopoeic socrates plato rationalism
Abstract A comparison of beliefs and ideologies. By looking at the teachings of Jesus, Muhammad, Confucius and Buddha, similarities and differences are identified with regards to issues including salvation, humanism, God, morality, social responsibility, goodness and sin. The author examines common ground in their philosophies as well as their differing religious ideas.
From the Paper "For the Buddha, Salvation arises through a kind of spiritual "awakening"; the progressively enlightened individual eventually reaches a pinnacle of conscious awareness, otherwise known as Enlightenment or Nirvana. Prince Gautama Siddhartha, through years of meditation, and through an ascetic life based on the renunciation of worldly temptations, finally attained the status of Buddha ("Awakened One"), and thereby assumed the role of Divine Savior. On this point, the philosophy of the Buddha comes in sharp contrast to the beliefs of Muhammad and Jesus, though each Prophet holds to the idea that our actions in this life impact upon our Salvation. For the Buddha, God does not enter into the spiritual equation. Humans discover or arrive at their own Buddhahood, and as newly awakened individuals, they are then able to escape endless suffering on the "Wheel of Samsara" (the wheel of endless reincarnations through birth, death, and re-birth), which is driven by Karma (one's lack of responsibility for their desires, negative actions, and earthly attachments)."
Abstract In this paper the writer provides an examination of the philosophies of Weber, Durkheim and Foucault. In this study, the writer demonstrates the impact of economics, labor, power, class stratification and other issues on the relationship between the individual and society.
From the Paper "There are a number of concepts associated with the sociological theories of Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and Michel Foucault. Among these concepts are ones such as power control capitalism and economics bureaucracy, the division of labor social stratification religion and authority. So too struggles between society and individualism freedom and authority and the elite class and working class are a focus in their writings and theories. Emile Durkheim is argued by many to be the founder of sociology. One of Durkheim's most ... "
Tags: Weber, Durkheim, Foucault, individualism, society, religion, Protestantism, bureaucracy, power, control, surveillance, capitalism, elites, working class, division of labor, status
Abstract This paper on Confucius and his philosophy begins by explaining that it is difficult to know how much of what is attributed to Confucian thinking comes from the man himself, and how much comes from his disciples. The paper first explores the issue of the history of Confucius, explaining the situation in China at the time, and the lack of a cohesive biography of Confucius. Next, the paper explores the topic of the 'Analects,' a collection of sayings and short dialogues which are said to have been collected by his disciples. The paper explains how Christian missionaries used his texts to appeal to the Chinese, and how Confucius described his own relationship to the higher power.
From the Paper "The development of the history of Confucius is itself interesting. The biography of Confucius which Sse-Ma Ch'ien wrote down among the histories of individual states, was an important point of distinction, for the uncrowned king of China and this will form the foundation of all biographies of Confucius at all stages of history. There was no chronologically arranged biography of Confucius before SseMa Ch'ien wrote it. At the same time, Sse-Ma Ch'ien had his own sources to write it. The historical works from the school established by the Master himself were first considered. Apart from this were the Commentaries of K'ung Yang and Ku Liang on the spring and Autumn Annals of Confucius. Sse-Ma Ch'ien also made extensive use of the History of Tso Ch'iu. This history is divided now into the so-called Tso Chuan. This was seen by the later scholars as a commentary on the spring and Autumn Annals, and the Kuo Yu, which are Speeches from the Various States. (Danton; Danton, 71)"
Tags: Confucius, religion, philosophy, china, chinese
