Abstract The paper relates that philosophy has been interpreted and analyzed in various ways by scholars and thinkers. Each of which established the basis of a new theory or developed the guidelines of old ones. The paper discusses the works of Richard Rorty, one of the most appreciated contemporary philosophers, and shows how in his 1989 "Contingency, Irony and Solidarity" he follows in the footsteps of Nietzsche's "Beyond Good and Evil." The paper explains Rorty's theory that philosophy should consist of a more personal experience which must be released from the strains of modern and classical dogmatism. The paper discusses how his beliefs stand against the idea of an absolute truth, that which is expressed through a common and strict language.
From the Paper "In regard to the own self, Rorty bases his modern society on the "liberal ironist", one that unwilling to accept the surrender to the will of the others, such as Nietzsche's "herd", decides to exercise its will and "reconcile themselves to a private-public split within their final vocabularies, to the fact that resolution of doubts about one's final vocabulary has nothing to do with attempts to save other people from pain and humiliation" (Rorty 120). Here, unlike Nietzsche, Rorty points to his expectations in the liberal society."
Abstract This paper analyzes, in depth, Friedrich Nietzsche's arguments in his essay "On Truth and Lying in a Non-Moral Sense". The paper focuses on the concepts that Nietzsche describes in his essay, of the creation of the metaphor, the importance of the lie and then discusses the effects that this process has on society.
From the Paper "Truths shape our world. They are the ideas that impose a unified meaning on the chaos and indeterminacy of our lives. People devote themselves to these truths: wars are fought, Earth is subjugated, and culture is created. These rallying cries of civilization: justice, honor, virtue, stewardship, salvation, are the ghosts of our history who have tricked us into believing they are real and deserving of our attention. Nietzsche rages against this hoax in On Truth and Lying in a Non-Moral Sense."
Abstract This paper explains that the plot of Avi's "Nothing But The Truth" is about a high school student involved in an escalating situation of gossip and nationwide media hype, stemming from a minor incident that occurs during his homeroom class, which spins out of control. The author points out that the structure of Avi's book, using memos, Philip's journal entries, dialogue, and letters, provides the readers with an all-encompassing glimpse of how juvenile misconduct evolves into a nationally-recognized moral standoff. The paper relates that Avi uses the book as a paradigm of society and human relations. The author suggests that this book serves as a caricature of how stories become altered as they permeate among various social circles. The paper states that Avi implies that people have selective hearing and latch onto chosen information, adjusting and circulating it to satisfy their own needs, even if the truth must be voluntarily compromised in the process.
From the Paper "It seems that Philip's initial intent with humming along with the national anthem was simply to be inoffensive and amusing in the presence of Miss Narwin and his fellow students in homeroom. Like many typical high school students who seem to believe that slacking off in class and making wisecracks makes them appear "cool," it is possible that Philip simply wanted to make a spectacle and draw attention to himself, thereby impressing the girl that he likes as well as his classmates. Miss Narwin, however, did not find Philip's stunt to be comical, but rather insulting and disruptive."
Abstract The paper discusses how a good moral foundation of leadership includes speaking the truth, keeping promises, providing fair treatment of others, and treating each individual with respect. The paper shows how these foundations can create a moral leadership inside a moral organization that can lead to greater success, respect and alliances in the business world.
From the Paper "The moral foundation of a leadership base is one of the most important aspects of a moral, successful organization. Morality and success are not separate entities, even though in many companies they seem to be diametrically apart. The recent occurrences of business failures and questionable activities of companies such as Countrywide Mortgage and Enron are specific examples of these occurrences that have lead to legal charges, bankruptcy, and loss of faith in the entire business community. One expert writes, "There was a time, not long ago, when Enron, Kenneth Lay, and Jeffrey Skilling were Olympian symbols of successful leadership. Now, a few short years later, the leaders of Enron have come to represent self-serving executive greed, excess, and arrogance at their worst" (Thompson). To strengthen the moral foundation of my leadership base and the base of my organization takes first, a deep understanding of what is moral and ethical in my business world, and then applying those principles to a solid leadership foundation."
Abstract This paper discusses the many problems with ethical relativisim. The major flaw of the theory, that it fails to recognize that many societies have specific reasons for holding the views it does is examined. The ethical relativist's theory states that an inquiry into the right and wrong must be made through a critical examination of the practices and beliefs of the society and one must look for connections for the underlying universal truths. The author shows why the theory for justifying moral practices and beliefs from an ethical relativist's point of view fails to do so.
From the Paper "It would be only logical to start of any philosophical essay with an explanation of what the paper is to be discussing; in this case, Ethical relativism. The entire process of any Philosophical approach is that of logic. When discussing ethical relativism, there are two rather simple sides to the argument. Although simple, they are none the less extremely important. Ethical relativism is the thesis that ethical principles or judgments are relative to the individual or culture. To many people when stated so vaguely, it is embraced by a large number of people and philosophers alike. However, not only do some Philosophers find this thesis patently false but many people in societies all over the world dismiss this theory as gibberish. Which side if any is correct? Or at bare minimum, partially correct (Timmons, Mark 69)."
Abstract This paper provides a review of the Kant's work, "Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals", in order to identify the most important argumentative steps in arriving at the categorical imperative. It looks at how Kant provides a convoluted but exhaustive analysis of what parts reason and duty play in developing moral concepts in mankind. Kant maintains that actions are moral if and only if they are undertaken for the sake of morality alone, how the moral quality of an action must be judged not according to the action's consequences but according to the motive that produced it, and finally, how actions are only moral if they are undertaken out of respect for the moral law.
From the Paper "Kant believed that actions of any sort must be undertaken from a sense of duty dictated by reason, and no action performed for expediency or solely in obedience to law or custom can be regarded as being ?moral. Kant says his third proposition is a consequence of the first two. ?I would express thus Duty is the necessity of acting from respect for the law. I may have inclination for an object as the effect of my proposed action, but I cannot have respect for it, just for this reason, that it is an effect and not an energy of will. Similarly I cannot have respect for inclination, whether my own or another's; I can at most, if my own, approve it; if another's, sometimes even love it; i.e., look on it as favourable to my own interest.?"
Abstract An exploration of the similarities and differences among three philosophers. One who embraced a theory of absolute truth and the belief in one clear right and wrong; one who clearly rejected it and believed in assigned right/wrong for each person; one who would say that there is no right or wrong at all, only a social contract. It explains how all three explore the idea of metaphysics.
From the Paper "Some of the greatest philosophers have sought to bring an understanding to basic metaphysics and morality. Plato is known for his great thoughts and philosophical ideas about politics and social values. He used a very effective and clever way of writing his views, a technique of exoteric and esoteric writing. Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" from The Republic, a children's story about a cave, had an esoteric meaning that was letting the intelligent know what the government was doing. The point that Plato gets across is that the government wants to keep everyone in the dark. It was important to him that people see the reality of the society they live in; to be happy, we must realize the metaphysical, beyond what appears to be real. Plato, being the first to explore these concepts, sets the ground works to compare all thinkers who follow him. Aristotle and Hobbes take these same ideas and shed a vastly different light on them."
Abstract In this paper it is shown that Nietzsche reflects moral relativism through the framework of virtue, moral and societal conditions that affect and limit the Overman. In this manner, humankind's ability to see beyond social norms and religious trickery are described in his vision to free the mind from false truths which scholars and elite religious authorities impose on the masses. The paper shows that in this manner, moral relativism is a correct view of life, in which Nietzsche prescribes with logic and reasoning on moral values in society.
From the Paper "The basis of moral relativism in the work of Nietzsche will be analyzed in relation to the outward societal standards that create these values and institutions. The basis of knowledge determines how mankind creates moral values in relation this society and conditions that preside alongside law. In this manner, Nietzsche correctly portends that moral relativism is the basis for morality and ethics in society, and is not based on a truth any greater than man's invention of these behaviors and codes of conduct. The premise of "The Three Metamorphoses" in Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra reflects the basis of moral relativism in rejecting all outside sources of information that may corrupt the inward self. In this manner, one must be able to reject what is taught, and seek one's own sense of what is "right and wrong" in society."
Abstract This paper explains that, by showing how the more socially acceptable minor characters in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" are often less moral than Huck, son of a drunken father and Jim, a slave, Twain shows how conventional societal morals are completely awry from what is considered to be truthful and intrinsically good. The author points out that, for all of their faults and lack of conventional education, Jim and Huck at least strive to be loving and loyal to one another; thus, by contrasting them with people like the Widow Douglas and Buck Grangerford, Twain creates two great heroes of unexpectedly ethical behavior for 19th century American literature. The paper concludes that Huck's love of freedom, in contrast to the Widow and Miss Watson, instructs society and stands in direct contrast to his father's love of gentility, the semblance of morality of the warring Grangerfords and, most importantly, against the freedom-denying racism of American society.
From the Paper "The minor characters of the novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" are more often than not are motivated by greed, a lack of civility, a lack of true morals and values and a lack of respect for fundamental human dignity-as well as common, ordinary racism. Instead, Huck and Jim are propelled forward by a drive and desire for freedom, loyalty, and mutual respect. The first and most benign example of a minor character with a lack of true moral understanding is the well intentioned but misguided Widow Douglas. Although she is well meaning in her attempts to civilize Huck, the Widow Douglas does not understand the true needs of a young boy."
Abstract This research paper considers moral philosophy and moral theories from the standpoints of different philosophers. Most of them follow the principle of utilitarianism, believing in personal freedom, justice, and goodness to all. Those philosophers that divert from this idea, and yet stay in the fold of moral philosophy, are also considered.
From the Paper "Alasdair MacIntyre and Virginia Held are two important figures in the fold of philosophy. Both are renowned because of their own special fields?MacIntyre for moral philosophy purely, and Virginia Held for partitioning it for feminist philosophy. MacIntyre's views appear more global and humanitarian. One may say that Held's goal is the same; she only looks at feminism as a necessary medium for the service of humanity."
Abstract This paper explores Trenka's memoir "The Language of Blood" from the point of view of her adoptive mother and contemplates the issue of perspective as an integral part of memoir. It looks at how Trenka uses the book to reconcile herself and to appreciate the sacrifices and support made and given by her adoptive mother.
From the Paper "Trenka, in several instances, admits to her ingratitude towards her "fake" mom, "Of course my "real" mom was never around to say no to me, to tell me I couldn't go skiing with my friends because it was piano lesson day.....No the dirty work was left up to Margaret" (Trenka 60). This comment seems to get glossed over in the body of Trenka's tale. In fact she seems to use this to justify the inflation of her Umma to mythological proportions and immediately moves on to the arrival of Umma's first letter, after which Trenka's suspicions are correct. "
Tags: blood, fiction, genre, honesty, mother, truth
Abstract This paper discusses Derrick Jensen's book about the extreme abuse his father inflicted upon Jensen and his family when he was a child. The paper explains that Jensen's book, "A Language Older Than Words", begins with the author's reflection of the horrifying events in his childhood and that Jensen then uses these events to reflect on society. According to this paper, Jensen's message is that society, much like his family did during their years of abuse, tends to pretend that horrible events that are taking place are not really happening.
From the Paper ""A Language Older Than Words" begins with the author's reflection of horrifying events in his childhood. While this subject matter might be sufficient enough to discuss throughout the pages, Derrick Jensen uses these events to reflect on society. Jensen's father was an extreme abuser of his entire family. Yet, Jensen explores the reasons for this in his focus on the modern social order. Jensen contends that his mother and siblings learned throughout their lives with Jensen's father to pretend that the beatings, fear and rape did not occur. Individuals in society often react identically to the world. A woman is raped, a neighbor family lives in poverty, or one society mutilates its own - these are all instances in which the world pretends events do not occur. Jensen discusses the fact that people know of these issues, but to discuss them is taboo. Like the individuals in Jensen's..."
This paper argues in favor of the deaf or hard of hearing using American Sign Language or their native language over oralism or other methods of communication.
Abstract This paper explores the tradition of oralism vs. American Sign Language (ASL) in the West. Specifically the researcher proposes that deaf and hard of hearing students should be afforded opportunities to learn using their native language or American Sign Language. Forcing students to adopt other methods of learning including oralism or Signing Exact English (SEE) may promote frustration and inhibits learning in the classroom. This paper reviews the potential merits and demerits of each tradition, highlighting the significance of providing students with resources to use ASL in the classroom.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Personal Philosophy
The Essential Nature of Human Beings
Basic Meaning or Purpose of Life
Determination of Morality Constancy of Life: Unchanging or Always Changing?
Philosophy of Education
My Perception of an Educational Philosophy
Why do you need a Philosophy?
What has been the Basis or Source of your Educational Philosophy?
How has your Philosophy Changed or Evolved over Time?
My formal Ideological and Philosophical Orientation
The Purpose of Education, Teaching and Schooling
Are Students Intrinsically Motivated to Learn?
Should Schools Address Human Differences such as Multiple Intelligence, Learning Styles etc. ?
Topics
Knowledge and Content
Knowledge with Knowing
My Conceptual Framework for Improving my Practice
Theoretical Framework for Improving Practice
Skills Competencies Necessary
Educational Skills Required
Communication Skills and Content
Nonverbal Communication Skills
Verbal Communication
Influence of Interpersonal Relationships
Importance of Self-Identity
Peer Relations
Influence of Support Networks
Knowledge and Learning
Direct vs. Indirect Learning
Direct vs. Indirect Communication
Conclusion
Reference
From the Paper "Many consider American Sign Language (ASL) the standard language beneficial for hard of hearing and deaf citizens. However, oralism shares a rich history much the same as ASL, and many often argue the potential merits and demerits of using one vs. another in an educational and communicational context. Wilcox & Peyton (1999) recognize that ASL is a fully developed language with unique grammar requirements distinguished from the English language (Coltrane, 2006). Oralism contrarily, involves lip reading to understand speech instead of using ASL to communicate with one another (Coltrane, 2006). This study will help review the merits and demerits of each, questioning whether one vs. the other is more beneficial for promoting communication and sharing among the deaf or hard of hearing community, or whether a combination of both may result in less frustrating choices among the hard of hearing and deaf community. "
Abstract In this article, the writer demonstrates that epistemology is by its own nature problematic and that this problematic nature is only resolved by introducing morality. The paper relates that the problematic nature of epistemology is because it is studied merely as in investigation into knowledge, and is severed from action. Thus, human beings come to understand the world but do not obtain final knowledge and that the resolution to this contradiction in human understanding can only come through action. The paper concludes that it is the moral act that is capable of resolving contradiction in understanding.
From the Paper "Epistemology is the study of knowledge, and as such its object is to verify claims to truth. In the strict sense truth is said to be objective, so that if something is true for one observer it is necessarily true for all observers. But epistemology becomes problematic if we insist on such a strict notion of truth. Almost all investigators of the question have sought only partial knowledge, deeming that absolute knowledge is the strict domain of God. An exception to this rule is the school of Rationalism, which followed the seventeenth century French philosopher Rene Descartes, and which maintained that absolute knowledge is possible. Descartes' ontology, which serves as the basis to this school, will be considered in due course, and its error exposed. But partial, or subjective, knowledge cannot be the basis for any rigorous study, and therefore epistemology in inherently problematic. Indeed the historical verdict is that epistemology only leads towards resolution when knowledge is taken to be the basis for action, or in other words, when knowledge becomes the substrate to morality. When not leading to morality, epistemology inevitably leads to the doors of skepticism."
Are there absolute truths or is truth relative? A review of the philosophical concept of truth and an extended discussion of the movie, "Rashomon", to see if the question is even understandable.
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?"
