| Papers [1-15] of 4219 :: [Page 1 of 282] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
|
|
A Bottle of Coke, 2008.
This paper focuses on the Coke bottle to highlight the important role of material artifacts in our lives.
2,651 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper examines the Coke bottle, with specific reference to its status as a global meta-commodity or meta-symbol. The paper explores how material artifacts provide valuable insights into what is important to a culture. The paper analyzes the film "The Gods Must be Crazy", which illustrates how even the most powerful meta-symbol is powerful only because of its connotations and associations. The paper concludes by emphasizing how material artifacts affect our lives.
From the Paper
"The Coke bottle is one of the most recognizable material artefacts in the world. Its shape and distinctive label is recognized globally. For some it evokes warm, fuzzy feelings, and for others it invokes a paroxysm of anti-capitalist or anti-American feelings. It may evoke arguments about art vs. commodities, or about West vs. Islam. In the USA, your attitude to the bottle may depend on which side of the colour divide you fall on. Love it or hate it, it is unquestionably an important aspect of contemporary material culture."
| |
|
Aristotle and the Ultimate Human Good, 2008.
An examination of the basis of Aristotle's arguments regarding the ultimate human good.
1,147 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses Aristotle's view of the ultimate human good, particularly his discussions on both the ethical character of modern societies and on the theological interpretations of right and wrong. It describes Aristotle's basis of the conditions of community, enjoyment, political interaction and profound contemplation of things.
From the Paper
"This quality that Aristotle was after was to comprehend internally what it means to be virtuous and how to act or behave accordingly. For Aristotle the good life, the virtuous life, is measured first by identifying the "universal good" to be utilized as a yardstick to first measure oneself and one's effectiveness at leading a virtuous life; i.e., contemplation. Aristotle's universal good is a yardstick with which the contemplative individual must measure his or her own existence from an internal perspective. One potential view of Aristotle's ultimate good then is that he accurately observes that a virtuous person engaging in the political life, must first have examined him or herself vis-a-vis this metaphorical yardstick before truly being able to be considered both virtuous and effective in external actions."
| |
|
Self-hood in Daoism and Buddhism, 2008.
An analysis of the sense of self in Daoism and Buddhism and how that compares to the sense of self in Western cultures.
1,448 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the Asian, Chinese or Buddhist personality in contrast with an allegedly consistent Western sense of self or pattern of socialization. The paper looks at the similarities and differences in Western and Eastern conceptions of the self and socialization, while it specifically refers to Daoism and Buddhism. The paper concludes by addressing whether there is a Daoist or Buddhist sense of self.
From the Paper
"If Daoism and Buddhism in Chinese society have both encouraged self-regulation and placing the self within the group or the cosmological environment, in the West, there has been a progression towards self-expression and self-direction away from past restraints in obligations to others or a surrounding system. All of these ideas are fascinating to think through but, as Douglas Allen argued in assessing various perspectives in Asian and Western concepts of self and their influences, the personality is not one thing. (1997 140) What Allen criticized as a monolithic notion of the personality or self, anywhere in the world has given way to awareness of how the self is exercised or presented in different settings. For instance, whatever may be argued of the Daoist, Buddhist or Christian or secular Western self needs to be more evaluated in terms of the particular setting. Socialization and different social settings stand to tell us a great deal of a changing, adaptable self, East and West, which adjusts to particular situations."
| |
|
Knowledge and Expertise in the Court System, 2008.
An analysis of whether expert knowledge, that is presented in court, is in fact true and accurate knowledge and whether it is reliable in court proceedings.
1,763 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the truth of knowledge and expertise within the court system and looks at whether this form of information could represent inaccurate knowledge. More specifically, the paper analyzes whether data such as scientific opinion and expertise, social science evidence and eyewitness testimony are reliable in court proceedings and whether they do, in fact, represent "knowledge."
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Knowledge and Expertise in Court
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The findings of the abovementioned researchers indicate some interesting trends in our conception of "truth", "knowledge" and "expertise" in the modern court system. Though science is honored in modern society as an almost God-like certainty, in the court system (as Bertin & Henifin point out) it holds much less weight. The combined findings indicate that court rulings are based rather on a number of forms of evidence, all of which have been called into question by the researchers. Like Bertin and Henifin, Redding and Reppucci explored a form of court evidence often scrutinized for accuracy - social science evidence. However, unlike Bertin and Henifin, Redding and Reppucci seem to lament the fact that their investigated form of evidence is often overlooked or misconstrued in the field of law, particularly by judges - the ultimate decision-makers. Lastly, like Redding and Reppucci, Kebbell and Giles explored the concept of bias in court in eliciting tainted evidence. Kebbell and Giles demonstrated that the questioning techniques of lawyers can have an impact on the accuracy of eyewitness recollection. The combined findings of these researchers indicate that knowledge and expertise in the court system under current provisions is far from conclusive."
| |
|
Cloning of Human Beings, 2008.
This paper argues that the cloning of human beings should be outlawed worldwide.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that cloning offers the prospect of scientists being able to create a new individual genetically identical to another person. The writer points out that the science to do this has almost been perfected. The writer notes that some people believe that cloning technology should be vigorously developed, as it offers an enormous potential to cure diseases and so reduce human suffering. However, this essay argues that this potential benefit is outweighed by the massive potential ethical problems. Therefore, it is argued that cloning of human beings should be outlawed worldwide.
From the Paper
"One compelling reason to ban cloning is with regard to the human rights of potential cloned beings. Things that are manufactured are usually, by definition, property, and so do not have human rights. Thus, if a company were to clone human beings, it could possibly have the power to use these people as "spare parts" for rich clients. This potential ethical minefield was explored in the recent film, The Island. In this film, rich people have clones made from their DNA, and "store" them in an underground facility. The clones have no idea they are clones - they think they are the survivors of a nuclear holocaust, kept confined for their own safety. When their "owners" become sick or are injured, the clones are simply killed to provide spare parts. The clones are even used for breeding purposes. In this way, a female customer of the clone company can "give birth" to her own genetic offspring without the inconvenience of being pregnant."
| |
|
Clash of Consumer Rights and Religious Freedom, 2008.
A discussion regarding the clash of consumer rights and religious and which has priority.
877 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article the clash of consumer rights and religious freedom is discussed. The paper relates that the issue is framed in the two articles discussed in the paper, which look at decisions by Muslims in the United States not to perform certain tasks that are part of their jobs. The writer notes that this issue extends far beyond this religious group or a specific issue and has been argued most often recently in terms of Christian pharmacists who do not want to fill certain prescriptions because they are opposed to birth control and abortifacents. The writer points out that America is a country that supports religious freedom, but all freedoms have some limitations when the rights of others are being infringed. The writer argues that given the way the needs of each side are being characterized, consumer rights take priority over religious freedom.
From the Paper
"In truth, the religious freedom of the Muslims is not being curtailed at all. No one has said they cannot worship as they please, and no one is saying they have to act in a way that runs counter to their beliefs. What they are saying is that Muslims can exercise their right freely in their own domain, but in the public arena of commerce, they cannot decide to change the nature of commerce to make it more Islamic. For one thing, while religious freedom is a right, having a specific job is not a right. Employers can always place certain requirements on an employee as to how the job is to be performed and in fact has the right to fire an employee for any reason, at least in most circumstances, though a contract or union agreement might change this situation. This places the power in the hands of the employer so that the employer could insist that its cab drivers carry all passengers, or that its clerks be able to perform all tasks on the goods sold and for the benefit of the customers served."
| |
|
Arguers as Lovers, 2008.
This paper discusses the various characteristics of the debater and argues the values of arguers as lovers.
1,341 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The following paper argues that it is preferable to be a lover rather than a rapist in debate. The writer also maintains that it is unwise to be a seducer to the extent that seducer invariably means dissembling and obfuscation. As the writer sees it, one should be an empathetic and thoughtful debater and also willing to see the humanity in all people with whom one comes into contact - however disagreeable that person and his or her perspectives may be. In the end, while the writer feels that we may all, on occasion, argue unilaterally, and should all be well-versed in all forms of debate, the writer maintains that arguing as a lover is the most important thing of all.
From the Paper
"In my own life, I have occasionally been a "rapist" when debating a point - at least as Brockriede defines aggressive, argumentative debate. However, I bristle at the charge even as I make it against myself. For one thing, to be impassioned about a point of view does not necessarily make one a "rapist" in any sense. Further, if one overwhelms an adversary in debate through strong logic, sharp analysis, clever argumentation, and a shower of statistics, the idea that such constitutes "rape" seems absurd; simply put, to believe in something sufficiently that one is passionate about it in debate (to the point that one even calls into question the veracity and legitimacy of a differing perspective) is simply to be an arguer of conviction - not necessarily an arguer consumed with the thought of intellectually "raping" an opponent."
| |
|
Urban Sociology, 2008.
This paper discusses the term and the concept of urban and looks at how the urban setting directly impacts the social relations that are conducted within it.
1,207 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article the writer looks at the meaning of the term urban and discusses the extent that the urban setting shapes the social life which occurs within it. The writer notes that these issues are closely interrelated. This paper argues, the term "urban" must be understood as a sociological concept whose characteristics fundamentally define the social relations that occur within the urban space. The writer concludes that models of human social behaviour, such as civility, are developed in urban settings as a means of coping with the stresses of population densities as well as a cultural production that is deeply intertwined with economic and emotional relationships of humans as groups and as individuals.
From the Paper
"The relationship between the urban setting and the social life that occurs within it is thus complex but clear. The population densities and uses of space that physically characterize urban settings lead to a range of impacts upon social relations that, in many cases as in the cultural realm, seem indirect and would likely not be predicted. To use a metaphor, within a physical setting human population densities increase until a "critical mass" is attained, at which point "urbanity" comes into existence with an explosion of social and cultural forms that are distinct to urban life.
"Consider, for example, the arguments of some urban sociologists that the urban setting has led to a radical revisioning of fundamental human social interactions."
| |
|
Carl Sagan on Abortion, 2008.
A critical article review of "Abortion: Is it Possible to be Both Pro-Life and Pro-Choice?" by Carl Sagan.
1,390 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper provides a critical look at Carl Sagan's article "Abortion: Is it Possible to be Both Pro-Life and Pro-Choice?", which provides both sides of the religious and scientific arguments that are currently part of the abortion issue in American society. The paper points out that Sagan provides a two-fold analysis of the science and theological definitions of life and how this acts within the social conflict between pro-life and pro-choice factions in their differing objectives for legislation on abortion. The paper also points out that Sagan seeks to promote the importance of why compromise and balance between these two factions are important in American society and for the creation of legislation on this issue. The paper concludes that, although Sagan provides a mastery of the scientific facts that are part of modern research of life in the womb, he is decidedly biased in his reliance on science.
Outline:
Summary
Discussion and Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The central issue for Carl Sagan is understanding the debate between the religious (pro-life) and the secular scientific (pro--choice) factions that currently debate the issue of abortion. Sagan argues for the issue of pro-life arguments that determine that the life in the womb is 'alive' at first conception, which Sagan refutes by imposing a more scientific point of view that life is not an issue related to conception, but that there is a longer history for human life since the beginning of the Earth, nearly 4.6 billion year ago (201). Yet with science, the clarity of these issues do not always refer a more valid sense of where and how life is determined within religious values. For pro-lifers in the American Christian culture, the idea of conception takes on a human characteristic that must also be taken into account due to missing details of current incomplete scientific evidence that equally philosophize on the nature of life."
| |
|
Identity Theory vs. Functionalism, 2008.
A comparison between identity theory and functionalism.
960 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explores functionalist theory and identity theory. Specifically, the paper briefly describes each, outlines their similarities and differences, discusses the relative shortcomings and strengths of each, and briefly advances which one is preferable. The paper concludes that, while it may be argued that functionalism is a more persuasive approach to understanding the human mind than is identity theory, ultimately neither philosophical school is entirely persuasive when it comes to explaining the activities of the human brain.
From the Paper
"At the same time, the computer analogy outlined above is infelicitous in the sense that, suggesting the "high-level" functions of the brain are shaped by the "hardware" of the brain, can raise some confusion in the minds of novice students. To wit, if "the software is a function of the hardware" ("Functionalism: How is functionalism different?" Para.2), then can it not be argued that the software is really more akin to the hardware than functionalists would have people believe? In other words, if there is such a dependency, then the difference between functionalism and identity theory is not very great, indeed; in fact, it may really not exist at all."
| |
|
Individual Vs. Collective Rights, 2008.
This paper discusses the rights of the individual in light of the rights of the collective community.
851 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 30.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper argues that the rights of the individual are most likely to deteriorate in societies that are plagued by excessively high birthrates and by high population density. The paper explains the utilitarian reasoning behind this principle as well as the simple fact that something of which there is a lot is going to be of lesser per capita value than something of which there is very little. The paper shows how over-population logically brings about a diminution in individual rights.
From the Paper
"It is sometimes asserted that the rights of the "common" - the community or the collective - will eventually impinge upon the right of the individual as the population in already-overcrowded nations and globally continues to spiral upward. This sort of statement can be interpreted in many ways and undoubtedly will be interpreted in many ways by people coming from different socio-economic and socio-political backgrounds. Be that as it may, this writer chooses to interpret the initial sentence in this paragraph as follows: as populations grow more massive, the competition for finite resources among individuals becomes more intense."
| |
|
Descartes' Argument of Mind over Matter, 2008.
An analysis of Rene Descartes' argument of mind over matter in his "Meditations".
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 30.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses Descartes' argument, outlined in his "Meditations", that the mind is more easily understood than the physical world. The paper point out that, at first, it might seem that the physical world should be more easily understood, for we can see it, touch it, and otherwise perceive it with our senses. However, the paper shows how Descartes makes a compelling argument based on everyday evidence that suggests that the mind is much easier to understand than the physical world. To conclude, the paper asserts that Descartes' argument ultimately hinges on the matter of trust.
From the Paper
"When one attempts to understand the nature of an object in the physical world, it necessitates the use of one's mind. This is inevitable. Yet, at the same time, Descartes also freely admits that he--like everyone--has experienced instances when his senses have played tricks on him. In fact, with perhaps a bit of tongue in cheek, Descartes even goes so far as to say that there's little way for him to know if his sense aren't being actively tricked by mischievous or malevolent force. The ultimate point to consider is that sensory perceptions cannot be fully trusted, since we have all had experiences in which they have misrepresented the world. This misrepresentation can take the form of sensory hallucinations or inaccurate memories. In either case, our understanding of the physical world is already hampered because it can only be experienced indirectly through the senses, which Descartes confirms is a questionable medium at best."
| |
|
The Reconciliation of Faith and Science, 2008.
This paper discusses that science and religion or faith are thought to be irreconcilable; however, recently some scientist and religionists have attempted to reconcile these arenas.
2,505 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that religion is an experiential based field that relies on faith alone and is therefore highly subjective in its world view; whereas, in contrast, science is experimental but anchored in observation and has an objective interpretation of facts and events. The author underscores that both science and religion are based on faith and have as their common objective the quest for a formalized type of truth that can be applied universally to the human condition. The paper contends that achieving some sort of balance between science and religious faith is critical if mankind is going to continue to advance as a species. The author points out that, for Albert Einstein, the melding of science and religion was not a conundrum at all but rather, for him, the real problem lay in how man consistently chose to interpret both scientific and religious concepts and particularly religious concepts.
From the Paper
"One of the primary points of contention for the religious proponents has been the view that science attacks religious precepts and undermines religion's doctrine. Many scientists have patently disproved this argument as being somewhat disingenuous since much of their activity has been centered only on illuminating the specific characteristics of systemic phenomena in the physical world and make no judgment at all on the origin, necessarily, of these phenomena per se. Science and scientists almost as a collective unit admit that while they can understand many of the systemic processes in the physical world they are at a loss as to how many of these highly complex processes could have simply evolved out of the molecular fabric of space."
| |
|
Bennett and Lennon on Locke, 2008.
A comparison of the views of Jonathan Bennett and Thomas Lennon, concerning John Locke's conception of ideas and qualities.
1,230 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how John Locke's distinction between ideas and qualities, outlined in his "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding", would become a point of contention between Jonathan Bennett and Thomas Lennon. In particular, the paper takes a look at Bennet's book "Learning from Six Philosophers" and Lennon's critical article "Bennett on Ideas and Qualities in Locke's Essay". The paper concludes that Locke can be confusing at times because the distinction between ideas and qualities is not always clearly drawn in the text, but the ideas are more clear when closely examined by later thinkers.
From the Paper
"In 1996, Jonathan Bennett offered his own version of a standard objection raised against Locke, that the distinction between ideas and qualities is ill-formed and exposes a fundamental confusion about ideas and qualities that runs throughout Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Bennett says that Locke tends to use the word "idea" to mean "quality." Bennett also says that the distinction is intended to be clear and that Locke addresses it by stating that whatever the mind perceives in itself is an idea, while qualities are those "ideas" that are produced I the mind by sensation of the object and quality in question. Locke uses a snowball as an example and says the snowball itself produces the ideas of white, cold, and round. These are qualities because they are ideas that are in the snowball and then imparted to the mind as the mind experiences the snowball."
| |
|
Rene Descartes and the Certainty of Mind, 2008.
A look at the argument of the certainty of the mind over external physicality in Rene Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy".
938 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper analyzes the greater certainty of mind over the physical external world in the philosophy of Rene Descartes. It discusses how by understanding the origins of thought in the mind, the presence of external objects are only perceived through this organ of the human body. It looks at how therefore, Descartes viewed the external world as unknowable by the mind because he viewed the human conscious as an internal and separate distinction from reality. In essence, the paper shows how Descartes provides a philosophical argument that provides a greater certainty of the mind over the external physical world in his "Meditations on First Philosophy. "
From the Paper
"This describes the inherent sense of unknowing that pertains to understanding the physical body that the unreasoning human mind cannot grasp on its own. Descartes uses the example of the human body to determine the nature of the external world outside of the mind to logically deduce that the mind is a limited tool for discerning what is real and what is not. This provides the premise that although Descartes is able to feel and know the human body, the whimsical nature of the human mind often prevents logical reasoning to bring light to external realities. "
|
|
|
