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Nichiren Buddhism, 2008.
An outline of Buddhism as adapted to the American culture with specific reference to the sect known as Nichiren Buddhism.
1,098 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the American version of Nichiren Buddhism which continues to evolve and to adapt to the American context. The paper states that the success of Buddhism worldwide is attributed to its ability to adapt to different cultures and different requirements without losing its central moral system. The goal remains enlightenment, though how this is defined may differ, and how it is achieved is a matter for argument. The paper concludes that the movement survives in spite of the division into two different organizations and in spite of battles between the priesthood and the laity, and in some parts of the country the movement not only survives but thrives.
From the Paper
"Ordination in the Buddhist context means initiation into the Buddhist Order, or Sangha, which occurs in the presence of witnesses, or members of the Sangha. There are two kinds of Buddhist Order. The first is the lower, or pabbajj, by which a man becomes a smanera or novice; the second is the higher, or upasampad, by which a novice becomes a monk, or bhikku. The ceremony by which the novice becomes a monk varies from country to country and may vary according to whether the novice had the intention of remaining in Order for several months or years or for a few days only, as for the three to seven day period on the occasion of a relative's cremation. The ceremony for the admission of a novice who intends to become a monk is formal. The candidate is brought before a chapter of at least ten monks, headed by an abbot of senior monk of at least ten years standing. The candidate takes part in the set form for ordaining novices and monks. The ceremony is held in the sanctuary (vihra). The candidate kneels, asks for admission as a novice, and hands two yellow robes to the abbot. "
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Student Centered Teaching, 2008.
A research paper supporting the hypothesis that student centered philosophies benefit the student more than teacher centered philosophies.
6,269 words (approx. 25.1 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 146.95
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Abstract
The paper states that the face of the American educational system has been changing dramatically over the past several decades. Since the inception of standardized education in the US, the fabric of society itself has undergone dramatic changes. The paper continues by detailing that the educational system continues to promote the paradigms that prevailed since the system's very beginning. The paper reports that it can be argued that the system is in need of some dramatic changes if we are to compete in a world where globalization means coping with increasing competition. The paper explores teacher centered and student centered philosophies and expresses the opinion that that student centered philosophies benefit the student more than teacher centered philosophies.
Outline:
introduction
Teaching Philosophies and the Changing Society
Special Education and Diversity
The Role of Student Centered Education
Conclusion
From the Paper
"There are also those that feel standardized testing leads to higher drop out rates among minorities due to social and cultural inequalities in the tests . They also feel that standardized tests lead to higher levels of cheating and a narrower curriculum than student centered philosophies . Standardized test create pressure as students and teachers allow the tests to become the primary force in their lives and the curriculum. Students depend on the tests to graduate and the pressure to pass can be devastating. Standardized testing narrows the curriculum as it becomes necessary to focus on the achievement of high scores on the exams. This can result in a reduction in learning in all areas of the curriculum. Essentialism provides few opportunities to adjust the curriculum or to adjust the methods of teaching to the needs of the child. Essentialism is based on unchangeable methods and rigid formats. Essentialism can be called antiquated in the age of the computer. This is because essentialism begins with the learning of facts. However, with the ease of data transfer now available, it is no longer necessary to carry all of the information in one's head. The emphasis has transformed from learning facts to knowing how to use the information that is at one's fingertips."
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Moral Theology, 2008.
This paper explores a definition for the nature of good virtue.
1,128 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the ideas of three contemporary theorists, Carol Gilligan, James Fowler and James T. Brotzke regarding the meaning of virtue. The paper shows how each of these three theorists bring a unique and often conflicting perspective onto what it means to be moral and thus have good virtues. The paper concludes that there is no answer to the question of what is good virtue since too many independent and personal factors go into determining what one person considers to be virtuous.
From the Paper
"The fundamental moral question of human existence is what is the nature of good virtues? Although virtues by its very nature means good, or the opposite of vice, this does not make the answer to the question any simpler. Every individual has a different idea of what virtues are, meaning that to one person a virtue may be a virtue but to another the virtue is perceived as a vice. The result is that there is no definition as to what is virtuous, therefore leading to the ongoing question of "what is the nature of good virtue?""
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'Spirit of Fire': Ursula King, 2008.
A review of the book "Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin" by Ursula King, a biography of a religious and controversial figure.
977 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the work "Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin" by Ursula King. The paper summarizes the book, discussing how faith and science complement one another. The paper states that King's biography of the scholar Teilhard de Chardin illustrates how science and faith can indeed complement and support one another.
From the Paper
"Banned from discussing his theories by the Catholic Church during his career, Teilhard de Chardin did become discouraged, but he refused to stop believing science and faith could balance each other. In the late 1930s he wrote, "[G]ood is ... everything that brings a spiritual growth to the world" (King 166). Thus, he explains his ability to balance science and faith. Science, at least in his mind, brings a spiritual growth to the world by explaining how systems work and live together, and how they have evolved. Science has made broad achievements in the world, from halting illness to discovering life-changing global problems that must be solved to ensure the survival of humankind. Thus, science brings knowledge, but also brings spiritual growth, and in that, it cannot be bad."
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Concept of State, 2008.
An examination of the evolution of the concept of state and the ways in which the state can act to solve its collective and individual problems.
2,674 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the evolution of the state so that as the goal of a society that would better meet more needs of the individual developed, a civil society evolved, as did did the idea of supremacy and state. The paper discuss this evolution through western tradition. It looks at what is right and wrong and how the state is to appropriately act to solve its collective and individual problems.
From the Paper
"The proletariat is then, according to Marx the very tool that will be used to strike down the bourgeoisie and the market system, just as the bourgeoisie sought and successfully defeated the feudal system that held it down before. The Manifesto clearly states that the working class rising above its captors is the natural progression, simply the next revolution in a long list of those that have come before. Marx had a keen sense of how labor is ignored in the current market, by allowing the human to be removed from it in economic thought, by a system of symbols that remove the individual from the equation, assigning value to his product but not to his actual labor, a labor that is often determined not by the arbitrary exchange value but by nature. In Marx's Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy he states that the separation of the two is inherently misleading and devalues the human aspect of labor."
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Private Confessions, 2008.
This paper studies the book 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' by James Hogg.
963 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the foundations of 'The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner' written by James Hogg is clearly a series of contests of character, of which the narrator appallingly fails through his allowance of piety and the doctrine of predestination to guide his decisions and justify his sins. The writer notes that from the beginning the youth allows himself to lie, cheat and possibly steal to get his way, overcome the truth telling servant and overtake the student who is above him in knowledge and ability. Even though he agonizes over his deeds, he still naively believes that all is forgiven because he has been preordained to be among the good rather than the evil, secondary even to his dubious birth. The writer maintains that his character is duplicitous, as on the one hand he wishes to do good and on the other, believes that if he gets ahead it is justified, as he is a chosen soul.
From the Paper
"The narrator is answered with his recently acquired friend, a mirror of sorts who justifies the thoughts and actions of the other through knowing and agreeing with everything he says. There are clear indications that this clone of the narrator is actually the devil, attempting to bar him from prayer and logical thought and feed the violence he has unwittingly conjured up as the answer to all ills in the world.
"The narrator is led to horrific acts including murder, for which he has no memory, but is the most likely culprit, having been led down the garden path by the devil to act upon the idea of predestination."
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Karl Marx and Walter Rauschenbusch on Socialism, 2008.
An analysis of socialism as a rival ideology to modernism and industrialization according to the ideologies of Karl Marx and Walter Rauschenbusch.
1,228 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper looks into the ideas of Karl Marx and Walter Rauschenbusch as they promoted the ideology of socialism in the 19th century. The paper posits that both Marx and Rauschenbusch promoted the idea that there must be a return to collective organization - establishment of communes - in order for human society to fully recognize its potential as motivators and movers of the modern development occurring in the society. The paper analyzes these concepts.
From the Paper
"Like Rauschenbusch, Marx developed the belief and theory that a socialist society would best alleviate the detrimental effects that industrialization caused to the working class. Under the socialist system, the working class--people in the society in general--would have greater freedom and equality. Equality in Marx's terms is defined in terms of financial and political independence. Under the socialist social order, the achievement of a "productive life"--a state wherein the individual is able to exercise the conduct of "free activity"--signifies the implementation of higher order of human living, which includes equality and rationalization of the individual, among others."
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The Church and State Weigh in on Abortion, 2008.
This paper argues that abortion is a moral issue and one that does not belong in the courts.
1,366 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that on April 18, 2007, the Supreme Court handed down its decision on 'Gonzales v Carhart', et al. The writer points out that the decision, important to pro-life advocates, supports and leaves unaltered the partial birth abortion law. The writer explains that this makes it illegal to perform an abortion beyond the first trimester of a woman's pregnancy if that procedure to terminate the pregnancy involves the physician bringing the fetus - viable at that point - outside the womb, thereby effectively making that fetus a person residing in the locale into which it has at that moment been delivered. The writer maintains that it is unthinkable that the courts and the public has arrived at this point in time where the Supreme Court must decide the issue of whether or not it is acceptable to terminate a partially birthed life. The writer concludes that abortion is not a matter of constitutionality, but a moral one, and one that does not belong before the Supreme Court.
From the Paper
"For those conservative pro-lifers who would applaud these last few sentences as sentences in support of their conservative views and their right to impose those views on society, the caution is to go forward carefully, because that is not the case. Nor is it in support of the liberal pro-abortion lobby and supporters. The liberals, who in some ways are more mysterious than the conservatives in that they are the very same people who stand outside prison gates with candles in protest of humane administration of a lethal combination of chemicals that ensures the termination of the life of a mass murderer, or another felon whose crime is so heinous as to warrant social intervention in deciding whether or not that individual should continue to draw breath. Do not rally, because this writer finds it extremely odd that this group advocates on behalf of the life which walks the earth, having committed heinous acts of violence, and is at the same time not willing to afford the same support or opportunity for life of a viable fetus whose value to society has yet to be determined. Rather, both groups have driven this writer to the narrow edge of law, considering the law in its legalese only and in its role in the order of society and especially in light of separation of powers."
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A "Fast Food Nation", 2008.
This paper analyzes the conflict theory in Eric Schlosser's book "Fast Food Nation".
2,921 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Eric Schlosser's book "Fast Food Nation" serves to demonstrate the numerous ways in which the aims of the ruling class in American society have ultimately been delivered to the American people, thus homogenizing our way of life. The paper discusses the social conflict theory, referring to Emile Durkheim's beliefs and the works of Marx and Weber. The paper then shows how "Fast Food Nation" portrays the United States as a nation whose choices have almost uniformly been in favor of those holding the most power.
From the Paper
"The central premise of social conflict theory is that individuals and groups within society generally use their power--as much of it as they have--to gain benefits. Essentially, the resultant jockeying for position tends to strongly guide, though not completely determine, the actions of individual people within a society. The manner by which human behaviors are guided is through social controls; these stand as the formal manifestation of the interests of the ruling class. So, in a way, these social controls act as the structural groundwork for conformity and consensus within society--in one way they promote obedience. However, they also promote further conflict by virtue of the fact that they exist to oppressively root out competition and crush the aspirations of those seeking to usurp power."
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"Healing East and West: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Psychology.", 2008.
A discussion of the different methods of psychology applied in the Eastern and Western worlds.
1,075 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Eastern and Western philosophies have differed in terms of medical treatment and knowledge for many centuries. It goes on to describe how the contents of "Healing East and West Ancient Wisdom and Modern Psychology", by Anees A, Sheikh and Katharina S. Sheikh, explores both the differences and similarities of the fundamental elements of each tradition's methods in the field of psychology, along with how they can be successfully integrated.
From the Paper
"For centuries, Eastern and Western philosophies have differed in terms of medical treatment and knowledge. These differences have been misinterpreted time and time again; however, many of the same basic elements of counseling are found in both traditions. The authors of Healing East and West Ancient Wisdom and Modern Psychology, Anees A, Sheikh and Katharina S. Sheikh, aim to explore both the differences and similarities of the fundamental elements of each tradition's methods in the field of psychology, along with how they can be successfully integrated."
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Cicero, 2008.
An overview of the philosophical theories and literature of Cicero.
1,539 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Cicero put together two rather important philosophical works within the realm of political philosophy: "On Commonwealth" and "On Law". It looks at how, though rarely regarded by modern Western philosophers as one of the most influential thinkers within the tradition, Cicero is nonetheless responsible for bringing the classical Greek perspective back into the Roman school of philosophy. It also examines how Cicero also was one of the first philosophers to introduce the notion of Natural Law into the equation of the ideal society--though he is rarely credited with this achievement.
From the Paper
"At several points within On Commonwealth and On Law Cicero attempts to illustrate the early days of the Roman republic as being far closer to an in ideal society than the age from which he wrote. He appeals to the great leader, Marius, who was the first consul to arise out of the Republic as an individual leader. Out of the struggles of the Punic Wars, from which Rome created much of its early identity as a state in which anyone could live within, the Roman Republic, in reality, began to deteriorate with the naming of Marius as consul. The Punic Wars lasted over a century--between 264 BCE and 146 BCE--but by the time that Rome finally managed to utterly defeat its only major Mediterranean rival, the vast empire that had been accumulated could no longer be stably supported by the Republic as it had functioned until that point. "
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"Sophie's World", 2008.
This paper analyzes the ideas of truth, knowledge and power in "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder.
791 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Michel Foucault's theory of knowledge, power and truth as well as the ideas of empiricism and rationalism. The paper then examines how these values are found throughout Gaarder's "Sophie's World". The paper looks at the characters' interaction with the philosophies that all claimed at one time to be the truth.
From the Paper
"Sophie's World - like many novels and human stories as well - can bring truth to light in the mind of the reader and observer as a link between knowledge and power. The first theory of Michel Foucault ("Knowledge, Power, and Truth") holds that knowledge is always "linked to power" and knowledge has the power to "make itself true." Further, Foucault says, power is not necessarily brutal or "repressive" and moreover the power can be expressed through understanding (knowledge) and cultural values. These values are found throughout Sophie's World. It is Foucault's belief that when speaking of truth, one must understand the cultural context of that truth (i.e., what is believed as being true throughout time in a given culture at a given time); there is an underlying "regime of truth," he explained, based on the setting, and context."
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Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 2008.
Looks at the life and teaching of anti-Nazi German theologian and philosopher Dietrich Bonhoeffer and reflects on his writings.
2,440 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, among the first German Protestants to perceive the diabolical nature of Nazism, was implicated in the plot to assassinate Hitler and destroy his Third Reich for which Bonhoeffer was hanged. The author explains that Bonhoeffer taught that ethical behavior was founded on the unification of the reality of the world, God and Christ and criticized other theories for their failure to confront evil directly. The paper reflects upon a major work by Bonhoeffer "The Cost of Discipleship", published in 1948, in which he discussed "costly grace" as the center of discipleship.
Table of Contents:
Life
Teachings
Reading Reflection
From the Paper
"Grace is cheap if the sin is blotted out but the sinner remains unjustified or remains feeling unjustified. No human being can do the job. God's free grace alone can do and does everything. Despite man's best efforts at living well, the world can only go the same old way and sinners will remain sinners. The sinner must feel forgiven if the forgiveness is real. Otherwise, it is only cheap grace and cheap grace is unreal. True forgiveness releases the sinner from the sin and makes the sin leave the sinner. Cheap grace is also only ministerial or external."
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Emile Durkheim and Max Weber on Religion, 2008.
A comparison of the writings of Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, focusing on their views on religion and society.
1,274 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the ideas of the French thinker Emile Durkheim and the German economist Max Weber. The writer discusses how Durkheim was interested in defining and explaining religion as a force that drives people, whereas Max Weber focused on identifying its relationship to other social and economic phenomena. Durkheim believed that religion is the basis of social organization and behavior, while Max Weber did not look at the population as a whole when analyzing its religious aspects, but at each individual. The writer concludes that, although their views differed on how religion influences society, in attempting to establish new rules and view religion from different perspectives they represent, together with Karl Marx, the foundational sociological traditions examining the "institution" of religion.
From the Paper
"Both Emile Durkheim and Max Weber approached religion in order to identify its connections with external forces. While Durkheim looked at religion in terms of a social connection and a social determination, Weber analyzed it from the standpoint of economic development. The approach taken by Durkheim is more complex in regard to the actual religious features as it presents the sacred and profane division of human activities, whereas Weber's approach is more economic and tries to identify a connection between economically emerging countries and the religion practiced by its inhabitants."
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Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead, 2008.
An analysis of the sociological philosophies of Charles Horton Cooley and George Herbert Mead.
1,646 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the major contributions to the field of sociology of Charles Horton Cooley (1864 to 1929) and George Herbert Mead (1863 to 1931). The paper discusses the sociological viewpoints of both philosophers and provides examples from some of their works. The paper discusses how their philosophies can be applied to the individual and society as a whole
From the Paper
"As a sociologist/philosopher, Mead was also extremely notable for his achievements related to what he calls the "Genesis of the Self," the genesis of human consciousness and the Self "through the gradually developing ability in childhood" to assume the role of another human being and to "visualize his own performance" from the viewpoint of significant others. In essence, Mead is attempting to explain through this genesis exactly how humans become conscious of their own Selves and their own minds. Once again, Mead's symbolic gestures play a pivotal role in the development of the Self, due to symbols arousing "in one's self what it arouses in the other individual" ("George Herbert Mead," 2006, Internet). This has much to do with emotional symbolism/gestures like crying, laughing, smiling or frowning, such as with a child who observes an adult laughing at a another person which arouses a similar reaction under similar circumstances in a social setting. Thus, as Mead understands it, the foundation of the human Self revolves around reflexes as they are generated in relation to society and its environment, for "through the individual's ability to take in his imagination the attitudes" and reflexes of other people, "his own self becomes an object of his own reflection" ("George Herbert Mead," 2006, Internet), something very closely akin to Cooley's "Looking Glass Self.""
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