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Bacchic Rituals and Modern Manifestations, 2007.
A review of the legend of Dionysus and the Bacchic ritual.
4,615 words (approx. 18.5 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 119.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and demonstrates the transitional phase in human development by discussing the history of the mythical legend of Dionysus, and the Bacchic ritual and its rich traditions. The paper then discusses modern manifestations of this ritual as the expression of the spiritual that modern people seek in ways that are not religiously motivated but still boast many of religion's facets.
Outline:
Introduction
Dionysus in the Ancient and Modern Expression
Bacchic Ritual Today
From the Paper
"The whole expression of the initial rejection of the Rock-n-Roll culture, music and lifestyle, not to mention its messages of rejection of the broader conservative culture is an example of the manner in which youth demonstrates revolutionary control over subsequent generations. The initial desire of the broader more conservative culture to suppress the movement, and all its expressions was met by heated rejection of conservatism. Many who look back on the beginnings of the movement express that all their fears were realized, through the very public expression of conflict and rage that became synonymous with Rock-n-Roll music and all of its accompanying events, which clearly reached it peak of possibility both good and bad during the Woodstock era. (Altschuler, 2003, p. 3) Yet, it is also clear that the music and the mentality it brought with it changed the face of society, and all that the older more conservative generations could do about it was warn the culture of its potential threats, just as those who drove the Bacchic ritual into the attic in earlier times did."
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Zeus, 2007.
This paper examines the figure of Zeus, as the father of the gods.
1,852 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that it is not exactly clear how or when the ancient Greeks first began to worship Zeus as the supreme leader of the gods. The writer maintains that some scholars argue that the name of Zeus originated in specific Indo-European cultures some 5,000 years ago. Further, th writer points out that the names of numerous gods and goddesses have been found on what are known as Linear B tablets, names like Hera, the wife of Zeus, Poseidon, the ruler of the seas, and of course Zeus. Thus, the name of Zeus became the foundation of ancient Greek mythology. The writer concludes that Zeus was the "King of the Gods" and the ultimate symbol of the Greek Pantheon, a religious system still studied by scholars today.
From the Paper
"Zeus also played a major role in the position of women in ancient Greek society. Overall, marriage, procreation and family property were all under the control of men, while women remained under the guardianship of their fathers, brothers and those linked to the political arena of Greek society. Once again, the poet Hesiod helps us to understand this situation by relating the myth of the first woman named Pandora. According to this legend, Zeus, the King of the Gods, created Pandora as a punishment for men when Prometheus, a divine being and enemy of Zeus, stole fire from Zeus to give it to the human friends of Prometheus."
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Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", 2007.
A discussion of the Taoist influences in Sun Tzu's "The Art of War."
1,632 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the religious and spiritual roots of Chinese Taoism found in the military treatise "The Art of War." The paper explains the basic tenets of Taoism and Sun Tzu's connection to the religion. The reviewer also addresses the book's paradox that Taoism is a peaceful religion, yet the work is about war. The reviewer states that traditional Taoist concepts emerge from discussions of battle tactics and troop movements. The paper also discusses Taoist views on duality such as the ying-yang and the art of wu wei. The paper concludes by stating that although Taoism is traditionally viewed as a peaceful religion, it recognizes that life involves conflict, but that the wise man can mediate this conflict and control it so that it is least destructive and most productive.
From the Paper
"Basically, Taoism is an ancient Chinese spiritual tradition that can be roughly translated as "the way of life." It provides loose proscriptions for how individuals can live in harmony with their surroundings and with their fellow man. But like any good philosophy, Taoism contains a few key tenets that are common throughout all of the writings on the subject. Chief among these include the idea that one should remain immovable and allow events to flow over and around oneself, that one should try to balance the opposite but complementary forces of the universe (yin and yang), and the art of "wu wei," which can be roughly translated as action through inaction or accomplishing goals through the least effort (Wilson). At its heart, Taoism recognizes that there is conflict inherent in life, that the competition for limited resources will inevitably lead to conflicts, but that this conflict naturally takes the form of a universal balance that human beings can imitate in their own endeavors (Cantrell 13). This realization is the point on which Sun Tzu is able to use Taoist philosophy to describe warfare. In other words, he uses the notion that conflict can be balanced and harmonious in dictating the way in which wars can best be fought."
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Feminism, 2007.
This paper discusses various feminist perspectives and looks at the philosophy of feminism.
1,209 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that it is important that one understands the use and application of the numerous feminist perspectives to gain a lucid idea of what feminism really is and how it works. However, the writer notes that not even one successful feminist perspective has been recognized in recent years, which is one of the main reasons why this phenomenon has had to face more than its fair share of criticism in recent history. The writer points out that the feminist school of thought has helped women all around the world to gain confidence and strength in their abilities and venture out of their homes to widen their spectrum of opportunities. The writer concludes that feminism has also helped women to tackle the situation at hand whether it is defying against an aggressive spouse, challenging racial and class prejudice, tackling the demands of a greedy landlord, pursuing higher levels of education, encouraging the employment of female politicians or lawyers or engineers, challenging chauvinism at work, initiating women's health or co-operative or financial headquarters.
From the Paper
"One of the phases where the feminist perspectives were finding strong basis was from the post WWII through to the early 1980s. The main aim of feminism during the post WWII period through to 1920 was to mainly speak out and fight against the oppression and violence that women were facing due to the constant political and economic conflicts that the world was facing. This particular form of feminism was very common throughout all the countries in the world but also had certain specific circumstances and characteristics related to every country where the gender-struggle was a constant issue. After that the main focus of the feminist activists was to gain parallel on the legal grounds alongside men specifically in the US. The open-minded feminists during this time tried to get the women to contribute at a higher percentage in the political and legal aspects of the administration."
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The Nature of God, 2007.
A discussion on the nature of God from differing religious and philosophical perspectives.
1,219 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This essay considers the Western perception of a Divine Creator, from both a religious and philosophical outlook. The paper first examines God from a Christian viewpoint, stating the requirements of a believer and the characteristics of God. Next, the essay analyzes several Western philosophers' concepts of God, including those of Friedrich Nietzsche, David Hume, Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, and many other post-relativity scientific philosophers like Stephen Hawking. The author then discusses the difficulties Western individuals may have with the cultural definition of God. The paper concludes, however, citing the benefits of belief in a creator.
From the Paper
"Very generally, Christian religions require unquestioned loyalty to an eternal, loving, and just God, who is fundamentally of Good "character." The Christian God rewards good behavior and also punishes for sinful human conduct. God rewards (and punishes) both in life as well as in the afterlife. Many believe that God appreciates (indeed, demands) our personal allegiance even more than our good conduct toward our human contemporaries, and that, unlike the former, our shortcomings with respect to the latter are unforgivable. According to Christian religious beliefs, God forgives all earthly sins of those who believe in him and rewards them with eternal life in Heaven after death. Conversely, no good deed on earth is sufficient to avoid eternal damnation in Hell for those who do not accept God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost."
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Greek and Roman Thoughts and Culture, 2007.
A look at how Greek and Roman thought and culture has impacted Western civilization.
1,953 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the contributions made by the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome to Western thought and culture. According to the paper, these contributions are many, especially in the areas of art, literature, architecture, politics, government, science and religion.
From the Paper
"During the Enlightenment (the eighteenth century), theorists such as John Locke and Adam Smith in Great Britain, Rousseau in France and Jefferson in America, championed "natural law" passed down from the time of the Greeks and Romans by the perpetuation of Roman law and the rediscovery of Greek philosophical writings during the Renaissance. But the interpretation of those laws became the subject of major disagreement. During the sixteenth century, Machiavelli had put state over citizen and Jean Bodin had defended the divine right of monarchs. But in the seventeenth century Hugo Grotius proposed a system of international law based on reason (nature), profoundly influencing two British thinkers, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. The refinement of "natural law" and the discourses on how one is to define it ultimately influenced the philosophy of the "Founding Fathers" in the United States as well as the ideals of the French revolutionaries."
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Liberals/Conservatives/Libertarians, 2007.
This paper discusses the different beliefs of liberals, conservatives and libertarians, arguing in favor of liberalism.
1,257 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by providing a definition of the terms 'liberal', 'conservative' and 'libertarianism', using the definitions from Dr. Paul Johnson's "Glossary of Political Economy Terms" as a basis. The writer defines each of the terms and then explains why liberalism is superior. The writer maintains that the liberal philosophy lives by one word, balance. Further, the writer notes that there are balances in the fields of cooperation and competition on every level, between private and public institutions and primarily in the rights and needs of the individual compared to the demands of the entire society. The writer concludes that the dreams of the ordinary man are to be free to live and have enough so that the pursuit of happiness can become an actual reality.
Outline:
Why Liberalism is Superior
Alternative Stances
Values
Beliefs
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Liberals tend to emphasize individual rights over governmental authority and to leave the economy alone, unless it needs help. More and more, the economy has been controlled by conservative elements and this has tended to squelch free trade and put too many regulations on imports, while allowing special interests avenues of squeezing more revenue out of the citizens by legalizing higher interest rates, putting tariffs on imports, freezing influx of cheap labor even while raising private profits by raising prices (such as for gas) and shipping manufacturing out of the country to where free labor resides."
"Where conservatives have traditionally believed in the superiority of the ruling class, today in the United States they have concentrated power and money into smaller numbers of people, corporations and bureaus, and the government is used to protect those interests."
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Hinduism and Buddhism, 2007.
A comparison and contrast between Hinduism and Buddhism.
2,233 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews discusses and compares Hinduism and Buddhism. The paper takes a look at whether they both stem from a similar philosophy and culture. The paper also discusses the impact both religions have had on Indian and Chinese culture.
From the Paper
"The two religions, Buddhism and Hinduism started in India where the belief and practices are almost the same although the interpretations are different. Many believed that the founder of Buddhism, Gautama, was a Hindu. He only left his crown and lived in reality to find out the true meaning of sufferings. There were people who deemed that Buddhism was taken from Hinduism but believers of Buddhism strongly denied the allegation that they stemmed from Hinduism. They claimed that their beliefs and practices were completely different from other religions although there might be some similarities but they insisted on their uniqueness and independence. Buddhism was accepted to be originated in India since it started its reputation in that country because there were oppressed groups that became unsatisfied with their beliefs and practices. The teachings of the Buddha created hope and aspiration for those who had otherwise no hope of salvation and freedom of choice in a society that was dominated by caste system, predominance of ritual form of worship and the exclusive status of the privileged classes which the Vedic religion upheld as inviolable and indisputable. Buddhism made a more lasting effect in China and even spread as far as Japan and Korea. Much of the social, cultural and philosophical beliefs of China sprung from the precepts of Buddhism. Even the great Chinese philosophers like Confucius, Mencius and Lao-Tze had adapted some of the precepts of Buddhism."
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Transcendentalism, 2007.
An examination of the philosophy of transcendentalism as it applies to gender differences, focusing on insights from Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-Reliance" and Margaret Fuller's "The Great Lawsuit."
1,616 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the philosophy of transcendentalism through the interpretations of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller. It draws from their interpretations and illustrates transcendentalism through Emerson's and Fuller's essays, "Self-Reliance" and "The Great Lawsuit," respectively. The paper then compares their views in terms of gender differences.
From the Paper
"Emerson also argued how modern society had put down human faculties and ability to learn through his/her feelings--aptly determined as perception. The perception/fact dichotomy has plagued human thinking for many years, and this development in the modern period has been a cause for concern, since, according to Emerson, perception need not be considered as a simple concept that do not have a significant role in influencing human thoughts and feelings. Perceptions, as explicated in the essay, are not "whimsical, but fatal. If I see a trait, my children will see it after me, and in course of time, all mankind--although it may chance that no one has seen it before me. For my perception of it is as much a fact as the sun." Thus, Emerson believed that humanity should not only give strong belief on facts, but most importantly, on human perceptions. It is only through human perceptions that higher forms of reality and knowledge can be achieved and become humanly possible."
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J.S. Mill and Karl Marx, 2007.
A comparative analysis of the political and economic theories of J. S. Mill and Karl Marx.
2,556 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the theories of Mill and Marx in terms of comparing Mill's utilitarianism and Marx's socialism. The paper compares two themes where they have similar ideas: the welfare of the individual as having greater value in the modern-capitalist society and the achievement of ethical freedom. The paper also looks at themes where they have differing ideas: individualism versus socialism and the right to property versus the equal distribution of property in society.
Outline:
Introduction
Theme 1
Theme 2
Theme 3
Theme 4
Conclusion
From the Paper
"John Stuart Mill was known for his development of the utilitarian movement, wherein capitalism is said to be the resulting effect of this phenomenon that occurred in the modern period. Under Utilitarianism, Mill promoted the idea of assuming individualism in pursuit of happiness, resulting to the concept of rationalism that gave birth to capitalism. Karl Marx, meanwhile, was synonymously identified wit the socialist movement in the midst of a rapidly-individualizing nature of human society under the capitalist economy. Under the socialist, specifically Communist, movement, Marx promoted the idea of achieving an ideal, egalitarian society through the dominant emergence of a proletariat class, occurring after a social revolution."
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Kafka's "The Trial"--A Review, 2007.
A review of Franz Kafka's famous work "The Trial."
3,830 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper examines and reviews Franz Kafka's work "The Trial," describing it as a typically existential work. The paper explains the basic ideas behind existentialism and why "The Trial" contains the essential elements of this philosophy. The paper gives a basic plot summary and other literary devices Kafka used to engage the reader. The paper concludes by citing Kafka's possible intention of using this work to critique corrupt political regimes of his time.
From the Paper
"In this, K.'s existential anxiety increases progressively through the novel, as he continues to live under the extreme stress of waiting for something to come of his trial. This is signified by means of various elements, and most significantly in the suffocation that permeates all K.'s dealings with the law. K.'s source of meaning is his work and the way in which his life is ordered. In contrast to this, his existential angst is exacerbated by the Court and the way it harrassas him. "
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Critical Thinking, 2007.
An analysis of the process and advantages of critical thinking over regular thinking.
1,566 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the various definitions of critical thinking. The paper discusses the significance of encouraging and facilitating the process of critical thinking in students within a high school setting. It describes the process of critical thinking and discusses the advantages of critical thinking over regular thinking for all individuals.
From the Paper
"Studies have proved that cognitive skills lead to critical thinking. Research has shown increased forms of critical thinking among the students who have greater requirement for cognition and enhanced active learning. In the case of students whose cognitive capacities have been advanced by means of course exercises and assessment methods are able to promote the idea of critical thinking. The cognitive development, involving interpretation skills, analysis, assessment, as well as inference would tend to include the student's reading of a message as well as forming judgment regarding its effects. This is a function which is considered to be most typical with regard to the assessment of deduction in that of critical thinking. Further with regard to tapping of the student's capability in relation to deduction, the assessment of cognitive skills analyzes their understanding and acceptance of the varied fallacies, inclusive of those including slippery slopes, over-generalization, as well as wrong links. The assessment could also understand and tap knowledge of students with regard to socio-political values, which is important for finding about the incredibility relating to an argument. (Cheung; Kwan; Yue, 2002)"
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Plato's Concept of Forms, 2006.
This paper discusses the central arguments that Plato presents in his concept of Forms especially his view of ideal reality.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the true reality or the Forms are the ideals of unity and perfection, which surpass man's meager attempts at description and understanding. The author points out that Plato's theory divides reality into truth and illusion. The paper concludes that the theory of ideals is dangerous because it is open to abuse by those who suggest their own subject views of the ideal forms; however, this theory also can be viewed in terms of seeking higher and more positive ideals in life thus becoming acceptable as a theory of human knowledge and motivation.
From the Paper
"The central belief that Plato had was that there exist ideal Forms of reality and that these are contrasted to and superior to the world of ordinary reality. He referred to the everyday world as the world of particulars. One of the most accessible and enlightening ways in which Plato described this difference between the ideal and the real was through his allegory or metaphor of the cave, through which he explains this theory of knowledge and reality."
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'Howl', 2007.
A comparison between Allen Ginsberg's poem 'Howl', and various other pieces of American literature.
2,237 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and analyzes the epic poem 'Howl' by Allen Ginsberg. The paper then compares it to various other pieces of American literature. According to the paper, 'Howl' is not only a personal statement of society, but also a classic poem full of illusions to mythology and psychology. The paper reports that the poem itself is dedicated to Ginsberg's good friend Carl Solomon, who is addressed by name throughout the poem's verses.
From the Paper
"Campbell's theories of the myth find their foundation in the works of Carl Jung, who studied the use of mythology in various cultural sects such as South American Indians. According to these sects, it is a fundamental belief that things do not have sharp boundaries as do things in rational, or modern day societies. (Jung, p. 45). This alone is in line with Ginsberg's use of the Moloch myth. The poet, as does a primitive society in Jung's studies, is able to express ideas without the boundaries of "rational" society. However, as Howel demonstrates, "rational" society makes this ability more and more difficult, essentially meaning that the culture of myth is being sacrificed to the evils of industrial society."
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'Waves, Streams, States, and Self', 2007.
A review of the article "Waves, Streams, States, and Self--A Summary of My Psychological Model: (Or, Outline of An Integral Psychology)" by Ken Wilber.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews, discusses and analyzes Ken Wilber's article, "Waves, Streams, States, and Self--A Summary of My Psychological Model: (Or, Outline of An Integral Psychology)". According to the paper, Wilber attempts to offer what he believes to be a holistic approach to spirituality, integrating both neurological and more conventional spiritual models, in what he calls a synthesis of both mind and brain, East and West.
From the Paper
"Wilber also speaks of what he calls the "four higher or transpersonal states of consciousness, which I call psychic, subtle, causal, and nondual" (Wilber, 2000, p.2) He links these states to the mystical experiences of Christian saints like St. Teresa of Avila and also to Eastern mysticism: "The gross body/waking state supports the annamayakosha (the sheath made of food, or the physical mind), and the causal body/formless state supports the anandamayakosha (the sheath or consciousness structure made of bliss, or the transcendent mind)" (Wilber, 2000, p.2). Although this may be an attempt to show that he is well-read, this is just another way of stating that the physical body and what we call 'mind' (not merely brain) are connected, and that neurochemistry can produce a mystical state like Teresa's and even the transcendent mind is linked to states of the physical body and brain."
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