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Assisted Suicide, 2007.
An analysis of Plato's views on suicide and assisted suicide, as seen in his works.
1,556 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the views of the ancient philosopher, Plato, on suicide. The paper shows that his views, when examined in the context of assisted suicide, show his stance to be one of general disapproval, with a few exceptions. The paper examines his general views in "Phaedo," "Laws" and "The Republic" and then discuss the exceptions to his stance.
From the Paper
"The only assisted suicide Plato would find acceptable based on his beliefs of suicide in general and on his beliefs regarding medical assistance, would be an assisted suicide for the terminally ill and disabled. Again, however, Plato's views on this matter suggest the decision to end the life of such a person would not be in the hands of the ill, but in the views of society in terms of the individual's ability to contribute to moral and social standards. Since the modern view of assisted suicide refers to an individual's choice to end life, such an act would be disapproved of by Plato. Only in cases where society views the individual as a burden, and thus, as an undesirable citizen, would such an assisted suicide be seen as morally acceptable. To assist an individual who is capable of contributing to society, but is simply unwilling to do so, would be morally reprehensible."
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Creationism, 2006.
This paper discusses creationism, which rejects scientific theories that contradict the Biblical story of creation.
1,026 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that creationists reject the scientific theories regarding the origin of life, the origin of the human species, the geologic history of the earth, the formation of the solar system and the origin of the universe. The author points out that a second kind of creationism, "creational spirituality", holds that, rather than theory, awe is the appropriate response to the unfathomable wonder of creation. The paper also explains that Neo-Creationists want to allow the Bible to be one of the choices of theories that are given to school children in public schools as to how the earth was formed and mankind came into being.
From the Paper
"A wave of Revivalism swept the South to counteract Modernism and Intellectualism. There was conflict between the liberals and the conservatives in society, between the Evolutionists and the Fundamentalists. Things came to a head in the small town of Dayton, Tennessee, when John Scopes, a high school biology teacher, was tried for teaching the theory of evolution. The trial was widely covered by the most famous broadcasters in the nation. In the trial, also called the "Scopes Monkey Trial," it was decided that it would be legal to teach evolution in the public schools."
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Plato's "Allegory of the Cave", 2007.
An analysis of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" as found in Book 7 of "The Republic."
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the "Allegory of the Cave" which is found in Book 7 of "The Republic" by Plato. The paper describes the "Allegory of the Cave" as bringing out the essential doctrines of Plato, which emphasize the human need to rise from the darkness of ignorance and evil to the light of Good. It also describes, in general, Plato's exploration of the meaning of justice.
From the Paper
"To correct the situation, Plato suggests the design of an ideal society and government, free of injustice and conflict as one ruled by philosopher-kings (Constitutional Rights Foundation 2006). A philosopher-king is best equipped to run a government and society because he is provided with the information and adequate training for the task. He is selected for the function as soon as he is born. The future leader is shaped into a lover of truth, wisdom and all knowledge in contrast to those who grow up without the discipline. These undisciplined people are not reared in a special environment prepared for the philosopher-king. These undisciplined perceive and experience only shadows and illusions, like the chained men in the Cave in Book 7. They are ordinary men and women who are chained to ignorance and can perceive only what they are allowed to perceive. They prattle throughout their lives without perceiving one another and themselves as they really are. They come to accept shadows as reality. In the end, they resist or destroy whoever attempts to revise their way of thinking and living. Clearly, Plato argues that enlightenment is needed to promote and increase human happiness. But he also realizes that this will be a difficult or thankless job because of the very response of ignorant people towards wisdom (Constitutional Rights Foundation)."
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"Self-Reliance", 2007.
A discussion on self-reliance and bravery in Ralph Emerson's work, "Self-Reliance".
1,441 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how Ralph Waldo Emerson's famous essay "Self-Reliance" revolves around two key ideas: conformity and consistency. The paper discusses how Emerson says that in order for an individual to be self-reliant he or she must come to terms with these two ideas. The paper further discusses how an individual must fight a brave battle and be courageous to be successful in achieving self-reliance. The paper concludes that once people have learned to trust their innermost hearts and have been individuals in the face of society, then they are ready to follow their own principles.
From the Paper
"Even Emerson recognizes that sometimes the individual will fail. In a section that might surprise some readers, Emerson criticizes charity. He is not insulting charity for charity's sake. However, he is saying that people fail in their attempts to achieve self-reliance in the face of the many charities that exist. If the charity is not something that a person believes in, the person should be under no obligation to contribute. Nevertheless, society pressures individuals, imposes guilt on them until they do contribute."
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Soren Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling", 2006.
This paper discusses Soren Kierkegaard's masterpiece "Fear and Trembling", which describes the authors notion of faith.
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that, in his book "Fear and Trembling", Soren Kierkegaard considers Abraham's climbing up the mountains to sacrifice his son, even though Abraham could not understand the command, as an act of blind and ultimate faith. The author points out that the concept of infinite resignation---when the tragic hero tries to make major leaps of faith and hopes to get nothing in return because he believes to have submitted to faith---is used by Kierkegaard in rather negative terms. The paper relates that, compared to infinite resignation, a knight of faith believes that acts of faith must be done repeatedly and regularly, feels that these acts must be "made in virtue of the absurd" and considers that the reward comes in the form of "gaining the finite".
From the Paper
"Knight of faith is described as someone who gives up everything for faith but believes to be amply rewarded for all his actions. He is a simple man with an honest and sincere belief that he will be rewarded. Abraham as a knight of faith "The knight of faith is someone who is able to remain fully committed to an absurd action with faith that, as Kierkegaard says, through the absurd the object which was resigned will be granted back through the infinite." Infinite is something that is not within the boundaries of rationale and the phenomenon is unexplainable because when one accepts the repercussions of an action and acts..."
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Reform, 2007.
This paper describes reform efforts of several thinkers, including John Winthrop and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
1,721 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes and compares the outlooks on reform of John Withrop and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The writer looks to their writings to further explain their outlooks. Winthrop's address, "A Model of Christian Charity" is described as containing his vision of a new social order. The address is analyzed and the methods Winthrop used to get his message across to his audience are discussed. The paper then discusses Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophy, describing it as a philosophy that encouraged independent thinking. Emerson's works are examined as reflecting this philosophy.
From the Paper
"Winthrop is consistently following the same theme i.e. community must follow God's commands and the covenant and concludes, "we shall surely perish out of the good land whither we pass over this vast sea to possess it"(p. 92). Throughout the address, Winthrop was taking about the abode where people would ultimately go. When he talked about the city, it was not just the land the community was to reach at the end of the present journey but the city that they would create for themselves in the thereafter. The title of Winthrop's "A Model of Christian Charity" (1630) explains what the speaker wanted in a model society and what was his definition of reform. The speaker felt that the community is in extreme peril, which obviously generates moral panic among the colonists. This panic helps them acknowledge the need for something bigger and less tangible than physical weapons. J. Gerald Janzen, in "The Terror of history and the Fear of the Lord," offers an explanation for Winthrop brand of reformation..."
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Civil Disobedience, 2006.
This paper argues in favor of civil disobedience.
1,320 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the duty to obey the law has been so firmly ingrained in the societal conscious that anything against this automatically elicits a negative response; however, it is quite clear that duty to obey the law might not always be connected with one's moral duties in all areas. The author points out that philosopher W.D. Ross feels that the duty to obey the law is grounded in the concept of exchange of goods: If a citizen receives certain benefits, he or she should obey the law as a sign of gratitude. The paper concludes that disobedience of law is never desirable but there are times when this is the morally correct action since the claim that the law represents "the moral judgment of the majority and its sense of justice" is not always right. The paper includes some long quotations.
From the Paper
"The concept of fair play is undoubtedly interesting but lacks power to influence or convince us of its validity. If the only reason I should follow the law is so others can benefit, can we also argue that I am allowed to disobey the law if I know others would benefit. The exchange of benefits is the key in this argument. So if the means to achieve this end turns out to be different, do they have a solid argument against my actions? As mentioned in the case of signal violation- if I decided not to break the signal even if it results in the death of the sick woman, how is that benefiting the woman?"
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Wilson versus Richard, 2006.
A review of Edmund O. Wilson's book 'Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge' and Mathieu Ricard's 'The Monk and the Philosopher'.
1,373 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and compares the work of Edmund Wilson and Mathieu Ricard. The paper takes a look at Wilson's book, 'Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge' and Mathieu Ricard's 'The Monk and the Philosopher'. According to the paper, Wilson believes that science must win out over more romantic understandings of the purpose of human existence. The paper then goes on to discuss how Ricard suggests the possibility of detachment of the mind from the body through the type of philosophical or religious practice that Wilson regards as futile, or at very least, less interesting and useful than science.
From the Paper
"In contrast, to Wilson, Mathieu Ricard offer the more idealistic but perhaps comforting notion that the physical matter of the brain and mind are not synonymous. Ricard suggests the possibility of detachment of the mind from the body through the type of philosophical or religious practice that Wilson regards as futile, or at very least, less interesting and useful than science. Through meditation and achieving a higher sense of consciousness, the mind can control the physical aspects of the human body, suggests Ricard. Ricard believes that there is more to the brain than neurotransmitters and synapses. The human species cannot be subsumed into the sum total of its DNA. "
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The "Spark' of the Sufi, 2006.
A mystical experience debate regarding the Sufi.
1,059 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the 'spark' of Sufism, defined by the Qur'an as that which God placed into man or breathed into man. According to the paper, Sufism is the part of man that desires to return and unite with the Universal Spirit. The paper reports that the origin of the name Sufi is the Arabic word "suf" which means wool, or the Persian word "saf", which means pure.
Outline:
Introduction
Mystical Experience Defined
The Debate Surrounding the Sufi Experience
Neurotheology - Biotheology
The Two Views Debated
Science Provides the Proof
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The work of Syed includes studies that have located the regions of the brain that are stimulated during certain experience. For instance, the middle temporal lobe has been proven to the "linked to emotional aspects of religious experience, such as joy and awe." (Syed, 2006) The lower temporal lobe is stimulated during the "viewing of sacred images such as candles or crosses..." (Ibid) The "juncture of three lobes" or the Broca's region is stimulated when the individual is stimulated through a "response to language". Finally, when the individual enters a state of deep spirituality or mystical experience the region of the brain that finally "quiets down" and signifies that the person has entered the place where they may "feel at one with the universe" is the region of the brain which is called the "parietal lobes". (Syed, 2006)"
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Confucian Thought, 2007.
An analysis of Confucian thought and its influence on pedagogy today.
1,885 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history of Confucian thought. The paper explains Confucius' theory that advocated the creation of a common community of moral teaching, rather than stressing the individual in isolation. It suggest that his influence is felt in the modern educational system today and describes ways in which this is true. The paper also explains the background of many of the cliches about Confucian thought that we have in society today.
From the Paper
"According to the Confucian scholar Tu Wei-ming, Confucius even has a great deal to say to persons involved in the modern debates revolving around multiculturalism. Despite Confucius' place in his own Chinese tradition as a transmitter of culture and a teacher of long-shared values, Wei-ming stresses that "to truly find one's roots, to find inspiration in one's ethnicity and cultural tradition, one must go beyond a closed ethnocentrism or a narrowly conceived culturalism," because cultivation of li, or right teaching is never mere-navel gazing. It is locating the immediate and ancestral family and tradition as part of a greater world community. (Wei-ming, 2006) Knowing family history alone is not enough. Rather, a student must know the collective history of the nation and the world, to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, and to replicate the right moral teachings of his or her ancestors. This is underlined in every good civics class in America today, even if avoiding historical mistakes can be difficult."
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'Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee', 2006.
A review of the book 'Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee', translated by Robert Van Gulik.
1,968 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the book 'Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee', translated from Chinese to English by Robert Van Gulik. The paper discusses Judge Dee's unquenchable thirst for finding the truth, when solving legal cases. The paper further discusses how the Judge Dee novels are grounded in large societal ethical hermeneutic of Confucian and Taoist morals, where finding the truth is a sacred duty of Judge Dee's office and great dishonor would fall upon the head of any judge who accidentally condemns an innocent man.
From the Paper
"There are some features of Dee's detection are similar to modern police work, and do not cause a non-Confucian reader to raise an eyebrow. Dee deploys psychological insight and observation to come to the root of a mystery, noting that, good Confucian he is, he has studied carefully the ancient handbooks of detection, which values the importance of knowing the character, daily life and habits of the victim and that personality supplies the clues to solve the crime. Know a person's ethics, and know the man or woman. Know the person's place in society, and know how they 'should' behave. Having an upright character is also an essential component to being a good, that is, an ethical Confucian, and defects in character must be scrutinized and used as clues, as they leave a person open to the danger of becoming a victim."
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A Tendency toward God, 2007.
A discussion on Man's tendency to lean towards God or some other presence in this world.
1,041 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the natural tendency of human beings to lean towards God or some other force or presence in the world. The paper describes the infinite nature of God. It discusses this concept as it relates to the concepts expressed in quantum physics and then discusses it from the point of view of Christianity and spirituality.
From the Paper
"If God is Mind and infinite, there can be only one Mind. Human beings are turning to it all the time for good ideas. It is logical that human beings would sense and want to know intimately the source of their existence. Religions and rituals have sprung from this natural desire. I believe that all human beings wonder at one time or another about the nature of existence. Some have more confidence that they can eventually understand it than others do, and that accounts for those who seem disinterested. They may have given up, or they think and wonder about God rarely. Or they have come upon an explanation for existence that satisfies them, at least, superficially, but doesn't include a concept of Creator. Even so, these same disinterested people are sometimes "converted" as a result of experiencing God's presence, and they end up turning to a whole new way of life."
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Leon Tolstoy's "What is Art?", 2006.
This paper argues against Leon Tolstoy's conclusion in his famous book "What is Art?".
1,205 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Leon Tolstoy in "What is Art?" argues that
art is not the manifestation of an abstract and absolute idea, such as beauty, God or simply something created to give pleasure, as generally purported by most of the thinkers and philosophers, but rather is intimately connected with the religions and moral values of every age and of every people. The author points out that both art and religion can reveal a different, absolute reality; but it cannot be agreed that good art should strictly follow religious and moral values. The paper stresses that saying art is only supposed to express the religious idea of good denies the most important quality of art--- imagination. The paper includes several quotations.
From the Paper
"As you say it yourself, art can serve to unite people and to realize that brotherhood of man, just like religion, through its ideas of goodness and morality. But it is likewise obvious that good art can give an account of the varied human experience and if it speaks, as you say, of nudity, sexuality or adultery, it does nothing more than to relate about human passions or emotions. I think the subject of a certain piece of art should not be confused with its final purpose. And it is to be noticed that a piece of literature, for example, which is replete with "immoral" ideas can produce the same state of elevation of the soul, just like the one that praises moral or Christian virtue. I think the most important fact is that art can reveal the truth and it does this by means of an aesthetic revelation, no matter its particular nature."
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Personal Identity, 2007.
A comparison of the personal identity theories of John Locke and David Hume.
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts John Locke and David Hume's conceptions of personal identity. It discusses each of their theories and discusses the contemporary philosopher's views on the theories and how they may support or reject them. The paper also establishes some of the common points between Locke and Hume's approaches.
From the Paper
"A common point between the two philosophers is their diachronic view of personal identity. With Locke, the same soul or thinking substance is neither necessary not sufficient for personal identity over time and for Hume also, time is important in what concerns identity. However, there is also differentiation point: for Locke consciousness remains the same in the transition between thinking substances, and for Hume identity is shaped by perceptions, in the course of time. Only the large temporal frame is common, the approaches to identity in time differ."
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The Socratic Method, 2006.
This paper discusses the Socratic Method as a contemporary teaching method.
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses, as an example of the Socratic Method, section 336b of Plato's "Republic" in which Thrasymachus argues the nature of justice. The author points out that, in this section, Socrates aims at finding the truth regarding Thrasymachus' hostile outburst by using the most powerful way of conducting a question-answer sequence of teaching, which stimulates learning from other people in addition to the teacher. The paper relates that, by asking learners questions, teachers give them the opportunity to find the truth of the matter for themselves and to learn critical thinking, which is an essential skill in the professional world.
From the Paper
"Socrates, however, does not counter Thrasymachus' outburst with an outburst of his own. Instead, by agreeing with everything that Thrasymachus says, he remains wise and calm in the face of the other's anger. It is clear however that he has been affected by Thrasymachus' tone and style, as there still is a "hitch", but only a slight one, in his voice when he asks his opponent to forgive any shortcomings in himself and Polymarchus when conducting their debate. He argues that they have been arguing in a manner that would most likely bring them to the truth regarding the nature of justice."
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