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New Testament Theology, 2007.
Examines two schools of thought on theology relating to the New Testament.
14,800 words (approx. 59.2 pages), 25 sources, MLA, $ 249.95
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Abstract
Two trends in biblical scholarship can be discerned, especially with reference to the New Testament: Interpretations based on history and those based on theology. This paper explains the views of several historians and writers on theology relating to the New Testament.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
New Testament Theology
Beyond New Testament Theology
Authorship
The Program
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"Manifestations of sacred power can be more subtle, but holy power motivates human beings to act. This power of the nonordinary is both attractive and frightening at the same time. How this power is described differs one from religion to the next, but it usually includes elements of attraction and repulsion. Fear and love of the holy are common in religion, and the holy power that both attracts and repels is found in many religions, from tribal religions to modern religious tradition."
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Self-Esteem, 2006.
A discussion regarding the integration of psychotherapy with spirituality in the treatment of patients.
4,028 words (approx. 16.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 109.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the relationship between religion or spirituality and psychology. The paper discusses how for years theologians considered psychology as anti-God, while psychologists viewed theologians as lacking scientific awareness. According to the paper, there has been a recent trend to recognize and acknowledge the importance and impact of spirituality and religious faith on human development, mental disorders and treatment.
From the Paper
"In the March 2002 issue of "Social Forces," Peter Burke describes self-esteem as an outcome of and necessary ingredient in "the self-verification process that occurs within groups, maintaining both the individual and the group" (Burke). Self-esteem generally refers to an individual's overall positive evaluation of the self and is composed of two distinct dimensions, competence and worth. Competence, that is efficacy-based self-esteem, refers to the degree to which people view themselves as capable and efficacious, while the worth dimension, that is worth-based self-esteem, refers to the degree to which an individual feels he/she is a person of value (Burke). "
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Descartes' Dream Scenario, 2006.
This paper compares Descartes' dream scenario and the contemporary "brain in a vat" experiment.
1,365 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, essentially, Descartes' dream scenario proposes that the reliability of our senses is fallible; the so called "brain in a vat" scenario is really just a contemporary illustration of Descartes' dream scenario. The author points out that these thought experiments can lead to a tremendous amount of intellectual power because people are suddenly afforded the realization that they might very well have the choice to accept or reject the very world around them. The paper relates that the ultimate goal of Descartes in this experiment in thought is an attempt to remove any beliefs that cannot be proven.
From the Paper
"These ideas force us to acknowledge the fallibility of our senses. Not only is this extremely difficult on a personal level as one sitting and trying to remove the belief that all of the things around us, which we likely have coveted and acquired through some effort and therefore are probably quite attached to them, as well as our own position within these things, but the greater implications of this idea are quite devastating intellectually. Our scientific system of empirical thought is based on observation. This includes the entire classification of the objects and creatures around us as well as the physical principles that rule their behaviors and place in this world."
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Sublimation of the Body, 2006.
An in-depth review of sublimation of the body as discussed by Aristotle.
7,545 words (approx. 30.2 pages), 21 sources, APA, $ 165.95
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Abstract
The objective of this paper is to research the topic of sublimation of the body as discussed by Aristotle. The paper also reviews the topic from the perspective of Plato, and compares Plato's view with that of Aristotle. The paper also reviews and researches the related area of mind and body dualism.
Outline:
Objective
Sublimation Defined
Introduction
Aristotle and Alchemy: Sublimation of the Body
Literature That Discusses Aristotle's View
Plato's View
Mind/Body Dualism
The Jewish View of Dualism
The Spiritual View of Dualism
John Beloff on Dualism
Summary
From the Paper
"Aligned with the mind, 'human sense' is radiant. As organs of the flesh, on the other hand, the senses collapse into an obscuring, destructive sensuality. Sight--the sense closest to the 'mind's eye'--is both a tool for the acquisition of knowledge, and a locus of carnal desire." Stated further in this work is that in the treatise on 'Moral Philosophy' of Roger Bacon written in the mid-thirteenth century, Bacon reasoned that 'In his treatise on 'Moral Philosophy' written in the mid-thirteenth century, Roger Bacon reasoned that 'evil men lose their identity, because the identity of a thing consists in retaining its order and preserving its nature'. Sin, however, 'is contrary to the order of nature . . .' He concludes: 'you cannot regard as a human being the man whom you see transformed by vices'. (Sight and Embodiment in the Middle Ages, nd) Additionally stated is: "Because of the polluting influence of the emotions and appetites, the gods of Plato's Timaeus had 'located the mortal element of man in a separate part of the body, and constructed the neck as a kind of isthmus and boundary between head and breast to keep them apart'.12 The 'mortal element', Plato wrote, is divided in turn by the midriff (or diaphragm), according to its 'better and worse' properties; the emotions being superior to the appetite. To illustrate this idea of the properly ordered and contained body, he used the telling analogy of a house 'divided into men and women's quarters'."
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Mosque Experience, 2007.
This paper discusses a visit to a mosque and looks at the effects of this experience on the writer.
1,249 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer describes that the visit to the Islamic Center of Baton Rouge was a fascinating and enlightening experience. The writer explains that, while there, it was possible to learn about some of the practices and history of Islam, and to experience how a mosque can be such a haven for worship and the Islamic community. The writer points out that this visit to the Mosque was an eye-opening experience, during which many new things were learned. The writer concludes that if more people took an interest in exploring the diverse cultures that make up the country, there would be more understanding and possibly less struggles with race, religious differences and gender friction.
From the Paper
"Literally translated the word Qur'an means "recital." It is written in 114 chapters, or sutras, and contains exactly 6,000 verses. Unlike the Bible, which has been translated into multiple languages for the purpose of worship, the Qur'an is felt to be genuine and hold any authority only in the original language with which the Angel Gabriel recited to Muhammed and Muhammed penned the book, and that is Arabic. Even Muslims who are not Arabic learn, memorize and recite the Qur'an in Arabic.
The Qur'an explicitly states that there are Five Obligations of Islam. These are often referred to as the Five "Pillars" because these are the five elements upon which the whole of Islam is founded."
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Postmodernism and Gay Marriage, 2007.
This paper examines the issue of gay marriage from a philosophical viewpoint.
3,164 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the philosophical trends of the postmodern world. It evaluates the influence of pluralistic society on current issues, in particular gay marriage. The author considers how society has changed and how views have evolved regarding this issue. Gay marriage is considered from the viewpoint of modern philosophers.
From the Paper
"In a modernist society, it is therefore very difficult for individuals and public policy makers to change the steadfast viewpoints of the majority. Modernism is inflexible and adheres to the status quo. This can be seen in many political circles. The most famous examples are George Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both of whose fundamentally Christian values are inflexible and incompatible with the postmodern needs of their society in flux. On the other hands, both of these leaders are respected by the majority of their people. This majority, having the power of numbers over other voters, do not see the need or reason for change, and therefore oppress the minority whose needs are not met."
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Conflict, 2006.
A discussion regarding what Freud termed the 'Oedipus Complex' from a personal point of view.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the issue of conflict in relation to the Oedipus Complex from the personal perspective of the writer. The paper further discusses how healthy and effective communication can help in such situations, where conflict has arisen between parent and child.
From the Paper
"In one the studies of Ma (2005), she would call this type of conflict as an "increased parent-child conflict" wherein both parties hold their ground and maintain their individual opinions as the right ones. I totally disagreed with my son's attitudes and tried explaining to him the pitfalls of going out with an older woman - not a few years older but a decade and a half! I told him that he still lacked the level of maturity to commit to this kind of situation but then, he gives me the "cold shoulder treatment." Felder (2004) explained that, "The most common response is 'denial.' The majority of people attempt to ignore that there are frustrating issues happening in their family." Surely the cold shoulder treatment is a classic case of denial. I had thought of talking to the lady involved with my son but reconsidered it because it might prompt a more negative reaction from my son. I am sure that despite the lady's good intentions, I feel there is still something wrong with her for going about with a teenager who is not even of legal age!"
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Plato and Ethical Issues Today, 2007.
The paper explores the relationship between the ethical theories of Plato's "Republic" and the ethics of warfare and counter-terrorism.
1,817 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
The paper attempts to show that Plato's ethical theories provides for a theory of warfare and can be seen to support the ethics of counter-terrorism. The paper discusses how Plato's view of ethics, as it is explicated in the ideal of a just society, is based on an ethical and philosophical concept of order and the ideal of the correct way to live. The paper relates that Plato's idealistic philosophy has been severely criticized from many quarters in the twentieth and present centuries. The paper explains that it is often seen as anti-democratic, autocratic and even fascist. The paper maintains that, nevertheless, the ethical principles that he propounds have potential value for our often self-destructive and disintegrating modern world.
From the Paper
"For Plato in The Republic and elsewhere, "Virtue is order." (Plato and Platonism) This is a foundational theme that runs through his ethics. This sense of virtue also can be seen to justify warfare when placed in the context of the perfect society, as it reflects the virtuous order of the rational human being. However, one has to explore Plato's thought to understand terms like justice and order in the context of his overarching philosophical theory. In order to understand these ethical concepts one has to establish the relationship between these terms and the central issue in his philosophy; namely the relationship between the ideal and the real in the theory of Forms."
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"Genealogy of Morals", 2007.
An analysis of the themes presented in Friedrich Nietzsche's "Genealogy of Morals".
1,737 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Friedrich Nietzsche's "Genealogy of Morals," which the paper suggests is one of the most important works of modern philosophy and that it stands out as a pragmatic attempt to determine the origins of morality and of moral values. The paper analyzes Nietzsche's approach and techniques in presenting his ideas and discusses the central themes of his work.
From the Paper
"Firstly, self denial and by this the ascetic behavior is the expression of the influence of priestly teachings. It is here that he goes back to one of his previous stated ideas that there is no absolute truth, but one which can be interpreted depending on the perspective on the individual. Therefore, in the present essay, in order to support this idea, he analyses the etiological meaning of the word "good" and "bad", which, apparently, depending on different stands, pointed to different concepts. "'Noble' or 'aristocratic' in a social sense is the fundamental idea out of which "good" in the sense of 'spiritually noble,' 'aristocratic,' 'spiritually high-minded,' 'spiritually privileged' necessarily develop--a process which always runs in parallel with that other one which finally transforms 'common', 'vulgar', and 'low' into the concept 'bad." To further make his point, he presents the translated term "bad" from the German language as signifying both the actual state of "not good", but also the notion of "plain", common. "Originally these words designated the plain, common man, but without any suspicious side glance, simply in contrast to the nobility". (Nietzsche I 4) Thus, it is obvious that the different interpretations of the terms led to a subsequent evolution of those considered being "bad"."
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Rowlandson & the Puritan Viewpoint, 2007.
This paper discusses the Puritan way of thinking about salvation and race as exemplified in Mary Rowlandson's "The Narrative of the Captivity and the Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson".
1,152 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
In this essay, the writer discusses the Puritan way of thinking about salvation and grace that is echoed within the end of Rowlandson's distinctly Puritan captivity narrative, "The Narrative of the Captivity and the Restoration of Mrs. Mary Rowlandson". The writer points out that Mary Rowlandson's quest for self-analysis and self-revelation, within her autobiographical account of her time in captivity, centers on her individual relationship to God, before, during, and particularly after her ordeal. Further, the writer notes that Mary Rowlandson's account of her ordeal at the hands of Indians, and her survival of that ordeal, is in fact as much about how God helped her through the experience as it is about the experience itself.
From the Paper
"Of central importance to Puritanism, as illustrated within the writings of John Winthrop; John Edwards, Mary Rowlandson, and others, is the idea of God's divine authority over human beings on earth, and, consequently, the importance of seeking salvation and grace, in both detailed personal and religiously abstract ways, through both individual and collective earthly deeds. The Puritans studied closely, and sought to obey, in individual ways and as a united group (see, for example, John Winthrop's "A Model of Christian Charity," a sermon delivered on the way to the New World, in which Winthrop stresses the importance of working as a united group toward salvation and grace), the words of God, as expressed within the Bible."
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Religion in the Modern World, 2007.
This paper explores various paths for being a religious individual in the modern world.
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines a number of texts and philosophies from different world religions. The work of anthropologist Mircea Eliad is used as a basis. The differing texts and philosophies are used as a means of expressing religious thought and actions as a modern individual. The author argues that outlooks from different faiths may motivate one to be religious. For example, a Christian may find Buddhist philosophy strengthens his own practice and belief. This sense of respect and reciprocity is what the modern world can learn from religion
From the Paper
"If the relationship of the sacred and profane must remain an area of contention, perhaps the only ideal that can be embraced by both believers and non-believers is the ethic of toleration, as espoused by the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber. "One should beware altogether of understanding the conversation with God ... as something that occurs merely apart from or above the everyday...God's address to man penetrates the events in all our lives and all the events in the world around us, everything biographical and everything historical, and turns it into instruction, into demands for you and me." (Buber, 1971, p.182)"
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Language, Truth and Morality, 2007.
This paper explores Rorty's and Nietzsche's philosophies about the nature of truth.
1,665 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that philosophy has been interpreted and analyzed in various ways by scholars and thinkers. Each of which established the basis of a new theory or developed the guidelines of old ones. The paper discusses the works of Richard Rorty, one of the most appreciated contemporary philosophers, and shows how in his 1989 "Contingency, Irony and Solidarity" he follows in the footsteps of Nietzsche's "Beyond Good and Evil." The paper explains Rorty's theory that philosophy should consist of a more personal experience which must be released from the strains of modern and classical dogmatism. The paper discusses how his beliefs stand against the idea of an absolute truth, that which is expressed through a common and strict language.
From the Paper
"In regard to the own self, Rorty bases his modern society on the "liberal ironist", one that unwilling to accept the surrender to the will of the others, such as Nietzsche's "herd", decides to exercise its will and "reconcile themselves to a private-public split within their final vocabularies, to the fact that resolution of doubts about one's final vocabulary has nothing to do with attempts to save other people from pain and humiliation" (Rorty 120). Here, unlike Nietzsche, Rorty points to his expectations in the liberal society."
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The Difference Between Humans and Animals, 2007.
This paper explores human choice and instinct in "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell.
1,418 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that many people have tried to define what it really means to be human but there is still no definitive answer that everyone will accept. The paper relates that one of the most definitive essays on humanity and society and one that is often overlooked, is "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell. The paper discusses how Orwell shot an elephant and then looks at the psychological, ideological and social issues that were involved in the shooting. The paper also examines three books that address the subject of what it truly means to be human and the reasons behind the actions of humanity. The paper discusses human choice and our basic differences from animals.
From the Paper
"From examining Orwell's essay, it is easy to see that he is discussing his own adventure but also the human adventure. Shooting the elephant is something that Orwell had to deal with, but the feelings that he went through about being laughed at and the need to be respected belong to almost every human being at some time in their lives. Socially and ideologically the elephant was shot because Orwell wanted to be accepted and treated decently. Psychologically the elephant was shot because Orwell felt that he had to do something and did the best thing that he could find to do."
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"What Lips My Lips have Kissed", 2007.
This paper examines the poem "What Lips My Lips have Kissed" by Edna St. Vincent Millay.
1,014 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer studies the sonnet "What Lips My Lips have Kissed" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. The writer describes that in this sonnet, the poet is lying alone on a rainy night and looking back on her life. The writer explains that she is remembering the nights when she was not alone and the men that she has had in her life. The writer demonstrates that in doing so, the poet recognizes her own loneliness. Further, the writer points out that the end result is a poem of regret that indicates that the woman's choices have forced her into a lonely life from which she now cannot escape. The writer concludes that the message of the poem is that physical relationships fade and ultimately leave one feeling empty.
From the Paper
"In the first line, the poet introduces the subject of the poem. She describes herself thinking back on the lips that she has kissed. There is an immediate sense that the poet is alone and lonely. She is thinking back on connections she has had with other people, but it also seems like she has forgotten these people. This is seen by the way she does not describe the people that she has kissed, but the lips that she has kissed. The fact that she describes her lips kissing others and not herself kissing others also suggests that she is not emotionally connected to these people. This is also seen by the way she notes that she has forgotten where she kissed the lips or why. She then moves and mentions the arms that have lain under her head until morning. Again, she is describing body parts rather than people. This emphasizes that she has forgotten the people and the relationships that occurred."
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Ethics of Care, 2006.
A look at the philosophy of Emmanuel Kant and Aristotle in relation to the ethics of care.
1,317 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses philosophers such as Emmanuel Kant and Aristotle, who wrote extensively on ethics and how to live within society. The paper goes on to discuss other general philosophies of ethics such as the currently accepted ethics of care and more traditional systems such as the social contract.
From the Paper
"Kant's distinction between ethics and self-interest appears to be of interest in this particular case. For this philosopher, the conflict between what an individual wants and ought to do, lies in the fact that morality is seldom as spontaneous as self-gratification (Online Guide to Ethics and Moral Philosophy). Going to the trouble of helping a person in need is less spontaneous than looking the other way or serving some other, more self-involved interest.
When looking honestly at my situation from my own position of self-interest, I must admit that the thought of turning my friend in does not appeal to a large degree because I would like to continue my friendship with him. It is also much more pleasant to live in an environment without a "witch" making things difficult all the time. Thirdly, turning him in would mean going through a large amount of trouble in terms of police questioning, red tape and personal guilt. "
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