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Absolute Truth and the Relativity of Truth, 2005.
Are there absolute truths or is truth relative? A review of the philosophical concept of truth and an extended discussion of the movie, "Rashomon", to see if the question is even understandable.
5,145 words (approx. 20.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 128.95
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Abstract
This paper investigates the intelligibility of the philosophical understanding of truth as appearance and reality. After reviewing the nature of the philosophical picture of what constitutes truth, there is an extended discussion of an often-cited example of truth?s relativity in the movie, "Rashomon". There is then a discussion of some other examples, which attempt to clarify the philosophical picture, only to conclude that the philosophical posing of truth and appearance is actually not yet understandable.
From the Paper
"In Theaetetus Socrates quotes Protagoras with what is possibly the first clear statement of the relativist: that ?man is the measure of all things? and that anything ?is to me such as it appears to me, and is to you such as it appears to you?? (856, 152a) On the other hand, there is Plato?s well-known allegory of the cave in the Seventh Book of the Republic, (747- 750, 514a-518b) in which he advances the notion that there is an ultimate truth that lies beyond our interpretations or appearances of that truth. But how understandable are both the notions of relativism and of an absolute truth?"
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The Truth About Truth, 2006.
A philosophical look at the meaning of truth.
1,401 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author looks at all the aspects of truth as we understand it. He identifies truth as something which could be universal and eternal and if it is, he examines whether it should be considered eternal or absolute. The author elaborates on these points and enters a deep discussion of how absolute truth can be assessed and defined. The author concludes the paper with his belief that truth is relative and therefore it cannot be absolute as absolute truth is eternal.
From the Paper
"One common mistake made by men is to allow ourselves to be led by our senses alone. I believe our senses do not always lead to truth. Senses can be deceiving, especially when relating dreams. In a dream one may feel things or see things, and when that person wakes up has to ponder for a second whether those things were real. Of course, those things experienced in a dream were not real, but for an instant that dreamer believed those things to be true. He was fooled by his senses. Although many will agree that in this case the senses do deceive us, still some will rely solely on their senses to guide them through life."
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Concepts of Relativity and Truth: Finding Your Own Truth, 2000.
A discussion of Nietzsche's belief on deconstructing truth and the concept of relativism in terms of other thinkers.
793 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 28.95
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From the Paper
"The concept of relativism makes many ideas and concepts impossible to argue. The idea that every person and group acts and is entitled to live by their own perception of the truth allows such a difference in opinions that consilience among them seems to be impossible. Friedrich Nietszche wrote that we had to ?deconstruct? truth because we can?t allow ourselves to rely on truths that we think are absolute. To rely on an absolute truth is to put your trust into something that may prove false. John Stuart Mill wrote that an individual should be able to seek happiness and liberty, as long as that search does not encroach upon the happiness and liberty of another. In a sense, he speculated that each man has to search for his own truth. In finding his own truth, Nietszche would urge us to question those truths constantly, to make sure in ourselves that what we are believing in is true. "
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Absolute Pitch, 2005.
Examines theories on the origin and development of the musical absolute pitch.
1,163 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 21 sources, APA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
Extraordinary musical talent is very rare; however a more uncommon talent, even among musicians, is absolute pitch. The paper explains that absolute pitch, also known as perfect pitch, is the ability to accurately identify pitches by name or produce a particular pitch without musical context or reference to another tone. The origins of absolute pitch have not been fully explored, but it is certain that genetic, environmental and biological factors all play a part in the development of this ability. The paper argues that more research should be done to separate the components affecting absolute pitch, as it can give valuable insight to the nature versus nurture debate.
From the Paper
"Another study used PET scanning to compare the cerebral blood flow of absolute pitch possessors to control musicians without absolute pitch. During pitch labeling tests, absolute pitch possessors demonstrated activation of the left posterior dorsolateral frontal cortex, an area related to learning associations. During interval-judgment tests, control subjects showed activation in the left posterior dorsolateral cortex and right inferior frontal cortex, an area of the brain thought to be used as working memory."
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The Significance of Relative Power Over Absolute Power, 2006.
An explanation as to why an emphasis on relative power in international relations is more important than absolute power.
1,313 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at relative power versus absolute power, from both realist and liberal perspectives. The paper uses Canada and China as examples. The paper concludes that it is better for the state to emphasize a realist perspective rather than a liberalist one.
From the Paper
"States have always been interacting with one another on a systemic level. According to realists, because states are self-interested, they worry about power of which there are two different kinds. Realists value relative power more than absolute power. Absolute power refers to a state's strive towards flourishing economically, and militarily. On the other hand, relative power refers to a state's emphasis on its relationship with other states around it, watching surrounding states and planning accordingly. However, unlike realists, liberals do not value power as highly and look to gains as being more important. Absolute gains follow a non-zero-sum mentality, which means that a state's gains are infinite. One state's gain does not have to be another state's loss as it could be in the case of relative gains. As a result, what is more important for a state to emphasize: a realist's view of power or the liberal view of gains?"
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Program Music v. Absolute Music, 2006.
This paper examines the Verdi aria "Ave Maria" from "Othello," highlighting the debate between program and absolute music.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper outlines the importance the aria holds for the opera and for music in general. The paper then outlines the debate depicting how music ought to be considered. Finally it considers whether the aria better fits one or the other of the arguments. The conclusion of the paper is that program music better explains the piece.
From the Paper
"In Verdi's "Ave Maria," from "Othello," Desdemona sings what is perhaps the opera's greatest addition to the storyline already laid out so brilliantly by Shakespeare. In a lilting, soaring soprano, Desdemona presents this liturgical prayer for the humble, the innocent and the oppressed in such a beautifully supplicant manner that the listener feels her purity and honesty pouring through her tender prayer. The story wins the listener over to the character, particularly as the music is juxtaposed to the hard declamations of the evil Iago. Though the character has a name that is purposefully indicative of demons, and the tragedy that befalls her later in the opera stems from the misunderstanding of her connection to evil, the listener knows from the moment that Desdemona has sung the "Ave Maria" that the character is pure of heart and gentle of spirit."
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Pilate as the Antithesis of Truth in Bacon?s ?Of Truth?, 2002.
This paper discusses the essay "Of Truth" by Francis Bacon, looking primarily at the character of Pilate.
536 words (approx. 2.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 19.95
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Abstract
The writer argues that from the opening line of the essay Pilate reveals himself as the antithesis, or opposite, of truth. The paper discusses the moral stance of Bacon in 1625 when he wrote essays requiring readers to look more deeply into history.
From the Paper
"Considering the opening line itself, it should be no surprise that Pilate is jesting when he asks, ?what is Truth?? Having asked this question of Jesus, disregarded truth, and chosen instead ?the wickedness of falsehood and breach of faith? (6), Pilate must be facetious because his embracing a lie has resulted in the pleasure of a ?corrupt love of the lie itself? (6). More than that, however, Pilate?s fickleness in approaching the subject of truth and then leaving reflects the delight of Skeptics in intellectual fickleness. Of course Pilate does not stay for an answer; to listen to Bacon?s (or anyone?s) thoughts on truth would point out Pilate?s failing as a man of God as well as a citizen, for ?clear and round dealing is the honour of man?s nature? (7)."
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Two Absolute Monarchs, 2004.
This paper analyzes and compares the reigns of the Chinese emperor k'angxi and French King Louis XIV.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper is an examines and compares the reigns of Chinese emperor k'angxi and French King Louis XIV, two Absolute Monarchs. The paper includes biographic details of the Emperor and of the King. The paper also discusses their goals.
From the Paper
"Louis XIV was born in September and died in September. He reigned as King of France from May until his death. However Louis did not effectively become ruler until after the death of Cardinal Mazarin. His reign generally epitomises the absolute power of a monarch. Louis was four years old when his father died but he played little or no role as King until he was thirteen years of age. Even at age thirteen Louis proved to be autocratic."
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Hobbes:" The Limitations of Absolute Sovereignty", 2002.
A discussion of collective sovereignty versus individual freedom.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Hobbes' philosophy of collective sovereignty versus individual freedom: Should you follow your own own beliefs and risk harming the collective or not? It uses a modern-day example of two workers who are asked to perform a non-ethical task that could jeopardize the company they work for.
From the Paper
"The first moral dilemma occurs in the collision of Ted and Margaret?s duty to their company and their duty to their own honor. While?and Hobbes agrees?it is the chief duty of ?subjects? to obey without question the authority of their sovereign (in this case, the company) in order to maintain the peace and order of the collective, there are certain limitations. Indeed, this ?law? of obligation should more correctly read, subjects must obey the authority of the sovereign provided that it does not require them to sacrifice their lives or their honor for an end that does not utterly support the collective"
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"Gridlock'd" ( Vondie Curtis-hall ) & "Absolute Power" ( Clint Eastwood ), 1997.
Compares 1997 films' financing, audience appeal, characters, directorial styles and plots.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"The average "studio" film today costs tens of millions of dollars, while the average "independent" film exists in a range below $10 million. Such expenditures under both headings have little to do with the genre of film being made, the length of the film, or even the stars of the film in many cases. Many stars will work for less money in an independent film than they will for a studio-made film--Bruce Willis appears in the $7 million Pulp Fiction, for instance, while he is usually paid more than that personally for studio-made films like the two Die Hard sequels. The quality of the film produced also bears only some relationship to the amount of money spent--the aforementioned Pulp Fiction was well-received by critics and audiences alike, while a film costing $70 or $80 million such as Daylight was denigrated by critics and ignored by audiences. What is.."
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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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What Is Truth?, 2002.
Questions the meaning of truth, using Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's book "Truth: a History and a Guide for the Perplexed".
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper reports on the book "Truth; a History and a Guide for the Perplexed" by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto (1999). Taking into account a primary question of "What is truth?" this essay relies upon Fernandez-Armesto's text as the source for considering the questions of truth. These refer to the implications of universal Truth and relative truths; that is, singular Truth that can be applied for every human being and a multitude of truths that can be considered in relation to every human being's difference in culture, language, history and social structures.
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Truth Commissions, 2004.
This paper explores the relationship between truth commissions and larger questions of truth and justice and of memory and forgetting.
2,870 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that ?truth commissions? are official governmental bodies designed to determine what occurred under previous governmental regimes, and by exposing the truth, often about violence used by the government against its people, to bring about a sense of closure and healing to those who were harmed. The author points out that, sometimes, truth commissions have been effective in bringing about criminal prosecution to those who are found guilty of crimes, but more often, they have existed simply to air the truth, on the principle that acknowledging the truth is, in and of itself, a powerful tool for a society attempting to establish or re-establish the rule of law and an insistence on justice that is available to each person. The paper relates that the promise of the truth commission is the promise of distributive justice, a philosophy based on the idea of a strict or radical equality, which is simply the idea that every person in a society should have the same level of treatment.
From the Paper
"The answer to this depends almost entirely upon one?s own beliefs about the nature of governance and of human rights. If one were fortunate to believe in the divine right of monarchs, then one argues that it is the monarch alone or the modern equivalent, the military dictator ? guided by God ? who has both the wisdom and the power to institute laws. Those on the progressive left end of the political spectrum argue that only the most democratic institutions possess the wisdom and the right to make decisions for the group as a whole. But as good as this sounds, Maier (2002) reminds us that is is not this simple when trying to bridge the differences between ?hot? and ?cold? memories and to bring together a population in which most are innocent and a few are horribly guilty but many are not quite guilty but certainly not entirely innocent."
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Truth, 2006.
A discussion about truth and whether it remains constant or whether it is changeable.
1,667 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The writer states that truth is not obscured by language, but by what truth or truths actually are. The paper discusses whether there can be partial truths, or whether there are only actual truths. The writer then brings different definitions of truth as defined by various philosophers. In summation, the writer states that truth is that which is moral and correct and which does not harm or hinder anyone.
From the Paper
"Maybe the best place to start in an investigation of "Truth" is with the ancient Greek philosophers who struggled with the idea, and, in the case of Socrates, had to drink hemlock for it. Plato provides debates and arguments about what he refers to as "unchanging truth". Truth is what you see. "Mere opinions are bad." To go further into Plato's concept of truth, he says "...visible objects can be seen only when the sun shines on them, and truth can be known only when illuminated..." This unchanging truth comes, according to Plato and others like him, from living moral and virtuous lives and having the education to know how to act and how to respond when the Good and the Truth are somehow challenged. This sort of Good and Truth comes, so I read, "within such a society (where) each individual has his or her own naturally established role or function, serving to maintain the stability and unity of the community as a whole." Now, just a minute! Where does this idea of "naturally established" come from? What does it have to do with Truth? Who is the establisher? And, what is "natural" about the Good of the forms that supposedly make it happen? It seems, from reading Plato, that truth is something that just IS. It EXISTS, and no one really has any power over it, except to defy it and tell and live untruths. If what the eye can see is Truth, and opinions are bad, then Truth is a physical, rather than a mental or intellectual phenomenon."
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Economics and the Quest for Truth, 2008.
An inquiry into the search for truth and its relevance in the science of economics.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the question of whether one should focus on the idea of ultimate truth in a science like economics or whether one should merely try to understand and investigate truth as a revelation about how the world works. The paper also addresses the ontological issue of what reality actually is. It holds that the science of economics involves trying to solve problems as rationally and logically consistent as possible, while being aware of the possibility of being wrong. The paper concludes that, in order to understand how the world works, one has to find a practical hermeneutical approach to get as close to ultimate truth as feasible.
Outline:
Introduction
Truth and the Role of Epistemology
Truth and Its Recognizability
The Truth Alone
Truth and the Study of Economics
From the Paper
"One may argue that truth is what is observable, as favoured by the philosopher Bacon (Klamer, 2006). At first hand this approach sounds logically consistent. It relies on induction. According to the positivist approach, what is empirically proven and thus observable is true (Klamer, 2006). As already Socrates figured out there is no direct knowledge of reality and we can only observe indirectly. Thus, what we see is biased and represents only a slice of reality (Klamer, 2006). Hence, induction alone is troublesome as no scientist is omniscient. Consequently, the claim to have seen and thus observed everything is illusory."
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