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The Cartesian Mind-Body Dilemma, 2008.
An analysis of Rene Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy" in relation to the Cartesian mind-body dilemma.
1,448 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Cartesian mind-body dilemma by analyzing Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy". The paper explains that Cartesian dualism intended to moderate between the established religious paradigm of the time and the emerging natural sciences and by positing mind and body as complete substances which refer to nothing but themselves. The paper also looks at how Descartes' theory of mind preserves the religious conception of man as an immortal soul in possession of free will by placing such outside the realm of the physical sciences. The paper points out that Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy" seeks to establish two distinct classes of substances in mind and extension, but fails to adequately address the manner in which these two incommensurable substances interact to generate our experience of the world. The writer suggests that Descartes conceives of the body as a 'kingdom within a kingdom' of mind, and is left with the problem of how these kingdoms are able to carry out diplomatic relations with one another.
From the Paper
"The cogito, 'I think therefore I am', delimits mind as the substance of thought, the primary existential of being. This is arrived at by proposing that there could be a malicious demon of some sort that may be propagating a vast illusion of experience, generating even our thoughts. Even in this radical scepticism, however, Descartes concludes that there must be something that this hoax is played upon, and no matter what this demon may be able to do, he can never convince something that it is nothing; "...I must finally conclude that this proposition, I am, I exist, is necessarily true whenever it is put forward by me or conceived in my mind" . The cogito, therefore, shows mind to be a substance that is necessarily true without reference to any other substance. It is the essence to which all the modes of thought refer."
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Reason, Mind, Body, 2005.
This paper discusses various philosophical approaches to the relationship of reason, mind and body.
1,490 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although reason is the primary tool of philosophers, many philosophers have differed in their opinions concerning how reason should be employed, the most centrally held premises from which all of their arguments spring forth. The author describes the Socratic Method, Cartesian Dualism founded by Descartes and post-war period philosophers who argue that there is no true distinction between the mind and the body and the physical aspects of the body is the mind. The paper concludes that the relationship between the body and the soul necessarily is dependent upon (1) the mind versus body and (2) the free-will versus determinism debates.
From the Paper
"Philosophers have also debated the elemental nature of reality. The concept of reality is particularly difficult to define by virtue of the fact that it encompasses everything that the individual experiences and knows, and everything that has been arrived at by mankind through the process of deductive reasoning. "Phenomenology is the study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view. The central structure of an experience is its intentionality, its being directed toward something, as it is an experience of or about some object." This in one view that favors the unique individual perception over some abstract encompassing view of reality, and it can be seen as a revolt from Hegel's ideas concerning reality."
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Tthe Substantial Union of Mind and Body., 2002.
An analysis of Descartes's perception of the interaction between mind and body.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This essay will argue that Descartes's perception of the interaction between mind and body was such that he conceived that this interaction produced a separate, unified substance from either of its two components. Although it must be acknowledged that Descartes was often not clear on this point - hence many of the popular preconceptions on the issue of Cartesian dualism - nonetheless he can be seen to have advocated the view that a human being is a unified individual substance that is composed of two incomplete substances: the mind and the body.
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Shunryu Suzuki's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind", 2008.
A review of Shunryu Suzuki's 1997 book "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" plus a creative dialogue based on insights from this book.
2,060 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 0 sources, APA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
The author of this paper explains that, once he learned that the beginner's mind is so important for Zen, he began to be excited about Shunryu Suzuki's book, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind". The author describes what he learned about the book by studying its jacket cover and the illustrations on the tittle page and then relates how he was surprised to find out that the first thing the book discusses is how to sit. The paper concludes by presenting a creative dialogue, based on the book, situated at the middle class home of a Zen Buddhist named Zooey and a Jehovah's Witness evangelist named David.
Table of Contents:
Book Review
Creative Dialogue Based on the Book
From the Paper
"I decided not to worry, but to keep reading with an open beginner's mind. Perhaps if I try every day, I will become flexible enough to get into the full lotus position. I was interested to learn that Zen seems to be a religion that is focused on the body. For example, breathing is also very important. Also, Suzuki (1997) recommends that we must own our own bodies (p. 27). I think I understand what this means. I think this means to really pay attention to our own bodies. This is quite easy to do when one is in pain from trying to get into the lotus position."
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Shunryu Suzuki's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind", 2008.
Reviews "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" by Shunryu Suzuki and then applies these teaching to a creative dialogue.
2,255 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Shunryu Suzuki's book, "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind" is divided into three parts: right practice; right attitude; and right understanding.. The author of the paper then relates that a lot of Zen Buddhism is non-intellectual and hard to grasp. Therefore, she set out clinging to these basic concepts like a drowning person clinging to a life jacket. The author also claims that the book is challenging and resulted in the biggest, most significant shift in her thinking. The paper concludes with a creative dialogue, based on the book, which is a debate about the different religions of an American, Republican, born-again Christian (Andy) and an American Zen Buddhist (Mike).
Table of Contents:
Book Review
Creative Dialogue
From the Paper
"This all sounds very attractive - and makes more sense to me than suchness, thusness, or emptiness! The condition of being a roshi sounds so attractive that I can understand why people would pursue it. It offers, it seems, the possibility of living happily in the reality of the present. I therefore set out to learn the mysteries of Zen, through the answers of the great teacher Suzuki.
"In the first part of the book, I learned that according to Suzuki (1997), posture and breathing are essential in order to practice Zen. Suzuki believes that these are vital for right practice."
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An Anti-Cartesian Approach to Pain and Suffering, 2002.
This paper explores Descartes notion of the mind / body dichotomy and is supplemented with quotations by Eric Cassell and David Morris.
943 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This essay explores Cartesian aesthetics as they relate to mind and body. The author traces the history of how the mind and body relationship is treated by the authors Eric Cassell and David Morris, particularly as it relates to Cartesian aesthetics. This is a critical, argumentative essay.
From the Paper
"The design of this essay is to explore the positions of Eric Cassel and David Morris on the issue of pain and suffering. First, each author is in turn examine in general, after which attention is turned to specific issues they in tandem address, which include the definition of pain and the interconnectedness of pain and suffering to an entire human being. What will be revealed is how both authors reject both the contemporary definition of pain and the Cartesian dualism that is associated with the differentiation between mind and body."
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Cartesian Dualism, 2004.
This paper gives a brief outline of Descartes's interactionist dualism.
1,855 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the epistemological and ontological characteristics of Cartesian dualism. It gives a detailed outline of Descartes's view of the mind/body relationship and explains why the contemporary view of the mind/body relationship is strikingly different from what Descartes's interactionist dualism suggests. The paper begins with Descartes's statements in his "Meditations" and expresses the problems that he faced afterwards.
From the Paper
"Substance dualism holds that reality consists of two disparate parts - mental and physical - which are deeply different in kind. Descartes' mind/matter distinction, most accurately called the Cartesian interactionist dualism, is a particular kind of substance dualism in which the ?mental? mind and the ?physical? body can causally interact. Descartes (1596-1650) was a French philosopher, mathematician and psychologist, who is often considered to be the founder of the modern discipline of philosophy. He lays down the foundations of his interactionist dualist theory in his ?Meditations on First Philosophy?."
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Mind Mapping, 2007.
This paper discusses the individual brainstorming process known as mind mapping.
1,151 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper explains how mind mapping is proposed to particularly benefit students. It is a technique to help clear their minds of clutter. The paper illustrates how this will help a student focus his/her attention in class during a lecture as well as increase concentration when reading. The paper discusses how to use mind maps. Firstly, one puts down or records as much pertinent information as possible. One encircles the main question on unlined paper and branches out related ideas from the center. One then connects any related ideas and promptly writes down and/or draws ideas as they occur. The paper concludes that using a mind map, like following a virtual map when traveling to an unknown destination, helps insure the traveler arrives at his/her anticipated destination.
Outline:
Introduction
Quantity, not Quality
Creating a Mind Map
Mind Map of Mind Mapping
Picture This
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Mind mapping was originally ". . . developed by Tony Buzan of the United Kingdom, mind mapping is also a software product of The Bosley Group, entitled MindMapper. The mind mapping process is as follows: (1) The topic being focused upon is represented by a central image or graphic. (2) The main themes of the topic radiate out from the central image as primary branches. (3) In a tree-like structure, the minor themes of each main theme radiate out further from the primary branches. (4) All branches are interconnected to form a series of links." (Leonard, 2002, p. 128) Mind mapping can also be completed using "The Inspiration," another computer software, that serves as a ". . . generic tool that can be adapted to different knowledge domain and can be used on its own or combined with other strategies." (Pillay & Elliott, 2002)"
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The Naked Mind, 2004.
An analysis of Theodore's Roszak's philosophy of computers and the human mind through a review of his book, "In Defense of the Naked Mind".
1,262 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses what Theodore Roszak refers to as the naked mind in his book, "In Defense of the Naked Mind", ascertaining that he means to speak about the capacity and ability of the human mind as compared to the capabilities that the computers can do. The paper presents Roszak's beliefs regarding the detrimental effects computers and technology can have on the economy, on the work force, and even in the area of literacy.
From the Paper
"When Roszak refers to the ?naked mind?, he means to speak about the capacity and ability of the human mind as compared to the capabilities that the computer machines can do. According to Roszak, how the human mind works has vital differences from how computers process information. Roszak praises the human mind because according to him, the human mind is more dynamic and more independent than the computer machines. That is, humans can achieve their goals without having to depend on machines. The machines, on the other hand, cannot do the same independence to reach achievements."
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Descartes' Body-Mind Dualism, 2008.
A look at Rene Descartes' theory of body-mind dualism.
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Rene Descartes' belief about the dualism of mind and body in which Descartes states that the mind and body can exist and function independently from each other.. The writer of the paper first looks at Descartes' four categories of explanations for his body-mind dualism arguments and then explains why he believes that, regardless of the multitude of forces brought in favor of the body - mind dualism, one cannot correctly state that body and mind can function on their own.
Outline:
Abstract
Dualism of Mind and Body
Support of Mind - Body Dualism
Personal Belief
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Rene Descartes is regarded as one of the greatest minds humanity has ever mastered. Born in France, he became specialized in several subjects, such as theology, philosophy, literature, mathematics, law or medicine. A firm sustainer of the sciences, Descartes believed that everything surrounding him could be explained as a combination of mathematics and another subject. "Descartes, who was convinced that science and mathematics could be used to explain everything in nature, was the first to describe the physical universe in terms of matter and motion, seeing the universe a as giant mathematically designed engine." "
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Ethical Dilemma at Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, 2006.
This paper describes an ethical dilemma that occured within the confines of the Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home and discusses how the dilemma was managed.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses an ethical dilemma at the Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, a small, family owned enterprise. A specific ethical dilemma that was faced by the author is recounted relevant to the parties involved and their positions of authority and power. The outcome is reported as being equitable although more could have been done to make ethical training and counseling mandatory.
From the Paper
"The ethical dilemma occurred within the confines of Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home. Stroud-Lawrence is a small family owned and operated enterprise with less than 10 employees. The ethical dilemma that recently arose dealt with insurance paybacks for certain funeral related services that were not fully performed by certain staff members. While not necessarily intentional, this oversight resulted in the billing for services performed that were not, in fact performed and the ethical issues arising from the fact that employees, myself as well as management, were aware of this oversight and yet, the process was overlooked. The Ethical Issue. The specific issue involved billing for funeral clothing on a deceased individual who was scheduled for cremation following the viewing."
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A Personal and Professional Dilemma, 2007.
This paper is written from a personal point of view and concerns a personal and professional dilemma.
800 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer relates that, while registered at the University of Phoenix as a student, she was also pushing her business more aggressively by advertising as a grant writer. She further explains that, as a single parent with an enormous amount of responsibilities, she needed to look for extra resources to maintain stability. The writer then notes that when focusing on research for each client, her studies were pushed aside, as well as her family responsibilities, and her grades began to slip. The writer also relates that, within this dilemma, she realized that she would have to organize her life better before she lost everything, including her health and her children's respect and trust. The writer then describes the way she organized her life so that she could fulfill both her professional and personal responsibilities.
Outline:
Describing the Dilemma
Analyzing the Dilemma
Evaluating the Dilemma
From the Paper
"Each day I would check for emails from potential clients but would not be interested in writing for them due to the subject matter or the markets involved. One day I received a telephone call from a former client that expanded her business and needed my services again. The client informed me that other companies have been expanding and needed my services. Conference calls were set up for introduction and discussions into sending proposals to various foundations. I mailed out several contracts totaling 45 and began to receive early portions of monetary retentions."
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Materialist Philosophy of Mind, 2002.
A paper that analyzes the materialist philosophy of the mind using various philosophers? point of views.
1,090 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
By examining the views of several philosophers, including Gilbert Ryle and Sigmund Freud, the paper analyzes materialist philosophy of the mind in the context of Cartesian dualism. The paper concludes that despite their minor differences on matter of details, the behaviorist, the functionalists, and theory of identity are all agreed on the more materialist claim that the mental supervenes on the physical and that their disagreements arise over exactly how such supervenience obtains.
From the Paper
"Arguing against Ryle logical behaviorism which is inclined more towards private and subjective mental states in the form of radical behaviorism, there is an identity theory of mind, which says that mental events are physical-biological processes in the brain. Pain for example is nothing over and above a neural state in the central nervous system, presumably the excitation of certain neurons in the brain. The identity can also be put in terms of properties of event; the property of being a pain event is identical with the property of being a c-fiber stimulation event. The identity theory of mind is believed to be the most preferred and most plausible view in contemporary philosophy of mind. To put it simple the identity theory suggests that to have a mind is to have a brain".
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The Philosophy of Mind and Consciousness - An Overview., 2001.
This paper examines an integral part of the philosophy of mind: Consciousness - the most obvious, yet most mysterious feature of our minds.
1,958 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 7 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
After defining 'consciousness' in this paper, the author shows that the very fact that we all have privileged access to our consciousness and cannot analyze it from an outsider?s point-of-view is a major reason why consciousness remains so mysterious. In addition, he puts forward his view that inevitably, a scientific explanation of consciousness will be possible.
From the Paper
"It is very hard to find an analogy to describe consciousness. We know nothing in the scientific world that draws a parallel with it. Consciousness is unable to be measured or analysed because at present we know of no connection between itself and the physical body, even if there happens to be a portion of the brain where consciousness is localised. We all experience privileged access to our own consciousness, yet how can we determine for sure that other people and creatures are also conscious beings when there is no sure-fire way to prove this? How do chemical reactions and neural processes in the body trigger conscious events? This is what makes consciousness so mysterious. We take it for granted and all regard ourselves as conscious beings, yet very rarely do we actually stop to think about what it is and how it came to be."
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