| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "CONSCIOUSNESS ANIMALS": |
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Consciousness and Animals, 2002.
An analysis of the misconception that no other living creature could possibly rise to the same level of consciousness as a human being.
6,183 words (approx. 24.7 pages), 16 sources, APA, $ 145.95
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Abstract
The main point of this paper is that consciousness is not something that is specific to human beings; but that man is likely the only species that truly does not understand the depth and intensity that animals possess in their special consciousness. It analyzes various ways in which man acts towards animals that shows how insensitive we are to other living creatures' consciousness - they are used for experiments, as a food source, in labor, etc. The paper argues humanity has taken advantage of the animal kingdom, while at the same time given nothing back in return with regard to a level of appreciation for nonhuman sentience. It examines research in the field which proves that animals do have definite levels of consciousness and different animal species are compared to each other to determine their level.
From the Paper
"What is consciousness if not the awareness that one exists and, therefore, acts upon that knowledge as a means by which to maintain survival? Just because animals do not outwardly possess the prerequisites of consciousness set down by man's definition does not mean they do not exhibit their own consciousness in various other -- and significantly more elusive -- ways. When science has taken to task the issue of animal consciousness, it has typically pitted several species against one another as a means by which to establish some semblance of conscious behavior. Results from these types of research methods have consistently demonstrated a considerable divergence between and among species residing at varying rungs upon both the evolutionary and supraliminal ladders."
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Animal Rights/Animal Liberation, 1999.
Defends the ethical basis for the animal rights movement in their fight against the use of animals in research, based on ecocentric philosophy.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 16 sources, $ 95.95
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Abstract
Serious questions have been raised about the ethical justification of the use of animals in research designed to benefit human beings. Moral condemnation for the use of animals to benefit humans, however, is not the principal point of such questions. The issue of the use of animals in research is an integral part of the framework of animal rights/animal liberation within the larger structure of environmental ethics. This research defends the ethical framework of animal rights/ animal liberation. The primary focus in this defense is on the use of animals in research designed to benefit human beings
From the Paper
"ANIMAL RIGHTS/ANIMAL LIBERATION: AN ETHICAL DEFENSE
Introduction
Serious questions have been raised about the ethical justification of the use of animals in research designed to benefit human beings. Moral condemnation for the use of animals to benefit humans, however, is not the principal point of such questions. The issue of the use of animals in research is an integral part of the framework of animal rights/animal liberation within the larger structure of environmental ethics. This research defends the ethical framework of animal rights/ animal liberation. The primary focus in this defense is on the use of animals in research designed to benefit human beings.
The Ethical Basis of Animal Rights/Animal Liberation ..."
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The Use of Animals in George Orwell's "Animal Farm", 2001.
This paper looks at George Orwell's novel, "Animal Farm."
1,105 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper is an in-depth examination of George Orwell's use of animal characters in his novel, "Animal Farm." The use of animals as metaphor is also detailed. The author looks at the political environment at the time the book was written and at the message the author was trying to convey to his readers.
From the Paper
"Animals are not simply seen as innocent. Common stereotypes about animals tie into their roles in the story nicely. For example, in many countries pigs are often seen as lazy and greedy animals that like to hog resources. Fittingly, in the novel we are told that first the milk and apples, prized delicacies among the animals, were taken by the pigs, with the false explanation that ?milk and apples (this has been proved by Science, comrades) contain substances absolutely necessary to the well-being of a pig? (27). Later, the pigs award themselves the privilege of waking up an hour after all the other animals and sleeping in ?very comfortable beds?, and they again spread propaganda and create false reasons for their actions (50)."
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Do Animals Think?, 2007.
This paper analyzes the topic of animal consciousness by studying the ideas of authors Thomas Nagel, Colin Allen and Eric Saigel.
1,252 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that animals think, but they do not have the capacity for self-analysis and conscious growth. The paper discusses how there is little evidence they can turn their thoughts toward themselves and self-improvement in any meaningful way. The paper explains the beliefs of Thomas Nagel, Colin Allen and Eric Saigel who show how animals think and do not simply rely on their instinct to survive.
From the Paper
"While the idea of conscious thought among animals may be difficult, if not impossible to prove without a doubt at this time, many experts believe animals think. Nagel writes, "Conscious experience is a widespread phenomenon. It occurs at many levels of animal life, though we cannot be sure of its presence in the simpler organisms, and it is very difficult to say in general what provides evidence of it" (Nagel). Even more persuasive is the notion that many animals posses "access consciousness" as a result of "representational content" broadcast into a "global workspace" that is available for all species to use (Allen)."
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Consciousness, 2002.
An review of the philosophical and scientific definition of consciousness as it has been used through the ages.
1,871 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the way in which the term 'consciousness' has been used by philosophers and scientists alike, throughout the ages. It ranges from definitions of Descartes in the 17th century and John Locke. It then moves to the scientific approach and focuses on an experiment with apes in which the consciousness of animals was compared with that of humans.
From the Paper
"At Cornell University, Edward Bradford Titchener, an American psychologist, developed the introspective approach. Introspective self-reports helped to detail his structure of the mind from which he developed a structuralism approach to consciousness. For example, Ataste was >dimensionalized= into four basic categories: sweet, sour, salt and bitter (p.2). By the 1920's consciousness was removed from psychological research for 50 years when behaviorism captured the field of psychology. By the late 1950's the subject of consciousness returned. ATechniques relating to altered states of consciousness, sleep and dreams, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis and drug-induced states surfaced (p.2)."
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Consciousness, 2002.
A discussion of the many notions of consciousness and if they are all equally problematic.
2,472 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to answer the question ?what are the various concepts the term ?consciousness? picks out?? It outlines six different notions of consciousness, self-consciousness, minimal consciousness, perceptual consciousness, phenomenal consciousness, access consciousness and higher order consciousness and shows why they are not equivalent. It examines how every one of these concepts of consciousness is problematic in that they have all alluded a complete scientific explanation and how phenomenal consciousness and perceptual consciousness are more likely to allude scientific analysis than the others.
From the Paper
"Matters are different, however, when it comes to phenomenal consciousness (and therefore perceptual consciousness, for remember that perceptually conscious mental states are a subset of the phenomenally conscious ones). To be sure, phenomenally conscious mental states can and do represent the world and play an important role in producing behavior. That?s why so many mental states are both phenomenally conscious and access conscious. But an explanation of the functional role phenomenally conscious states play in can never be a complete explanation of those states. For such an explanation will inevitably leave something out of the picture. What will it leave out? An explanation of the subjective quality of the experience?something that can differ from individual to individual."
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Language, Consciousness, and Reality, 2005.
Examines Starhawk's philosophy that language shapes consciousness and consciousness shapes reality.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on Starhawk's philosophy that language shapes consciousness and consciousness shapes reality. Within the paper it is shown that Starhawk's belief is that language can have a deciding factor on a person's perception of themselves, and through this perception they develop concepts of reality in their consciousness. Therefore, this perception then shapes their reality.
From the Paper
"Reality, according to Starhawks, is a state in which we must find definition. It is how we define reality within our consciousness that ultimately determines the type of power that will control our lives. As individuals, what we perceive to be real will be. What we believe to be true will happen. The key to discovering a harmony in life is to come to the realization that people do have a final say in how their lives will be lived, and through the consciousness every individual can make that choice. To understand how this is possible the individual must first comprehend that there are powers in the world. Starhawks contends that there is the "power-over" which is any power that comes from outside of the individual that is controlling."
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Psychological and Behavioral Processes in Humans and Animals, 2002.
This paper compares and contrasts psychological and behavioral processes of human and animals; knowledge of animals gains a deeper comprehension of the similar processes in humans.
1,130 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses that both humans and animals have strong psychological needs that modify attitudes and behaviors. The author states that cognitive processes, including thinking, feeling, memorizing and perceiving, strongly influence the entire welfare of animals and humans. The paper concludes that there are acute differences between the humans and animals in their psychological processes that mutate their behavior.
From the Paper
"Research demonstrates that learning about psychological and behavioral processes of both animals and humans can greatly assist psychologists, physiologists, biologists and most of all general public in ameliorating human/animal interaction and in the successful management of all animals. Over the years, physiological processes have been studied thoroughly and paid much attention to, however, psychological needs and behavioral processes associated to them have neither been examined nor researched, thereby neglecting the most cardinal facet of both animal and human behavior for exploration of the same proves that animals like humans have strong psychological needs that modify and determine their behavior."
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Moral Significance of Animals, 1994.
An examination of the philosophical debate on the attributes of human and animal sentience, pain and pleasure and consciousness.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, $ 39.95
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From the Paper
"Philosophers have considered the question of the moral significance of animals as opposed to the moral significance of human beings for centuries, and the issue has become more potent in the scientific age with concerns about animal experimentation along with other issues related to the treatment of animals for food, as work animals, and in any situation which could be classified as captivity and not as the natural state of the animal.
In examining the moral significance of human beings, many philosophers differentiate between human beings and animals, emphasizing those qualities which separate human beings from animals, implying that these qualities prove moral significance and thus that the absence of these qualities would deny such significance. Inherent in the discussion of the moral..."
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Protecting Animals: System of Duties Built on Jewish Law, 2005.
An in-depth paper which calls on the Jewish religion to stop focusing on animal rights and to start focusing on human duties and obligations towards animals.
8,160 words (approx. 32.6 pages), 30 sources, MLA, $ 174.95
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Abstract
This paper explores an alternative to fighting for animal rights, and instead advocates for a system of human duties and obligations based on Jewish Law. The paper analyzes the way Jewish law views cruelty to animals, the environment, and the obligation to take care of one's health. Jewish Law lays out a system of positive obligations that Man has towards animals, the environment, and his own health.
I. Introduction
II. Jewish Law and the Environment
A. The World and All in It Belongs To G-d and Man Is Responsible For Preserving It All
B. Animals Are Important to G-d
C. Bal Tashchit - The Prohibition on Wanton Destruction
D. Environmental Effects of Producing So Much Meat
III. Animals in Jewish Law
A. Animals as Property
B. Tza'ar Ba'aley Chayim and Positive Acts of Kindness
IV. Jewish Law and Health
A. The Importance of Maintaining Health in Jewish Law
B. Health and Vegetarianism
V. The Misunderstanding of the Importance Of Meat In Judaism
VI. Rabbis and Vegetarianism
VII. A Modern System of Duties and Obligations
A. Eating Meat and Dairy Products
B. Hunting, Trapping, and Furs
C. Animals in Entertainment
D. Animal Experimentation
E. Wildlife Conservation
VIII. Conclusion
From the Paper
"We often talk about protecting animals and giving them their rights. Animal rights' activists argue about which rights are due to animals and which rights to animals are due to human beings. I argue that this dialogue is unhelpful to animals, just as it is unhelpful to human beings. Rather than argue about rights, I contend that we should construct a system of duties and obligations under which human beings will have varied responsibilities towards animals. Such a system already exists under Jewish law, a system devoid of human rights and animal rights, but rich with human responsibility and obligations towards mankind, animals, and the environment."
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Cruelty to Animals, 2006.
An assessment of organizational and governmental efforts to protect animals.
1,825 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the organizations, governmental agencies and courtrooms acting to protect animals from cruelty. The paper begins with a review of the laws against cruelty to animals. Next, the paper explores the mission and success of some of the most well-known non-profit organizations working to protect animals. Included are the Humane Society and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as well as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The paper also briefly discusses smaller, grassroots organizations, like Animal Cruelty Actionline. The paper then turns to the laws against animal cruelty and their application in several rather disturbing courtroom cases.
From the Paper
"There are currently hundreds of organizations around to prevent and stop cruelty to animals. The most widely recognized organizations are the American Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA since its inception has become a role model for other similar organizations to follow. The organization has a legislative action center in which volunteers are asked to write their legislatures in order to rally for stricter penalties against animal cruelty. Volunteers are kept abreast on current issues related to animal cruelty. The society also keeps a listing of animal humane law enforcement officials and animal control agencies throughout the United States."
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The Ape and Human Consciousness, 2002.
A research paper discussing the similarities and differences between ape and human consciousness.
1,448 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
The paper defines the word consciousness and questions whether chimpanzees and other apes do indeed possess all three traits that make up consciousness as we know it: language, self-awareness, and theory of mind. The paper gives examples from animal communication research which show that they perhaps do possess these traits. It then looks at the critics of this theory who claim that the difference between the human and ape consciousness is vast and that apes cannot really claim to possess language, self-awareness and a theory of mind skills.
From the Paper
"One of the original researchers using sign language with apes, Herb Terrace is now a critic. Terrace placed a chimpanzee named Nim in a community of people using sign language to see if he would pick up the language, but found that only by bribing him with treats did he learn (Wynne 52). Terrace realized that Nim was simply using signs that his trainers had used in their question, so in effect he was just echoing what had been said (Wynne 52). Regarding Washoe?s description of a swan as ?waterbird,? it is noted that perhaps she was simply naming two things she saw, water and bird. As far as Kanzi?s ability to pick up symbolic language from observation of her mother?s training, it must be noted that Kanzi was rewarded for her use of symbols and usually given the things that she named (Wynne 52)."
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Consciousness, 2002.
A review of the various methods that have been used to study the nature of consciousness.
2,553 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to define the phenomena of consciousness. It studies the claims of scientists like John Searle, that there is a reductive, scientifically explainable process that results in consciousness. It discusses how philosophers like David Chalmers criticize the reductive explanation and how Chalmers argues for a more nuanced, dualistic view, one that recognizes the phenomenon?s more subjective and qualitative aspects.
Outline
Definitions of Consciousness
Is Consciousness Scientifically Explainable
The Limits of Scientific Explanation
Chalmers? Naturalist Dualism
Evaluation of the Scientific Model and Chalmers? Critiques
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The advent of computer technology and artificial intelligence has led to a refinement of the mind-body problem. A more accurate term would be the mind-brain relationship, as scientists are identifying the mind with the brain. The biochemical and biophysical findings continue to shed more light on mental actions and conscious thought. Many scientists now believe that brain processes are themselves mental processes, and that a scientific understanding of consciousness and other mental phenomenon rests on a greater understanding of the brain itself."
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Animals as a Human Food Source, 2005.
This paper discusses and argues against the consumption of animals as a human food source.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This essay examines many of the issues associated with the consumption of animals for food. It is argued that this practice is flawed from two perspectives: ethically and as an issue of human health. As the writer shows in this article, from the perspective of ethics the only supportable position is to refuse to consume animals for food while, from a health perspective, the clear dangers from animals fats and, in particular, the transmission of toxic pollutants from animals to humans suggests that the consumption of animals for food carries with it considerable health risks for the human species.
From the Paper
"In September 2001 the well-known animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sponsored a billboard in Vancouver, British Columbia that triggered widespread controversy within the environmental and animal rights movement. The billboard read, simply: "Eat the Whales". Not surprisingly, this advertisement provoked a heated response from many environmentalists and, in particular, from the influential anti-whaling movement. However, PETA was unrepentant and argued that their advertisement made an important point: why do so many people, including environmentalists and anti-whaling activists, make distinctions between species and consider eating domestic pigs, cows or chickens permissible but whales, dolphins or seals abhorrent?"
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"Double Consciousness", 2003.
A review of W.E.B Dubois literary piece "Double Consciousness".
1,457 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper examines W.E.B Dubois literary piece "Double Consciousness" about the conflict focusing around the life of colored people and their struggle to live life bound by the intense realms of racial injustice in a prejudicial American society. It looks at how Dubois shows how blacks had to live their life on a day to day basis, thinking of themselves with a ?double consciousness.? In one consciousness, colored people looked at themselves with an allegiance and pride of their African culture and its traditions and in the other were coerced to look at themselves in the way that the dominant culture perceived them to be. It shows how Dubois uses such techniques like mighty phrases of repetition, symbolic structures and unique narrative tone in order to convey his concept of ?double consciousness? into the mind of the reader.
From the Paper
"Furthermore, Dubois utilizes more elements of structural devices that enrich his essay. In the third paragraph of Dubois? literary piece, his tone is quite unique in relaying a message to the reader. In this last paragraph, Dubois places no periods until nearly the end of the paragraph. Indeed, the author does this for it provides the structure of the essay with a unique rhythm that overwhelms the reader with a series of ideas and vital conceptions. The narrative technique here raises the tone of the literary piece while formulating tension and surprise, which coerces the reader to keep reading to see how this immense tension will resolve."
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