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Descartes and Kierkegaard on Faith and Truth, 2002.
This paper discusses Kierkegaard's and Descartes' positions on the knowledge of truth.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Kierkegaard's discussion on Abraham having faith in the test that God placed upon him in terms of sacrificing Isaac. Kierkegaard shows how Abraham had a faith that went beyond this world. This is why Kierkegaard writes that "faith begins precisely where thought stops." (Kierkegaard, p.20) This reality of innate knowledge was connected to Descartes' conception of matter. Descartes saw matter as being separate from consciousness. He believed in innate and universal truth.
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Kierkegaard, Theology and Faith, 2002.
A discussion of theology and faith in the thinking of Soren Kierkegaard.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the Kierkegaard's thinking on both theology and faith. It will be argued that at the heart of his discussion of both issues is his critique of the inherent weaknesses of traditional theology. It will be seen that Kierkegaard perceived the damage that modern theology - rooted in Scriptural textual analysis - was capable of inflicting upon Christianity. Thus, Kierkegaard argues for a faith based upon paradox and belief instead of reason or theology. The significance of this perspective is that it allows for the existence of faith in a secular age where textually foundationed theology is no longer capable of survival as a coherent tradition.
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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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Pascal, Montaigne and Descartes, 2006.
This paper compares and analyzes the philosophies of Pascal, Montaigne and Descartes.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the philosophy of Pascal, Montaigne and Descartes through a textual analysis. By observing the subjective reasoning that both of these philosophers imply, one can realize why they choose an inner relativity in relation to the truth. Although the truth in philosophy always questions the objectivity of truth in normative "Enlightenment Era" philosophy, Pascal, Montaigne and Descartes agree that the human mind can perceive truth within its own reasoning apparatus. The paper explains that in essence, Montaigne and Descartes agree on the subjective will of the mind that reveals the pattern of truth in human thought.
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Descartes, 2006.
An essay looking at how Renee Descartes arrived at a foundation of beliefs that represented truth beyond all doubt.
902 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper describes philosopher Renee Descartes method of thinking, doubting and questioning, which led him to the beliefs that he felt he would be a secure foundation representing absolute truth.
From the Paper
"Descartes began by noticing that when his viewing conditions were poor, it was easy for his senses to misguide him (Harvard College, 2002). For example, if his conditions were subject to poor lighting or objects were too far away to see properly, his senses were dim.
That gave Descartes a reason to doubt many of his sensory beliefs, ones he developed when the viewing conditions are poor. However, it is not enough of a reason to doubt all of his sensory beliefs. Perhaps his other sensory beliefs are good and can be trusted, he observed."
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Rene Descartes, 2005.
An analysis of the contribution of Rene Descartes's work on the history of philosophy.
3,012 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of Descartes's life and works. It focuses on an analysis of the "Discourse on Method" and the ?I think, therefore I am? statement.
Outline
Descartes?s Background
Descartes?s Philosophical System
Descartes?s Discourse on Method
Descartes?s Method Regarding Knowledge
Descartes?s Influence on Philosophy
Descartes?s Influence on Enlightenment
Works Consulted
From the Paper
"Rene Descartes is widely recognized as the father of modern philosophy. Also known as Renatus Cartesius (a latinization of his name), Descartes was a 17th century French scientist, mathematician and philosopher. His importance in the history of philosophy is so great because he was among the first to oppose scholastic Aristotleianism, which had influenced European philosophy and culture during a period of almost a thousand years. A French gentleman who signed himself ?Lord of Perron? and who lived twenty years of his life (the most productive ones) in the tolerable and hospitable Dutch republic, Descartes remains a crucial figure in the history of philosophy."
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Descartes: A Thinking Thing, 2005.
An analysis of Descartes statement that he is a "thinking thing".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how in "Meditation II" Rene Descartes states that he is a "thinking thing" (Descartes 16-18). It analyzes what Descartes meant by this statement and how it has worked into Descartes other meditations on truth, reality and existence.
From the Paper
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Renee Descartes' Third Meditation Circular, 2006.
Considers whether Renee Descartes' argument in the "Meditations" is actually an argument for the existence of God.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Renee Descartes' "Meditations", and explains that within this writing, he justifies his faith in reason by a circuitous route. The paper explains that Descartes accomplishes this by first raising all of the epistemological doubts of skeptics - and then vindicating his faith in reason by advancing an argument for trusting certain aspects of our rationality. In the process, as far as he is concerned, he manages to: ... "tear down everything and begin anew from the foundations [in order to] ... establish ... firm and lasting knowledge". The paper then goes on to argue that contrary to establishing his faith in reason, to a very large extent, the new foundation that Descartes erects, and pins his firm knowledge on, is his certainty of the existence of God.
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Descartes: Three Doubts, 2005.
An analysis of skepticism in Rene Descartes's philosophy.
832 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Rene Descartes's three skeptical doubts and the importance of skepticism in his philosophy. The paper explains that the exercise of skepticism is the backbone of Descartes's philosophical approach and is the defining element of his meditations, insofar as they revolve around the identification and examination of three doubts: the doubt in his own existence, the reality of God, and the existence of the outside world. The importance and implications of these doubts are discussed in the paper in the hope of illustrating that, if we want to arrive at certain knowledge and objective truth, we should begin, as Descartes did, by doubting.
From the Paper
"Descartes' third doubt is a natural extension of the first two and particularly interesting insofar as its conclusion is predetermined by the ones arrived at earlier. Quite simply stated, we know that we exist because we are thinking beings and ultimately, conclude that God exists because we have exercised our thinking abilities. However, the outside world is primarily communicated to us as an entity through multiple perceptions and perceptions, in themselves, cannot be accepted as certitudes insofar as they may be misled by the Evil Demon. Nevertheless, the proof for the existence of the external may ultimately emerge from our knowledge of it. Knowledge, insofar as it had earlier been defined by Descartes as indubitable and a product of good God, cannot, therefore be deceiving. Hence, the outside world exists."
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On the Nature of the Supreme Deity - Descartes and Hume, 1990.
Review of the arguments of Descartes and Hume for the existence of God. Descartes' argument from definition and Humes' teleological argument (argument from design) are examined.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, $ 55.95
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From the Paper
"Rene Descartes, in his work, The Meditations on First Philosophy (1953) ed., and David Hume, in his work, An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding (1955 ed.), both argue for the existence of a supreme deity. Descartes believes that the deity is a perfect being living in the consciousness of men. Indeed, his God represents the supreme consciousness or all.knowing mind. David Hume sees proof for the existence of God in the perfect and complex order of nature. Thus, the primary difference between the two philosophers concerns where they seek their evidence for the existence of the Deity. Descartes seeks God within man or through internal evidence. Whereas Hume seeks evidence for God's existence through external observations of the world around us. Although to some degree Hume also accepts Descartes' hypothesis that God must exist as long on as man carries awareness of him in his"
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Descartes? Argument for God?s Existence, 2006.
Examination of how Descartes' "Third Meditation" argues God's existence.
1,587 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
While no argument for or against the existence of a higher power will successfully convince members of the other theological camp to its supposed truth, Descartes' "Third Meditation" remains a very skillful, well orchestrated defense of the author's beliefs. This paper points out that an exercise in logic, Descartes' argument for the existence of God is also an excellent example. It explains that the work progresses from the basic to the complex, uses analogies from the readers' experience, anticipates and addresses readers' possible objections and uses such classic methods as cause and effect, negative logic through absences and the need for absolutes.
From the Paper
"The existence of a divine being, namely God, has challenged philosophers, writers, theologians, and other thinkers for millennia; often individuals have, after struggling with exhaustive arguments about a source of immaculate virtue or a prime mover, merely shrugged their shoulders and claimed that the best defense for believing in a higher power is 'personal faith.' Atheists have long rejoiced in this supposed inability to prove God's existence objectively and have often placed their belief in science, with its reliance on axioms, proofs, and purely empirical evidence. Yet how accurate is science? Medical knowledge of the seventeenth century, with its notions of humors and effluvia, has been largely disproved, much like the racially-based biological and genetic theories of the early twentieth century. In addition to being required to constantly undergo modification or rejection, scientific theories often rely on faith; for example, nuclear physics purports the existence of quarks, but no naked eye has ever seen one. While the debate between religion and science has become quite heated, especially since the eighteenth century Enlightenment, French philosopher Rene Descartes penned his Third Meditation in 1637, arguing very convincingly for the existence of God. Indeed, Descartes' argument, relying on notions of the source of inner ideas, cause and effect, and objective perfection, gives reason for theists to applaud and atheists to perhaps rethink their position on the God question."
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Descartes' Grand Project, 2006.
An evaluation and understanding of Descartes' Grand Project.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Descartes' Grand Project was a good idea because identifying and establishing philosophically certain beliefs was necessary in order to provide a solid foundation upon which to base sound philosophical theories. It further explains that Descartes understood that if the foundation was flawed, everything that rested upon it would be flawed, so he formulated his method of doubt in his Meditations on First Philosophy in order to establish a solid foundation he and other philosophers could rely upon. The paper then reports that in considering material provided in Meditations I through IV, it is evident that Descartes' purpose was to systematically question everything he had believed up to that point, logically test its veracity, and subsequently identify unquestionable truths.
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Descartes and 'I', 2007.
An analysis of Rene Descartes' approach to the knowledge of the 'I'.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Descartes' procedure towards the knowledge of the 'I' is extraordinary in that to discover the fundamental principles of philosophy, Descartes skillfully evoked a radical philosophical and scientific method of doubt, classically referred to as hyperbolic doubt. The paper contends that what is radical about Descartes' method of doubt is that it refuses to accept the knowledge and authority of previous philosophers as well as the obviousness of his reasons and senses. For Descartes, anything that could be doubted must be rejected.
From the Paper
"Descartes fantastically opens his Meditations by stating his desire to have only true beliefs. In applying the method of hyperbolic doubt, Descartes is following rules set out by himself into exploration of mathematics and philosophy in Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting the Reason, and Searching for Truth in the Sciences. Descartes started his line of reasoning by doubting everything, so as to assess the world from a fresh perspective, clear of any preconceived notions. Descartes' ultimate aims however are constructive. Unlike common sceptics who doubt purely for the sake of doubting, Descartes aims to reach certainty-to cast aside the "loose earth and sand so as to come upon solid rock" ( Discourse 3, 6:28,29). Descartes' philosophical method was also intended to be a method for science."
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