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Hume and Descartes? Concept of Self, 2002.
A comparison of the concept of self as seen by David Hume and Rene Descartes.
4,395 words (approx. 17.6 pages), 16 sources, $ 115.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces the notion of 'self' as presented by David Hume (1711-76) and contrasts it with the model by Descartes (1596-1650). In order to understand Humes' theory of self, his theory of knowledge is explored as well. Descartes's view on the duality of mind and body is then examined. The topic of identity is then explored with Hume's and Descartes' views evaluated within this discussion.
From the Paper
"To understand Hume?s conception of self, a little delving into his concept of theory of knowledge will be necessary. Hume concluded from his reasoning that no theory of reality is possible. In ?Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding? he classifies, after Locke, the objects of awareness into ?ideas? and ?impressions.? Ideas are derived from impressions. Impressions are derived form sense perceptions, or from internal consciousness. A word that does not directly stand for an impression has meaning only if it brings before the mind an object that can be gathered from an impression through sense perception or internal consciousness, and thus he dismisses the existence of content beyond the realm of experience.
All objects of awareness are either relations of ideas or matters of fact. Logical relations can be detected between ideas by rationality. Matters of facts cannot be demonstrated, except at the level of mathematics. If a rose is red, it is just a matter of fact; there is no logic within it. It could well have been blue or green. Hume then discusses the following questions regarding causal inference: from what impressions is it derived and what is its nature."
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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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The Supreme Court and Public Opinion, 2006.
An analysis of the effect that the Supreme Court has on public opinion.
2,721 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses the effects of Supreme Court decisions on public opinion as debated by Johnson and Martin in "The Public Conditional Responses to Supreme Court Decisions," Mishler and Sheenan's "The Supreme Court as a Countermajoritarian Institution? The Impact of Public Opinion on Supreme Court Decisions" and Rosenberg in his book "The Hollow Hope". This paper argues that the Supreme Court does have an effect on public opinion but that such effects are conditional.
From the Paper
"It would be simple to conclude that the Supreme Court either has an effect on public opinion or that it has no effect whatsoever on public opinion. The correct conclusion would be to say that the Supreme Court has an effect on public opinion and that such effect is not always clearly determinable. In other words, "The Supreme Court can and does influence public attitudes toward highly salient issues, but its effect is conditional" (Johnson and Martin, 1998, 306). This is known as the Conditional Response Theory, as established by Johnson and Martin in their article The Public's Conditional Response to Supreme Court Decisions. Johnson and Martin assert that the Conditional Response Theory is based on three facts: First, the Supreme Court is viewed as a creditable institution and therefore a highly legitimate one. "
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Nature and Emerson and Dickinson, 2002.
This paper discusses the complex relationship between Emily Dickinson's and Ralph Waldo Emerson's ideas on nature as reflected in their poetry.
5,175 words (approx. 20.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 129.95
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Abstract
This author believes that despite Ralph Waldo Emerson's great influence on Emily Dickinson and the similarity of their conceptions of the poet's role, she goes beyond his light-filled, hopeful conception of the relationship between humanity and nature. This paper discusses Emerson's serene conception of nature in which transcendence resides in the relationship between humanity and deity. This paper analyzes several of Dickinson's poems to demonstrate that she was far more skeptical and believed that, no matter how deeply and carefully one might read into nature, it retains its mystery.
From the Paper
"In "The Rhodora," as Tuerk points out, the speaker's encounter with the flower "immediately results not from his own volition but in response to the sea-winds' piercing" of his solitude (6). The human being, the speaker, is shown at once to be fully entwined with the physical world and apart from it only by virtue of his perceptive and reflective capabilities. Therefore, human activities and the unmotivated natural forces are shown to intermingle. The 'force' of the wind that drives him is equaled, however, by the mere sight of the rhodora and beauty is shown to operate, therefore, as a force with a power perhaps even greater than anything merely physical in nature. The flower is then described in terms of its interaction with its surroundings--spreading, pleasing, dropping its petals, blackening the water, and being courted by the bird that might be attracted by it. This array of beautiful sights draws the speaker's attention in much the same way that it might eventually attract the imaginary bird."
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Federalism and the Supreme Court In the 1990s, 1998.
Examines new trends towards states rights seen in Supreme Court cases since 1992. Examination reveals that these Supreme Court cases have given more power back to the state rather than the federal government.
2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 11 sources, $ 63.95
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From the Paper
"Supreme Court cases since 1992 have given more power back to the states rather than the federal government. In the history of the nation, the balance of power between the states and the national government has shifted many times. The Supreme Court has previously provided additional support to congresses obsessed with the further federalization of government control by upholding federal supremacy in almost every area. This is no longer so. The current Supreme Court under Chief Justice Rehnquist has supported the states in four recent and significant cases. Two of these cases, United States v. Lopez and Seminole Tribe of Florida, Petitioner v. Florida, et al., have ended the congressional practice of regulating local and intrastate affairs via the commerce clause in the Constitution. States' rights to local sovereignty reserved under the 10th Amendment were upheld by two other cases, New York v. United States and Printz, Sheriff/Coroner, Ravalli County, Montana v. United States. When considered together, these four cases as well as the nature of the opinions written about them present an overall trend towards states' rights."
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Interest Groups & Supreme Court, 1991.
This paper analyzes the role that interest groups play in Supreme Court cases: History and development of influence of lobbyists, accessibility of the Supreme Court, pros and cons and legal theory.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 10 sources, $ 95.95
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From the Paper
"This paper will critically analyze the role that interest groups play in Supreme Court cases. As a general rule, it is assumed that special interests do not belong at the level of the federal judiciary. The function of the Supreme Court is solely to interpret the Constitution as it pertains to matters of law. In order to arrive at fair and equal judgements, the Court needs to be free from the influence of outside sources. Interest groups are permitted by law to seek influence among members of Congress through the practice of lobbying. In this regard, the Supreme Court has played an important role in regulating the extent to which interests may take advantage of this First Amendment right.1 Nevertheless, the Court itself has for the most part attempted to remain "insulated" from the influence of lobbyists and other groups.2 The idea that this freedom from ... "
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Rene Descartes, 2004.
An overview of the ideas and theories of the philosopher, Rene Descartes.
1,787 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
In attempting to connect philosophy and theology, Rene Descartes made certain novel assumptions that, at the outset, would appear to contradict themselves. He believed that only the physical world could be proved according to mathematical evidence, yet, stated that the very existence or presence of an idea of a perfect God in the mind already suggests His reality and existence. The paper discusses Descartes's views that, in the act of perceiving reality, the human soul goes through activities, such as understanding, conceiving, doubting, affirming, denying, willing, refusing, imagining, feeling, and desiring. These activities share the common quality of deliberate thought or perception. The paper explains Descartes's idea that thought, then, is the essential attribute of the soul.
Paper Outline
Introduction
Rationale for the Choice of the Philosophy
Historical Background
Strong Points
Weak Points
Applicability of Descartes?s Philosophy
Summary
Quotes
Bibliography
From the Paper
"It is however, disastrous to accept Descartes? concept of passions as animal spirits circulated by the blood and originating from our pineal gland. If they were inherently physiological, then we need not worry about being responsible for our deliberate acts. There will cease to be any difference between what is right and what is wrong. Civilization will collapse and life itself will vanish from the planet. We should not blame the bleakness or dignity of human existence to the pineal gland."
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The U.S. Supreme Court and Politics, 1998.
A discussion of the various topics that the U.S. Supreme Court deals with.
1,670 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, $ 54.95
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Abstract
A detailed examination of the U.S. Supreme court and the type of matters it addresses. The author argues that issues of politics and political controversies should be taken into account by the supreme court as often they form constitutional issues, and supports this view by emphasizing the chief objective of the U.S. supreme court: to preserve the principles and rights guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. The paper includes an analysis of various politicians and an explanation of the roles of the supreme court and judiciary.
From the Paper
"When political beliefs and thoughts evolve into law, often times, constitutional issues arise alongside. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has the license to decide whether or not to adjudicate matters involving hot political topics, past history has indicated that the Court has not been inclined to evade such questions, but rather, to thoroughly delve into such controversies. As a staunch Federalist, Alexander Hamilton had strong beliefs and ideas as to how the infant U.S. government should be set up and efficiently run. As opposed to Thomas Jefferson?s notions on the importance of strong state governments, Hamilton believed in the superiority of a powerful central government body. He set forth his political views in the Federalist papers, examining all aspects of government and focusing on the role of the judicial branch in numbers 78, 79 and 80."
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The Supreme Court, 2005.
This paper extensively reviews the Supreme Court, two of its Chief Justice--- Earl Warren and William H. Rehnquist--- and some of the cases relating to their tenure.
5,610 words (approx. 22.4 pages), 19 sources, APA, $ 136.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that, when studying the Supreme Court, the views of the Chief Justice becomes the generalization for the Court as a whole because, when each new Chief Justice is appointed, the view of the Court tends to change. The author points out that two of the main changes that the Supreme Court has gone through over the last half century were periods when it was headed by Chief Justices Earl Warren, who became a liberal and by William H. Rehnquist, who remained a staunch conservative; both were Republicans but they had completely different views on how the decisions of the Supreme Court should be made. The paper concludes that the Supreme Court would not be considered the most prestigious court in the United States, and perhaps even the world, if it was not a court with diversity, not only in the justices themselves who represent various races, genders, ethnicities and religions, but also in ideologies and political views.
From the Paper
"Throughout Warren's years as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, he changed the entire way the nation operated. Warren and his court overruled precedents and set new ones. When an individual wakes up, gets ready, and goes to school, that individual will most likely step into a classroom where there are people of many different races, ethnicities and religions. If it was not for the liberal views of the Warren Court, especially Warren himself, there is no way to determine if the United States would have the civil rights that it does. If it were not for the Warren Court, we would not hear, "you have the right to remain silent..." on the television show, Cops, every night. Warren's liberal views helped mold the United States into what it is today."
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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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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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Descartes, 2004.
A brief explanation of Descartes's theory of God's existence.
1,107 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a brief overview of Descartes's theories of how man exists and how man's existence proves God's existence. The writer makes reference to "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding", by David Hume, in which he seeks to undermine and correct the views that Descartes seems to advance in his proof of God.
From the Paper
"This critique of the basic understanding that most people have of cause and effect is absolutely a terminal blow in relation to Descartes proof of God, because Descartes entire proof rests upon the assumption that there is a direct link between causes and effects. Indeed, he presume the notions that effects precede from causes and that the causes have the exact same amount of reality as the effects. Once Hume has dealt this death-blow to the entire notion of cause and effect the entire rest of Descartes argument falls to pieces, because cause and effect is the very basic principle upon which all of Descartes subsequent proof is predicated."
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Understanding Descartes?s Dream Argument, 2005.
Examines Descartes's dream theory within the context of the idea that computers might think, dream, and be deceived by dreams.
1,956 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
The ?dream argument? may have been a truly-lived expression of doubtfulness during Descartes's era. This paper notes why Descartes and his contemporaries may have been truly puzzled, given the state of scientific understanding at that time. Today, one cannot even get to the point in which proving or refuting Descartes?s dream argument would make any sense. One cannot simply lift the dream argument out of those circumstances and transplant it to our times. The paper shows that what may be appropriate is to look at computer technology today and ask whether computers can think, dream, and be deceived by their dreams.
From the Paper
"One can first begin with the question of whether computers can really play chess. Over thirty years ago it would have been very apparent that chess game software (and the corresponding hardware) had a challenging time competing with someone who was a decent chess player. When the question was asked over thirty years ago, it was possible to answer the question in the negative by way of showing the essential differences between how a human makes a move in chess versus how a computer performs the same operation."
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Descartes Proving God, 2002.
This paper is an analysis of the proofs that Descartes uses in his book "Meditations on First Philosophy," to prove the existence of God.
1,240 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper is an examination of Descartes book, "Meditations on First Philosophy." The author examines the steps that Descartes took in order to prove his hypothesis that God is a deceiver. He examines three different proofs and shows how Descartes comes to these realizations only after a careful and logical thought process in which he tears down and rebuilds everything that he believes in.
From the Paper
"Now he bases the rest of his proof off of these three observations. Because he has been convinced that something comes from something, the idea he has of God had to have been created by something, either himself or something else. He then states that he is finite and imperfect, and thus he cannot have an idea of the infinite and perfect on his own. He, being finite and imperfect, is not as powerful as the thought he has of an infinite and perfect God. Therefore, because he is not powerful enough to create this idea, it must have come from some other source."
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