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Philosophical Basis for the State, 2002.
This paper is an essay, based on the philosophy of Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau, that defines the state's authority over its citizens.
895 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper states the author?s belief that the primary basis for the state's authority over citizens is consent. The author explains that, in spite of the fact that humans are free, they also understand that they need the safety that can only be found in the formation of a state. The paper relates that Rousseau?s theory of justice asserted that the laws of the state should always be adhered to if the security of the citizens was going to be preserved.
From the Paper
"Hobbes and Locke were both social contract theorists, and their beliefs about a commonwealth were similar and were both built on the basis of consent. Now Hobbes also believed that consent was essential to the formation of a state and that the only reason why people give consent to be governed is to serve their own self-interest. Hobbes believed that in the state of nature man is in a condition of war; each man was against each man. He also argued that a man would do anything to preserve his own life even if he had to give up his right to freedom. In the Leviathan he writes, ?The passions that incline men to peace are the fear of death.? (Hobbes) Hobbes also argued that man desires to live in peace and enjoy the fruits of his labor; he asserted that this could only be done by the formation of a commonwealth based on the consent of the citizens."
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Armstrong's Physiochemical Basis for Mental States, 2007.
An analysis of David Armstrong's arguments in "The Nature of Mind".
1,581 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses David Armstrong's "The Nature of Mind", which presents an attack on the behaviorist model of the nature of the mind and mental states. The paper first discusses Armstrong's arguments and analyses. It then concludes that Armstrong's intentions and arguments are quite valid, but the evidence supporting his position is sorely lacking.
From the Paper
"Logic can be used to prove any position, even with identical data sets--this is the danger of critical work performed in the humanities and social sciences. Unlike the hard sciences--such as molecular biology or astrophysics--is more difficult in the humanities to create situations and data that cannot be explained away using a variation of the prevailing theory. Its disciples defend the theory despite any evidence to the contrary. And though this does occur in the hard sciences to some degree, experiments are designed to disprove existing hypothesis, not set up conditions by which they can be confirmed. In asserting the dominance of scientific consensus in regard to conceptions of the human mind, Armstrong should have followed that lead and based his argument on the evidence that exists instead of suggesting a theory and then performing logical and linguistic acrobatics to demonstrate its validity."
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Philosophical Questions, 2003.
A look at how major philosophers treat major philosophical questions.
3,680 words (approx. 14.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 127.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how major philosophers treat major philosophical questions by looking at the basic concepts, logic and reasoning and ideas of each philosopher. The philosophers under discussion are Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Lucretius, Anselm, Aquinas and Descartes.
From the Paper
"Socrates reaches ethics social and political philosophy and logic in the Apology in part because of the circumstances that the text deals with and in part because of the way that Plato presents the structure of Socrates' arguments."
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Philosophical Dialectic vs. Sophistic Rhetoric, 2002.
Analysis of Plato's "Gorgias," specifically dealing with the importance of philosophical dialectic in the Socratic method, as well as Socrates' criticism of sophistic rhetoric.
1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 2 sources, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper is an in depth examination of Plato?s "Gorgias". It focuses on the importance, for Plato, of demonstrating that philosophy, not rhetoric, is the basis of the good life and of human happiness. The author explores both political and personal, and philosophical implications. Among some other topics touched upon are Plato?s definition of the good, his understanding of the soul, and his basic political philosophy.
From the Paper
"Rhetoric, the art that Gorgias claims to possess, is in every way opposed to wisdom and the good. Plato emphasizes this point from the very beginning of the dialogue. Socrates? lateness to Gorgias? declamation is a deliberate tactic. Whereas Gorgias? speech is meant to be a performance, Socrates is interested in a discussion. Philosophical conversation is concerned with dialectical definitions and essences, while rhetoric is concerned with mere appearances. Socrates compares the distinction to the difference between the way a chef prepares food, purely to impress the diners, to the way a nutritionist does, scientifically and using reason."
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Genetic Basis of Homosexuality, 2006.
A discussion of the literature supporting the theory of a genetic basis for homosexuality.
1,927 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the concepts of inheritance on issues of intelligence and personality, or any issue that seems to indicate a biological basis for human behavior. The paper concludes that while it can make its case for the inheritance of sexual preference, it needs larger study populations to be more definitive and that there appears to be no one theory that at this time can lead to a definitive answer.
Table of Contents:
Introduction To The Topic
Theories on Homosexuality - Socio-biological Perspectives
Theories of Inheritance - The Brain Studies Model
Theories of Inheritance - The Twin Study
Summary
From the Paper
"The authors did note that there appeared to be one significantly inconsistent result in their study. In respect to the non-twin brothers, and not reported in the data above, the rate of homosexuality was 9.2%, which was significantly lower than the expected rate. (It should be explained that the rate of homosexuality in this group should be approximately the same for non-twin brothers as it would be for dizygotic twins)"
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Religious Dao and Philosophical Dao, 2008.
An examination of Daoism as both a philosophy and a theology.
730 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the multifarious canon of Daoism, which is regarded from two distinctively different approaches, labeled for the needs of simplicity, religious Daoism and philosophical Daoism. While both are an extension of the same original texts, the "Daode Jing" and the "Zhuangzi", they are most essentially different in their purposes and the implementation of their ideas. The paper holds that religious Daoism has reconciled itself with philosophical Daoism by claiming its purpose as obediently following teachers and traditions. However, philosophical Daoism emphasizes natural spontaneity, freedom and egalitarianism, leading even to favor political anarchy. As a result, while Religious Dao tends to views itself as a complement to the philosophical doctrine, philosophical Dao rejects such a relationship. Instead, the paper concludes, there is a perception in the relativist worldview that religion, or any such social organization designed to pigeonhole the purposes of Dao's questions or parables, is in fact a subversion of its most important values.
From the Paper
"The ethical dimension which Smart discusses qualifies the underpinnings of philosophical Daoism's purpose as a divining structure for navigation of life. Though in these dimensions, this aspect is defined as applying to sets of rules, behavioral guidelines and moral imperatives, the nature of Daoism is such that this is not a directly applicable definition. At the very core of philosophical Daoism is a certain evasion of absolutes and an underlying notion that there is no immutable set of morals. Rather, philosophical Daoism provides a set of questions which must be asked and allegories which must be interpreted. This contributes to a certain monism in the execution of values, wherein a person's perspective is a primary governing force. The questions that form the basis of Daoism are intended to invoke a clarity in that perspective rather than to shape the perspective. This is to say that "Daoism has no 'constant dao.' However, it does have a common spirit. Dao-centered philosophical reflection engendered a distinctive ambivalence in advocacy -- manifested in their indirect, non-argumentative style, their use of poetry and parable." (Hansen, 1) There is, in this, an unchanging pragmatism, where individuals, circumstances and variables are equal players in decision making with the philosophical explorations prompted by the Dao."
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Literary Forms in Philosophical Writings, 2005.
Examines forms of Western philosophical writings, usually in the form of exposition, but sometimes not.
1,709 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
Throughout its history, philosophical writings have primarily been conventional expositions of arguments. However, there have been exceptions, notably the literary forms of the dialogue, the aphorism, the poem, and others. Sometimes, the chosen format functioned specifically to convert the reader, but sometimes not. This paper looks at the relationship, or the lack of one, between literary forms and intent. There is specific scrutiny of Lucretius?s "Of the Nature of Things" and Spinoza?s "Ethics".
From the Paper
"Perhaps, the geometrical form was pedagogical, or a reaction to the imprecision of the prevailing Renaissance style, or a way of avoiding the traditional Scholastic ?disputations and questions? format. (Wolfson 32-60) As Wolfson, a major Spinoza interpreter suggests, he ?had something new to say, and he wished to say it in a new way.? (59) It may have simply been a ?desire to produce a book which externally would be different from all other books on philosophy.? (59) Or in Martha Nussbaum?s interesting discussion about literary form and content, she specifically cites the example of Spinoza?s Ethics and offers the suggestion that this project of writing craft expressed a joy that accompanies the peace of mind found in his philosophy. ?Spinoza cultivates the intellectual joy of which he will speak. (35)"
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Philosophical Discontinuity, 2007.
This paper discusses philosophical discontinuity; disagreements in decision-making.
1,244 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper explains how in business and other endeavors, communication and decision-making are invariable factors that contribute to the success - or failure - of any undertaking. The paper examines Mark H. Fowler's term of philosophical discontinuity in a case where one manager left a company due to disagreements in decision-making. The paper shows how despite the misgivings of the one manager, the decision was seen as the best one for the company. The paper looks at Allan Chapman's "decision-making maxims" and at Carter McNamara's "downward and upward communications." The paper concludes that the key to avoidance of disagreement is communication.
From the Paper
"Simplistically, it may be termed as "difference of opinion" or "varying viewpoints." But as Fowler (2002) presented in the case of the "Owner vs. Manager" wherein the owners "wanted to focus on the existing customer base and develop new products for existing customers" while the managers "wanted to reach new markets and expand firm capabilities", despite growth in sales after "discussing the different plans and agreeing to" the direction of the owners, one manager still left. This is also a case in point of not being able to satisfy everyone's wish and if a person strongly disagrees with management decision, quitting is always a prerogative."
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Philosophical Politics, 2002.
Looking at the philosophical debate in "Second Treatise of Government" by John Locke.
1,620 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Locke's writing which is a revolutionary work on the structure and purpose of political authority. One of the greatest debates of the 16th and 17th centuries was over the nature of political authority. This paper examines "Second Treatise of Government" as it relates to this debate and looks at Locke's philosophical opinions in the same context.
From the Paper
"One of the core principles in democratic thought is the belief that all men are created free and equal. Locke noted, ?there being nothing more evident, than that the creatures of the same species and rank, promiscuously born to all the same advantages of nature, and the use of the same faculties, should also be equal one amongst another without subordination or subjection? (Chapter 2, Sect.4)."
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The Philosophical Principles of the Age of Enlightenment, 2003.
The philosophical principles of the Age of Enlightenment as exemplified by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
2,763 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive background on the historical context of the Age of Enlightenment. It explains that the philosophical principles of the Age of Enlightenment encompassed a number of important doctrines, but the underlying premise was that of logic and reason applied scientifically to faith and religion, social order, and government. It examines the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who contributed a number of arguments suggesting that a ?social contract? be established, so that the State and Man should work hand in hand in order to establish moral equality.
From the Paper
"Rousseau makes several suggestions as to how a true civil society would function. One, that private property is a cause of a lot of problems when it comes to equality and liberty of the people, and should be considered less equal. Two, that the legislator should embody the ideas of the social contract. Three, that in addition to people?s private faith that there should exist a civil religion of a general belief as to keeping the society linked together by this bond."
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Jung's Synchronicity and Philosophical Assumptions, 2005.
A discussion of Carl Jung?s concept of synchronicity in light of his references to the philosophers, Leibniz, Kant, and Schopenhauer.
3,230 words (approx. 12.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
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Abstract
During the course of his discussion of synchronicity, Jung makes references to the philosophers Leibniz, Kant, and Schopenhauer. This paper gives a brief description of the traditional philosophical concepts of mind, reality, and meaning and then looks at each of these philosophers in detail. One finds that as Jung discusses each of these philosophers? contribution to the understanding of meaningful coincidences, he accepts the terms of the discussion, resulting in an unworkable understanding of synchronicity.
From the Paper
"What we perceive will be unitary things, but in reality each of those things are aggregates of monads (simple, unextended substances) and known to us as such only through philosophical analysis. Furthermore, what we perceive in the phenomenal world will be subject to mechanical causality, but each monad is unique in that all changes and developments occur on the basis of each monad?s potentialities (?entelechy?). Recall that these substances do not interact with each other, but their individual changes mirror the changes of other monads in perfect harmony. Each monad functions in each of their own ways, perceive things in their own ways, and reflects the infinite universe in their own ways?this entirety operating in harmony, pre-established by God."
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Philosophical Topics, 2006.
A comparison of different philosophical topics using a mock web page as the format for comparison.
3,613 words (approx. 14.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 100.95
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Abstract
This paper presents mock web page text for the purpose of exploring the philosophy behind several topics that can be linked together. The writer explores philosophy regarding death, religion, metaphysics, human nature and human ethics and links the reader to different various pages dealing with each of the topics.
Table of Contents
Death
Philosophy of Reincarnation
Metaphysics and Death
From the Paper
"When it comes to the topic of philosophy, what can be a more debatable topic than death? Do we die when we are gone or do we exist in some supernatural state for all eternity? Do we get to come back as a dog a cat a mouse or are we the whisper of the wind in the trees on warm summer mornings? Do we get to see what happens to those we love; left here on earth; or do we remain oblivious to their earthly pains and trials? All of these questions create a hotbed of discussion and debate within the topic of death and the philosophy behind the various beliefs(Philosophy of death Is Religion Philosophy Gone Bad? http://www.apostolic.net/biblicalstudies/philogonebad.htm)."
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Philosophical Notes on the Death Penalty, 2002.
This paper discusses the philosophical notes on the death penalty.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
Arguments "for" or "against" the death penalty show narrow ideologies concerning what are complex moral and legal sets of questions. Careful thought on the subject of the death penalty in cases of murder produces sets of circumstances under which the death penalty does not seem suitable with important moral defects attached.
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The Philosophical Argument for God, 2005.
A comparison of the philosophical argument for God, as discussed by Michel De Montaigne, Rene Descartes and Blaise Pascal.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 3 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This comparative essay looks at the thought of Michel De Montaigne, Rene Descartes and Blaise Pascal, with regards to the nature of God. The thesis states that all three men argued in favour of the existence of God, but had different ways of arriving at this conclusion. The paper describes that for Montaigne it was through scepticism, for Descartes through doubt and for Pascal through blind faith.
From the Paper
"The Philosophical Argument for God France in the fifteenth to sixteenth centuries was a devout country of the Catholic Christian faith. At this time, as across Europe, learned men began to question not just the Catholic Church, as Luther's reformation inspired, but of God himself. Yet, the predominant orthodoxy was to support the existence of God, either through philosophy or just plain faith. Montaigne, Descartes and Pascal all alike affirmed the existence of God. Each though had their own unique method. For Montaigne this existence could be found through skeptical philosophy, and ultimately the divine revelation God has given to us."
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Philosophical Education, the Scholastic School, and Kant, 2005.
A comparison of the Hellenistic practice of philosophical education, the Scholastic School, and Kant's "The Conflict of the Faculties".
4,354 words (approx. 17.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 114.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the different teaching methods espoused during the Hellenistic period, the Scholastic period, and in Kant's work, "The Conflict of the Faculties". The paper explains the approach to teaching expressed by each period and in Kant's concept of teaching and looks at the weaknesses and strengths of each approach. The paper concludes that the Hellenistic model is still a viable model because of its focus on eliciting truth through a logical, rigorous process and by inviting transformation within the individual and society.
The Hellenistic Period: The Importance of Argument and Rhetoric
The Various Hellenistic Schools
The Scholastic Period: A Precise Order for Text Commentary
The Importance of Curriculum during the Scholastic Period
Modes of Living: From "Nature" to the Intellect
The Importance of Transformation and the Role of Religion
Kant and the Hellenistic model
Ways in which Kant Revived the Hellenistic Model
Public Exposition
On Nature
Strengths and Weaknesses of Kant's Approach that We Have Inherited
Conclusion: Is the Hellenistic Model Still Viable?
From the Paper
"The Hellenistic period was marked by intense cultural, political, religious and athletic activity that continued to flourish under the Roman Empire. Social and political reform was prevalent, and undertaken by several philosophers including the Stoics and Epicureans. The Imperial period, in contrast to the Hellenistic period, was one where freedom of opinion existed, but in a much more curtailed form. There was a return to the "sources" of philosophy (namely the dialogues of Plato and the treatises of Aristotle and Chrysippus). Freedom of thought-although encouraged-was restricted and supervised by governmental authorities."
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