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Philosophical Understanding, 2007.
This paper looks at philosophical beliefs, particularly as they relate to science and religion.
981 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that there is a very basic problem associated with each individual's innately subjective understanding of the world: it makes generalizing feelings or experiences to all of humanity unavoidably inaccurate. In other words, no matter how deeply we might feel about one thing or another, we cannot reasonably assert that anyone else feels the same way. The writer points out that obviously, this presents a problem for religion, because religion is concerned with providing some form of meaning for our existence. Yet, precisely how that meaning is conveyed must fall somewhere in between pure individualism and interconnectedness. The writer concludes that religion could be interpreted as more natural than science: science must operate on the same form of knowledge - faith - that gives any of our lives meaning.
From the Paper
"Throughout the history of mankind there have been two major ways by which human beings have claimed to attain knowledge: through direct observation and through revelation. One of these modes of gaining knowledge has led us down the most practical avenues of our development. It most likely, for example, that the earliest people who discovered how to harness fire did so by observing it in action, and employing trial and error to eventually arrive at a workable technique. It is far less likely that these individuals were simply inspired to rub two sticks together in a particular manner independent of any empirical knowledge achieved over the course of their lives. In other words, few people would accept the idea that God told the first person who made fire how to go about it."
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Understanding the Cave Allegory, 2005.
Examines whether Plato?s image of the cave as a purported illustration of a philosophical quest is actually understandable.
4,156 words (approx. 16.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 111.95
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Abstract
In the Seventh Book of Plato?s "Republic", the famous cave allegory depicts the difference between illusion and knowledge. It is also a call to go beyond appearances and seek the light of reality. After closely looking at Plato?s story, the paper seeks to understand this philosophical quest, including a detailed consideration of the film, "Rashomon". The paper argues that perhaps this philosophical project may actually not be understandable.
From the Paper
"But Plato?s description of the cave allegory wants to do more. The story concerns notions of ?virtue,? ?justice,? ?truth,? and so forth. Plato asks us to deal with ?ultimate? matters, in which appearances only obscure ?reality? and that one needs to be ?illuminated? to be able to adequately contemplate that ultimate reality. One must make this journey towards truth and return to my everyday world with this truth. Otherwise one will be lost in a fog of mere opinions in which an account of a particular shadow simply amounts to an interpretation that finds company with other people?s interpretations, so none of us sees the actual reality that is the cause of the perceived world of shadows."
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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 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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"The Storm", 2002.
An analysis of the sexual and philosophical means of understanding in Kate Chopin's "The Storm".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the reasons why the heart goes deeper than what social contracts may say between a man and wife in this tale. The sexual and philosophical means of understanding this are present in Kate Chopin' "The Storm" and will be depicted here in this study. By analyzing these aspects of the tale, we can see how the elements of love within the central character go deeper than what contracts of marriage can say.
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Understanding Humanity, 2004.
A philosophical essay about the nature of personality, emotions and free will.
1,880 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to understand the nature of personality, emotions and free will by studying neurological disorders. The author asserts that understanding these disorders can shed light on the elements of human life that are ordinarily unreachable. The paper refers extensively to the story "Cupid's Disease" in the book "The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat" by Oliver Sacks, about a senior citizen suffering from the effects of neurosyphilis. By quoting from this book, the paper attempts to address life's fundamental philosophical questions, including: Is personality biologically determined? What controls our emotions? and Do human beings have free will?
From the Paper
"In modern times, philosophy no longer exists merely in the mind as scholars are able to link fundamental concepts to contemporary issues. In studying philosophy of mind and psychology, questions concerning the nature of self can be examined through the science of neurology and similar fields. By investigating the nature of various neurological disorders, philosophers can address issues that would otherwise be extremely hard to research. In his book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat, Oliver Sacks narrates the case histories of patients he has found to be lost in the abyss of neurological disorders. From these studies of human life struggling against bizarre impairments, philosophical and empirical investigations can be considered. In order to expand on the study of the nature of self I will consider a particular case in which the subject herself noticed a change in personality that Dr. Sacks discovered to be a result of neurosyphilis."
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Understanding Plato, 2002.
A brief summary of Plato's main philosophies in "The Republic".
2,087 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper claims that in order to truely understand Plato, one must be able to understand his philosophy as explained in "The Republic." The question at the center of the Republic is whether it is better to live justly or unjustly. To answer this question, Plato first constructs a perfectly Just City. The writer looks at how the society in this city operates and how we can understand Plato's philosophical ideals from this society.
From the Paper
"In The Republic is Plato attempting to demonstrate through the character and discourse of Socrates that justice is better than justice is the good which men must strive for, regardless of whether they could be unjust and still be rewarded. Heuses dialectic, the asking and answering of questions which led the hearer from one point to another, with logic by obtaining agreement to each point before going on to the next, and so building an argument."
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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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Understanding Whitehead, 2005.
A discussion on Alfred North Whitehead and understanding "noble discontent".
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The philosophical study focuses on the nature of human development though what Alfred North Whitehead calls "noble discontent" in the ideological evolution of the human mind and thought process. The paper explains how, by realizing the sense of intelligence that evolved over the millennium in human thought, Whitehead reveals how curiosity and the human desire for beauty and morality eventually lead to the enlightenment of the modern man.
From the Paper
"In this paper, the quote taken from Whitehead's book on noble discontent relies upon a quadruple set of factors that help human ideologies evolve over time. The historical ramifications of morality, beauty, duty, and critical thought effectively must be perceived through history, and through a gradual evolutionary process. Although ideologies may not always be practical, it is important to remember that through human evolution and advances, these ideas can be tested and eventually brought forth for greater enlightenment of the race. "
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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 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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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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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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