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Positivist vs. Naturalistic Science, 2002.
A discussion of positivist vs. naturalistic science, examining the approaches to nature of Henry Thoreau and John Muir.
1,281 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The goal of positivistic science is prediction of how the natural world operates. An opposing paradigm of science is the approach taken by Henry Thoreau and John Muir. The paper shows that in naturalistic science, those analyzing the natural world make no distinction between thoughts and values. They are much more concerned with the "why" of nature as opposed to the "how" aspect of positivistic science. The paper shows that, as a result, naturalistic science is completely value laden and each individual naturalist scientist encompasses his own world views into his description of how the natural world operates.
From the Paper
"For naturalists, the only true way to obtain a taste of nature is to actually live with nature and not separate oneself from its workings. This quote emphasizes how values are an important facet in doing this; by removing oneself from natural surroundings, i.e. moving to the city, one loses the actual relationship that exists between humanity and nature. Humans must be involved in the whole process of nature in order to enjoy it fully. For Thoreau, general truths or the laws concerning nature are also relevant to human truths."
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Ethical Intuitionism and "Naturalistic Fallacy", 2002.
Explains the philosophical term ethical intuitionism and philosopher G.E. Moore's theory of "naturalistic fallacy".
948 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
Ethical Intuitionists philosophers espouse a meta-ethical theory that holds that some value terms, such as good, are indefinable and unanalyzable. This paper explores the views of philosopher G. E. Moore on ethical intuitionism in his work "Principia Ethica" and for his role in the formation of the ?Naturalistic Fallacy? - where natural properties and only natural properties are attributed to what constitutes the value of good.
From the Paper
"When many of us speak of intuition, we seem to view it as a process by which we attain an instant apprehension of truth. But Moore cautions us differently and points out that cognitions obtained via intuition are as susceptible to error as cognitions obtained empirically or experimentally. If they are, and there is much evidence to agree with him, doesn?t this suggest that intuition is ?obtained? via some deductive or reasoning or empirical process? What, then, is happening when two people disagree about the nature of good? How can we decide who is right and who is wrong? Must we simply abandon our efforts to find a resolution? That both sides could be right Moore rules out, since he views good as an objective quality. But are so many of us so ill-equipped that only some of us can intuit the true nature of good? Surely not; surely the problem lies with the theory."
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Mark Twain: Naturalistic and Realistic Techniques, 2002.
A review of "Pudd'nhead Wilson" by Mark Twain with emphasis on style and technique.
1,898 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Mark Twain's book "Pudd'nhead Wilson" which brings together the coalesced selves of small-town America and in their midst, three figures - Tom, Roxy and Wilson, who try to escape the reality of life by changing their social identities. It discusses how Twain limits the freedom of the individuals to the context of their relationship with the people in society and how the pessimism inherent in the story suggests that near the end of his writing career Twain moved from depicting realism to showing the lack of control that humans have over their lives, an aspect of naturalism.
From the Paper
"Then, within the paradigm of the story emerges the sublimation of the truth. Combining the pessimistic scope of naturalism and the ordinary facts of realism, Twain presented the conflict of the environment and the characters. Throughout the story we see Roxy trying to change her destiny. She is a black slave and yet, she does not look like it. She exchanges her son with that of the owners again attempting to overcome the social constraint imposed on her by birth. Yet, all her efforts are useless for in the end nature triumphs, as does the conception of self-fixuality. Consider, that though Roxy has swapped the babies the difference is still there. The ?black and white? babies are now distinguishable by their characteristics."
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The Naturalist Movement in the Theater, 2002.
This paper discusses the naturalistic movement, of the late Nineteenth Century, which brought to the stage for the first time the issues of society, scientific knowledge and sexual politics.
1,235 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the importance of the naturalistic movement by examining the major works and ideals of Ibsen, Zola and Strindberg. The paper points out that, during the naturalistic movement, writers sought to depict society and individuals as objectively and truthfully as possible by putting the ordinary middle class on stage and making drama out of their lives. The paper explains that, because this new technique required new theaters, many alternative companies were founded and led by visionary figures known as the first modern theatre directors.
From the Paper
"August Strindberg, another influential playwright of the period, showed an extreme interest in being involved in the naturalistic movement. He wanted a theatre that was ?modernized to meet the demands of the age so that it may once again take its rightful place as a medium of education.? In his well-known play, "Miss Julie", Strindberg began stepping away from the ordinary middle class people and situations the audience can identify with and instead sought to examine the sexual politics of the time."
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Positivist Criminology, 2005.
This paper discusses the positivist criminology theory and its limitations.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper examines individual and sociological positivism in terms of its nature and claims. The paper claims that it is evident that the most relevant positivist theories, such as Lombroso's and Eysenck's, are fundamentally incompatible with the theories of non-positivists such as Becker. The paper explains that positivism adds to our understanding of what causes crime, but it ignores or overlooks a number of important criminal justice issues such as effective deterrence. The paper discusses how this reveals the limitations of positivism as a means of explaining criminal behavior and formulating effective resolutions to crime in human society. The paper brings positivist criminology theorists who contend that criminal justices systems should be administered in order to rehabilitate criminals so that they will be law abiding citizens when they return to society.
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Constructionist vs. Positivist Perspectives on Deviance, 2006.
An explanation of both positivist theory and constructionist theory in terms of deviant behavior.
1,592 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explores aspects of both positivist theory and constructionist theory in terms of deviant behavior, and argues that constructionist theory offers better perspectives, overall, toward explaining such behavior. It also explains why deviant behaviors including alcoholism, suicide and murder are better understood under constructivist theory, and phenomenological theory in particular, than under any of the positivistic or deterministic theories.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Positivist Theory
Anomie-Strain Theory
Social Learning Theory
Control Theory
Constructionist Theory
Labeling Theory
Phenomenological Theory
Conflict Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper
" Phenomenological theory. Phenomenological theory holds that individuals commit crimes due to the experiential features of the crime itself (Phenomenology, December 1, 2005; Labeling theories of crime, April 15, 2005). Incentive for criminal or deviant acts, under this theory, lies in the essence of what is experienced, and/or what the individual anticipates experiencing, before, during, and after the crime. Katz (1988) suggests "the causes of crime are constructed by the offenders themselves". A phenomenological approach to studying social deviance and/or criminality, then, offers a counterpoint to positivistic theories such as Merton's."
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Naturalist School Of Writing, 2002.
Discusses literary theories of Zola and the naturalists.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 15 sources, $ 95.95
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Abstract
Discusses literary theories of Zola and the naturalists. Zola's vision of fiction as representing the world with unadorned realism. Their desire to achieve transparency. Influence of 19th century science and work of Darwin, Comte and Taine on the literary approach taken by the Naturalists. Stylistic and social reasons for the naturalist school.
From the Paper
"Zola (1864) held that there were three windows of literary mimesis: the Classical (which enlarges), the Romantic (which distorts), and the Realist (which is transparent). As the leader of the naturalist school of writing Zola was committed to a vision of fiction as the representation the world in a manner that provided a window on reality, presenting it unadorned and plain as it really was. This is an analogy that is very telling since it refers not just to the supposed transparency of naturalist fiction that enables the viewer to 'see' that world, but to the pane of glass that is interposed between the world and the viewer and to the framework of the window that makes a selection from the wider world that defines exactly what part of the world the novelist wishes the reader to see. The act of framing is attributed to the novelist but the implications that ..."
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Classical and Positivist Criminology, 2007.
A comparison of the classical thinking and the positivist perspective of criminology.
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses two of the most prominent schools of criminology: classical thinking and the positivist perspective. The paper compares the different precepts upon which each school of thought operates and analyzes each of the theories and their key assumptions. The paper then discusses their attribution of causal factors and each of their approaches to addressing crime.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Classical Criminology
Positivist Criminology
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The school of classical criminology differs significantly from the thinking demonstrated under the positivist approach to crime. Classical criminology has its origins in the concepts of free will, individual decision-making and the benefits of society to the individual. The school addresses the problem of crime using punishment and deterrent actions. On the other hand, positivism rejects the concept of the individual and free will and instead embraces the idea of enduring evolutionary traits that define a basic criminal personality, and which can be assessed using scientific methods. The two perspectives, though very different (and even contradictory) in nature, both provide the basis for a cohesive overall approach to addressing the problem of crime as a wide variety of approaches are incorporated."
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Stephen Crane?s Success as a Naturalist, 2005.
A look at why Stephen Crane's success as both a naturalist fiction and non-fiction writer make him a great author.
1,086 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper examines several of Stephen Crane's works and explains how these works fit into the Naturalist genre of writing in spite of some overlap with the romanticism, regionalism and realism genres.
From the Paper
"Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was an American author of the late 19th century, whose work, in terms of style and sub-genre, was somewhere between American Romanticism and American Naturalism (with some American Realism added). Crane wrote at the end of a century (the 19th), a time when several literary styles and genres are typically blended together until a new century finds its voice (which became, in the first decades of the 20th century, at least from a broad perspective, American Modernism, of the sort expressed by Faulkner, Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Sherwood Anderson and others, with its emphasis on fragmented narratives, stream-of-consciousness writing, and other narrative-related experimentation). Stephen Crane, given his creativity and thirst for experimentation (he was an early American Naturalist when Romanticism remained in vogue) no doubt would have loved being alive to write at this time, but died too early. Crane's peculiarly mixed writing style (with elements of Romanticism; Realism; Naturalism; Regionalism; and local color, sometimes in one piece) worked in Crane's favor (as with his masterpiece The Red Badge of Courage); in other ways it did not."
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Hobbes, the Legal Positivist, 2002.
Examines Thomas Hobbes's opinion on the laws of nature as seen in his work, "Leviathan".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
Thomas Hobbes, in his "Leviathan", clearly defines himself as a "positivist lawyer" as opposed to one who is an advocate of natural law. This being said, in Chapter 26 of "Leviathan", Hobbes appears to combine the two concepts of law, declaring that "the Law of Nature and the Civil Law, contain each other, and are of equal extent" (26). However, as this essay will argue, Hobbes does not mean by this that the sovereign cannot enact laws that contradict the laws of nature. Rather, as will be seen, Hobbes here indicates the considerable overlapping of the two forms of law - although he is clear that "natural law" is not technically law - with the understanding that the sovereign may enact civil law that interprets or abridges the laws of nature, although such sovereign laws are not always "right".
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Traditional Naturalist Claims: The Problems Therein, 2007.
A discussionon the philosophical position of naturalism.
993 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the concept of naturalism. According to the paper, naturalism believes that the world is constructed and ordered in purely material terms, but there is little evidence to suggest that this is the whole story. The paper goes on to say that naturalism fails as a useful, empirical explanation of the universe because it imagines itself to be somehow above and outside of the influence of wishful thinking.
From the Paper
"In the same vein, naturalists imagine that all situations and circumstances in the universe have a mechanical explanation; i.e., it is possible to provide a natural explanation of every phenomenon (Dubray par. 3). Worse, this obviously ideological position is not supported by anything but the naturalist's wishful thinking. For example, though evolution is the source of heated debate, no self-respecting scientist would argue that contradictory evidence or poor understanding is a challenge to the eventual discovery of the mechanisms of evolution (Johnson par. 8). There is never a doubt in the head of the naturalist that evolution, or any other complex and poorly understood subject, has a natural explanation that can be reasoned out through an examination of possible natural mechanisms. But, of course, this position is not a function of empirical fact, and it would be a stretch to definitely state that macroevolution is well documented at the empirical level. Rather, the faith in evolution as a mechanism of species change is based on the philosophical presupposition of naturalism, not evidence that such a mechanism actually exists (Johnson par. 3)."
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Thoreau As A Naturalist, 1972.
This paper discusses Thoreau, his life and philosophy, his two years at Walden Pond and the changes in his language from metaphor to technical terminology.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 6 sources, $ 79.95
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From the Paper
"Emerson predicted that Thoreau's usefulness would lead to the creation of a "profession" of naturalist. Emerson thought we must one day have a naturalist in each village as invariably as a lawyer or doctor, who answered all questions for a stipulated fee (Glick 195). But the best part of Thoreau is not the naturalist part of him, for he was that only obliquely, only by indirection. For somewhere along Concord's path, he took a shortcut past Walden Pond in all of this business of living, lost his way home, then spent the rest of his life trying to find it again, spent the rest of his two.score and four years poking and looking about the interstices of Walden and Merrimac and Concord trying to find or get back something which, perhaps, never was his to begin with. He became a naturalist along the way, almost as if by default, since he had given up the great, common world of things ... "
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Choosing a Paradigm, 2006.
This in-depth paper analyzes the methodology used by researchers in choosing a paradigm for research purposes while focusing on the philosophical presumptions which exist in regards to the nature of their primary research.
5,656 words (approx. 22.6 pages), 62 sources, MLA, $ 136.95
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Abstract
This well-researched paper defines the term 'research paradigm' as system of beliefs, values and techniques which are shared within a group or community. The writer of this paper focuses on research paradigms as a method of looking at the world while providing a specific foundation for researchers to understand what is going on around them. The writer contends and explains why paradigms are discernible by different sets of beliefs which are acquired from philosophical assumptions about the nature of reality. This paper focuses on both the positivist and interpretivist forms of paradigms as they relate to the field social science and research. Positivist paradigms stress significance and disposition while the interpretivist form of paradigms focus on substance and situation.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Social Science Research and Natural Science
What is a Paradigm?
The Positivist Paradigm
The Interpretivist Paradigm
Alternative Perspectives
Paradigms and Methods
Paradigms and the Research Proposal
Conclusions
References
From the Paper
"Pragmatists acknowledge the strengths and weaknesses of each tool. They recognize not only that science affects decision-making but also politics, ignorance, intuition, habit, and prejudice. They also understand the limitations--recommendations are tentative and of a probabilistic nature. Miles and Huberman comment that "we believe that all of us, realists, relativists, critical theorists, are closer to the center, with multiple overlaps." A growing body of social research takes a stand somewhere between the two schools of thought. Eclectic researchers recognize that no piece of social research can be entirely objective, since no researcher is value free. Even in an overtly rigorous quantitative, head counting study, some implicit decisions have already been made as to which heads are worth counting. Eclectic researchers can be more flexible in designing the research process."
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Ann Petry?s ?The Street?, 2002.
An analysis of the novel ?The Street" by Ann Petry?s: in the African-American naturalistic tradition .
2,520 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Ann Petry novel "The Street". It describes the story of the female African-American heroine's life as a single mother in Harlem. The paper demonstrates Petry's use of her main character to explore the limitation of the American capitalist system, when issues of gender and race are concern. The author writes that the novel is a tragic reality of the sufferings of African-American people in one of the most prosperous capitalist societies of the world. The paper describes how the novel is American naturalistic tradition through the depiction of real life on the streets of Harlem.
From the Paper
"Ann Petry?s ?The Street? is a story about Lutie Johnson, an intelligent, strong, and beautiful black woman who does her best to raise an eight-year-old son as a single parent, advance in her job, and work her way out of the Harlem streets. Petry uses Lutie Johnson as a medium to explore the limitations of the American capitalist system; the role of race and gender in perpetuating violence, poverty and failure; and the societal restrictions that restrict and oppress the female gender, especially black women. "
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Morality within Law and Legal Philosophies, 2002.
Discusses the naturalist versus the positive theorist philosophies.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper shall compare the philosophies found in the naturalist perspective against those of the positivist theorist philosophies. This paper shall achieve this through focusing primarily on the beliefs of the philosophers St. Thomas Aquinas, Ronald Dworkin and H.L.A. Hart.
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