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Reality Shows and Human Nature, 2005.
Discusses the extent to which reality shows successfully expose human nature.
2,626 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that, regardless of whether we approve or disapprove of reality shows, this entertainment type can have a positive influence on society. It argues that, due to the fact that they educate viewers about themselves and about human behavior, they provide psychologists with the resources for the study of human behavior.
From the Paper
"Reality shows are spreading across the world from one country to another and attracting millions of fans wherever they go. Steven Reiss and James Wiltz, authors "Why America Loves Reality TV", claim that reality shows are the most popular form of entertainment in the United States. Vincent P. Pecora, the writer of "The Culture of Surveillance", argues that they are an equally popular form of entertainment in the United Kingdom and is currently gaining a large number of fans in Russia. It has even spread to the Middle East with "Star Academy" and "Bride on Air" or "Arous Al Hawa." It seems that popularity of reality TV is growing at a remarkable rate but, many still find reason to criticize this form of entertainment, arguing that it is cheap. While many agree with this criticism, many others defend reality shows as valuable and informative. Some even argue that reality TV makes has positively contributed to society by increasing the public's awareness of human behaviour and nature on the one hand, and by teaching young adolescents important life lessons, on the other."
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Reality Shows, 2004.
An analysis of reality television shows and the insights they provide into human nature.
2,636 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the new rage of reality television shows. The paper contends that reality shows communicate important lessons regarding human nature and psychology. The paper examines precisely why these shows have gained so much popularity across different cultures and explores the type of effect they have on viewers. The paper presents the psychological opinion that these reality shows provide important insights into human behavior.
Outline
Explanation of Reality Shows: Popularity, Theme, and Effect
Criticism of Reality Shows
The Lessons Learned
Positive and Constructive Criticism
Guides to Human Behavior
Popularity
Human Nature
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Reality shows, defined as television programs in which common people, without the help of a script, are placed in a specific human situation and their reactions and behavior filmed, are becoming tremendously popular throughout the world. In the United States, Kim Campbell, a reporter with the Christian Science Monitor, counts at least ten popular reality shows on American television. On British television, Sam Brenton, author of "Everyone's A Winner," reports that there are currently at least five extremely popular reality shows. In the Arab World, there are two twenty-four hour, seven days a week ones, which keep viewers glued to their televisions for hours. In light of the international popularity of these shows, it is clear that the popularity of reality is based on the fact that they reveal the universal aspects of human nature itself. In other words, the popularity of reality shows is based on what appears to be a universal human attraction to voyeurism, the sight of people being humiliated, insulted and exposed at their most private emotional moments. Therefore, while many such as the media critic, Lewis Grossberger, author of "This Is Reality?", may criticize television producers for creating the reality show program type and stress that these shows communicate low and unethical moral standards, the truth is that reality shows are simply a response to viewer demands and taste. While it is true that the content of reality shows aim to bring out the worst in human nature, rarely allowing the display of positive behaviour, the fact is that reality shows can communicate a constructive message insofar as they exposes the nature of society, how people behave in competitive situations, what people will suffer and do for money, and how we enjoy that suffering, motivating viewers to reconsider their values and priorities. Therefore, even though reality shows are correctly criticized for being both unrealistic and based on the senseless humiliation of human beings, reality shows are realistic regarding human reactions and behaviors, and communicate important lessons about the hidden sides of human nature."
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Krutch's "Human Nature and the Human Condition", 2005.
An overview of Joseph Wood Krutch's "Human Nature and the Human Condition"
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 119.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a review of Joseph Wood Krutch's "Human Nature and the Human Condition". The paper discusses the author's main themes, provides a summary of the work, and addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the collection of essays as a whole.
From the Paper
"Throughout history human beings have attempted to produce theories of knowledge and learning. Some of the most basic questions such theories have attempted to answer concern what knowledge is, where knowledge comes from and how we know what is true. Plato theorized that only things that do not change, that are immutable can be known. Limitations of the human senses and perception have always played into theories on knowing. So too has human capacity for ration and more..."
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Human Nature and Buddha Nature, 2002.
Looks at the differences and similarities between the Confucian concept of human nature and the Buddha concept of Buddha nature.
2,650 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper is a comparison/contrast of the Confucian concept of human nature with the Buddhist concept of Buddha-nature. The two concepts are extremely different, but they still have much in common.
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Human rights vs. Human Nature, 2006.
A discussion regarding the justification of war and the issue of human rights versus human nature.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the question of justifying military intervention on the basis of protection of human rights, pointing out that such a question requires a prior assumption. The paper clarifies this assumption to be that countries are capable of benevolent, disinterested altruism. History refutes this assumption. The paper further discusses how individuals and groups within a country may very well have the best intentions to bring relief to the suffering citizens of a brutal dictatorship or civil war; but countless examples, from Vietnam, to Latin America, to Rwanda, to present day Iraq, show a road to hell paved with such good intentions. The political and military forces involved in such maneuvers, by their very nature, preclude truly altruistic actions.
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Human Nature, 2006.
This paper explores the issue of human nature and focuses on the views and theories of philosophers Thomas Hobbes and David Hume.
2,540 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
The writer of this well-researched paper defines human nature as the full scale of human behavior that is believed to remain constant for long periods in time and does not differ in the context of the various cultures that are seen in the world. This paper examines various theories on human nature, in which each possesses a distinctive view on the subject, including that of Plato. According to Plato, there is an intellectual soul that is resident in the brain of an individual. This paper analyzes the topic of human nature by focusing on the opinions and theories of Thomas Hobbes and David Hume. Thomas Hobbes is considered one of the individuals responsible for the transition from the medieval way of thinking to the modern thought process in Great Britain. This paper touches on Hobbes' book "Leviathan" and his views on human nature which are very clear. Hobbes' conception of human nature is a mechanistic one. Hobbes contends that the study of the movements of the physical bodies would prove to be enough in explaining all that goes on in the universe. Hume's approach to human nature differs from that of Hobbes. Hume contends that we, as humans, can only make inferences on what would happen in the future by what we have experienced in the past. The writer contends that Hume progresses from there to say that we would be incorrect to believe that this knowledge and experience of the past is enough to justify what would happen in the future.
Table of Contents:
Hobbes
Limitations in Hobbes' View of Human Nature
Hume
Ethics of Reciprocity
References
From the Paper
"There have been several theories that have been put forward on human nature and each of them possesses a distinctive view on human nature. The earliest views on human nature of substance come from Plato, whose thoughts on life were influenced by Socrates. In the view of Plato there is an intellectual soul that is resident in the brain of an individual and an appetitive beast that is to be found in the belly and genitals of the individual. The role of the former was in keeping the latter in check and over a period of time escape from this uncomfortable cohabitation by welcoming death. This dualist theory of Plato did have immense on the thoughts on human nature and that time and this influence can be seen in Christian theology with the Gospel of John. The extension of these beliefs of Plato on human nature had their influence on Descartes and led him to formulate the theory that man is made up of a soul that thinks and a body that is an extension of it."
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Confuciani vs. Buddhist Concept of Human Nature, 2002.
Explains both the Buddhist concept of human nature and the Confucian concept of human nature and then compares the two philosophies.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 1 source, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper compares Confucian concept with Buddhist concept of "human nature". Buddhism emphasizes the spirituality of the individual, and is a more "inward-oriented" philosophy. Therefore, as will be argued, while Confucianism represents "human nature" as external actions and rituals shaping the inner man, Buddhism represents the "Buddha nature" as the inner man achieving ultimate selflessness through meditation and reflection.
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Mencius and Xunzi on Human Nature, 2008.
A discussion of the views of two influential Chinese philosophers from the third century B.C., Mencius and Xunzi, on human nature.
3,570 words (approx. 14.3 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 99.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the views of Mencius and Xunzi, Chinese philosophers from c. 300 B.C., who belonged to the school of thought of Confucius (551-479 BC). It compares their differing approaches to human nature and relates that while Mencius saw the individual as fundamentally good, Xunzi's viewed human nature as bad and in need of care and correction. The paper addresses the influence of these two extremely influential philosophers, whose contrasting approaches continue to be seen today in Chinese civilization. The paper concludes that their thoughts on human nature are timeless and, thus, they will continue to be reviewed and discussed for many years to come.
Outline:
Introduction
Human Nature as Corruptible
Man as Weak and Bad
Implications over Time
Concluding Remarks
From the Paper
"Mencius spent years moving from court to court and we presume that he had many chances to see how feudal rulers chose to lead. He was a sought after advisor to different rulers towards much thinking on what worked and what did not to restore order, for example, or prevent future troubles. He seems to have come up with something like the Social Contract that shaped Western thinking in the modern era in a model of a decent kind of leadership and attention to the needs of life and protecting citizens to which individuals could adhere. If a decent environment was not provided, then the people should be expected to overthrow those in power towards new leadership. In the view of Mencius, a ruler must show jen in humaneness, humanity and benevolence, as a very old Chinese concept indeed. (Chan Jen) There should also be the yi of righteousness and a sense of duty, if a ruler wanted to see righteousness, cooperation and industriousness amongst his subjects."
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Conceptions of Innate Human Nature., 2002.
This paper discusses the various conceptions of innate human nature presented by Emerson, Joyce, Didion, Hobbes and Camus.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the conception of innate human nature in several authors. To Emerson, innate human nature implied being an individual, free from imitation of society. Joyce searched for meaning in the face of disillusionment and disappointment, where there was incongruity between the real and the ideal. Didion sought self-respect in the light of her experiences. Hobbes saw self-interest and selfishness as innate human nature. Camus saw life as absurd. None of them understood human nature in the light of God.
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Reality TV Shows, 2002.
An examination of the concept of and the success of reality television shows.
3,026 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at some of the reality television shows that have been aired in the U.S. and analyzes some of the factors that have lead to their success and high ratings. It attempts to define what reality television is since hidden cameras cannot be considered essential, for some shows, especially those with a game-show feel which do not include such voyeurism. It evaluates how reality television shows follow a variety of formats and how they must contain several elements in common to distinguish them from game shows or other entertainment options. For example, all reality shows are unscripted and the contestants, or ?castaways? might be strongly encouraged to act in certain ways or to wear certain things, but television producers save money on not having to hire a team of writers.
From the Paper
"?The Real World? on the other hand, depends on sex to sell its image. Viewers really only care to see the good-looking group of men and women strip down to their bathing suits or underwear and make out. The nature of the arguments on these two shows is totally different; on the Osbournes, they are far more comical because the family is so unique. Moreover, because the show is about a family and not about seven twenty-something strangers, the social dynamics depicted are totally different on ?The Osbournes? than on ?The Real World.? Arguments between a couple married for over twenty years somehow come across as different from arguments between a cranky surfer and a catty beach bunny. Furthermore, Ozzy has a lot more practice on perfecting his various addictions, although ?The Real World? illustrated a young woman struggling with alcoholism."
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Human Nature Through the Eyes of Brooding Romantics, 2002.
Shows how 19th Century Romantic authors, Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville depicted human nature through their works.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville speak to the modern age through the psychological insight they bring to their characters. The paper shows that these 19th Century Romantics wrote in an era before the science of psychology had been created, but they show the ability to develop ideas about the workings of the human mind and to express these through characters who are realistic in psychological terms even in the most fantastic of situations. The paper discusses their ability to show the contrast between the bizarre nature of the story and the psychological reality of the characters that says something to us about the human condition. Works discussed in the paper, among others, are "The Tell-Tale Heart" (Poe), "Young Goodman Brown" (Hawthorne) and "Billy Budd" (Melville).
From the Paper
"In his short story "Young Goodman Brown," Nathaniel Hawthorne creates an image of innocence compromised in the face of the evil of the world, an evil that is always hidden and that masquerades at times as the height of probity. The way the story is presented leaves a question open as to whether Young Goodman Brown's experience was real or a vision. Hawthorne in this story does what he often does in his fiction -- he juxtaposes light and dark, good and evil, innocence and experience, and fashions a moral fable out of the interaction of opposites, doing so in a way that leaves issues unresolved and that hints at the moral struggle in the world without truly resolving it or issues it raises about human behavior."
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Karl Marx' View of Human Nature, 1999.
Karl Marx's view of human nature and why he is critical of the ideas of human rights and political rights and emancipation.
1,444 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 6 sources, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This essay examines two aspects of Marx's philosophy; firstly, his view of human nature and, secondly, why he is critical of the ideas of human rights and political rights and emancipation. The paper argues that Marx?s view of human nature underpins his thought and work and shows that Marx is critical of human rights and political rights and emancipation because he believes there to be a greater goal.
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Human Nature, 2002.
A paper which compares the theories relating to human nature, as put forth by traditional and liberal philosophers.
1,429 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that traditional philosophers believed that the community should be given preference over the individual while the liberal philosophers suggested that the individual rights were more integral to human life. It describes how the logic behind their beliefs was based on their conceptions of human nature and the political values they put forth came from this same understanding. The paper shows that although philosophers and political theorists like Aristotle and Hobbes seem to epitomize the creative potential of the human mind, the history of ideas can be understood as the exploration of a conceptual space rather than as a sequence of more-or-less unique works. The paper seeks answers for questions such as: are humans naturally selfish or sociable? and, What is the basis of human nature?
From the Paper
"While Aristotle understood politics and humans through a rational belief and logic Hobbes had a different perspective. Hobbes argued that human beings are fundamentally equal and endowed with certain natural and inalienable rights;[Morgan, chp 12] defended the idea of a state based on the role of law;[ch 13] maintained a basic distinction between the public and private;[ch 14] held that a primary task of good government was to secure a minimum welfare for all citizens;[ch 14] affirmed that civil laws govern actions, not thoughts or conscience;[ch 15] insisted on the utility of toleration;[chp 16] and advanced a form of representative government based on the idea that subjects' obligation to obey the civil law stems from the fact that each subject, in obeying the sovereign's command, is obeying a power that the subject himself could be seen as having consented to and authorized.[ch 13]"
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Human Nature in Confucian Thought, 2006.
This paper stresses Confucius's positive view of human nature, as it is sometimes not recognized.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, $ 62.95
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Abstract
The Analects of Confucius (551-479 BC) became important after the sage's death and in a fascinating way they continue to influence various persons of Chinese origin or whose cultures have been linked, at some time, to the Sinic world. This paper explains Confucianism's positive view of human nature, despite how the tradition is often stereotyped as rigid or austere, that is perhaps responsible in large part for the tenacity of Confucianism as it has combined with other religions and secular philosophy, through time. Confucius encouraged a positive view of human beings and human nature that may well explain its popularity and ongoing influence.
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Theories of Human Nature, 2008.
A comparison of the contemporary relevance of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's and Thomas Hobbes' theories of human nature.
1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper compares Jean-Jacques Rousseau's theory of human nature and civil society with that of Thomas Hobbes'. The paper analyzes which of the two theorists' understanding of human nature has greater contemporary relevance. It provides examples from their works and concludes that Hobbes' theories have far more contemporary relevance.
From the Paper
"In general, Hobbes's theory seems more relevant to contemporary society than does Rousseau's. Hobbes' idea of the naturally brutish, competitive state of man seems more accurate than Rousseau's notion of the man-born-noble-sovereign. More importantly, Hobbes's theory of the civil state is more relevant to the contemporary state. After all, we do in fact do precisely what Hobbes says: we give up our right to wrest things away from other people, in return for the right to walk down the street without having the shirt ripped off our back. On the other hand, Rousseau's theory of the civil state as a place in which we all share sovereignty has no relevance to our modern state, where numbers are so great that almost no one has any sovereignty (unless one's name is Walton, or Bush, or Oprah, perhaps)."
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