| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "WESTERN PHILOSOPHY": |
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Contribution of Greeks in Western Philosophy, 2002.
A study of the Greek origins of Western philosophy.
865 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the contributions of the Greeks to Western philosophy, in how they broke from their mythopoeic past and how Socrates and Plato advanced the rationalism initiated by the cosmologists. The paper examines the works of early Greek philosophers and their contribution to the thoughts of Socrates and Plato.
From the Paper
"The word Philosophy has been derived from the Greek word Philosophia meaning ?the love of wisdom? or ?the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.? In ancient times, philosophy comprised of all areas of speculative thought and included arts, science and religion. Western philosophy thus began in Ancient Greece as speculation about the nature of the physical world and the philosophical thoughts developed by the Greeks during the height of the Greek civilization between 600 and 200 BC have formed the basis of all subsequent developments in Western philosophy. In this paper we will discuss the contributions of the Greeks to Western philosophy, how they broke from their mythopoeic past, and how Socrates and Plato advanced the rationalism initiated by the cosmologists."
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Dreams and Western Philosophy, 2005.
This paper discusses that, until recently, Western philosophy tended to look at dreams negatively as a source of confusion and as a way of determining a person?s character.
3,195 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 92.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, although Western philosophy emphasized the irrationality of dreams and the dreaming state, Socrates and Aristotle investigated the thought that the dream was a possible indicator of a person?s character. The author points out that this investigative of dreams came to an abrupt halt with Descartes, and not until Jean-Paul Sartre?s ?The Psychology of Imagination? did dreams became an extended topic for philosophical inquiry. The paper relates that an existential psychoanalytic approach to dreams can be seen in Ludwig Binswanger?s essay, ?Dream and Existence? (1930), Michel Foucault?s ?Dream, Imagination, and Existence? (1954), and in Federico Fellini?s dream sequence and interpretation in his film, ?8 ??.
From the Paper
"These early thoughts on dreams have a certain charm in their quaintness and naivet?, and they were tentative attempts at trying to connect the dream state with the awake state. But if the dream had any notion of entering into center stage at any time beyond this period of philosophical antiquity, Descartes rudely gave the dream the hook and pulled it away from the wings and out the exit door. Never mind how the dream state connects with the awake state and how we can come to understand our daily lives. When Descartes contrasted the waking life with the dream state, he talked about the dream as a negative example to advance his theory of rational evidence, the role of sense perception, and the sensory resources available in the waking life."
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Christianity and Western Philosophy, 2007.
An analysis of the impact of Christianity on western philosophy from the time of the Roman Empire.
1,085 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the rise of Christianity during the time of the Roman Empire, its contributions to western philosophical thought over the last fifteen hundred years, and some significant philosophical issues of the present day that have been "Christianized" and/or deeply influenced by Christianity. In particular, the paper contends that a case can be made that the works of Thomas Aquinas and Saint Augustine helped popularize Aristotelian and Platonic philosophy and laid the groundwork for the "man-centered" philosophical leanings of the early modern, Renaissance period.
From the Paper
"Similarly, the philosophical rise of Christianity in the first centuries after the death of Christ was helped immeasurably by the fact that its early adherents went to considerable lengths to defend the "logic" of Christianity and to link it to Neo-Platonism. One Christian theologian and philosopher of the late-second and early-third centuries AD, Origen, became especially influential by showing how Christianity had its philosophical antecedents in not only Neo-Platonism but in Greek and Roman Stoicism, as well. In the end, Christianity came into intellectual acceptance in part because its focus upon the existence of a "unified and perfect being" residing at the center of the transcendent world was comprehensible to educated Romans reared on the dictates of Neo-Platonism (McGill 2005). "
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Western Philosophy, 2005.
This paper compares the philosophies of Kant and Hume.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the philosophies of Kant and Hume regarding knowledge are compared. The article looks at the limitations of the source of knowledge in Hume's empiricism. The writer also discusses the broader base for knowledge in Kant's transcendental idealism.
From the Paper
"Kant claims that the mind makes an active contribution to experience. His argument was designed to show the limitations of knowledge. While the Rationalists suggested that we could have metaphysical knowledge of God, souls, substance, etc. and that such knowledge was transcendentally real, Kant maintained that we cannot have knowledge of the realm beyond the empirical. In other words, transcendental knowledge is ideal but is not real in the human mind. Kant identified a priori sources of these constraints. He believed the mind has a receptor ... "
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Philosophy?s Irrelevant Religious Proofs, 2005.
Discusses the limitations of Western philosophy in its search for the existence of God and the immortal soul.
3,334 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
Western philosophy?s correspondence or coherence criteria for religious truths cuts off the transcendent right from the start. The paper argues that this self-limitation allows for the possibility of considering the soundness or truth of religion. However, the actual experiencing of religious truth, any possible truth in religion, becomes unexplored. The paper shows that, consequently, proving or disproving the existence of God and the immortality of the soul become curious endeavors. No matter how powerful the arguments, such proofs are not what the religious seeker needs, and what the seeker needs, philosophy cannot give.
From the Paper
"Pascal?s Wager has inspired many academic journal articles, but curiously most of them dwell on the virtues and weaknesses of the wager as an example of decision theory and of statistics and probability. There has been little discussion of the relevance of the Wager, which leads to actual belief. Pascal, himself, is cognizant of the problem of how a detached understanding of a logical conclusion that God exists does not automatically force a person to believe in God. Even if one were to agree that believing in God was the ?best bet,? it is another matter to believe in this best bet at will. Pascal suggests that we overcome the passions and obstacles that prevent righteous belief and that we become involved in the life of fellow-believers and start acting like them."
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Socratic Philosophy, 2008.
A look at the life and teachings of Socrates.
1,540 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the philosophies of Socrates, known as one of the most fundamental people in the creation of the foundation of Western Philosophy. This author explains how Socrates spent his life devoted to developing his moral character although he never wrote any of his philosophies and ideas down.
From the Paper
"Socrates is one of the most fundamental people in the creation of the foundation of Western Philosophy. Known mainly through the writing of Plato, Socrates' teachings and philosophies are humble in nature and pure in spirit. His philosophies have lasted through the centuries and now influence modern thinking even up to this day. Socrates embodied the type of life which eludes most people; despite knowing he will never reach perfection, he still lives his life trying to obtain the unobtainable. Socrates spent his life devoted to developing his moral character regardless of the earthly ramifications. He died defending his views and beliefs concerning moral character, loyalty, and death; however, his philosophies lived on through his lengthy fame, "what has caused my reputation is none other than a certain kind of wisdom...Human wisdom, perhaps," ("Apology," Plato, 25)."
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Political Philosophy, 2003.
A discussion of political philosophy pre and post the French Revolution.
2,437 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper examines John Locke's theory of government as a forerunner to that of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. It continues to explore the impact the French Revolution had on future political ideologies, which are portrayed through Benjamin Constant's "The Principles of Politics" and in John Stuart Mill's "On Liberty." In conclusion the author discusses how these philosophies shaped Western society and democracy as we know it today.
From the Paper
"John Stuart Mill, an advocate of man's innate rights during the mid eighteen-hundreds, wrote "On Liberty," an examination of government's interference with personal freedom through the fallacy of "self-protection." Mill contested that by trying to guard the freedoms of the people, the government in reality is restricting them, only imposing more laws, which take away or infringe upon the ones granted. True freedom can only come from the person, not the dictates of the ruling power. Mill stated, "Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign."
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Character and Development of Greek Philosophy, 2001.
The paper discusses the development and character of philosophy, beginning with the intellectual Lonian thinkers and leading up to the most important philosopher before Socrates, Parmenides.
1,710 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 7 sources, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper is about Greek philosophy and the thoughts of the philosophers particularly during the flowering of Greek civilization. The paper tells the importance of the Greek philosophers between 600BC and 200 BC, and how they moved from myth to science to form the basis of all philosophical speculation in the Western World. The author discusses how the first philosophers looked for reality and truth, away from the traditions of mythology and religion.
From the Paper
"Greek philosophy, particularly during the flowering of Greek civilization between 600 BC and 200 BC, comes to form the basis of all philosophical speculation in the Western World. The word philosophy comes from two Greek words ?philo? and ?sophia?, which together mean ?love of wisdom.?. Experts are not really sure why the Greeks were the first to come up with the concept. To them it is a way of looking for reality and truth, away from the traditions of mythology and religion. ?Aristotle suggested that philosophy arose out of ?wonder? or ?puzzlement?? (Browning 17). Due to the Greek alphabet and its simplicity, literacy was widespread. Trade was the way of life that involved dealing with all sorts of novel peoples, cultures, practices, and ideas. The Greeks lacked professional priests and palace bureaucracies whose interests and teachings could have hindered their own speculative thought (Zeller 42)."
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Animal Rights in Philosophy, 2004.
Presents the issue of animal rights supported through philosophy.
2,119 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
Humanism is a set of presuppositions that assigns to human beings a special position in the scheme of things. Not just a school of thought or a collection of specific beliefs or doctrines, humanism is rather a general perspective from which the world is viewed. That perspective received a gradual yet persistent articulation during different historical periods and continues to furnish a central leitmotif of Western civilization. It resists the tendency to treat humanity scientifically as part of the natural order on par with other living organisms. This is the position put forth in the paper to support the author's stance on advocating animal rights. Humanists attribute crucial importance to education, conceiving of it as an all-around development of personality and individual talents, marrying science to poetry and culture to democracy. The paper shows that such philosophies as egoism, utilitarianism, and ethical relativism all seem to lend a hand in supporting this ethical topic.
From the Paper
"Utilitarianism draws together more exactly to the nurturing of the human consciousness. It concentrates on "utility in the largest sense, grounded on the permanent interests of man as a progressive being?" (Mill, 92). Progression, of course, is seen as a slow development towards being more and more socially enlightened, more attuned to the greater good. Gandhi writes: ?The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.? (Dyer & Dyer). Utilitarianism suggests the greatest happiness for all. If one assumes that animals are indeed consciences then they might be included in this over-arching all, and certainly that would defend their rights."
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Imposing Western Human Rights on Non-Western Cultures, 2002.
Addresses the question which asks if the imposition of Western human rights values on non-Western traditions constitute a form of imperialism?
4,650 words (approx. 18.6 pages), 14 sources, $ 169.95
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Abstract
The objective of this paper is to further explore the concept of human rights. A particular focus will be placed on the question of whether or not the imposition of western human rights values on non-western traditions constitutes a form of imperialism. At the root of the issue, it seems is the issue of what should weigh more, human rights or state sovereignty. In the end, of course, there is no definitive answer to this question. What it can, and will, do, however, is look at the dynamics of human rights in the international arena and comment on whether western rhetoric on human rights is in the sphere of imperialism, or neo-imperialism.
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Medieval Philosophy, 2005.
An overview of some of the famous philosophers of Europe from A.D. 500 to 1300.
3,091 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the evolution of philosophy in Western Europe and some of the major philosophers of that time, including Saint Augustine, Boethius and John Scottus Eriugena. The paper includes biographical information on each of these philosophers and a look at how and why they were each connected to the church.
From the Paper
"Common thought holds that this is the case because Augustine was writing in the last days of the ancient civilizations. Many of these same academicians would also say that for the next 500 years or so there wouldn't be a lot in the way of "higher" intellectual endeavor. It can be shown that although one must of necessity had to be both aristocratic, or at least of more than merely adequate means, and ordained, philosophy certainly was not dead, and indeed was pursued with great vigor and sometimes great acrimony and at no little personal danger, depending on whether or not the church liked the ideas being put forth."
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The Philosophy of Immanuel Kant, 2002.
Examines the life and key ideas of Western philosopher, Immanuel Kant.
1,032 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the main concepts underlying Kant's philosophy. Initially, the paper provides biographical information on Kant, with descriptions of his rise to popularity and the conflicts he encountered as a result of his teachings. The paper then discusses Kant's primary body of work, "Critique of Pure Reason", which contains the heart of Kantian philosophy. An overview of Kant's views on judgment, reason, and logic is provided, and an evaluation of Kant's contributions to philosophy concludes the paper.
From the Paper
"Immanuel Kant was born on April 22, 1724 in the Prussian province of Konigsberg, in what is now Russia. He was educated at Konigsberg's Collegium Fredericianum and later, the University of Konigsberg. Kant immersed himself in the study of physics and mathematics, though financial problems following his father's death forced him to stop his studies and earn a living as a private tutor (Kuehn 42)."
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Pythagoreanism., 2002.
A critical analysis of this movement in Western philosophy history.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper will argue that Pythagoreanism was a transitional movement in the history of Western philosophy, possessing elements of earlier religious superstition existing side-by-side with sophisticated modes of philosophical inquiry.
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The Philosophy of Education, 2002.
An in-depth exploration on the origins and development of educational theory, including a thorough literature review.
10,835 words (approx. 43.3 pages), 40 sources, MLA, $ 215.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the philosophical and historical underpinnings of educational theory, also touching on theories about society, leadership, democracy, and personhood. It deals with the socio-political and anthropological significance of modern education and leadership styles, and with comparative styles throughout history. Finally, the paper selects and reviews books which deal with an array of perspectives involving educational methods.
Table of Contents
Introduction
A Philosophical Approach to Education Leadership
Plato?s Counsel on Education & Socratic Education
Descartes, or the cultivation of the intellect
Hobbes: Truth, Publicity, and Public Doctrine
Locke on the Education of Paupers
Leibniz as a Theorist of Education
Rousseau?s Education Experiments
Condorcet and Adam Smith on Education and Instruction
Jeffersonian Ambiguities
Deweyan Pragmatism and American Education
Furtherment of the Will; Nietzsche and Education
?The Philosophy of Childhood?
?Pedagogy of the Oppressed?
Socio-politically Based Analysis of Education and Leadership
Civil Education in the Liberal State
?Dumbing us Down?
?The Stigma of Genius?
Kinderculture and ?Children of the Corn?
?Lying about the Wolf?
?Culture & Pedagogy? and Non-Western Traditions
The Japanese High School
Competing Answers to the Failure of the Modern School System
Creating the Future School
Technology: The Ideal, the Reality, the Devil Inside
The School Choice Debate
Changing Theories of Education
Rebellion and Resistance
Democratic Co-Regulation
Experiments in Democratic Schooling
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Entering the educational section of any decently sized library proves very quickly that the Western world entertains a glut of information regarding problems in modern education, teaching styles, leadership methods and prerogatives, and the politics and power struggles inherent in schools. Considering the availability and abundance of even simple, easy-to-read primers on educational and classroom theory, it is certainly a testament to the inefficiency and apathy created within our school system that there does not exist a more active debate both within the system and between the system and its students and parental figures over choice of theories and practices. Certainly, the populace has every appearance of being aware of the studies and statistics that make up the alarmist cross-cut of research. Many parents, teachers, and children will be able to volunteer the opinion that schools are decaying and inefficient, that America is a global failure in education, and that little learning takes place within schools. (A social cynic would point out that these lessons are often glossed in the evening news, and their alarmist nature requires little research to be believed by a gullible public)."
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Freedom, 2005.
A comparison of the concepts of freedom in Eastern and Western philosophies.
1,658 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the concept of freedom is a very relative one that is dependant on a person's mindset. It compares how this concept is expressed in differing cultures and philosophies between Eastern worlds and Western worlds.
From the Paper
"There can be as many definitions of freedom as many people we have in this world. Everybody defines freedom according to his own mindset. Intellectuals demand freedom of thought and expression. Young men ask for the freedom of action. Rebels fight for the freedom to think out of the way and challenge the status quo. In short, everyone wants to exercise his own will within his limited sphere. Similarly, East and West have their own definitions of freedom. West defines freedom as one?s right to think, say and do according to one?s choice and regardless of any discrimination on the basis of gender, age, race, caste or creed. On the other hand, East freedom has some spiritual dimensions. Here freedom means the freedom of spirit - freedom from want, freedom from fear and freedom from guilt and in the end freedom from illusions. (Heehs: 2002)"
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