Abstract This paper will discuss in two parts the 'natural' world of the Greek philosophers such as Aristotle, Plato and Socrates. The first part will cover what is meant by 'natural' in Greek thought in accordance with women. The second part will discuss how one would go about living a life under certain aspects of 'natural' philosophy in the Greek caliber.
An analysis of philosopher and politician John Locke's Theory of Natural Law and how this contributed to the pre-Enlightenment era of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries.
Abstract This paper looks at this philosophy whereby Locke's perception of mankind was an extremely optimistic one, and he viewed natural law and the state of nature as being where all men are naturally moral and reasonable, and are born free, equal and possessing the inalienable rights to protect their life, their freedom, and their property.
From the Paper ""Nature is a state of perfect equality amongst all men. In this state, no one man has more power or jurisdiction than any other man." (Locke 1690)
John Locke (1632 - 1704) was a qualified physician and a respected Oxford academic, in addition to being one of several political philosophers who focused on the theories of natural rights and natural law during the pre-Enlightenment era of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Locke's theory of natural law, and of the aims and purposes of government, were detailed in his work, "Two Treatises of Government" (1690), and proved to be influential, not only in Britain, but across the world, especially in America, where his views formed the foundation of the Declaration of Independence and the American system of government."
Abstract This paper describes various ideas of ancient and medieval philosophy. The author begins by contrasting the concepts of reason and faith. Also analyzed is the belief system of a higher being. Philosophies of both Christian and Jewish religions are highlighted and the major writings briefly introduced. The author also includes other philosophical schools of thought from this time period, including realism and natural theology.
Outline:
Faith and Reason
Natural Theology
Universals
Works cited
From the Paper "Faith and reason are often seen as adversarial. It appears that since the middle ages the two principles fail to find common ground. Reason is about gathering evidence that supports a position. Faith, on the other hand, is the formation of belief in the absence of or in opposition to evidence that appears to prove other than that which is believed. For those who support reason, faith would appear to be irrational. "
Abstract This paper takes the reader on a personal journey through the philosophy of knowledge. The paper presents ideas about the nature, purpose and means of acquiring knowledge. Comparing this process to a forest, the paper shares a personal management viewpoint of the application of knowledge. After traveling through this forest, the reader steps out into the proverbial sunlight, where a personal acquisition plan is established for gaining and applying knowledge in everyday life.
From the Paper "The reasons for attainment of knowledge are infinite. Knowledge is empowering, and anyone with any sense about them strives to attain all they can, and in all areas of life. There are always unanswered questions that the curious continue to pursue for reason. We need to understand and perform our jobs efficiently. We need to know how to nurture and raise our families. We need to know what is poisonous and what is not. Some of us want to know why the sky is blue and grass is green. We need to understand what makes a good leader, scientist, doctor, manager, and pilot. We want to know why we have lost revenue this month, or gained customers that month."
Abstract The paper discusses Lawrence's philosophical works "Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious" and "Fantasia of the Unconscious" as well as his novels, "The Rainbow" and Women in Love". The paper explains Lawrence's philosophical works in parallel with these two novels in order to show Lawrence's conceptions of both childhood development and the unconscious as well as the precise nature of the relationship between his fictional and philosophical texts. The paper explores the way Lawrence characterises childhood development as a fall from Edenic childhood to adult consciousness. The paper then portrays how Lawrence's narratives of childhood development function in terms of his writing as a whole.
From the Paper "D. H. Lawrence wrote in the foreword to Fantasia of the Unconscious that his philosophical works, or 'pseudophilosoph[ies],' were 'deduced from the novels and poems, not the reverse', thus indicating that his two closely-related works Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious and Fantasia of the Unconscious were to be seen as exegeses of the ideas presented within his novels. As the titles of these two works indicate, of primary interest to Lawrence was the concept of the 'unconscious,' a large part of his exploration of which was based around ideas of childhood development. Of Lawrence's novels, The Rainbow and Women in Love perhaps deal most explicitly with these themes, presenting the development of not just one character, but of several successive generations of the Brangwen family. This being the case, reading Lawrence's philosophical works in parallel with these two novels should provide an illuminating view of not only Lawrence's conceptions of both childhood development and the unconscious but also the precise nature of the relationship between Lawrence's fictional and philosophical texts."
Abstract This paper examines the concept of natural aristocracy by Thomas Jefferson. This concept laid the basis for the rest of his thoughts and teachings about the ideal society of early America. The writer shows how Jefferson viewed education, society and leaders and also mentions some of his writings.
From the Paper "Thomas Jefferson most clearly explained his views on the natural aristocracy in 1813 in a letter to longtime friend and sometime rival John Adams. Like many of the founding fathers, Jefferson despised the European aristocracy, with their notions that leadership could be earned with gold or a distinguished family name. He felt that people should rise through the ranks of society on the basis of merit, hence his ?natural aristocracy.? The hallmarks of the natural aristocrat, according to Jefferson, were ?virtue and talents.? He added that "body strength, good humor, politeness, and other accomplishments" were "auxiliary" grounds of distinction (qtd. in The Founders? Constitution). It was these natural aristocrats, he believed, who should lead a free country like the newly born United States of America ("Thomas Jefferson Biography")."
Tags: history, founding, father, natural, aristocracy, america, constitution, society
Abstract This paper explains that the more common personal health care style is a collective health care process, called alternative medicine or complementary medicine, which includes elements of allopathic practice, non-natural medicine and surgery and of natural medicine. The author points out the idea that natural medicine is actually traditional medicine and should be looked at as such, with benefits and drawbacks, just as allopathic medicine is consider by many people. As an example of the presented natural health therapies; the paper relates that the Alexander technique, both a natural health practice and a restorative natural medical treatment, is a technique used to reduce repetitive motion injury by retraining the body to move in a different, more natural way.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Natural Health
Hydrotherapy
Herbalism
Eclectic Medicine
Natural Hygiene
NaturalPhilosophy Natural Healing
Natural Medicine
Fingernail and Tongue Analysis
Iridology
Hair Analysis
Live Blood Analysis (Darkfield Microscopy) and Dry Blood Analysis
Antibody (IgE, IgG) Test for Food Allergies
Acid-Alkaline Balance (Ph Testing)
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Air Supply Personal Air Purifier
Alexander Technique.
Aromatherapy
Astropulse
Ayurveda
Bathing Therapy
Biomagnetics (Magnetic Field Energy Therapy)
Electro-Dermal Screening
Chelation Therapy
Chi Lel
Chiropractic Treatment
Colloidal Silver Therapy
Colonic Therapy (Colon Lavage, Colon Hydrotherapy)
Color Therapy (Chromotherapy)
Crystal Healing
Dental Amalgam Mercury Removal
Detoxification Therapy
Reflexology
Shiatsu
Rolfing
Fasting
Feng Shui Balance
Flower Essence Therapy
Food Detoxification
Flotation Tank
Glandular Therapy
Prayer
Guided Imagery (Visualization)
Herbal Medicine
Homeopathy
Hydrotherapy
Hypnotherapy
Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy
Juicing
Kinesiology
Laughter (Play) Therapy
Light Beam Generator Therapy
Light Therapy (Solar Therapy)
Lymphatic Therapy
Macrobiotics Diet
Massage Therapy
Moxibustion
Music and Sound Therapy
Naturopathy
Osteopathy
Oxygen Therapy
Radionics (Radiesthesia Dowsing), Reflexology
Reiki (Therapeutic Touch)
Infrared Heat Therapy
Vitamin C Therapy
Yoga
Holistic Nutrition
Food Safety
Exercise
Conventional Medicine
Maintaining Health
From the Paper "In the time surrounding the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), in America, medicine was often seen as a part-time practice, conducted by laywomen and men who had a vocation for the healing arts or who inherited the knowledge from ancestral teachers. These healers who took care of their friends and families illnesses, injuries and births performed most medicine, outside the major centers of population. "Of course, these natural healing practices varied from locality to locality with major cities, like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City having hospitals and other medical practices approaching those found in Europe.""
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."
Abstract This paper explains that idealism claims that the world is beautiful, everybody is good and a person can adopt high goals and adhere to them though ideas rather than material forces; on the other hand, naturalism is the view that nature alone is real. The author points out that nature has its share in the life of the soul and, in its numerous manifestations, deeply influences human life; but this natural life of the soul is peripheral, merely an appendix to the material phenomena of nature. The paper contends that modern science has not been the result of a gradual accumulation of sensual perceptions but rather a deliberate break with the entire stock of traditional knowledge.
From the Paper "Technological progress becomes even more exciting when it enters into the service of the social idea, which demands not only a small elite but also humanity at large should profit by it. This demand creates an entirely new challenge, requiring tremendous energy but also giving rise to new complications and harsh contrasts which, in turn, intensify the passion of man's work in this world and enrich its meaning. The transformation of environment has become the purpose of human life; life seems real only insofar as it deals with things. Man no longer needs to escape to an invisible world in order to find and realize exalted goals."
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."
Abstract This paper discusses how our modern ideas of both the human rights and property rights have long legal and philosophical backgrounds. It explains that modern understanding of universal human rights, as well as our understanding of our legal rights, comes from great thinkers such as Hobbes and Locke, who created the philosophical basis for the idea of natural rights.
From the Paper "In today's world, the concept of rights is embedded deeply in our culture. Individuals in the United States have the right to freedom of speech guaranteed in the Constitution. Most individuals know that they have the right to single phone call after arrest, and they know about their Miranda rights. Americans understand that they have specific property rights, such as the right to own the land. In addition, the concept of universal human rights comes up frequently as these rates are violated in different areas of the globe during times of war. Subjects such as animal rights have been become frequent and controversial topics of discussion across the country."
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."
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.
This paper focuses Thomas Kuhn's essay: "The Nature And Necessity of Scientific Revolutions" in which Kuhn contends that the majority of scientific knowledge is in fact not of a cumulative nature.
Abstract The writer of this paper ponders the question as to whether or not science is in fact cumulative. This paper analyzes Thomas Kuhn's essay: "The Nature And Necessity of Scientific Revolutions" which focuses on the cumulative nature of scientific knowledge as the central issue of consideration. This paper details Kuhn's two interpretations concerning what it means for science to be cumulative. The first definition contends that for science to be cumulative, old and new theories would out of necessity be compatible. In the second definition Kuhn proposes that were science to always move from some methodological lower to some higher type would result in a cumulative effect.
From the Paper "Proving that science is cumulative does not in any way require one to also prove that old paradigms are compatible with their newer counterparts. What we need to show, rather, is that paradigms do in fact build upon one another. If this can be shown, the cumulative nature of science will in turn become apparent (hopefully). Given the acceptance of a paradigm, a number of other developments follow. Within the structure of normal science one attempts to utilize the given paradigm in order to advance science. By applying the paradigm, scientists attempt to develop further theories within its framework. From there these theories will eventually lead to either technological or social advances (depending on the science under consideration). In this pursuit of applying the paradigm, we eventually encounter anomalies which cannot be resolved within the given framework. Simply because these anomalies exist does not make it necessary to overthrow the current paradigm. Rather, these anomalies do not become a problem until a specific group of scientists find it necessary for them to be explained."
Abstract The following essay shows how the central character in Gardner's novel, Grendel, moves away from a nihilistic sense of self and toward what eastern philosophies describe as a sense of enlightenment.
From the paper:
?In his very early days, even the evil, man-eating Grendel was an innocent creature. "I lived those years, as do all young things, in a spell. Like a puppy nipping, playfully growling preparing for battle with wolves" (Gardner 16). It is only when he ventures into the world and gets caught in a tree from which he is unable to escape, that he experiences his first fears that the world is not as he had previously conceived it to be. With his foot stuck in the tree and a bull repeatedly charging, but missing him, Grendel comes to a realization. ?I understood that, finally and absolutely, I alone exist. All the rest, I saw, is merely what pushes me or what I push against, blindly . . .? (Gardner 22). It is also during this particular scene that Grendel first comes into contact with men.?
