Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes two particular works from American naturalist writer Jack London who focuses on the weakness, vulnerability and impermanence of human beings, juxtaposed against the strength, power and permanence of nature. This paper details the author's use of nature in his short stories, "The Law of Life" and "To Build a Fire." This paper details the common threads in both stories which include the laws and cycles of nature, the power of nature and human beings' fundamental vulnerability to nature's strength and permanence. This paper describes how in both works of writing, London creates nature, in particular the Arctic cold and snow, as a sort of character in and of itself, with which human beings are forced to interact, based on their being forced to respect nature's own power. This paper also contains various portions of text from both works of writing.
From the Paper "Within "To build a Fire", then London implies that an animal's instincts, unimpeded by the prideful stubbornness of humans, are superior to those of humans. Animals, for instance, know that they cannot control nature; therefore, they respect it. Humans, on the other hand, having learned to control a great deal of their natural environment and have, therefore lost their fear of all natural environments. Animals like the husky of this story wisely and instinctively respect the power, mystery, and fickleness of nature; people such as the hiker sometimes do not, to their detriment. Because humans adapt to environments, the man attempting in vain to build a fire believes he can adapt himself even to this one, that he will be, somehow, invincible against the freezing temperature."
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 In this article, the writer declares that early proponents of natural law argued that people have common sense and are born with an intuitive knowledge of right and wrong. This paper discusses that human rights are those rights that are based on human nature. The writer examines how human rights grew from natural rights. It argues that conceptions of right and wrong are not based on an unchanging, eternal order, but are negotiable; that is, open to revision as the years go by and times change. It is seen, for example, how women and children have used natural rights arguments to gain rights that formerly were denied them.
The writer concludes that human rights have evolved from natural law and natural rights and that human rights are intimately connected to morality and ethics.
Outline:
Introduction
Natural Law and the Concept of Rights
Changing the Law in Response to a New Moral Awareness
Human Rights for Women
Juvenile Death Penalty
Rights versus Utilitarianism
Conclusion
From the Paper "More than anyone else the philosopher John Locke influenced the shape and form of democracy in the United States. He argued that human beings have certain fundamental rights, which governments cannot take away. He argued that no individual has a natural right to rule over others, and that a person's natural state is a state of freedom. Freedom, he explained, was not the same as license or permission to do whatever one wants; rather, freedom is based on the "law of reason which places precise limits on our behavior". Not everyone is able to enjoy their natural rights because other people and the government sometimes violate them; therefore, Locke suggested that men assemble and choose leaders who can be trusted to protect their natural rights. The primary function of government ought to be to protect the natural rights of its citizens, to protect citizens from other states, and to establish and maintain internal order. He suggested that oppressive governments (governments that had broken trust with the people) could, and should, be overthrown; in other words, sometimes, revolution is justified--especially if the government violates the natural rights of its citizens. In questions where natural rights are not the issue, then the will of the majority should prevail. His ideas profoundly inspired the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence; moreover, the Constitution was written mainly to protect the people's rights from government interference, to insure internal order, and to establish defense."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that when Kate Chopin wrote 'The Awakening', several themes were popular in literature. One of these was naturalism, or the belief that natural forces, such as heredity, environment and physical and emotional drives motivate people to act as they do. The writer points out that "The Awakening" includes numerous examples of how naturalism impacts character Edna Pontellier's values, thoughts and actions. More importantly, the book shows what happens when one's natural inclinations conflict with an awakening of unconventional and "unnatural" desires. The writer relates that ironically, it is the sea, a true part of nature, which carries Edna away for the very last time and allows her to disappear forever from her internal conflicts. The writer concludes that in the end, according to Chopin, nature wins.
From the Paper "In Victorian times, women were primarily recognized as mothers and wives or, as in The Awakening, even possessions of their husband. In several instances, the book's characters confirm this role. For example, in an early scene, Mr. Pontellier criticizes Edna for not attending her sick child and worries that she is not a proper mother. Although these demands on women are part of the patriarchal society, they are based on the belief that women bear the children in the human species and have, or should have, an innate need to nurture and protective their children."
"Edna is a complex character who has many sides to her nature. Part of her recognizes the need, in fact is inwardly driven, to be a good mother."
Abstract The paper gives the opinions of both philosophers regarding natural law and homosexuality and addresses the Christian conception of natural law. Further, the paper asserts that many of the claims for a source for natural law are descriptive and are then distorted into something prescriptive. The paper concludes that natural law is not "natural" at all but is an artificial explanation for why certain behaviors are classified as unnatural.
From the Paper "When we say something is unnatural, however, there is no objective measure for this term. Man-made laws emerge from the social contract, the mythical agreement by which society was created and by which those who join society agree to abide by its laws. Thus, we know what a law is, we know what breaking a law means, and we do not argue about whether we ought to obey or not because we have accepted this precept as part of the social contract. We are all part of society, so we are all subject to society's laws."
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 This paper discusses naturalism in relation to ethics. It explores various forms of naturalism in relation to the individual, and it selects a form of naturalism that appears to dictate a clear path for ethical living in modern society. The paper further explores the notion of duty in relation to ethics, and makes proposals on naturalism that is suited for life.
From the Paper "Naturalism can be defined in several forms within ethics. While there is the concept of the individual existing in nature with a natural law that corresponds with their ethics, there is also the concept of ethics as a natural flow of the inner human being that seeks what he or she believes is the natural life course to follow. Naturalism can be derived from the Ancient Roman philosophy found in Stoicism in which individuals learned to be ambivalent about life, and that an individual's existence was guided by virtue. Of these ideals the most effective for modern living would appear to be naturalism in relation to natural ideals. The concept of naturalism suggests that individuals have natural wants, desires, and goals in life and that in realizing these elements of existence the individual is being ethically in tune with his or her place in the world."
Abstract In an increasingly secular world natural law has frequently fallen under intense scrutiny. This paper, however, argues that natural law is superior to legal positivism and stands up well to three common criticism leveled against it; first that natural law is at least as subjective as any statute passed by legal positivists, second that natural law can impress a certain more absolutism and dogmatism upon the crafting and interpretation of the law which is inherently unhealthy in evolving societies, and thirdly that natural law is predicated upon faith and not upon reason as is the positive law tradition.
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 An in-depth study of Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, looking at major issues, such as god, life and evolution.
Table of Contents
I.Biography of Charles Darwin.
II.Explanation of the theory of natural selection.
III. Examples of Natural Selection
IV. Humans and God
V. Life on other planets and deathbed claims.
VI. Conclusion
From the Paper "Most people think of evolution when they think of natural selection, the famous theory proposed by the British naturalist Charles Darwin. But, that could not be more untrue. Although Charles Darwin did have the very basic idea of that, he only figured out that only the strongest animals survived, shaping the course of history in it's most basic ways. Many other naturalists built on the notion of evolution. But, along with a couple of other theories, that ranks among the most important to mankind."
Abstract This paper looks at a classic example of naturalism within literature by examining London's short story. It analyzes this story which was published in "The Century Magazine" in 1908 with its themes of the fragility of human survival and the ways in which we as humans are defined by the ways in which we are at odds with the rest of nature. The paper examines how this story epitomizes all the typical characteristics of 'naturalism'.
From the Paper "In literature, Naturalism extended the tradition of realism, aiming at an even more faithful, unselective representation of reality. It is not coincidental that the rise of Naturalism should follow the rise of photography as an artform (and as a technological possibility), for both photography and naturalism (whether in literature or in the visual arts) attempted to give to the audience or reader a sense of looking at unmediated, uncreated life. Jack London does not want us to remember that we are reading a story that he has made up, but rather he wishes to give us the sense that we ourselves are there. His writing is meant to be invisible, presented to us like a documentary photograph without moral judgment."
Abstract This paper, written from the writer's personal point of view, examines the centuries old debate of nature vs. nurture by focusing on 4-year-old fraternal twins. The writer of this paper defines nature as things that are genetically inherent in certain people. Nurture is referred mainly to the care given to children by their parents, any environmental, not genetic, factor as well as one's childhood friends, one's early experiences with television and one's experience in the womb. This paper details the various results attained by the research done on the twins. The writer cites the differences and similarities in the twins which were observed. The writer contends that the nature vs. nurture debate looks into why people are different and seems to assume that those differences can make people more or less desirable.
From the Paper "The nature versus nurture debate looks into why people are different and seems to assume that those differences can make people more or less desirable. One example is intelligence. The assumption appears to be that having an extremely intelligent child is better than having a child of average or below-average intelligence. However, intelligence is only one characteristic of a person. The less intelligent child may be much kinder, funnier, outgoing, and altruistic than the more intelligent child. Instead of looking into why people are different, nature or nurture, I think I will concentrate on celebrating the diversity that exists in humanity, whether there by nature or nurture. While both twins were extremely different, I cannot say that either one was better than the other one."
Tags: research, twins, nature, nurture, care, personality, trait, fraternal, identical, study
Abstract It is indisputable that the natural law perspective has had a powerful influence on Canadian laws and lawmakers. However, some theorists believe that in today's multicultural and diverse societies, natural law is no longer relevant. It is argued in this paper that this is not accurate, and that the natural law perspective continues to have a powerful influence on Canadian laws and lawmakers. It shows, however, that other perspectives also have an influence.
Abstract This paper presents an examination of natural crimes compared to legal crimes. The writer explores the difference between natural and legal crimes, gives examples of both and discusses which crimes are wrong in themselves and which ones are only crimes because they are deemed illegal.
From the Paper "In civilized society there are natural crimes and legal crimes. While they are all crimes when held against the state, local or federal statutes they are viewed differently in the eyes of those who are mandated to uphold and obey them. For the purpose of discussion natural crimes are crimes that are morally and ethically wrong and would be wrong regardless of what the law said about them, while legal crimes will be discussed as crimes in which the only obvious rationale for them being deemed illegal is that the government has deemed them as such. "
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.
