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Morality, Happiness and Duty, 2008.
Explores issues of morality, happiness, and duty through the writings of Mahatma Gandhi, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and Svetlana Palmer, and Sarah Wallis.
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper examines and compares Mahatma Gandhi's work, "Hind Swaraj", Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's play, "Nathan the Wise", and Svetlana Palmer and Sara Wallis' book, "Intimate Voices from the First World War", in an effort to explore how these philosophers viewed issues of morality, happiness, and duty. After examining each of the works, the paper poses the question, "is there happiness in fulfilling ones duty?". The paper then answers that each man has to determine that for himself.
From the Paper
"Gandhi was a true believer in the laws of karma. Causation and retribution he believed linked all people together. He believed that through an action there is personal growth and moral awareness. Gandhi firmly believed that man reaps what he sows. One of his most famous quotes reflecting how man should behave is as follows: "An eye for an eye is a terrible way to blind the world." How does this relate to happiness, duty and morality? Morality is easy to see in Gandhi's ideology."
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Mill's Utilitarianism, 2008.
This paper explores John Stuart Mill's approach to utilitarianism.
1,335 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that utilitarianism is based on the pursuit of pleasure. The paper then focuses on Mill's belief that it is not the quantity of pleasure that is important, but rather the quality of that pleasure, both on the individual and the social level. The paper explores the implications of this approach and analyzes its merits and drawbacks. The paper reveals that there are significant flaws in Mill's approach that undermine the effectiveness of the proposal specifically and utilitarianism in general.
From the Paper
"Utilitarianism has become all but synonymous with John Stuart Mill, not surprisingly since he literally wrote the book on the subject. In Utilitarianism, Mill (1861) writes, "It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied" (p. 153). This is a central point in Mill's philosophical and ethical approach, one that has significant implications for utilitarianism. An examination of the merits and drawbacks of this position reveals that there exist significant flaws in Mill's approach, flaws that undermine the effectiveness of the proposal specifically and utilitarianism generally."
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Existential Psychology, 2008.
An overview and personal application of existential psychology.
866 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the existential approach to psychology begins with the recognition that the individual is responsible for his or her own mental state. On a more personal level, the paper looks at challenges the author has faced and how he responded to those challenges.
From the Paper
"Existentialism is related to earlier conceptions of how humans are related to the universe, such as that of Kant, and it can be seen as one aspect of the larger search for meaning in every human life. The overwhelming nature of the universe has always left human beings trying to find a reason for their own existence and some evidence that they matter. Psychology seeks to understand both this search and the processes underlying it, and existentialism is one of the structures developed by the human mind to explain its own importance in the universe."
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Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, 2008.
This paper compares the writings of Emile Durkheim and Max Weber, social theorists who observed the behaviors and idiosyncrasies of groups of people to determine how a modern society can make itself better.
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, while Max Weber explores the rational for religion and government, Emile Durkheim's biggest concern in his writings is how society can maintain its integrity in the modern era. The author points out that the differences between Durkheim and Weber are few although they did observer society from opposite ends of the spectrum. The paper relates that, while Durkheim focused on the social aspects of society, Weber focused on the economic aspects and bureaucracy. The author underscores that both philosophers felt a need to break away from the traditions that surrounded them, to modernize society and to help it evolve. The paper states that Weber's understanding of the connotations of people's actions gave him insight into the evolution of a modern society; whereas, Durkheim was a Darwinist who believed that basing science on a single hypothesis was not a reliable choice.
From the Paper
"Durkheim is often referred to as the father of sociology. He was concerned that shared religious and ethnic backgrounds prevented society from maintaining its integrity. Along with Herbert Spencer Durkheim broke society up into categories defined by the function they held in society and whether or not they contributed to the health of society. Durkhiem was opposed to Weber's view that society was a sum of its parts. He believed that the action of individual people is what created a healthy society. His theory was called methodological Individualism."
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Charles Lambert's "Social Theory", 2008.
A comparison and contrast of social theory and classical theory.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts social theory with classical theory, noting that a comparison of the two brings together a modern view that man is his surrounding with the classical view that man makes his own surroundings. The paper outlines the differences between the two theories but also points out that both theories are connected in their basic need for understanding man's relationship with himself and within society and that both theories observe the interactions of man.
From the Paper
"American social theory varies from European social theory in that Americans are self reliant in the observations of their surroundings. We do not look far beyond the obvious. We study our surrounding and base our perceptions on the immediate rather than the past. European social theory takes into account the ramifications of our past colliding with our present. This collision develops into the social theories that govern our actions. In European social theory, there is still a certain about of classical rhetoric that is used to permeate the observances of the present."
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Compatibilism and Free Will, 2008.
This paper argues that compatibilism is a plausible view of free will if one subscribes to soft determinism.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
The paper specifies that, if the reader holds that certain events in life will invariably lead to certain other events but that human beings are allowed the "space" to make decisions for themselves within broad parameters, then determinism and free will are congruent. The author examines key concepts that enter into this discussion and how they "fit" together. The paper utilizes a deterministic story, which allows an array of causal accounts for each event and relates how free will conflict with this story. The paper concludes that compatibilism really can serve as an adequate philosophical theory as long as one accepts the notion of soft determinism and the idea that people can exercise their free will within certain deterministic parameters.
From the Paper
"All that has been discussed thus far leads to the inclusion of a deterministic story that allows for an array of causal accounts for each event. In this case, a man with limited schooling loses his job; he finds himself broke and desperate; with his life crumbling, he turns to crime to sustain himself. A deterministic view would hold that the man's fate was sealed from the beginning because of his lack of education or his lack of mental acuity. Consequently, his options were limited from the start and he was compelled to make the decisions he made."
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The Meaning of Life, 2008.
A research study on the meaning of life.
1,969 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 20 sources, APA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an adequate research methodology to outline how age and different characteristics or measurement criteria affect the general notion of how an individual accounts for his existence. The paper explains that the meaning of life ,in this study, is analyzed outside the realm of philosophy. The paper then points out that psychology is one of the few social sciences that provides the necessary objective rather than subjective analysis of such a loaded question. The paper then explains the research design and all the variables.
Outline:
Research Questions
Literature Review (Background Research)
Study Design: Variables
Results: VAR Frequencies: Analyzing Meaning of Life Categories for Age Cohorts; Non-Parametric Test (Spearman's Correlation); Independent Samples Test (t-test for Equality of Means)
Discussion
From the Paper
"As it relates to the idea that specific sources of meaning in life are different in younger compared to older persons; this study proves that this is not the case, in fact, there is a great degree of consistency across age cohorts, as it relates to the categorizations of meaning of life between the two groups (see figure 1 above). What is even more interesting is the similarities between the relative VAR frequencies between the two groups.
"Commitment to meaning in life and the degree of meaning did not have a strong linear relationship; this shows that irrespective of age criterions, individuals associated the relative meaning in life independently from commitment."
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Role of Women in the Church, 2008.
This paper discusses whether female egalitarianism in the Church is undermining the leadership of the Church by contradicting the scriptures of the Bible.
2,968 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 21 sources, MLA, $ 87.95
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Abstract
In this study, the writer presents a critical review of the arguments surrounding the egalitarian position of women in church. Ideally the idea is to get an understanding of whether the necessary hypothesis is grounded in the scriptures of the Bible. More importantly, the writer maintains that there has to be a critical review of whether the egalitarian approach is simply an adaptation of changes in society as it relates to gender roles. The writer questions if the Church is imitating how society treats women. If this is the case, the writer argues that it should be that society imitates the church's value and leadership structure. The writer discusses what the Bible has to say about the issue.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Working Outline: Structure & Dissertation Categories
From the Paper
"The egalitarian position as presented by Datu is that, since the Bible teaches that all people are created and should be equal, then the Church has a duty to advocate gender equality and equity in churches, and more so in church leadership . Many theorists ground the general egalitarian movement in the foundations and teachings of Jesus Christ, and other New Testament principles. Datu highlights the fact that female egalitarianism is a necessary prerequisite for the success of the church, since the role of women cannot be undermined. Datu also shows that the current opposition of the movement is due to societal pressure and that the historical process shows that female egalitarianism and female leadership in the church was not uncommon in past periods, however cultural prejudices and defined gender roles in society, have created an atmosphere that not affects female leadership in the church."
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Social Choice Theory, 2008.
This paper looks at three social choice theories and argues in favour of Robert Nozick's theory.
1,229 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses three different types of social choice theory; John Rawls' theory, basic utilitarianism and Robert Nozick's theory of libertarianism. The paper argues that Nozick's theory of emphasizing human dignity and autonomy is the greatest of the three social choice theories because it secures the freedoms and prerogatives of all individuals.
From the Paper
"In its simplest form, Social Choice Theory is fundamentally concerned with the "aggregation of individuals' preferences into a collective preference; based on this social preference a collective decision can be taken" (Haake, para.1). To elaborate a little more fully on what can be quite a complex topic, social choice theory is a branch of decision theory preoccupied with the process and outcome of a social choice procedure to which all affected parties agree to be bound (Davies, para.2). In summation, social choice theory is about making the best choice globally for everyone. Suffice it to say, John Rawls, utilitarian theory, and Robert Nozick have their own differing views on the considerations that should be borne in mind when assessing how social choices can be made."
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The Philosophy of David Hume, 2008.
The paper provides a brief overview of David Hume's theories and beliefs.
1,354 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at Hume's examination of causation and the problems inherent in it, his theory of perception, his theory of knowledge or what he might call "inner perception" and finally his theory of the self. The paper also offers a brief look at his ideas on morality and religion. The paper concludes that the fact that Hume's "metaphysical microscope" continues to be found a provocative source of thought and philosophical contemplation three centuries after its author's death, is a testimony to the power of Hume's work.
From the Paper
"David Hume remains one of the most well-known and influential of British philosophers due to the broad scope of the ideas and the depth of analysis that are exhibited throughout his voluminous writings. His philosophical outlook has been described as something of a syncretism between naturalism and skepticism, and he builds upon the work of predecessors such as Berkeley and Locke while going beyond them on a number of levels. He is known for a profoundly skeptical epistemology in which he dissects and invalidates received wisdom and "common sense" about various topics including the nature of causation, the self, and religion; as a result, he was often denounced as "atheistic" by contemporaries, but his thought was a vital influence on later thinkers such as economist Adam Smith and philosopher Jeremy Bentham, not to mention (in the 19th century) Charles Darwin ("David Hume" 1.)"
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N. Fearn's "Zeno and the Tortoise", 2008.
This paper is a philosophical study that analyzes Zeno's paradox of the tortoise and Achilles as presented in N. Fearn's "Zeno and the Tortoise: How to Think like a Philosopher".
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This philosophical study argues for the relativity of argumentative perspective in Zeno's tortoise and Achilles paradox through reductio ad absurdum as presented in N. Fearn's 2001 book "Zeno and the Tortoise: How to Think like a Philosopher". In essence, Zeno's paradox of the tortoise and Achilles are examined in order to critically analyze the theory of non-existent motion through reductio ad absurdum.
From the Paper
"In Fearn's analysis of Zeno reductio ad absurdum, there is basis for the necessity for the modern mathematician to deny the need of Zeno's denial of motion, since math can now reduce the segments of points between motion. This provides a reassessment of the validity of motion due to the nature of points ins pace, which act as markers that defy the nature of movement because of eradication of starting and finishing points. If everything can be divisible unto infinity, then the premise of motion is non-existent because time ceases to measure any longer and is reduced to an illogical movement."
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Kant and Capital Punishment, 2008.
This paper explores Kant's theory of deontology and his views on the death penalty.
1,202 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper provides an overview of Kant's deontology theory and its implications. The paper then argues that Kant's theory presents indisputable support for the death penalty in our society today.
Outline:
Kant's Deontology
Kant and the Death Penalty
Conclusion
From the Paper
"To start with: what is deontology? The word's most basic definition is etymological: the study of duty. Unlike utilitarian philosophy, which can be summed up in the rather trite and shopworn "the end justifies the means," deontology does not assign much importance to an action's consequences, focusing instead on its motives. Or, more concisely: deontology detects moral worth in motives, rather than in outcomes (McCormick 8d). The implications of this are monumental, as Kant is basically arguing that an action may lack moral worth even if its outcome is desirable and, conversely, that an action whose outcome is questionable may be considered "good." To understand these conclusions, it is important to elaborate further on Kant's ideas of categorical duty as opposed to contingent, or hypothetical, duty."
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Plato, Aristotle and Democracy, 2008.
This paper compares Plato and Aristotle's ideology of democracy.
751 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the abstract ideology of democracy that both Plato and Aristotle deem to be a good form of government, but not one that can exist in reality. The paper shows how both philosophers have similar definitions of democracy that provide an ideological, yet impractical form of governing within modern American democratic principles.
From the Paper
"One governmental aspect of Plato's Republic revolves around ruling for the greater good or "democratic" society in the well-ordered soul. The basis for the well ordered soul for Plato and Socrates is related the central concept of the common or greater good of an ideal society in The Republic. However, the natural order of the soul demands a conception of the 'general welfare' of society, which depicts the idea of the common good, as present in Plato's city. This law of 'suffering' for the just and civil greater good of society is the precept of modern law, but Plato argues that human nature rejects suffering in the 'reality' of governmental procedure (Plato 43)."
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Representativeness and Availability Heuristics, 2008.
This paper examines the concept of representativeness and availability heuristics.
1,325 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at representativeness heuristics and at availability heuristics, provide examples of both, and outline how the use of such heuristics often leads to inaccurate conclusions. At the same time, the paper also looks at why it cannot be said that the application of heuristics by human beings immediately makes people "irrational" in some fundamental sense.
From the Paper
"When taking into account the concept of heuristics and the various limitations the authors delineate, it is actually rather hard to countenance the idea that heuristics generally leads to true conclusions. For one thing, turning momentarily to availability heuristics, even when someone is aware of their basis and makes a conscious effort to correct it, they often over-compensate - and that even rudimentary efforts at over-compensation appears to be relatively rare. For instance, the Nisbett and Ross report that "simple, tempting, availability criteria are used in contexts in which availability and frequency are poorly correlated.""
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The Theory of Atomism, 2008.
This paper examines Bertrand Russell's theory of atomism.
2,782 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
The paper explains Bertrand Russel's theory of atomism, which emphasizes logical analysis and its consequences for metaphysics. The paper describes how Russel explains the structure of the external world and discusses how pluralism, rather than monism, is the logical force behind the philosophy. The paper also looks at the many arguments against Russell's theory of logical atomism.
Outline:
Introduction
The Structure of the World
Russell's Logical Atomism
Logical Atomism - Realistically Logical?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Bertrand Russell, author of the theory of atomism, was a philosopher whose emphasis was primarily on logical analysis and its consequences for metaphysics. The traditional philosophical problem of the external world, which is based on the fact that external qualities can only be drawn inferentially, was explained by Russell (1910) as a distinction between "knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description" (Irvine, 2003). Russell's 1918 work on logical atomism was based on the argument that the world is comprised of logical atoms, which he described as "little patches of colour", and their properties (ibid). Together these properties, according to Russell, form the atomic facts which are thus combined to create logically complex objects. Therefore what is normally explained as inferred entities, such as enduring physical objects, are actually logical constructions created from immediate entities of sensation, which Russell identified as "sensibilia" (ibid)."
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Free Will Vs. Destiny, 2008.
This paper explores the ideas of human free will vs. destiny or predestination in the works of William Shakespeare, Franz Kafka, Martin Buber, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Peter Berger.
2,749 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at how Shakespeare, Kafka, Buber, Dostoevsky and Berger all address the problem of free will in a universe that is seemingly deterministic. The paper explains that whether the determinism is termed Fate, God or Science, it has the same implications in terms of limiting human free will. The paper shows how Dostoevsky is the most radical proponent of free will and Berger the most radical proponent of determinism.
From the Paper
"In the "To be or not to be" soliloquy, this speculation takes the form of Hamlet's reflecting upon the question of suicide as a way of removing oneself from the cares of the world. The dilemma as to whether it is better to exist or to not exist (i.e., to commit suicide) is a profound question not only for Hamlet but for humanity in general, as it goes to the basic question of existence: it is worth living. Unlike animals, human are not slaves to instinct but have consciousness and the capacity for choice. However, with this comes the capacity to evaluate one's condition, and the human condition in general."
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Aristotle and Kant: The Principle of Happiness, 2008.
A review of Immanuel Kant's and Aristotle's views on the principles of happiness and how their arguments differ.
968 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by discussing Immanuel Kant's philosophy on the principle of happiness, as described in his work, "Groundwork to the Metaphysics of Morals." It then goes on to discuss how Aristotle would criticize Kant's argument by demonstrating that the premise of Kant's argument is flawed, and that consequently, his entire argument rests upon a misunderstanding or mis-characterization of the role of happiness in morality.
From the Paper
"In contrast to what Kant contends, such an approach does not consist of establishing ethical rules and principles based upon attaining happiness, for morality is grounded in human nature itself. Experience proves that morality is essential for human excellence and happiness, and that it can be manifested through the exercise of human reason, as well as through developing and expanding one's ability to reason, which enables one to identify and apply proper moral conduct.
"Aristotle would argue that the happy human being is one who expresses complete virtue in all of his activities, and who is satisfied with just an adequate supply of external goods and material comforts. Ultimately, according to Aristotle, the good and complete life consists of both moral and intellectual virtue, a certain measure of goods, and friendship. (Aristotle 1015) Living such a life does not involve establishing an ethical system based upon attaining happiness, it simply reflects an acknowledgement that virtue is happiness."
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Socialism: From Babeuf to Marx, 2008.
A review of socialism from the early eighteenth century up until the middle of the nineteenth century, focusing on the works of Karl Marx and Francois Noel Babeuf.
1,333 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly defines the concept of socialism and outlines its early stirrings in the eighteenth century, right up to the middle of the nineteenth century. In so doing, the paper notes how socialism was not a steady escalation of rhetoric that ultimately culminated in Karl Marx's "Manifesto," but rather, an idea about socio-economic organization that first emerged in its modern form in the fiery writings and outbursts of Francois Noel Babeuf. The paper further shows how socialism went through a period of fairly intellectualized and rational discussion during the first few decades of the nineteenth century.
From the Paper
"By the dawn of the 1850s, thinkers such as Louis Blanc were calling for the advent of social workshops that would be controlled wholly by workers. This approach still sought to involve the capitalists in a cooperative fashion, but Blanc's approach to socialism soon gave way to Marx's highly-charged writings on the nature of social class relations. Specifically, Marx portrayed as inevitable a revolutionary conflict between capital and labor, and he also chastised the socialists as "theoretical utopian dreamers who disregarded the necessity of revolutionary struggle to implement their doctrines" ("Socialism," 44396). In one fell swoop, Marx had sharply rebuked the more measured and thoughtful tone of the early socialists and created a new kind of socialism (or, rather, the revolutionary socialism of Babeuf in a new dress) that avowedly sought the destruction of the existing capitalist order. It was, suffice it to say, the most radical step yet undertaken by the left in its battle against the "oppressive" forces of the classical liberal right."
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Philosophy of Toleration, 2008.
A case study analysis based on the philosophy of toleration between an orthodox yeshiva and a YWCA gym.
1,727 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the philosophy of toleration and how it can be applied within society. The paper discusses the case between an orthodox yeshiva and a YWCA gym in terms of its controversy over frosting the glass of the gym. The paper argues against the requests of the yeshiva based on the philosophy of toleration and reasonable expectations.
From the Paper
"In this context, the question is one of a liberal society tolerating an illiberal religion: how far can society be expected to go. While some assert that the issue of toleration, by definition, involves a asymmetrical power differential between the tolerator and the tolerated (Tolerance as Recognition 22), it may be argued that Michael Walzer's observation, with regard to immigrant societies in which "everyone had to tolerate everyone else" (Walzer xi), is more relevant here. In this case, reason would suggest that tolerance is a "two-way street". In other words, the yeshiva cannot reasonably be expected to assume that because they are a minority religious group in Canada, then all other Canadians must modify behaviours and/or endure expenses to satisfy their particular group needs or concerns."
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