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Socrates and the Just Life, 2008. This paper examines Socrates' view of the just life and why such a life is better than the unjust life. 1,410 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents Socrates' discussion of why the just or "good" life far exceeds the unjust or "bad" life that is given over to the rapacious pursuit of material and corporeal gratification. The author points out that the core of Socrates' moral philosophy is the emphasis on the ability of human beings to think rationally and to use moral precepts to arrive at a means of living and a way of life, which allows them to be proper citizens as well as contented and balanced individuals. The paper relates that, in this view, the soul can only be made peaceable and agreeable if a person seeks out only moral or "pure" pleasures and eschews bad actions. The author concludes that, generations later, Socrates' work continues to serve as a remarkably didactic and important contribution to the western philosophical tradition.
From the Paper "When reviewing Socrates' "Crito", it must be said that one of the chief arguments which arises is the argument that the just life is one means - perhaps the ultimate means - by which a man (or woman, though women were not discussed as possible philosophers by Socrates or by the other ancient writers) can maintain individual freedom and not fall to the debased status of a slave. Specifically, a man or woman is not truly free unless she applies human logos (the gift of the critical, inquiring mind) to the difficult question of what is truly just and proper within a particular situation."
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Socrates, Forms & Epistemology, 2008. This paper looks at Socrates' argument concerning forms or ideal structures and epistemology. 1,114 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95 »
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Abstract In this article the writer discusses that Socrates accomplishes much of his rational argument based on establishing that forms or ideal structures only result in knowledge and he argues that sophists make of knowledge nothing but a commodity. The writer points out that Socrates' ultimate demise is well-known through the reproduction of his argument by his star pupil, Plato and it is to Plato that most Socratic researchers must rely on to gain a better understanding of Socrates because he never wrote anything at all. The writer notes that it is Socrates' use of forms as a paradigm for epistemological study which has freed philosophical pursuits from simple contemplation of knowledge and moved it to the application of insight and wisdom. The writer maintains that for Socrates, the world of forms was useful as a rational construct upon which to make his philosophical points; that is, knowledge to Socrates was only the starting point for philosophical debate whereas for others such as the sophists, knowledge and the pursuit of it were the ultimate goal or pursuit.
From the Paper "However, the force of Socrates' renunciation of sophist thought and doctrine comes through so clearly in Plato's work that it is clear that Plato relied on Socratic opinion almost exclusively for the foundation of his most renowned works such as the Republic which contains a series of Plato's works. Therefore, were this last the case then Plato would be known almost exclusively as the father of philosophy rather than Socrates and Socrates would be a mere footnote. Yet, the marvel of Socrates' fame and his foundational position in the philosophical body of knowledge is that through him philosophy was given a greater conception of itself as separate from pure knowledge which Socrates demonstrated was relatively invaluable without the more important qualities of moral justice, wisdom, and restraint.."
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Riba and Marx's Exploitation, 2008. The paper examines the Islamic concept of riba and Marx's famous premise about the working class' exploitation by capitalist elites. 2,349 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 72.95 »
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Abstract The paper explores the similarity between the idea of riba in Islamic law and Marx's belief that the working class is exploited by capitalist elites. The paper examines how Islamic banks inspired by Islamic law and theology differ substantively and procedurally from western banks. The paper looks at the merits of Islamic law and Marxism vis-a-vis their shared concern for less-fortunate individuals. The paper concludes that both schools of thought are exceptional at articulating the needs of poor and struggling persons, but that the Islamic school of thought appears to be the more prudent and practical.
From the Paper "To begin with, experts who study the Koran are generally agreed that the abolition of riba (interest) is an essential injunction of Islam. Specifically, Islamic orthodoxy holds that riba is the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy; it is, in short, an undue charge and an instance of income re-distribution, with those who need the money least siphoning it away from those who need it most. Proceeding onward, the Islamic revulsion towards interest or riba appears to lead to another innovation of Islamic economic practice: the adoption of profit-sharing in lieu of interest-bearing transactions."
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Machiavelli, Hobbes and the Good Society, 2008. This paper analyzes the ideal society in Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" and Thomas Hobbes' "The Leviathan". 1,010 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses Hobbes' ideas of leadership as the means to a good society by manipulating or instilling fear and Machiavelli's emphasis on how a ruler should appeal to human nature in creating order. The paper explains how both theorists believed that the natural state of affairs without leadership was bound to be chaos. The paper discusses how Hobbes saw political violence as a clear sign of a social order falling back into the natural state of chaos, just as Machiavelli perceived this violence as a sign of a ruler having failed to do what was required to preserve and protect a social order.
Outline:
Introduction
Machiavelli on the Ruler
The Good Society
Conclusion
From the Paper "Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) and Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) knew turbulent times. Machiavelli experienced the 1498 French invasion of Florence and the flight of the Medici family, and Hobbes's views owed to the very violent English Civil War, his The Leviathan's ideas said to have been achieved by the War's time in the human personality as motivated by fear. This influenced his ideas of leadership as the means to a good society by manipulating or instilling fear. Machiavelli shared an emphasis on how a ruler should appeal to human nature in creating order. The natural state of affairs without leadership was bound to be chaos."
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The Human Need to Believe in God, 2008. A discussion of why human beings have always needed a god or gods to believe in. 1,908 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 60.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at the origins of religion and how they may have evolved from a basic human need to believe in something that was meta-physical, divine, and omnipotent. The paper also focuses on the indebtedness - if any - of some of today's prominent religions to other sects which have been lost to the mists of time. Furthermore, this paper explores what purposes myths served in the ancient world and how they benefited ancient societies in ways that other forms of socialization perhaps could not. In the final analysis, the paper suggests that religion may have evolved from more primitive forms of morals and maintains that religion is beneficial to the human species.
From the Paper "Returning once more to the work of Paul Kurtz, the need for religion is something that all ancient human societies required insofar as it was an ideal (or at least tolerably effective) coping mechanism for dealing with all of the many things early man could not control. For instance, it assuaged the fear of death, gave human beings the comfort of believing that the injustices of this world would be rectified in the next one, was a means by which the tribulations brought about famine, pestilence, terrible weather or warfare could be endured in the hopes of better days to come, and - finally - religion was a palliative that restored hope in instance wherein hope might not be easily revived otherwise. Finally, religion gave early man the faith that the unseen factors shaping the world (for better or for ill) could be propitiated and even brought to serve the needs of the local community (Kurtz, 23)."
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"Notes from Underground", 2008. An analysis of the philosophies of Plato, Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud as they relate to Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground". 1,522 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 50.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses how Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" is an interesting and somewhat shocking short novel first published in 1864 and often seen as a forerunner of existential fiction. The paper then looks at how first-person narrator of the story recites a long complaint about life, society, and in fact all of human existence in what he deeply feels to be its essential pointlessness and cruelty. The paper then attempts to analyze the psychology behind the behavior of the "Underground Man" by examining what three important thinkers have to contribute to the discussion: Plato, Nietzsche, and Freud.
From the Paper "Nineteenth-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was very impressed with Dostoevsky, claiming that "Dostoevsky is one of the few psychologists from whom I have learned something" ("Nietzsche.") The Birth of Tragedy from the Spirit of Music (1871) was Nietzsche's first major book. In it, he first elucidates what would soon become a widely known dichotomy, that between the Apollonian and the Dionysian, two opposed strands of ancient Greek thinking which he deduces based upon his uniquely creative interpretation of Greek literature. Put briefly, the Apollonian is the rational, while the Dionysian is that which is irrational or instinctive. "
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Aristotle and Moral Responsibility, 2008. This paper provides an analysis of Aristotle's beliefs of moral responsibility. 705 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 25.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses Aristotle's belief that human beings are morally responsible for their conception of the good life, which was based on his determination that every form of activity people engage in has an ultimate goal that they consider good. The paper explains Aristotle's argument that because there cannot be an endless regression of external motivations, an intrinsic motivation for achieving the highest good must exist. The paper further explains how moral responsibility extends across desires to the conduct those desires produce and to the ends such conduct achieves.
From the Paper "Aristotle believed that we are morally responsible for our conception of the good life, and based this belief on his determination that every form of activity people engage in has an ultimate goal which they consider good. Furthermore, Aristotle argued that because there cannot be an endless regression of external motivations, there must be an intrinsic motivation for achieving the highest good. This highest good is the goal towards which all human activity is directed."
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Culture in Nursing, 2008. This paper discusses practices in trans-cultural nursing care focusing on the Chinese culture. 933 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 33.95 »
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Abstract In this article the writer notes that in order to provide effective nursing care, nurses must have knowledge of the client's worldview which is influenced by their cultural beliefs, values and life ways. The writer points out that in Chinese culture, the approach of patients to health and illness centers on the concept of balance, and is holistic and traditional. The writer maintains that health is understood as a state of spiritual and physical harmony with nature and illness caused by some upset in body energy. The case study demonstrates the differences that often become apparent between cultural beliefs and practices versus the perspective of nursing. This paper focuses on the cultural factor of religious and philosophical factors. The writer concludes that religious and philosophical factors greatly influence what Chinese people do and what choices they make.
From the Paper "In contrast to Chinese religious and philosophical beliefs regarding health and disease, nurses in Western culture are trained in a much different way regarding nutrition. Nurses also are instructed to push fluids. For nurses, the focus on nutrition involves its role in healing in relation to the need for protein and fiber as well as electrolyte balance. The normal course of nursing actions is that when the problem is hypertension, then the amount of sodium is restricted. Whatever foods might be contributing to the health are either very limited or are eliminated from the diet. In the case study, nurses are following the usual procedure in promoting fluids for the patient in order to enable Mr. W. to recover from his bladder surgery. To achieve the health outcome, it is very common for nurses to provide patients with cold tap water. The issue is that both Chinese cultural practice and professional nursing practice both are concerned with the same outcome."
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Philosophy of Leadership, 2008. A discussion of leadership by comparing James Farr's "Leadership vs. Management", Plato's "Republic", Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan", and Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail". 1,970 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 62.95 »
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Abstract This paper considers the need to master leadership skills as a means for effective leadership. The paper reviews the work of James Farr, "Leadership vs. Management", as a critique of ineffective and effective leadership. It then reviews the leadership suggestions of Plato as shown in the "Republic". The paper finds this model of leadership especially negative in its criticism of democracy. It next turns to Thomas Hobbes, and again finds him extremely negative in his outline of the state of nature and the need for absolute government as shown in the "Leviathan". The essay finally turns to Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and finds that this is a positive and effective model of leadership.
From the Paper "Plato, for example, shows what he thinks our democratic society will become. It is a grim view, one I cannot endorse. In Book VIII of The Republic, he discusses society's descent to democracy, which he says follows the failure of an oligarchy. That is an order driven by fear of abject poverty (553c, 562b, 556c). Men show miserly respectability (553d), without control of reason or spirit. (551a, 553c, 556d). A few grow rich and shape the state they want, oppressing others. (552e, 5533, 564e)."
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Suicide, 2008. A comparison of the arguments of Immanuel Kant in "Suicide and Duty" and David Hume in "Of Suicide." 1,578 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 51.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents David Hume's argument against suicide as described in "Of Suicide." It discusses his arguments based on God's plan for human beings and the establishment of immutable laws that cannot be transgressed, although he does defend suicide in certain scenarios. It then discusses Immanuel Kant's argument against suicide in "Suicide and Duty" and his position that suicide can never be justified.
From the Paper "Kant (1930) provides the strongest position on the immorality of suicide. Although Hume (1874) defends suicide in certain cases, he based his entire argument in God's plan for human beings and the establishment of immutable laws that cannot be transgressed. Those laws are, in fact, providence, designed to protect human beings and guide them. The problem with Hume's (1874) argument is that in a universe that is completely controlled and determined by God, there is no choice for the human being. All that anyone can do is to accept and observe the laws. The whole argument depends on whether has faith in God. Kant's (1930) argument focuses on the human being as having a great deal of worth and as a person who is a moral agent. The person can commit suicide but the choice is made on the basis of a higher purpose which is that person's own purpose."
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Aristotle and Friendships, 2008. This paper analyzes the highest level of friendship that induces Aristotle's idea of friendship as a virtue in Nichomachean Ethics. 1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 53.95 »
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Abstract The paper analyzes the three different tiers of friendship in Aristotle's philosophy: friendships of utility, pleasure and of the good. The paper discusses Aristotle's argument that a friendship "of the good" provides a foundation for eudemonia (the happiest life). The paper explains how this level of friendship strives to discover the greatest good or happiness between friends, rather than seeking immediate gratification through superficial relationships.
From the Paper "For Aristotle, the greatest good of life comes from having a friendship that can be purified from immoral or materialistic causation. The importance of friends is one of the major virtues of life that must be taken into account when living for eudemonia or for the greater good of life in Book VIII:
"After what we have said, a discussion of friendship would naturally follow, since it is a virtue or implies virtue, and is besides most necessary with a view to living. For without friends no one would choose to live (Aristotle para.1)"
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The Family and its Relation to Politics, 2008. A comparison of the views on family and politics expressed by John Locke in "Second Treatise of Government" and by Confucius in "The Analects." 2,696 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 80.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the family unit and its relationship with politics. It looks at John Locke's views, in his "Second Treatise of Government" of the place and nature of the family as a social unit in its contribution to what we today know as political science. It also looks at the viewed expressed in "The Analects" of Confucius. The paper compares and contrasts the two authors' views on family and politics.
Outline:
Introduction
Second Treatise of Government
The Analects and the Ideal Family
Reflection and Conclusion
From the Paper "As approaches to the family in relation to the greater forces of politic science and social order, both Locke and Confucius are intriguing to investigate, again, referring to the present, given that both began in reactions to observed and experienced political turbulence and situations of social disorder. For instance, what does it mean when conservative Americans and others proclaim the need for what are called Family Values, or why is it that members of non-Western societies so denounce what they perceive of Western individualism and non-existent family life? Put differently, what implications can be expected in societies to very much emphasis individualism, personal agency and competition, as part of how children are prepared for adult life? In the case of what is referred to as the Sinic World of cultures shaped by Chinese civilization, why might authoritarian governments of one kind or another be expected, or accepted?"
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The Human Person and Truth, 2008. This paper explores Socrates and Friedrich Nietzsche's differing beliefs on the concept of truth, what constitutes true knowledge, and the human ability to understand it. 3,155 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 91.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at the ideas of Socrates as passed on to his student Plato and then to Aristotle and compares these ideas to Frederich Nietzsche's beliefs. The paper explains that Aristotle sees truth as an interaction between our soul and the observable world while to Nietzsche, truth is a creation of the human mind.
Outline:
Socrates and Plato
Aristotle
Nietzsche
From the Paper "One of the most important discussions of the nature of truth, knowledge and the human ability to understand it, comes from The Apology of Socrates, by his student Plato. The Apology is an account of Socrates trial in 399 B.C. Along with Plato's description of Socrates' debate with Meno, The Apology helps us understand both the Socratic method of inquiry and the world view which justifies this type of learning by discussion.
"Socrates was charged with corrupting the youth of Athens and of not believing in the Gods of Athens. Plato sets the scene with Socrates opening statements in which he asks to be allowed to speak to the judge and jury. Socrates explains that he is an old man and that this is how he teaches. He asks, "...think only of the justice of my cause, and give heed to that: let the judge decide justly and the speaker speak truly. (Jowett, 1)"
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Inter-Cultural Harmony, 2008. This paper discusses that no matter how enlightened the participants, inter-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective. 1,253 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer argues that inter-cultural or cross-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective simply because human beings' (and how they react to the gestures and communicative strategies of others) are the most volatile and unpredictable variable of all when it comes to assessing the possible problems and rewards of a communication exchange. With that in mind, the paper explores why cross-cultural communication is so difficult. The paper also looks at some arguments which insist that inter-cultural exchanges can be harmonious and "worry-free" if enough training and education is provided. Finally, the writer concludes by reiterating why there will always be certain difficulties in cross-cultural communication and the paper finishes by suggesting that such tensions are just a "part of life" and must be accommodated to the fullest extent possible.
From the Paper ""Following this premise to its logical conclusion, it is clear that biological determinism, ecological factors, and simple evolution really are insufficient to wholly explain the nuances of each society - or at least to the satisfaction of a trained social scientist. Going further, each and every human being is a remarkably complex creature that will respond differently to essentially the same stimuli; consequently, it is impossible to avoid cross-cultural miscommunication because comments or gestures that someone else from the same culture finds tolerable might spark a highly unpleasant response from someone else who is also from that culture. In the end, the variables which constrain smooth cross-cultural communication are at least as numerable as there are people in the world.
"Still, some experts believe that cross-cultural communication does not have to be hampered by differences in background or by differences in perspective."
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Locke and Rousseau on Economic Inequality, 2008. A comparison of John Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" and Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality". 2,790 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 83.95 »
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Abstract This essay compares and contrasts two theoretical models regarding economic inequality. The first is presented by John Locke in his "Second Treatise of Government", which addresses the origins of economic inequality. The second, which is in sharp distinction to these views, is presented by French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality". The paper outlines the strengths and weaknesses of both. It argues that, while both works are very similar in their imagined origins of economic inequality in the early history of property, they differ radically in how they represent property and the justifications for its differing accumulations that ultimately give rise to economic inequality. The paper concludes that Locke envisions property and moderate levels of economic inequality as a good thing, while Rousseau condemns this inequality as a corrupting influence upon human society in every respect.
From the Paper "However, while there is a superficial similarity between how Locke and Rousseau each conceive of the state of nature, there is one important distinction between the two: property. While Locke conceives, as noted above, of an equality of property as existing in the state of nature, Rousseau contends that the innovation of property itself marked the ending of the state of nature and the beginning of human society.
"This is an important difference, and it goes to the heart of how each philosopher conceives of economic inequality. For example, it is clear from the outset of Rousseau's description of the state of nature and its defining characteristics that he sees property as not only a negative aspect of human society but as being fundamentally illegitimate as well."
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Aristotle and Virtue, 2008. An analysis of Aristotle's beliefs about human virtue and how they can be applied to the modern world. 1,269 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 43.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses how the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle taught two thousand years ago that unless there is meaning and purpose in people's lives and that unless human beings understand why they suffer and rejoice and why they toil and exert themselves, and unless they comprehend the meaning of life, they do not truly live, but merely exist. The paper discusses how Aristotle emphasized that virtue provides meaning and defines human excellence. The paper also discusses how Aristotle's beliefs seems quaint and outdated today because self-interest and cynicism pervade this modern world, in which people are far more interested in advancement than in virtue.
From the Paper "Aristotle sought to provide meaning and understanding through his works, to explain the purpose of existence, and to guide people to lead virtuous lives that will have meaning for them and for those they love. Yet today, millions of people still search for the meaning of life. For so many people, the philosophical teachings of the great philosophers of human history seem archaic, misguided, fearfully strict, hollow, or impossible to achieve. Life seems pointless, values seem flawed, virtuous conduct is rare, and they can find little if any joy or satisfaction in anything. "
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Confucius and Locke on the Institution of Family, 2008. A comparison and contrast of Confucius and John Locke's views on the family and its relation to politics. 2,328 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 71.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes the views of the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius in "The Analects" and the early modern British philosopher, John Locke in "Second Treatise of Government." It particularly looks at the views of each philosopher in relation to the social institution of the family and their models of political order. The paper suggests that the different ways they understand familial relations can be seen as reflecting their distinct conceptions of political order in society as a whole.
From the Paper "Locke contends that freedom comes with maturity and the capacity to exercise reason, and that it is the primary responsibility of the parent or guardian of a child to promote this in the child until he attains the age of maturity. Thus, while people in Confucius' political philosophy were advised never to think about government or politics, Locke in contrast argues that it is the prime duty - indeed, the defining characteristic - of an adult human being that they be able to consider questions of government and politics."
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The Development of Liberalism, 2008. This paper discusses the development of liberalism as a political philosophy. 1,425 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 47.95 »
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Abstract The paper relates that liberalism emerged as a political philosophy during the Enlightenment era in Europe and was espoused by political philosophers such as John Locke. The paper defines liberalism as a political ideology based upon representative government and individual rights. The paper explains that it emphasizes strong support for a broad interpretation of civil liberties, for freedom of expression, religious toleration, the separation of church and state and for widespread popular participation in the political process. The paper reveals that for three hundred years liberalism has attempted to establish itself as a transcendent political philosophy in opposition to autocratic and totalitarian political ideologies. The paper concludes that it may ultimately fall to the very ideology it replaced; autocratic theocracy.
From the Paper "Understanding liberalism is important because it has been a prevailing political philosophy in the Western world for more than two centuries. It is also important to emphasize that, "liberalism is not one simple, undifferentiated doctrine. As with other doctrines or ideologies, there are varieties of liberalism." (Sally) For example, "all liberals agree on the primacy of individual freedom and individual choice, which distinguishes liberalism from socialism and nationalism. But some liberals argue in favor of these core values by means of highly abstract reasoning." (Sally)"
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Martin Heidegger on the Nature of Being, 2008. A analysis of the work and beliefs of Martin Heidegger, the philosopher. 3,533 words (approx. 14.1 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 99.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at the work of the philosopher Heidegger, whose central concern was with the nature of Being, and discusses the origins of his lifelong fascination with this foundational, ontological issue. The paper relates that Heidegger made a massive contribution to ontology, forcing others to think about the nature of Being from the foundations up. The paper concludes that Heidegger left an important legacy, in that he re-opened key questions that to this day still have not been answered satisfactorily.
From the Paper "Many philosophers are concerned with the key question of "Why is there anything, rather than nothing at all?" In other words, they are interested in why things have Being, or exist. Such philosophers are often interested in ascertaining who or what was the Prime Mover - the first thing that had Being, and that subsequently caused other things to have Being (commonly thought of as God). Other philosophers are concerned with how we can know about Being. This is referred to as epistemology, or the theory of knowledge. In Heidegger's time, many philosophers attempted to follow in the Kantian tradition, and were primarily concerned with asking "What can we know?" They frequently posed this question in relation to knowledge as the foundation of science.
"However, Heidegger was never part of any herd. He dismissed epistemology, saying that it "continually sharpens the knife but never gets round to cutting" (Being and Time, p. lviii, quoted in Inwood, p. 13). Heidegger seems to have been more concerned with cutting, with penetrating right into the meat of reality. He was concerned with the nature of what is, i.e. with the nature of Being. This is known as ontology, or the study of existence. While this is sometimes conceived of as the most general branch of metaphysics, it can also be seen as the most particular branch of metaphysics - and certainly the latter is truer of Heidegger's approach to ontology. His study of the nature of Being is one of the key concepts in his work, and potentially the most useful to subsequent students of philosophy. Certainly, Heidegger envisaged his examination of the concept of Being as a radical re-visioning which would impact not only the future, but the past. He planned to re-examine past philosophers and (and possibly show how they had erred), in a Second Part to his seminal Being and Time. Unfortunatley he never achieved the latter, as he never wrote this Second Part. Nevertheless, he did address many issues which have impacted philosophers that have come after him - most notably, of course, the concept of Being, and also the related concept of time."
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