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Confucianism Across Chinese History, 2008.
An analysis of the changing nature of Confucianism from the time of the Warring States to the Ming Dynasty.
2,005 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the evolution of Confucianism and how it was adapted to serve the changing needs of the Chinese state with which it came to be so identified. It looks at the changes in Confucianism from the time of the Warring States to the Ming Dynasty. The paper also describes the importance of Confucianism in Chinese history and the fundamental disagreements about Confucianism that extend throughout Chinese history.
From the Paper
"This passage is interesting for its emphasis on how the Confucian focus on ritual can be oriented towards the individual and the individuals local relationships, with the broader implications for the state clearly being secondary. Clearly, this represents a profound shift from the heavy emphasis of Confucianism since the Han upon how Confucianism is useful to the state and government. Now, with Neo-Confucianism, Zhu Xi seems to suggest that the Chinese people have different needs that must be met in new ways through an adaptation of traditional Confucian thinking. In this adaptation, it may be argued, Zhu Xi is continuing int he practice of continual revision of Confucianism(s) that have defined the evolution of this philosophy in theory and practice throughout Chinese imperial history."
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"Marilyn", 2008.
An analysis of Andy Warhol's work, "Marilyn," in the context of the theories of Karl Marx.
2,454 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Andy Warhol's image of Marilyn Monroe, which he created using silkscreen. The paper suggests that the work was a reflection of the time period and a comment on the capitalistic society that was impacting the lives of all people throughout the world. It then goes on to analyze the work, "Marilyn," in the context of the theories of Karl Max.
From the Paper
"The research indicates that there is significant evidence in the literature to conclude that within Warhol's work Marilyn the artist included Marxist ideology as a foundation for his creation. In many areas Warhol's philosophy of the world mirrored the beliefs of Marx, especially in relation to how Marx contended that society was controlled by capitalistic gain and through the alienation of man from his world. It is not apparent whether or not Warhol personally adopted the theories of Karl Marx in relation to his life or his work. However, there is strong evidence that criticism of the artist's image of Marilyn indicates that there was a shared ideology between Marx and Warhol, which transcends the silkscreen print of the actress."
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Behaviorism: A Work in Progress, 2008.
An examination of individuals and theories of Ivan Pavlov, John Locke, John Watson and Burrhus Frederic Skinner and their impact on the theory of behaviorism.
3,121 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and defines the theory of behaviorism and how it relates to present day therapy. The paper examines many historical scientists' theories and ideas which provided the needed information so that behaviorism could be born. It also explains how John Watson is considered the founder of behaviorism even though the theory has been documented back to the times of Aristotle. The historical roots of behaviorism and present day uses are also examined in this paper.
Outline:
Abstract
Behaviorism
History of Behaviorism
John Watson: Behaviorism
Ivan Pavlov: Classical Conditioning
John Locke: Tabula Rasa
B.F. Skinner: Operant Conditioning
Aristotle
Current Use
From the Paper
"Throughout history, many scholars have theorized that environment plays an important role in defining the outcome of an individual. Aristotle first hypothesized that the mind of or psyche of a person existed because of external factors. Other theorist expounded on this premise until John Watson made it a focus of his studies of behavior. Behaviorism projects that individuals are products of their experiences and have become who they are because of conditioning. John Watson, who is credited with Behaviorism made the comment that he could take twelve healthy infants and take any one of them and mold them into any given occupation regardless of genetics, race, talents and/or abilities. Watson believed that all "healthy" individuals are the same at birth but are only differentiated by the specific stimuli in their own experiences throughout their lives."
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Western Liberalism and the Confucian Challenge, 2008.
A literary analysis of the ideology of Western liberalism from the perspective of Chinese Confucianism.
2,070 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
Henry Rosemont, in "Whose Democracy? Which Rights?," presents a challenge to the "regnant ideology" of Western liberalism from the perspective of Chinese Confucianism. This paper critically examines Rosemont's arguments with particular reference to the arguments of David Wong with regard to relativism.
From the Paper
"Wong contends that Confucianism bears striking similarities to a number of ethical systems found in Africa, China, India and Japan in which the concept of individual rights is largely absent, and the prime emphasis is upon communal networks of relationships. Moreover, the fact that these systems were developed, and met the needs of the societies in which they were created for millennia, suggests that they at least must be given equal consideration to the Western liberal tradition with an emphasis upon individual liberties (Wong 39-40)."
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Realism and Modern Drama, 2008.
This paper discusses Gertrude Stein's and Bertolt Brecht's criticism of realism in drama.
1,081 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the issue of realism in drama, according to Gertrude Stein and Bertolt Brecht, in relation to Stein's play "Dr. Faustus Lights the Light" and August Strindberg's "The Ghost Sonata". The writer focuses on their views regarding realism and concludes that perhaps both Stein and Brecht are advocating alienation as a way of bridging the initial gap between the stage and the spectator in order to bring realism into sharper focus. The writer maintains that Brecht did it epically, while Stein did it psychologically.
From the Paper
"Since there is an unavoidable gap between what one experiences in real life and what one anticipates on the stage, the actual present can never be really done on stage. Therefore realism isn't really real, only a fiction of reality. What one sees in the realism of "The Ghost Sonata" is a staid, set environment rather than an acting platform. The plot is very well set out, it leads us on without giving anything away, there are expected and logical reversals (and vice versa), the characters conform to the dress and modes of the period, the characters evoke our empathy or revulsion, and there is usually a social or moral message implicit in the play. We recognize those emotions and values to which we can relate or have experienced."
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Alternative Possibilities in Frankfurt, 2008.
A review of the arguments within Henry Frankfurt's essay, "Alternative Possibilities and Moral Responsibility".
1,072 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Henry Frankfurt's essay, "Alternative Possibilities and Moral Responsibility". It describes his argument regarding free will and moral responsibility and discusses the premise that his argument rests upon. The paper then presents the primary criticism of Frankfurt's essay, as well as the writer's personal view on his essay's arguments.
From the Paper
"Yet, Frankfurt quickly refutes the concept that states the lack of choice absolves the committing individual from moral responsibility by pointing out that regardless of consequences, such a threat in itself relies on the presence of a choice. The fact, when one party threatens another with retribution unless a certain act is committed, the targeted party or individual is given a choice, however difficult, that must be made. The only moral equivalency is in the degree of morality of the individual in question. That is, a person who is absolutely moral would not condign to commit an immoral act regardless of the consequences. Therefore, since every one is considered to have differing degree of moral tolerance, some individuals simply would not compromise their morals and thus their values while others would, according to the degree of their pain aversion, commit the immoral act. But regardless of the circumstance, each individual must make a clear decision in which they are offered the choice to either commit the immoral act or not commit the act."
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Mill's Utilitarianism, 2007.
This paper examines John Stuart Mill's beliefs of utilitarianism.
795 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that Plato, Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill each advocated ethical systems based upon their interpretations of society and human nature. The paper is of the opinion that Mill's utilitarianism can be applied more effectively in the modern world than Plato's or Kant's ethical systems. The paper discusses Mill's views and concludes that despite justified criticism of some aspects of utilitarianism, it is the best of the three systems.
From the Paper
"John Stuart Mill believed that there are two basic characteristics of human nature: an instinct to please God and our fellow human beings, and a fear of displeasing God and our fellow human beings. Infused in these characteristics is an internal motivation based upon a sense of duty, which consists of religious feelings, childhood experiences, sympathy, and self-worth. This sense of duty is founded on the evidence that most human beings experience remorse when they attempt to reject these elements of their sense of duty by not promoting or contributing to general happiness. That sense of duty is subjective and emerges with experience. (Mill)"
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White Slavery, 2008.
This paper discusses the issue of human trafficking and looks at the moral dilemma of white slavery.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that when speaking of slavery in twentieth century terms, this often refers to persons of European decent or "whites" being sold into involuntary servitude or slavery. The writer explains that white slavery encompasses a variety of methods and means, many of which are as equally inhumane or perhaps more so than traditional slavery. The writer notes that human trafficking is a lucrative business around the world and provides tremendous revenue for those performing the illegal acts. The writer then points out that the greatest argument by proponents for this type of illegal activity is the monetary gain of the activity, but these individuals fail or refuse to see the negative and potentially irreversible effects. The writer maintains that human slavery is not only mentally and physically detrimental but also signifies a breakdown in the morality of society. The writer concludes that although slavery was legally abolished in the nineteenth century, it is still around in the twentieth century and one must continue to work towards a society that is free from the misuse and mistreatment of others.
Outline:
Sexual Trafficking
Immigrants & Bonded Labor
Arranged Marriages
Illegal Adoption
Regulation
From the Paper
"Human trafficking and slavery takes place and a variety of economically advantageous areas. Every year people are sold into slavery or bondage for such despicable acts such as sexual trafficking, bonded labor, forced marriages and illegal adoptions. These issues are just the tip of the iceberg but are the most proliferate and common activities. At first glance many of these issues and activities seem to be legal, with individuals capable of making sound, logical decisions, but when one examines the true facts it appears that many of these situations have been accomplished through manipulation of the victims."
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Differing Opinions of Liberty, 2008.
This paper looks at the differing views of Thomas Paine, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson regarding liberty.
1,658 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that for Thomas Paine, liberty was "common sense," the catchphrase that he used to describe his sermonizing pamphlet of 1776 denouncing monarchy. The writer notes that while this might have seemed nonsense to a colonist of a dozen years earlier, in 1776 it roused a people ready for independence. The writer then points out that Adams regarded the form of government as important and that he firmly believed that the separation of powers in government was essential to control human nature's tendency to become tyrannical. The writer notes that, unlike most of those around him, Hamilton favored monarchy and felt there were sound reasons for strengthening government. Finally, the writer points out that it was Thomas Jefferson, of course, who penned the opening of the Declaration of Independence.
From the Paper
"Hamilton felt there were sound reasons for strengthening government. In 1791, the Congress authorized an excise tax on distilled whiskey. To westerners, this was an insult. With only crude roads through much of the country beyond the bare seaboard, the westerners had no efficient way of moving grain. Grain distilled into whiskey was far more compact and marketable. Further, Hamilton's financial policies had so restricted currency that in the western territories nation that there was essentially no conventional currency. Whiskey became the accepted medium of exchange, offered and accepted in exchange for other goods. As a result, a tax on this amounted to an attack on their prosperity."
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Marx and Alienation, 2007.
An analysis of the theory of alienation in the philosophy of Karl Marx.
936 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the crucial aspects of Karl Marx's description of alienation within his social theory. It looks at how, by analyzing the differing aspects of human nature, Marx defines the separation of "natural" things from each other or that develop an antagonism toward one anther in social harmony. It shows how this provides evidence that Marx's theory of alienation is still valid, which in turn provides evidence for the commonly used materialist definitions of "human nature" within modern society.
From the Paper
"The social and economic perspectives of alienation to be effective within society directly relates to how class division forces the proletariat to become mere commodities. Marx had defined in his "Theses on Feuerbach" that the bourgeois seek to create a religious or mythic definition of human nature, but this form of alienation must translate into productivity and labor. Through the use of capital, the separation of the working classes within that of the bourgeois is part of the materialization of the abstraction of human nature. "
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Classical Theism, 2007.
An analysis of the arguments for and against classical theism in religion and the broader world.
1,696 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the prospects for defending the epistemic respectability of religious belief. It looks at where this can be found in institutionalized religion, as well as where it can be understood in a broader sense. The paper analyzes the philosophical arguments for and against classical theism and then discusses the general evidence that falls in favor of decrying classical theism and not supporting it.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
General Philosophical Arguments For Classical Theism
Philosophical Arguments Against Classical Theism
Definitional Problems
Logical Inconsistencies and Contradictions
Immortality and Life After Death
Miracles and Other Paranormal Phenomena
Science and Religion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Though they are mostly mutually exclusive in nature, occasionally science and religion overlap with the former usually operating to denounce the latter. The two most common fields of contention are that of creation science and evolution, and homosexuality. Creation science holds that, according to God's words in the Bible, He created the world during a six day, 144 hour period between 4004 and 8000 BCE. However, science is in direct opposition to this - it is now nearly consensus opinion that the universe was created about 14 billion years ago and the Earth was formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago (Religious Tolerance)."
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Armstrong's Physiochemical Basis for Mental States, 2007.
An analysis of David Armstrong's arguments in "The Nature of Mind".
1,581 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses David Armstrong's "The Nature of Mind", which presents an attack on the behaviorist model of the nature of the mind and mental states. The paper first discusses Armstrong's arguments and analyses. It then concludes that Armstrong's intentions and arguments are quite valid, but the evidence supporting his position is sorely lacking.
From the Paper
"Logic can be used to prove any position, even with identical data sets--this is the danger of critical work performed in the humanities and social sciences. Unlike the hard sciences--such as molecular biology or astrophysics--is more difficult in the humanities to create situations and data that cannot be explained away using a variation of the prevailing theory. Its disciples defend the theory despite any evidence to the contrary. And though this does occur in the hard sciences to some degree, experiments are designed to disprove existing hypothesis, not set up conditions by which they can be confirmed. In asserting the dominance of scientific consensus in regard to conceptions of the human mind, Armstrong should have followed that lead and based his argument on the evidence that exists instead of suggesting a theory and then performing logical and linguistic acrobatics to demonstrate its validity."
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Hume's Causality Theory, 2007.
This paper discusses Hume's theory of causality to explain how and why we make judgments of causality.
1,482 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
The paper examines David Hume's philosophy of causality that follows on from the empiricist philosophy. The paper discusses Hume's theory that people do not make judgments of how or why because causality does not exist. The paper explains the belief that only through the senses is information recorded, processed and inscribed upon our empty minds as a reaction to an aggregated association of thought. The paper stresses how empiricist philosophy denies the relevance of the person as a social, choosing being.
From the Paper
"David Hume (1711-1776) was the last and perhaps most controversially influential of "the three most famous British Empiricists of the eighteenth century" [John Locke 1632-1704, and George Berkeley (1685-1753](Flage 1). Although Hume's ideas had great impact on Immanuel Kant, Adam Smith, Jeremy Bentham, and Charles Darwin, the concept of empiricism can be traced back at least to Protagoras of Abdera, a fifth century Greek Sophist, who propounded the radical relativism that "Of all things the measure is man, of the things that are, that {or'how'] they are, and of things that [or 'how'] they are not" (Poster 4). Protagoras' taught that judgment of qualities, as abstractions like truth, are subjective, relative only to the individual observer. This, of course, is the basis of empiricism, the philosophy that all knowledge is derived from the experiences of the senses."
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The Meaning of Life, 2007.
This paper compares and contrasts Karl Marx's and Epicurus' ideas about the meaning of existence.
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the meaning of life from the perspective of Karl Marx and Epicurus. The paper discusses how Marx's ideas of alienation of labor effectively reduces the significance of human existence to being synonymous with labor activity, while Epicurus argues for a broader conception of life. The paper is of the opinion that Epicurus' view is stronger and more universally applicable.
From the Paper
"Karl Marx, in developing his theory of the alienation of labour, implies that the meaning of life - its "point" in other words - lies in man's labour. It is this capacity to labour with conscious purpose that makes us human. In Marx's words: "The animal is immediately one with its life activity. It does not distinguish itself from it. The animal is its life activity. Man makes his life activity itself into an object of his will and of his consciousness. He has conscious life activity. . . .""
"Throughout his text, Marx's choice of words imply that to be human is to be synonymous with work. For example, in explaining one consequence of the alienation of labour where workers are alienated from their work, Marx states: "The result, therefore, is that man (the worker) feels that he is acting freely only in his animal functions" (Marx 51). Similarly, when describing the work or the labour itself, it is interesting to note how Marx suggests that work is at the core of our humanity. Thus, when the worker is alienated from his work: "so the worker's activity is not his spontaneous activity. It belongs to another; it is the loss of his self" (Marx 51)."
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Hobbes, Human Nature and the State, 2007.
This paper discusses Thomas Hobbes' beliefs about human nature and the origin, character and functions of the state.
1,251 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Thomas Hobbes' claims that man, in his natural state, is driven by competitiveness and the desire for power and resources, to the extent that he will kill to preserve his own life. The paper shows how Hobbes' ideas of the ideal dictatorial state were entirely at odds with notions of feudal life.
From the Paper
"Thomas Hobbes is widely known for the wonderfully pithy line in which he claims that in the state of nature, the life of man would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short." (Hobbes and MacPherson, 62) What is less widely known is that he based this claim on a calmly reasoned, materialist notion of the nature of reality. To Hobbes, all of reality consists of the motions of bodies. In the case of men, he believed that their motions are governed by passions, and moderated by reason. According to Hobbes, each man is an island, unable to truly understand other men, and motivated by a desire to be better than them, in terms of both reputation and resources."
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Classical Liberalism, 2007.
An analysis of the history, development and threats to classical liberalism.
2,140 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses classical liberalism and the threats and challenges that it faces from other ideologies. It looks at the reasons that classical liberalism may be undermined to such a degree that some form of theocratic ideology replaces it. Additionally, the paper describes the history and development of classical liberalism and its influence in politics and society in general.
From the Paper
"Analyzing these issues in the context of classical liberalism's survival in the twenty-first century reveals that liberal doctrines of individual rights and citizenship are always threatened because of fundamental flaws in human nature, especially self-interest and self-righteousness. Most social, political, economic, and religious actions people engage in are self-serving. They rationalize this, and persuade themselves and others that they are acting in the best interests of society, but this is little more than self-delusion."
"Fortunately, classical liberalism has survived the tensions and challenges imposed by other ideologies, for as Churchill observed, despite its flaws and the flaws of its citizens, liberal societies are like a life raft. The raft may leak constantly, may be rocked by rough waters, and may be navigated by unscrupulous captains, but it rarely sinks because the bonds that hold it together are stronger than the currents pulling it apart."
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"What is an Author?", 2007.
An analysis of Michel Foucault's understanding of authorship, according to his essay, "What is an Author?".
2,180 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the famous French philosopher and writer, Michel Foucault and his understanding of authorship, according to one of his most well known and controversial essays, "What is an Author?". It discusses his argument that our current social understanding of authorship is fundamentally flawed. The paper then looks at the validity of his statements and suggests that his argument remains largely compelling.
From the Paper
"Altogether, Foucault determines that authorship has only manifested itself in artistic and intellectual expressions which possess the potential to threaten the basic power structures of our society. This is why it does not affect all forms of expression in the same manner or to the same degree. Since he has argued that it is essentially a worthless way to attempt to genuinely understand a piece of literature and even the individual human being who is responsible for producing it, he is left with the conclusion that it must be useful for limiting the spread of information and keeping power mechanisms within society properly functioning: "How can one reduce the great peril, the great danger with which fiction threatens our world? The answer is: one can reduce it with the author. The author allows a limitation of the cancerous and dangerous proliferation of significations within a world where one is thrifty not only with one's resources and riches, but also with one's discourses and their significations," (Foucault)."
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Nietzsche's Philosophy, 2007.
This paper examines Nietzsche's impact on literary modernism.
2,152 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Friedrich Nietzsche and the founding of modernism. The paper describes the various aspects of this genre, as well as Nietzsche's philosophy. The paper explains his ideas that control over life no longer came from outside humanity but human beings had control over their own inner workings. The paper explores Nietzsche's belief that "God is dead", which was perhaps one of the most world-defining statements made in recent history.
Outline:
Modernism
Nietzsche and His Philosophy
Blending the Two
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Literary modernism is a movement that occurred roughly between 1890 and 1939, although these parameters are somewhat flexible. Modernism was a multi-faceted approach to literature, focusing not just on setting and symbolism, but also on language, time, perspective, characters' internal reality and ambiguous endings, as well as other characteristics. With the changes that modernism brought to literature, writers were able to more fully explore the characters that populated the stories, rather than focus on the meanings behind the stories themselves."
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Gramsci and Marx's Philosophy, 2007.
This paper explains Antoni Gramsci's philosophical ideas in relation to Marxism and historical ideology.
762 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper defines the various differences and relationships with Marxist thought that Antoni Gramsci provides in his study of philosophy. The paper discusses Gramsci's spontaneous philosophy that revolves around the idea of common sense. The paper explains the inherent differences Gramsci finds in relation to Marxist issues of contradiction within society.
From the Paper
"The major difference between Marxism and "spontaneous philosophy' for Gramsci is that intellectual order do not include common sense ideology; while Marx seeks out the differing method of "contradictions" to evaluate economic and social infrastructures. The spontaneous element of thinking in Gramsci's (1971) theory is controlled through the process of historical negation, as "common sense" is only a trend within historical patterns."
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