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'Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee', 2006.
A review of the book 'Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee', translated by Robert Van Gulik.
1,968 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the book 'Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee', translated from Chinese to English by Robert Van Gulik. The paper discusses Judge Dee's unquenchable thirst for finding the truth, when solving legal cases. The paper further discusses how the Judge Dee novels are grounded in large societal ethical hermeneutic of Confucian and Taoist morals, where finding the truth is a sacred duty of Judge Dee's office and great dishonor would fall upon the head of any judge who accidentally condemns an innocent man.
From the Paper
"There are some features of Dee's detection are similar to modern police work, and do not cause a non-Confucian reader to raise an eyebrow. Dee deploys psychological insight and observation to come to the root of a mystery, noting that, good Confucian he is, he has studied carefully the ancient handbooks of detection, which values the importance of knowing the character, daily life and habits of the victim and that personality supplies the clues to solve the crime. Know a person's ethics, and know the man or woman. Know the person's place in society, and know how they 'should' behave. Having an upright character is also an essential component to being a good, that is, an ethical Confucian, and defects in character must be scrutinized and used as clues, as they leave a person open to the danger of becoming a victim."
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A Tendency toward God, 2007.
A discussion on Man's tendency to lean towards God or some other presence in this world.
1,041 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the natural tendency of human beings to lean towards God or some other force or presence in the world. The paper describes the infinite nature of God. It discusses this concept as it relates to the concepts expressed in quantum physics and then discusses it from the point of view of Christianity and spirituality.
From the Paper
"If God is Mind and infinite, there can be only one Mind. Human beings are turning to it all the time for good ideas. It is logical that human beings would sense and want to know intimately the source of their existence. Religions and rituals have sprung from this natural desire. I believe that all human beings wonder at one time or another about the nature of existence. Some have more confidence that they can eventually understand it than others do, and that accounts for those who seem disinterested. They may have given up, or they think and wonder about God rarely. Or they have come upon an explanation for existence that satisfies them, at least, superficially, but doesn't include a concept of Creator. Even so, these same disinterested people are sometimes "converted" as a result of experiencing God's presence, and they end up turning to a whole new way of life."
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Leon Tolstoy's "What is Art?", 2006.
This paper argues against Leon Tolstoy's conclusion in his famous book "What is Art?".
1,205 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Leon Tolstoy in "What is Art?" argues that
art is not the manifestation of an abstract and absolute idea, such as beauty, God or simply something created to give pleasure, as generally purported by most of the thinkers and philosophers, but rather is intimately connected with the religions and moral values of every age and of every people. The author points out that both art and religion can reveal a different, absolute reality; but it cannot be agreed that good art should strictly follow religious and moral values. The paper stresses that saying art is only supposed to express the religious idea of good denies the most important quality of art--- imagination. The paper includes several quotations.
From the Paper
"As you say it yourself, art can serve to unite people and to realize that brotherhood of man, just like religion, through its ideas of goodness and morality. But it is likewise obvious that good art can give an account of the varied human experience and if it speaks, as you say, of nudity, sexuality or adultery, it does nothing more than to relate about human passions or emotions. I think the subject of a certain piece of art should not be confused with its final purpose. And it is to be noticed that a piece of literature, for example, which is replete with "immoral" ideas can produce the same state of elevation of the soul, just like the one that praises moral or Christian virtue. I think the most important fact is that art can reveal the truth and it does this by means of an aesthetic revelation, no matter its particular nature."
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Personal Identity, 2007.
A comparison of the personal identity theories of John Locke and David Hume.
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts John Locke and David Hume's conceptions of personal identity. It discusses each of their theories and discusses the contemporary philosopher's views on the theories and how they may support or reject them. The paper also establishes some of the common points between Locke and Hume's approaches.
From the Paper
"A common point between the two philosophers is their diachronic view of personal identity. With Locke, the same soul or thinking substance is neither necessary not sufficient for personal identity over time and for Hume also, time is important in what concerns identity. However, there is also differentiation point: for Locke consciousness remains the same in the transition between thinking substances, and for Hume identity is shaped by perceptions, in the course of time. Only the large temporal frame is common, the approaches to identity in time differ."
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The Socratic Method, 2006.
This paper discusses the Socratic Method as a contemporary teaching method.
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses, as an example of the Socratic Method, section 336b of Plato's "Republic" in which Thrasymachus argues the nature of justice. The author points out that, in this section, Socrates aims at finding the truth regarding Thrasymachus' hostile outburst by using the most powerful way of conducting a question-answer sequence of teaching, which stimulates learning from other people in addition to the teacher. The paper relates that, by asking learners questions, teachers give them the opportunity to find the truth of the matter for themselves and to learn critical thinking, which is an essential skill in the professional world.
From the Paper
"Socrates, however, does not counter Thrasymachus' outburst with an outburst of his own. Instead, by agreeing with everything that Thrasymachus says, he remains wise and calm in the face of the other's anger. It is clear however that he has been affected by Thrasymachus' tone and style, as there still is a "hitch", but only a slight one, in his voice when he asks his opponent to forgive any shortcomings in himself and Polymarchus when conducting their debate. He argues that they have been arguing in a manner that would most likely bring them to the truth regarding the nature of justice."
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Thomas Paine, 2007.
An analysis of the philosophies of Thomas Paine and what made them so successful in his time and today.
4,898 words (approx. 19.6 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 124.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the political, religious and social philosophies of Thomas Paine and describes the impact that they had on the world then and continue to have today. It discusses the role that he played in both the American and French revolutions, while simultaneously attempting to garner the budding revolutionary movements within England. The papers also looks at why his ideas were so successful.
From the Paper
"Paine's essays and speeches still hold their compelling power today. Much of the reason for this is that he was not a philosopher who attempted to build his theories of justice, morality, knowledge, and society from the ground-up; instead, he held several appealing principles, from which he was capable of deconstructing the morally reprehensible institutions around the world. These principles included equality, freedom, belief in God, charity towards others, and the gift of reason. Altogether, these were very attractive concepts in his time, and remain so to this day. For the most part, they are ideas so intuitively pure and beautiful, that they do not require rigorous philosophical investigation to believe that they should probably be sought after. So although David Hume may have been successful in debasing the belief that we can ever truly know what morality or justice are, Paine was able to indicate exactly what they should be. He was a great man not only for this, but for convincing millions of people that these values exist as something worthy to build society upon. Though they could potentially be logically invalid, it would be a mistake to fight for anything other than what Thomas Paine fought for."
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Comatose Awareness, 2007.
This paper explores the state of comatose awareness.
3,115 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that cases like those of Terri Shiavo and Robert Kenneth Durksen put the moral quandaries regarding comatose victims to the forefront of the public's mind. The writer notes that only by fully understanding the condition, and answering questions such as whether or not there is awareness in comatose patients, can the public make informed decisions, when sensitive situations occur. This paper provides an overview of the comatose condition, followed by a review of literature regarding awareness in comatose patients. The writer then presents conclusions drawn from this information, in hopes of shedding further light on such a delicate topic.
Outline:
Introduction
Comatose Overview
Literature Review Regarding Comas and Coma Awareness
Analysis of Findings
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The medical term comatose is derived from the Greek word koma, meaning a deep sleep. A comatose patient is in a deep state of unconsciousness that is characterized by the loss of reactivity to external stimuli and absence of spontaneous nervous activity, and cannot be awakened. Coma victims have usually experienced injury or disease of the cerebrum."
"The origin of the injury affects the different patterns of coma. Losses of consciousness for short durations may be caused by concussions, whereas the lack of oxygen, or anoxia, may lead to a coma that lasts for several weeks or is fatal. Sudden loss of consciousness in some patients may be caused by a stroke, which is a rupture or blockage of the vessels that supply blood to the brain."
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Aristotle's Definition of the Tragedy, 2006.
This paper analyzes Sophocles' "Oedipus the King" according to Aristotle's definition of the tragedy.
965 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 0 sources, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Aristotle's definition of the tragedy, the most important element is that the medium in which the events occur is a drama rather than a narrative. The author points out that Sophocles' "Oedipus the King' is a tragedy that is demonstrated through the unity of events. The paper rates that thought, which relates to the ideas behind the tragic events in the drama, and diction, which refers to the expression of meaning through words, are other important tragic elements that Aristotle defines as important in a tragedy. The author discusses Sophocles' use of the chorus, which coincides with Aristotle's fifth important element of tragedy---song or melody.
From the Paper
"The second important element of the tragedy is a strong main character, who supports the plot of the drama. In this, the main character's motivations and fears interlink with the plot elements in the movement towards the climax of the tragedy. The main character, according to Aristotle, should not only be a person of great importance and prosperity in society, but he should also have admirable personality traits. The combination of material and spiritual prosperity will then make the outcome all the more tragic. This is certainly so in the case of Oedipus."
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Business Ethics, 2007.
This paper discusses the issue of ethical principles within the business world.
1,206 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that the business person must be clear about his ethical principle or philosophy on money matters and this should be the foundation of his business. The writer states that wants can be considered needs and a person can learn and grow up to pursue wants and desires and never get satisfied. The writer then points out that this tendency can dominate a person and spill over to his adult life or business. Further, the writer notes that the pursuit of material acquisition can become the essence of a person's ethical decisions in business. The writer discusses that a person in business may not have to choose between principle and profits by developing the proper perspective or viewpoint regarding money and therefore observe his ethical principle while making fair profits.
From the Paper
"Unprecedented major changes in society have been modifying the way people view the good life and among the forces shaping that view are globalization and the resulting cultural differences, new communication technologies rapidly transmitting information worldwide, the increasing gap between the rich and the poor, and the decreasing autonomy of national governments. More and more people expect business corporations to take the responsibility of addressing current social issues. Findings of studies revealed that there is a place for principles and profits and corporations have become more aware of their social responsibility. More and more businesses see that the key elements to competitiveness are employee productivity and innovation, when employees become most enthusiastic, productive and creative in evolving new ways of doing things. This requires an entirely new vision expressed in a mission statement, which details the values and principles to guide the organization."
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Marx and Engels, 2007.
This paper examines the philosophical outlooks of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the historical and economic influences that spurred Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels to create their philosophical theories and writings. The author elaborates on their innovative perspectives, especially Marx's view of the bourgeoisie oppressing the working class. Several quotes are included to illustrate this point. The paper also cites how Marx and Engels influenced socialist and communist thought as well as why their belief systems were so difficult to fully achieve in society.
From the Paper
"Society, during that era, was composed primarily of individuals who retained the vast proportion of wealth, who Marx called the bourgeoisie, and the workers, whom Marx titled the proletariat. Marx was vehement in his total disdain for the bourgeoisie. The Communist Manifesto states; "The bourgeoisie keeps more and more doing away with the scattered state of the population, of the means of production, and of property. It has agglomerated population, centralized means of production, and has concentrated property in a few hands." (Marx 1988 pp 213-214)."
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Science and Religion, 2007.
This paper discusses science and religion and their attempts at interpreting the origins of the universe.
1,910 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that the history of human thought from the beginnings up to the modern era betrays an essential and permanent need for interpreting and giving meaning to our world. The writer also notes that both science and religion have attempted different quests and inquiries into the nature of our universe and especially into its origins. The writer maintains that it would be hard for science alone to explain the complex relations between human beings and the universe, or such things as its very need for myths, archetypes and rituals. The writer concludes that the existence of consciousness and of archetypes is but a proof of the fact that the relation between man and the universe justifies the mythical tradition.
From the Paper
"One aspect which is interesting to notice is that there are different stages in the history of thought that bring scientific and religious truth claims closer or increase the gap between them. Neither science nor religion can totally prevail in human thought, so as to give the final answer to the mystery of the universe, and throughout history the well-known religious persecutions of science as heresy prove the struggle that existed at times between these two distinct modes of thought."
"One of the first things that the scientific modes of thinking have in common with the mythical or religious modes, is their main purpose- to interpret or explain the universe and our own existence in it, or to give meaning to the world in order to escape chaos, as Mircea Eliade observed. Mythical structures and symbols could be an indicative of the human fear of chaos. Also, the existence of the sacred in the world has the same function- the world is seen by the religious man as a divine creation, therefore as something ordered, harmonious and meaningful."
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What Does "Beauty" Mean in Art Today?, 2006.
A discussion regarding the modern concept of beauty in art.
2,174 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at how Kant defines the concept of beauty in art and how it relates to the art of today. According to the paper, when it comes to the modern concept of beauty in art, there is often a very thin line between beauty and the grotesque. The paper reviews various works of modern art, discussing the beauty of each piece.
From the Paper
"The painting represents a bird and a heart, each placed on halves of a paper. The thing that first draws the attention of the viewer is the strong nuance of red that dominates the painting. Indeed, even the two shapes (the bird and the heart) are not actually sketched out as a shape, but are defined by the contrast in color between the nuances of red. It is quite an impression and perhaps another approach towards the concept of modern beauty, insisting on suggestion and inspiration rather than on exactly drawing lines and representing shapes. Given the fact that the message of the painting is barely implied by the elements forming it, as by it is by the title, everything is left to the own introspection of the viewer. "
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'The Blue Hotel', 2006.
A review of 'The Blue Hotel' by Stephen Crane.
1,395 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Stephen Crane's novel, 'The Blue Hotel'. According to the paper, 'The Blue Hotel' is a portrayal of cause and effect or consequences of one's actions. The paper discusses how the book is a vivid and clear example of humanity's unkindness to fellowmen or reluctance to stand for what is right or what is good.
From the Paper
"Yet, despite all the negative view about man one should not negate the duality or dualism - like the Yin and the Yang. In every existence, there is always the positive and the negative. Crane's pessimistic view of man can be likened to the Legalists of Old China's view wherein they look at humanity as basically evil but can be restructured to attain goodness. The way to rid man of evil is to show him the good ways. In contrast still in the Chinese philosophy, Confucianism is the opposite of Legalism for this philosophy believes that man is by nature good and only the external forces affecting him makes him evil. With all the dreary seen in the world, man still lives up to the term humanity since there is still a lot of goodness seen around - acts of charity, kindness and compassion abound - that there is really no wont in any of these but it just so happens that the controversy brought about by evil deeds becomes more apparent because of sensationalism and media hype."
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Pericles, Plato and Aristotle, 2007.
This paper discusses how Plato and Aristotle's interpretations of Athenian democracy differed widely from that of Pericles.
1,822 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at Pericles' endorsement of classical democracy as opposed to Plato and Aristotle's condemnation of democratic society. The paper discusses how Plato and Aristotle embrace some form of monarchy as the best possible organization of society and explains how they justify this in very different manners. The paper relates that people today are likely to find Pericles' idealistic vision of democracy appealing, while still recognizing that Plato and Aristotle's lines of reasoning retain some merit.
From the Paper
"Although the organization of the Greek city state of Athens is often idealized in modern culture as being the birthplace of democracy, the truth is that many major figures in Greek history objected to the Greek form of government. Classical democracy, as it is known, was perhaps most eloquently endorsed by Pericles in his "Funeral Oration," and documented by Thucydides. Yet perhaps the two most influential figures in Greek history, Plato and Aristotle, viewed democracy as an unjust or corruptible way to run a society. Whereas Plato objected to democracy upon largely theoretical grounds arising from his conception of justice, Aristotle believed that justice was not the only concern in forming a society but that practical stability was also a key requirement."
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The Genealogy of Morals, 2007.
A discussion of Friedrich Nietzsche's work "The Genealogy of Morals" which evaluates the value of moral judgments according to a genealogical method.
1,534 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Nietzsche's work, "The Genealogy of Morals", questions and evaluates the value of moral judgments according to a genealogical method, which in turn investigates the origins and meanings of various moral concepts. The paper further explains that "The Genealogy of Morals" discusses ascetic ideals or asceticism, a force that dominates modern thinking and life, and that Nietzsche views this as the expression of a weak and sick will that is unable to cope with its own struggle against itself.
From the Paper
"The ascetic priest, Nietzsche writes, is the person who modifies the direction of resentment. While every suffering person instinctively look for the cause or agent of his suffering. The ascetic priest seeks living persons on whom he can unload his feelings in order to obtain relief from his mountains of resentment, revenge and similar torments. It his instinct to strike back as a merely reactive and protective measure or reflex .He needs them for emotional release and he must pretend utterly in order to produce it. He passes his guilt and vileness to others, assaults their past and present, look for what is dark and painful in these in indicating what needs to be healed. Finding cause, he blames it on others and thus keeps them forever bound to their guilt and to their need for his control (Nietzsche)."
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Hegel and Aristotle, 2007.
This paper compares the philosophical outlooks of Aristotle and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
1,078 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer draws comparisons between the philosophies of Aristotle and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, an 18th century German philosopher. The paper describes these men as seeing the process of human thought as linked to history and politics. Additionally, the paper explains that Aristotle and Hegel viewed human thought itself as a process which involved a system of logic. The author argues that Aristotle's beliefs perhaps laid the groundwork for the much later ideas of Hegel, and the influence of both men's philosophies on thought, logic, and politics influenced people and schools of thought for years after their deaths.
From the Paper
"Aristotle believed in the power of experience and the observation of the world around us. His work in the field of logic outlasted his time period and he even named the field of study. Aristotle "systematized logic, working out which forms of inference were valid and which invalid--in other words, what really does follow from what, and what only appears to but doesn't really; and he gave all these different forms of inference names. For two thousand years the study of logic was to mean the study of Aristotle's logic" (Magee 34). This concept of a logical study of the world was taken up by Hegel in the 18th and 19th centuries. Like Aristotle, he believed in a logical progression of change and development toward reality and self-awareness. "He saw everything as having developed. Everything that exists is the outcome of a process; and therefore, he thought, understanding in any broad area of reality always involves understanding a process of change" (Magee 159). Hegel was known to be among the most systematic of the philosophers in the period of "German idealism" and "attempted, throughout his published writings as well as in his lectures, to elaborate a comprehensive and systematic ontology from a 'logical' starting point" (Redding 1)."
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War in Iraq, 2007.
This paper examines various views of conflict theory and applies them to the war in Iraq.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer concentrates research efforts on whether there are specific theorists and theories that could be applied to the current Iraq war and perhaps help others to understand it better. The writer first looks at the issue from the point of view that there are theorists, both classical and modern, who have strong views on war. The writer explains that this is largely due to conflict theory, which is that life is largely characterized more by conflict than it is by consensus. Those who uphold this theory have different ways of looking at it and the purpose of this paper is to look at classical theorists such as Karl Marx and Max Weber, as well as modern theorists such as Ralph Dahrendorf and Lewis Coser. The different views they have of conflict theory is then applied to the war in Iraq.
From the Paper
"The United States went to work in Iraq to try to remove Hussein from power, but also to help the Iraqi people understand that this type of treatment is not necessary. There may be people in the United States that are treated this way, but in general the government does not treat the United States citizens in anything like the way Hussein treated his people. Most of the people in Iraq were too afraid to rise up against Hussein, for fear of terrible punishment. Because of this, the United States troops could not get a great deal of help at first, but as the war went on and it began to look as though the United States would win, the Iraqi citizens begin to offer a helping hand. They were beginning to realize that they were finally actually going to be free."
"Another conflict theorist, Max Weber, did not go along with the theories of Karl Marx. He believed that there was more than just a ruling class and a normal class of people. Instead of two classes, he believed that there were four, and that they were determined by power, social status, and class."
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Idealism, 2006.
A discussion regarding idealism, in both philosophical and real terms, such as education.
2,374 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper explores and briefly analyzes the philosophical stance of idealism. The paper then goes on to deal with the reaction and response to this stance from the point of view of the relevance of idealism in education and the effect that it can have in terms of personal experience and the social milieu.
From the Paper
"As is evident for the above discussion, the philosophy of idealism has many important implications for the modern word and in particular for education and teaching. In the first instance idealism offers a view of reality that goes beyond or transcends the mundane and everyday reality. In Platonic terms, idealism suggests that there are ideal forms or models of reality to which we aspire and these ideals act as objectives that direct our actions and thoughts in everyday life. In education there are ideals that have often been noted as being desirable. For example, the ideal of excellence in education refers to the intention of excelling or attaining the best or optimum educational standards and achievements. To attain excellence there must be higher and ideal standards. Another idealistic notion that is common in modern education is the ideal of "educating the whole child". This refers to the view that the student should receive an overall education that includes and integrates the various facets of his or her personality and potential. The central idea is that the child should be educated in terms of all the different aspects of mind and body. This view is described as, "...mutually reinforcing qualities of a fully functioning mind and body." (Dustin, Hibbler, Mckenney & Blitzer, 2004) These ideal are positive aspects that may or may not be practical in every sense but are goals or ideals that are important for the development and advancement of education. "
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Kant versus Hume, 2007.
This paper argues in favor of Immanuel Kant's philosophical outlook over that of David Hume.
2,208 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the philosophical outlooks of Immanuel Kant and David Hume, with the author concluding that Kant's perspective is preferable. Kant's opinion on how one gains knowledge is contrasted with Hume's. Both perspectives on the contribution of experience to knowledge and the role of the "self" and a personal "world" are also considered.
Outline:
Introduction
Exposition
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In his principal book entitled, "The Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals," Kant explains why only the categorical imperative is the valid standard of moral obligation (Abbott 2006, Richards 2006, McCormick 2006). He limits his discussion to specific willful actions in moral situations or conditions, where the will is, or should be, influenced only by reason or rational considerations, rather than by subjective or emotional considerations, such as laziness, convenience, or advantage . He writes that morality involves what actions are necessary and that concept comes only from reason or rational considerations. These rational considerations must, in turn, be a "single principle of obligation (Richards)." It must also be stated as a command and has no reference to, or weighed against, the consequences of the action. Kant then says that only the categorical imperative fulfills all these conditions (Richards, Abbott, McCormick)."
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