| Papers [225-240] of 4382 :: [Page 15 of 274] | | Go to page : <— 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 —> | |
|
|
The Philosophy of Kant, 2007.
This paper explains the philosophical beliefs of Immanuel Kant.
1,503 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 61.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses Kant's belief that the only possible association with the truly good is that of a good will. The paper examines his ideas of innate laws of nature, morality and philanthropy. The paper is of the opinion that Kant's works are outstanding since they rely on the principle association of the individual as the driving force behind all actions of good will and this can be any individual, not just a learned one.
From the Paper
"Some examples Kant gives of the kinds of values that precipitate a good will but are not determinate of it are: "Moderation in emotions and passions, self-control and calm deliberation." Kant is careful to express that such characteristics are not only valuable but that they, "are...good in many respects [and]...even seem to constitute part of the intrinsic worth of a person." (7) They are not however according to Kant unconditional and therefore do not determine good will. "A good will is good not because of what it effects or accomplishes, nor because of its fitness to attain some good purposed end; it is good only through its willing, i.e. it is good in itself." (7) Kant goes on to say that when such a will is found it should be venerated above any thing that it might effect in its actions. The universal maxim given by Kant is "I should never act except in such as way that I can also will that my maxim should become a universal law." (14) The source of such as universal law must then be those innate in the good will of man that guide moral reasoning without concern for the outcome but as a result of the knowing and allowing the universal law to guide all moral reasoning."
| |
|
Count Dracula, 2007.
This paper discusses the book "Dracula" by Bram Stoker.
1,895 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 75.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that if evil can be fascinating, then 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is a fascinating book. The writer notes that the author has created a mesmeric tale in which the reader is led to believe that it is all real. Of course, it is not, but to read it, study it, and discuss the story intelligently, one must pretend to believe in the fictional reality that has been created. The character of Dracula does not really change or grow during the course of the story's events, and in this essay the writer argues that he is incapable of changing. The writer maintains that the story of Dracula illustrates that evil has only the power people give to it by entertaining it, accepting it, and believing in it. The writer notes that prisons are tragically full of people who believe in evil, people like Dracula who believe that the mortal body is all there is to life. The writer points out that Dracula had to be stopped, of course, just as violent criminals today have to be kept away from society.
From the Paper
"When the reader first meets Dracula, he appears to be polite and courteous, a man who knows how to make a guest feel welcome. The author is perhaps making a statement about the seeming attractiveness of sin, which always promises to do something for us but inevitably makes us suffer. Dracula has prepared for Harker's visit and seen to it that his guest is comfortable and eating well. We learn more about him the next day when Harker enters Dracula's library. Dracula is an educated man, even a thinker, by the looks of his books and varied interests, ... "
| |
|
Certainty and Deception, 2007.
This paper discusses Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote" and Rene Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy".
1,312 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper describes Cervantes' "Don Quixote" as a groundbreaking satire, critique and novel on the understanding of the power of deception. The paper also examines "Meditations on First Philosophy" where Descartes believes he must doubt everything that might deceive him. The paper illustrates how both writers are acutely aware of the power of deception, as humans can easily be deceived. The paper explains that despite the recognized deception in the world, Descartes and Cervantes both maintain that one thing can be known for certain and that is the existence of the self.
From the Paper
"Descartes, from the very beginning of his Meditations on First Philosophy makes clear the power of deception. In the first meditation he reflects on how "we may doubt in general of all things" and further expounds on the ability for the senses to deceive (Descartes 7). This seems to hint that we cannot know things for certain; because how can we know things for certain if our senses will deceive us? To Descartes, he must doubt everything and he cannot trust his imagination, for instance. Things he thought he knew for certain must be doubted, and this hints to suggest that Descartes not only believes in the power of deception, but also that things cannot be known with certainty."
| |
|
Surrogacy, 2007.
This paper discusses the psychological effects of surrogacy.
1,830 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the motherhood arrangements wherein a surrogate woman is impregnated with sperm from a male unrelated to her. The writer explains that the woman then carries a fetus and gives birth to a child for another woman. The writer notes that this has always been controversial, and has typically been a scenario in which psychological issues are present. This paper examines and reviews psychological and moral issues that accompany surrogate motherhood, from several different scholarly perspectives.
From the Paper
"There are also psychological issues attached to the method used in the surrogate procedure, Edelmann explains. For example, if the commissioning woman's egg is implanted in the surrogate mother and fertilized with the commissioning woman's partner's sperm, more complicated and potentially troublesome medical issues can arise and there may be a need for "mental health care" and counselling may be required. However if the surrogate mother is simply inseminated with the commissioning male's sperm, and the commissioning woman's egg is not implanted, there is less stress and hence fewer psychological scenarios may be present. "
| |
|
The Trial and Death of Socrates, 2007.
This paper discusses the trial and eventual death of the Greek philosopher, Socrates.
2,515 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 95.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper describes Socrates' behavior, philosophical beliefs and principles that angered the Greeks and caused him to be placed on trial, found guilty and condemned to death. The paper examines why Socrates was so hated and vilified by Athenian authorities and city leaders. The paper discusses how Socrates refused to escape from prison and accepted his fate with much honor.
From the Paper
"According to Alfred J. Andrea, the main contribution of Socrates (469-399 B.C.E.) to Greek thought was that "he refused to accept easy answers as he searched for wisdom and virtue" and for Socrates, the moral person was "one who knows the good and acts accordingly;" however, Socrates "refused to accept the answers of tradition and the way of the past as infallible guides to wisdom and moral behavior." 1 Thus, due to his philosophical beliefs and principles and his unwavering stance against the "old ways" of Greek thought and behavior, Socrates came to be seen by his fellow countrymen as an irritant, a social pariah who refused to adhere to the viewpoints of the majority. As a result, Socrates was placed on trial for a number of offenses against Greek society and the city of Athens and when he was "found guilty and condemned to death by a jury that fully expected him to flee the city," Socrates surprised all of those at the trial when he fully accepted his fate and thus "went serenely to his death" by poisoning."
| |
|
Healing Touch, 2007.
This paper discusses the therapy of human touch.
1,043 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this paper the writer notes that there is a contest going on between conventional and alternative methods of treating sicknesses. The writer points out that conventional or traditional medicine relies on pills and other forms of mechanical intrusion into the ailing body, while alternative or holistic medicine aims at restoring the ailing body's balance by filling up its depleted energy field. The writer discusses that opponents have come up with views of the healing touch method as mere superstition, which cannot be outwardly proved, but notes that it continues to gather advocates among the public. The writer explains that the healing touch is an alternative method of addressing and correcting human illness, especially psychological illness, by intruding into the patient's depleted energy field and manipulating it. The writer concludes that the healing touch should be recommended but should not replace what is strictly within the proven or commonplace jurisdiction of traditional or conventional medicine.
Outline:
Introduction
Body
Summary and Recommendation
From the Paper
"A typical session starts with the patient sitting or lying down and the practitioner moves his hands over the patient's body without needing actual contact. The practitioner senses rough areas in the energy field. He is able to make an assessment or "diagnosis" in a few minutes. Many patients feel the sweeping motion made by the practitioner with his hands as a kind of warmth or pleasant vibration. The practitioner should desire the patient's well-being in order to produce the effect. Dr. Krieger said that the healing that follows is not a new concept. The touch somehow changes or improves the body's hemoglobin levels and this leads to the restoration of health. She insisted that the body's energy field is an electromagnetic phenomenon."
| |
|
Market Socialism, 2007.
This paper explores the viability of the market socialism system.
3,710 words (approx. 14.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 128.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper explains that market socialism is a market-driven economic system that abolishes private ownership, places the control of business enterprises in the hands of workers and allows everyone to share and benefit from the profits. The paper argues that market socialism is feasible as an economic system and can compete successfully with market capitalism.
Outline:
Introduction
From Socialism to Market Socialism
Addressing the Deficiencies of Socialism
Models of Market Socialism
Discussion
From the Paper
"When Soviet-style communism fell, socialists had to reinvent themselves in order to survive. What emerged in response to their need for survival was market socialism, an economic system designed to combat the evils of capitalism and correct the deficiencies of the old socialism that failed. Market socialism is an economic and political system that "combines the principles of social ownership...with the continuing allocation of commodities (including labor) through the mechanism of markets" (Pierson, 1995, p. 84). Because market socialism is anti-capitalist and views capitalism as obsolete, the system seeks to eventually replace capitalism while at the same time it replaces old-style classical socialism, which relied on central planning. The system claims to preserve the best that capitalism offers, while it overcomes capitalism's worst evils (Kornai, 1993)."
| |
|
The Enlightenment and the Reformation, 2007.
This paper compares the social, economic and intellectual causes of the Enlightenment and of the Reformation.
990 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 44.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, unlike the gradual, cultural shift of ideas and attitudes, which characterized the Enlightenment, the Protestant Reformation had concrete institutional causes and was a profound institutional change in the governmental and religious structure of Europe. The author points out that the Enlightenment, which ultimately spawned the American and French Revolutions of the late 18th century, was not spurred into being by an increasingly strong set of nation-states like the Reformation but rather by the increasingly weak, corrupt and ossified monarchies of Europe, such as Louis of France and George of Great Britain. The paper relates that the intent of the Enlightenment philosophers was not to reject tradition in their quest for knowledge or to eradicate entirely the institutions, which had stimulated their own intellectual development.
From the Paper
"During the pre-Reformation, the age of the Renaissance, secular kingdoms with increasingly powerful chief executives and the decline of feudalism weakened the Pope's role in the political power plays of Europe. Before, popes had great power as they were the strongest land-owners in Europe, but now princes began to command armies of lords--secular power was less diffuse. And by far, the most famous allegations of Martin Luther against the Catholic Church were its sale of indulgences, which seemed to embody the church's craven and worldly institutional nature."
| |
|
Allen W. Wood's "Karl Marx", 2007.
This paper analyzes the book "Karl Marx", by Allen W. Wood.
956 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper examines the book "Karl Marx", a comprehensive study of Marx's life and the creation of Marxist thought. The paper discusses the author's belief that Marx was one of the nineteenth century's greatest philosophers. The paper concludes that Marx was a revolutionary of his time and his ideas, although often dismissed, are still controversial and thought-provoking today.
From the Paper
"The biographical information on Marx' life is a very small percentage of this volume, but it does give the reader a good idea of his background and early education that led to the development of his ideas and philosophies. His expulsion from both Paris and Germany led to his settlement in London, where he did the bulk of his work."
"Marx helped found the International Working Men's Association in 1864, which helped spread the ideals of socialism and anti-capitalism. Eventually these ideas spread around the world and led to the formation of labor unions in many areas, including the United States. They also led to the rise of socialist mentality in Russia, leading eventually to the formation of the Soviet Union and the overthrow of the royal family."
| |
|
Liberation Theology, 2007.
This paper discusses liberation theology as presented by Argentinean, religious writer Jose Miguez Bonino.
1,080 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 46.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that liberation theology refers to a new way of interpreting Christianity as a doctrine by applying the Biblical precepts and teachings to the historical and social contexts of humanity. The author points out that Bonino observes that the modern world is essentially political in most of its manifestations; therefore, Christian ethics have to adapt and to become a part of political ideology if it is to survive. The paper stresses that, if it can be deduced from the Bible that all God's actions are directed so as to save or liberate man from adverse conditions or from oppression, then man should follow the same example in his social world through his commitment to the cause of the poor. The paper includes several quotations.
From the Paper
"The theologian thus emphasizes the active role that a Christian needs to play in a world which is dominated by power relationships that are very remote from ethical doctrine of the Bible. For its activism, Liberation Theology has been often compared to the Marxist doctrine, as both emphasize the need for social change and advocate the precedence of the social over political. This is why the Christian must be active and pursue practical purposes, such as justice and the liberation of the poor. As Bonino contends, human action is the principle which shapes reality."
| |
|
Real Estate, 2007.
This paper discusses ethical dilemmas within the field of real estate.
1,278 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this paper, the writer relates that the real estate business is not devoid of its fair share of ethical dilemmas and issues. The writer notes that while there is a long list of ethical rules that realtors should follow and that real estate is one of the most legally regulated industries, there are still chances that ethical problems will arise. Further, the writer points out that, while most real estate agents will be honest and upright in their professional dealings, they too can encounter professional ethical dilemmas. In such cases, the writer maintains that it is ideal to stick to the code of ethics, but things may not always be as simple as they appear. The dilemmas arise on a number of occasions where the ethical code of realtors demands one thing and the realtors' personal ethics demand another. The writer concludes that the solution lies in finding the middle path- the common ground that would allow for both sets of ethical principles to work together without clashing.
From the Paper
"Ethical dilemmas can arise from things as simple as valuation, property neighborhood, disclosures etc. It has been noticed the valuation bias is often one of the most commonly encountered ethical problems in real estate. Since properties are used for loans and mortgages, realtors can often put them at a higher price or worth than they really are. Similarly disclosure about problems with a property might not be made accurately. Since realtors know when a buyer is interested in a property, they wouldn't want to kill that interest by revealing that there are certain issues with the property and hence may find themselves faced with an ethical problem."
| |
|
Durkheim in Sociology of Religion with Marx, 2007.
A comparison of the philosophies of Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim with regards to religion.
5,963 words (approx. 23.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 176.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explores the philosophies of both Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim. It attempts to show how similar the two sociologies are and how the same conclusions were reached despite vastly different approaches to the same problem. The paper further highlights some of the substantial differences between the philosophies. It also offers some insights into religion that both Marx and Durkheim may have overlooked. This paper also briefly explores materialism and functionalism and discusses how they equate to each other. The paper includes an example of an outline at the end.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Body
From the Paper
"Marx does not examine the facets of society, but this is because Marx is a materialist. Thus, Marx focused on the material foundation of religion, this being its economic origins. Once these original theoretical differences are overcome, the underlying components can be discussed."
"It is here that Durkheim and Marx are very similar. Both believe religion was created by society. Both believe its purpose is, despite neglecting the aspect of loyalty that I covered, positive in nature. And both believe that the roots of these assumptions are rooted in the examination of primitive societies. Therefore, despite the differences in their respective paradigms, Karl Marx and Emile Durkheim's sociologies of religion are very similar."
| |
|
Ontological Arguments, 2007.
This paper discusses Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine's "ontological arguments" in favor of God's existence.
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 40.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the "ontological argument" in favor of God's existence has remained one of the keys to the fundamental notion that the existence of God can be verified through logical argumentation. The author points out that Aquinas introduces the idea of the first, unmovable mover, which is responsible for all of the cause and effect events witnessed today, and investigates what aspects of the world betray the existence of God and why His existence is questioned so readily. The paper relates that Augustine's position is that human beings are positioned so that they can act rightly but that the actions and sins of the past have hindered the path towards God.
From the Paper
"The first sin Augustine characterizes as being like an act of a prisoner who creates false freedom for himself by breaking the rules and intending not to be caught. Obviously, Adam was caught, and all the subsequent sins of man have created a world in which God cannot be found without help; it has become too easy to commit acts of moral evil that those who do so often act out of ignorance. In other words, ignorance of God is not an innate facet of the human condition but is the burden that all human beings carry as a result of past sins."
| |
|
Teaching Philosophy, 2007.
This paper discusses the beliefs of William James, Blaise Pascal and Immanuel Kant on the means and methods of teaching.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper examines William James' belief that any person can succeed, provided he/she is given the correct opportunities and motivation by a good teacher. The paper then discusses how Blaise Pascal took a less empowering view of the individual's abilities, believing the teacher must provide guidance about the child's natural inclinations and tastes. The paper also looks at how Immanuel Kant focuses on training the mind, attempting to give the student the intellectual tools to reason and learn on his/her own.
From the Paper
"William James' view of the correct means and methods of teaching places a tremendous amount of empowerment in the hands of the student. James' expressed views reflect the American belief that any person can succeed, provided that person is given the correct opportunities and motivation by a good teacher. This is reflected in James' anecdote, chronicled in his Principles of Psychology, of the boy who was prodded to learn to read, because of his natural curiosity about interesting pictures in a book. The boy's father teased his son with the prospect of learning about the pictures, telling the boy he must learn on his own, thus the boy becomes motivated to read because "An artificial and indirect desire" to read had been "grafted on a natural and direct one" to learn about the pictures (James 290-291)."
| |
|
Cultural Materialism, 2007.
This paper discusses the concept of materialism and specifically the theory of cultural materialism.
1,334 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper explains that one of the most persuasive theories in its analysis and relationship with empirical understanding is the theory of cultural materialism. The paper attempts to dissect cultural materialism to give a broader contextual understanding of why this theory is the most plausible explanation for current socio-cultural events and environments. The paper focuses on the theories of Marvin Harris.
From the Paper
"The concept of materialism can be broadly understood as the general theory that the "ultimate constituents of reality are material or physical bodies, elements or processes". It is a principle that holds everything in existence is reducible to a material or physical nature. Materialism directly contradicts dualistic theories which claim that body and mind are distinct entity and also directly attacks philosophical idealism which denies the existence of matter. The direct implication of materialism in general, is that the diverse qualitative experiences we have are reducible to quantitative changes in objects or our physiological functioning."
| |
|
Reason in Education, 2007.
An analysis of reason's role in childhood education and the writer's reactions to the views of Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle.
1,251 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses reason's role in childhood educational development. It particularly focuses on the views expressed by Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle. The paper then describes the writer's reactions to these views. It also looks at the ways in which she, as an assistant in a class for talented and gifted students, has developed her own educational philosophy with regards to reason's role in education.
From the Paper
"My mentors and role models, both from childhood as a young student and from my adult student career, set the stage for my passion for education. Bad teachers as well as good inspired in me the desire to rise to greatness within my chosen profession. As Aristotle notes in the Nichomachean Ethics, we must strive for excellence, for perfection, in all our endeavors. Perfection is crafted by reason, and reason is in turn perfected by practice and honest self-reflection. I have not yet developed a career that would enable me to reflect on my performance has an educator. As a trainee, however, I have strived to exercise all mental and physical faculties "in accordance with excellence or virtue," as Aristotle advises (p. 14). Mundane as my tasks may seem as a teacher-in-training, I imbue them with pride and enthusiasm."
|
|
|
