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The Social Contract Theory, 2007.
This paper looks at Rousseau's social contract theory of how society holds together.
789 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
The paper relates that Rousseau's writings continue to be relevant today, as social contract theorists see morality as a set of rules. The paper explains that for these theorists, the rules govern how people should treat one another. The paper discusses how the social contract theory lays down the laws that supposedly hold society together, but their foundation is a strong sense of self-interest.
From the Paper
"Like his predecessor Thomas Hobbes, Rousseau believed that the general state of nature was not conducive to the development of a cooperative society. Hobbes believed that people only obey the rule of order due to "fear of death." Hobbes further believed that the Laws of Nature clearly show that life is "nasty, brutish and short." People are constantly engaged in a state of war over scarce resources such as food. Reasonable people will therefore strive to seize what they need, in order to survive. This bleak scenario, according to Hobbes, represented the state of nature, in which humans must somehow survive."
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Spearman and Gardner Intelligence, 2007.
This paper explores models of intelligence by Charles Spearman and by Howard Gardner.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at intelligence as knowledge that allows a person to learn from experience and observation. The writer notes that intelligence also allows humans to adapt to changes in their environment, or to adapt the environment through manipulation and the use of tools. Further, the writer points out that there is much debate, regarding the nature of intelligence and what cognitive functions comprise intelligence. This paper compares and contrasts two prevailing theories of intelligence, proposed by Charles Spearman and by Howard Gardner.
Outline:
Spearman's Model
Multiple Intelligence
Many Forms of Intelligence
Works Cited
From the Paper
"Howard Gardner, a cognitive theorist, pursued this idea further by proposing a theory of multiple intelligences. Gardner devised a criteria of eight intelligences, including linguistic skills, bodily-kinesthetic skills and logical-mathematical skills. According to Gardner, people can have different profiles of intelligence, meaning that they can have challenges in some areas but exhibit strengths in others. Because of these different forms of intelligence, Gardner proposed that people also have distinct learning styles. Thus, a person with strengths in kinesthetic and spatial intelligence will have very different learning styles from people who have strong linguistic and logical-mathematical skills."
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Negotiating, 2007.
This paper studies the act of negotiating, concentrating on creating artistic and financial value in commercial arts negotiations.
780 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that according to the guidebook 'The Manager as Negotiator', the very essence of negotiation is creating and claiming value. The writer explains that every person in a negotiation strives to advance his or her interests and maximize his or her advantages. Further, the writer points out that the goal of the process is ultimately to attempt to bridge the gap, ideally, between two different points of view by creating a more equitable solution that improves upon either party's narrowly advanced interests. The writer concludes that this dilemma between the producers and the musicians highlights the difficulty of negotiation when two parties approach the issue not simply with two distinct interests, but from two different philosophical paradigms of who owns the art that is the essence of both side's livelihood and lives.
From the Paper
"David Lax's and James Sebenius' illustration of this principle is that of bartering. For example, two persons with different material goods, such as bananas and pears, are able to come to an better agreement if they can arrive at a fair price, than they would be had they refused to trade at all, as both will have more variety of foodstuffs in the long run. However, this example can prove difficult when one party attempts to transpose this assumption onto the field of the arts. In business negotiations, finances tend to dominate. No matter how divided the two parties are in terms of how they see an issue, usually the crucial matter involves dollars and cents. Likewise, in a divorce settlement, emotions and the welfare of the children often dominate the proceedings, even though finances are also an issue. Regardless, both parties tend to view the proceeding from the same paradigm - either primarily from a professional or a personal standpoint."
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Meaning of Justice, 2007.
This paper examines the meaning and the connotations of justice.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses what exactly justice means and how it applies to a criminal justice professional. The writer explains that justice, as such, refers to a sense of fairness and impartiality, an even-handedness, righteousness, and also objectivity and independence in making up one's opinions. Further, the writer notes that justice is the concept which must predominate when laws are being made, and for a layman, justice would mean that he would be safe and secure in the knowledge that he would be protected adequately by the law, and by the sense of justice that the law must uphold, no matter what. The writer concludes that although justice may have several different connotations, the bottom line is that the criminal has to be punished, and the victim awarded respite and retribution for the crime that he has suffered.
From the Paper
"When one wished to search for the true meaning to justice, one must first decide the method that he wished to use to search for it, because this would provide a rational answer to the problem. The meaning of justice can perhaps be taken therefore, from its use in legal theory, and thereafter, combining it with a concept of ethics. For a criminal justice professional, he would study social control, penal law, criminal procedures, social law, evidence, criminology, victimology, and various other components of the justice system. Each area of study is equally important, and unless all the areas are given equal justice, the professional would not be able to practice law in all fairness. He must be able to implement as many types of justice as are humanly possible in this world, and concentrate on being fair and just in all his judgments of criminal and social behavior."
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"The Parable of the Sadhu" --A Review, 2007.
This paper explores the ethical dimensions and principles in "The Parable of the Sadhu" by Bohen H. McCoy.
1,532 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
In this review of Bohen H. McCoy's "The Parable of the Sadhu," the writer illustrates how ethics can become cloudy in specific situations. The author further demonstrates how even moral individuals can fail to exercise leadership to ensure that ethical actions are taken during times of distress. The work itself is based on McCoy's encounter with an injured sadhu--or holy man--during a mountain climbing expedition in the Himalayas. From this vantage point, McCoy explores differing approaches to helping a fellow human being in need.
Outline:
Three Dimensions of Ethical Thinking--Situational, Contextual, & Cultural
Three Principles--the Common Good over Self-Interest, the Golden Rule, and Social Justice
Personal Definition of Ethics
Differentiates between Intentions and Deliberate, Ethical Actions both Authored by Him or Herself and by Others
Applies the Dimensions and Principles Chosen above to a Fictional Middle School
Acknowledges Ethical Differences in Dimensions and Principles Across Cultures
From the Paper
"While traveling in the Himalayas, the author of "The Parable of the Sadhu," the businessman Bohen McCoy, encountered a Tibetan holy man, a known as a sadhu. The man was apparently coming back after making a pilgrimage. The sadhu wore no shoes, and was naked. Despite the sadhu's evident distress, only one member of McCoy's climbing expedition, an anthropologist named Stephen, moved to aid the sadhu by giving him clothing. A few Japanese climbers from another expedition attempted to help the man but no one really made effectual efforts to ensure the safe return of the ailing pilgrim. The fate of the sadhu still remains unknown."
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"The Philosopher's Stone", 2007.
This paper explores Hans Christian Anderson's work "The Philosopher's Stone."
2,778 words (approx. 11.1 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 119.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer describes the meaning and symbolism found in Hans Christian Anderson's "The Philosopher's Stone". The author examines the allegorical meaning behind the garden motif and blindness in the story. The paper also considers the intellectual times in which Anderson wrote this work, including the problems facing the 19th century. Despite these problems, Anderson concludes with encouraging his audience to have faith in humanity.
From the Paper
"The mid to late 19th century was a time of questioning and change. It was the period that saw the prominence of revolutionary thinkers like Freud, Marx, and Darwin and literary innovators like Dickens and Zola. Thinking people of the period questioned what had come before them, but more importantly questioned what life had become. Social commentary and revolutionary thinking took center stage in this period (Morris). Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Philosopher's Stone" comments on what has become of life by seeking the answer to one of the most important questions for humanity: What happens after death? Andersen uses this question to guide his tale. As Andersen has the characters search for the Philosopher's Stone, he weaves social commentary into the tradition of fairy tales in this piece from 1859."
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Weber and Durkheim, 2007.
A comparative analysis of the views on modernity of Max Weber and Emile Durkheim.
1,094 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Max Weber, the first analyst of modern bureaucracy, the Industrial Revolution and the technical age, despaired of what he called the iron cage of rationality. It also looks at how the student of ancient humanity, Emile Durkheim, bemoaned the condition of modern angst or estrangement from traditional, more communal ways of life. It examines how these two men both feared the tendency of modern life to curtail the better aspects of human nature, rather than to reinforce what each saw as the essential purpose of humankind.
From the Paper
"Emile Durkheim, writing somewhat later than Weber, also speculated upon the emotional and moral impact upon human life of modernity. Durkheim also examined the daily life of persons living in a modern and industrial bureaucratic state and working for the supposedly rational administrative and economic systems created by capitalism. Durkheim called the unfortunate mental state produced by modernity "anomie." Anomie is best expressed as the state of alienation felt by the modern urbanite, dwelling far away from traditional family structures and religious rituals. "Anomie is impossible whenever interdependent organs are sufficiently in contact and sufficiently extensive. If they are close to each other, they are readily aware, in every situation, of the need which they have of one another, and consequently they have an active and permanent feeling of mutual dependence." (Durkheim, p.184, cited by Dunman, 1996)"
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"Scientific Creationism", 2007.
An analysis of the style of writing in Henry M. Morris' book, "Scientific Creationism".
1,486 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Henry M. Morris' book, "Scientific Creationism". The paper suggests that the book poses interesting and thought-provoking questions which makes it more intriguing. The paper goes on to give examples of statements or concepts that Morris makes in the book and are written in a broad enough manner to cause controversy. The paper suggests that for those who believe that science is the only truth, or those who are adamant creationists, the book offers enough evidence for both sides.
From the Paper
"One of those beliefs found in the book is that creationism as compared to a model such as natural selection or survival of the fittest is (according to Morris) more likely than what has been given credit to. A survival of the fittest model can be described as containing tautologies, or circular thoughts. For example, since the survival of the fittest model says that the fittest individuals are those that procreate more often and bear more offspring, it is also defining those that procreate more often and bear more offspring as being the fittest. The definition fits because it is the definition. With this type of scientific definition being used, then Creationism has no chance whatsoever in being accepted by those who define such characteristics."
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Educational Leadership, 2007.
A theory and assessment of educational leadership.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 0 sources, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that human conduct is often driven by subjective criteria that address and determine the degree of the morality of actions. The writer maintains that this is indeed the involuntary result of the contribution that personal attributes and characteristics bring when one considers his own reactions to outside events. However, the writer points out that there are certain moral standards universally accepted that make possible a minimum acceptance of fairness and a reduced arbitrary attitude. The writer concludes that there is no definite theoretical determination of the concept of ethics or fairness, as there are no well established standards and criteria to compare different approaches. However, there is a universal framework which developed from religious and cultural teachings.
From the Paper
"There are several issues arising from the analysis of the September 1999 situation in Decatur. The entire discussion revolves around the basic idea of the "golden rule" as the general framework for ethical considerations. This is due in large parts to the arbitrary of ethical criteria and in order to insure that a certain set of moral limits are kept, it is important to address the exact personal criteria which determines the morality of an act. However, aside from the golden rule, there are additional dimensions which modify and deepen the discussion over the efficiency of applying personal criteria to determine and judge morality. One of these dimensions deals with the notion of public good versus personal interests. The debate here is whether the society at large should sacrifice or undermine self interest for the sake of the public common good. This in turn points to a new set of questions related to the equity of any possible actions from society, in terms of objectivity and respect for social and cultural differences. All these ideas can arise when discussing cases such as that of Eisenhower High School."
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Literary Love, 2007.
This paper discusses the theme of love, as it appears in many literary works.
1,111 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 55.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that there is hardly an author among all the writers of any kind of books, from religious to philosophical and literary to have left the theme of love untouched. From love stories to love poems and love studies, the writer notes that there are an almost fantastic number of love theories or discussions, all resulting in a intricately complex perspective on love.
From the Paper
"Perhaps the basic reason for which this attachment between two people or the attachment for an object or for something abstract, is seen as a force able to transcend everything else, is its immateriality and the traditional view that the material world has to be something finite, and the spiritual world is infinite. Even in the modern times human consciousness itself and its levels and particularities have not been satisfactorily defined, and seem to be escaping any logical or theoretical explanation. What we call "love", is almost unexplainable outside its own context, that is when related to the other facts that have been established by the various sciences and fields of knowledge over the time. This is why love is seen as the very core of everything, through its association with mystery and secrecy, and the intimations it gives of infinity and the divine. It is basically a state of mind, or a spiritual state, but one that can invade far beyond its scope and overcome its own limits, just as the gravitational force does in the physical world."
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Moral Philosophy, 2006.
A review of a moral dilemma case involving an unfaithful wife.
1,228 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the philosophy of a moral dilemma. This paper discusses the sad scenario of the unfaithful wife known as "Jane" who finds herself faced with two equally unpleasant choices that are the consequences of her infidelity. The paper reviews and discusses these choices from different moral and philosophical perspectives.
From the Paper
"The advocate of social contract theory would stress that marriage is a social contract. When Jane violated this social contract, she did not merely personally cause her husband to feel bad. She also caused a rift in one of the institutions that uphold modern society. Even if no one is directly harmed by her actions, by devaluing the institution of marriage, either her own or the institution of the man whom she transgressed with, she is still doing harm to society. A social contract theorist would care little about Jane, her husband's, or the other man's feelings like a virtue ethicist. Rather the theorist would view Jane's decisions from a societal rubric, and point out that if every person felt free to be unfaithful, the moral fabric of society would completely disintegrate. "
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Fallacies, 2007.
This paper examines three fallacies that constrain critical thinking skills.
1,168 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that critical thinking skills require a careful assessment of all of the facts and avoidance of many of the constraints introduced by various fallacies. The paper discusses the three common types of fallacy: the ad hominem arguments, the false dilemma and the straw man fallacy. The paper maintains that in a day and age where a "culture of fear" is being foisted on the American public by politicians and the media alike, critical thinking skills have become more important that ever.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"According to Walton (1989), ad hominem arguments are personal attacks on the answerer himself. Not surprisingly, for many people, "It may be difficult to know how to handle such powerful and subtle attacks, and whatever the answerer does or fails to do can be tricky and dangerous. In particular, it is hard to know what form of criticism is appropriate, or even to know how to reasonably and fairly evaluate whether or why such a question is open to justifiable criticism or not" (p. 147). This author emphasizes that in ad hominem fallacies, the attackers frequently focus on the personal situation, actions, character, or affiliations of the person whose arguments or statements are the subject of criticism, an approach that has long been regarded as a fallacy and which represents a lapse in critical thinking skills (Walton, 1989)."
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Andy Clark vs . John Searle and Thomas Nagel, 2003.
A discussion regarding consciousness versus physicalism.
1,506 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the division of the mental and the physical worlds. According to the paper, the division between matter and spirit and the relation of causality established between the two has always been one of the most troubling questions asked by philosophy. The paper discusses how Andy Clark's theories argue against John Searle 's and Thomas Nagel 's mind and body identity.
From the Paper
"Also , Searle refutes in his theories the ideas forwarded by cognitive science , according to which the mind is a computer program , or that the mind is to the brain as the program is to the hardware . To support this argument he brings one of his most famous thought experiments , called The Chinese Room Argument . In his article called Minds , Brains and Programs Searle exposes briefly his Chinese Room Argument , with the aid of which he proves that an individual who does not know the Chinese language can , if locked in a room and given a very precise instructions book , behave as if he knew the language , and answer perfectly a set of questions by manevrating a bunch of slots with Chinese signs inscribed on them . However , the point of this experiment is , as Searle points out , that accurately manevrating the symbols in the manner of a computer is a very different process from that of human understanding - altough the questions can be answered when following the instructions , the person providing accurate answers in Chinese is completely ignorant of this language . "
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William Blake's "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell", 2007.
This paper examines William Blake's work "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" in relationship to the Enlightenment.
1,020 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 52.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the writer considers William Blake's novel "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" as a reaction to the Enlightenment. William Blake saw the Enlightenment as favoring the rational over the imaginative and explicitly reacts to this thought process in "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell." The paper discusses how Blake contrasts science, poetry, rationality, and imagination to show the limitations and problems that privileging the rational has had by exploring the imaginative in a diabolic way.
From the Paper
"Blake dismisses the advantage that has been placed upon good over evil by taking on a diabolical voice and condemns the Church, as it has condemned men, by explaining that "All bibles or sacred codes have been the causes of the following Errors:..."6 (Plate 4), then affirming that "the following Contraries to these are true:..."6 (Plate 4). Blake uses this rejection of the bible to point out the misleading notions that the Church has caused, then blatantly writes "Those, who restrain desire, do so because theirs is weak enough to be/ restrained; and the restrainer or reason usurps its place and governs the unwilling."6 (Plate 5) Here, Blake points out the insufficiencies that "conventional moral[ity]"6 (1377) holds while restraining those who do not wish to follow, as a prediction of the breaking away from Church or State governance."
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Structuralist and Modernist Theories, 2007.
This paper presents a comparative analysis of structuralist and modernist theories.
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the author compares and contrasts structuralist and modernist philosophical theories. The first part of the analysis enumerates the similarities the theories have with each other, especially in terms of each theory's operational definitions, centering specifically on the role each theory has in the development of functionalism in the 20th century. The second part discusses the differences between structuralism and modernism, which is primarily based on the difference worldview that each tackles, in relation to modern human society.
From the Paper
"An important characteristic that both structuralism and modernism share is that each theory was borne out of the emergence of the empirical, newly-modernized human society in the 20th century. Primarily described as the modern period, human society at this stage and period in history is known to be logical in its thinking and actions, a direct result of the era of objectivism and empiricism that was developed through the years, accelerating its development during the 19th century. Structuralism as a theory is descriptive of empiricism, which seeks to establish a general fact through a careful analysis of specific elements that comprise or make up this general fact. Modernism is also a theory that describes the modern period, since this theory sprang from the emergence of a modernist movement that was actively promoted by the United States in the mid- to late-20th century, as an opposition to the emerging socialist societies in Asian and East European nations."
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Dualism, 2007.
An analysis of the relationship between dualism and religion, psychology and behavior.
1,708 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of dualism, which is any philosophical system that attempts to explain 'everything' in terms of two distinct principles. The paper discusses how dualism relates to religion today in the United States, according to William DuBay. The paper then discusses the psychological theories of dualism, in terms of the mind and the body and also discusses dualism in terms of human behavior.
From the Paper
"Dualism, which allowed Descartes to distinguish mechanical behavior from behavior generated by free will, thus resolving the conflict between the materialist interests and religious concerns of his era, continues to underpin scientific accounts of human action (Chiesa). Although psychology generally subscribes to the idea that individuals comprise behavior and something else, and dissects the individual along the lines of intention, beliefs, and perception, radical behaviorism dispensed with dualism, and starts "from a different view of persons in that it does not separate them into behavior and some other internal system" (Chiesa). Thus the individual is the sum of what they do, and are defined in terms of their behavior, with no other entity. Because radical behaviorism does not assume that behavior counts as evidence of something else, the individual is a unity rather than a duality, "an interactive part of its environment rather than a contained and separate entity" (Chiesa). Therefore, the individual operates in rather on an environment, and because a person is what he does, behavior takes primary place (Chiesa)."
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