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Holiness as a Virtue, 2002.
A discussion of the character of the Red Cross Knight in "The Faerie Queen", an epic poem by Edmund Spenser.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 47.95
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Abstract
The Faerie Queen, an epic poem by Edmund Spenser is a lengthy piece of work consisting of six parts that was completed in 1590. This paper discusses the allegorical theme of ?holiness and virtue? in the poem and since this is represented by the Red Cross Knight it focuses on his character. It shows how the Red Cross Knight is out on a mission to save the world from sin and that ?truth? and ?holiness? themselves have to face temptations and attractive evils in order to show the ?vulnerability? of humans to sins.
From the Paper
"The bloody (bloudie) cross that the knight wore on his breast is a direct reference to Jesus Christ from whom he derives his ?Holiness.? However, the Red Cross Knight is not Jesus himself, since unlike the Lord himself he is not able to resist the temptation of the ?Garden of Eden? and thus represents the fallibility of human beings. While under the evil spell of the woods, he is tricked by the magic of Archimago into believing the ?Truth? (Una) as unvirtuous and falls for the deception and temptation provided by Duessa, the witch."
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Virtue in Ancient China and Athens, 2004.
An examination and comparison of the way Confucius and Aristotle viewed the concept of virtue.
1,136 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
Although both have present-day renown as ancient apostles of the virtuous life, in truth, the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, and the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, cannot be strictly and coherently contrasted in their points of view on virtue in a traditional sense of comparison. This paper explains that both philosophers have such substantially different definitions of what ?virtue? may be defined, as within their respective historical, political, and societal circumstances, one cannot elide ?virtue? within the same definitional framework of ancient China and ancient Greece. It shows how both philosophers conceptualized the notion of what constitutes virtue in completely different ways. For Confucius, virtue was a code of conduct, a law or rule of life that ought to be obeyed to create a more harmonious and perfect society. For Aristotle, virtue was a philosophical ideal that attempted to provide human beings with a definition that enabled them to conceive of their lives in a more philosophically efficacious way.
From the Paper
"The different definitions of virtue between Confucius and Aristotle arise not simply because of difference of temperament or even translation, but of what both saw as their roles as thinkers. Confucius was primarily preoccupied with improving government and society. He was convinced that the problem with his current government and the current state of Chinese society was what he defined as a lacking of virtue or a lack of obedience to the rule of what was good. A truly good public servant, for instance, ?who on confronting danger is prepared to lay down his life, who on confronting gain concentrates on what is right, who when sacrificing concentrates on reverence, who when mourning concentrates on grief should definitely be all right,? as opposed to a self-interested or non-virtuous public servant, only interested in self-gratification. (19:1, Analects) The absence of good public servants in China had led to an absence of good governance."
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Virtue According to Niccolo Machiavelli, 2004.
Compares Machiavelli's notion of virtue to Thomas Hobbes's notion of virtue.
1,703 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the different political concepts of virtue as put forth in Machiavelli's "The Prince" and Hobbes's "Leviathan". The paper also explains Machiavelli's belief that power can only be attained by the use of force verses Hobbes's belief that political power is achieved through the obligation and liberty of those being ruled. Furthermore, this paper discusses the differing ideas Machiavelli and Hobbes held concerning the goals of government. Finally, the paper looks at the film about the Salem witch trials, "The Crucible", and explains how the tenets posited by both Machiavelli and Hobbes can be seen in the social atmosphere portrayed in the film.
From the Paper
"Virtue is a word often connected with the circumstance of immorality or lack of morality. Niccollo Machiavelli defined ?virtue? as a concept that attempts to convey in one English word the two senses of ?virtu? in the Italian of the Renaissance. There is within the definition provided by Machiavelli the connotation of ruthlessness as well as resourcefulness. Machiavelli appears to be influenced by the contention that one should give more emphasis to an amoralist view allows the structure to determine the essence of the form of ?virtue?."
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Virtue, 2005.
A comparison of the concepts of 'virtue' as explained by Plato and 'virtue' as defined by Machiavelli.
2,715 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 118.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes why the two concepts are defined alike, but by no means appear to be of a similar nature. It then argues that the real difference lies not in the formulations of the two concepts, but rather in the very meaning, use, and ultimate goals of virtue in the context of an individual's life and his personal values. The argument follows that, in the core of the differences between the two concepts, will be the value given by two authors to morality and justice, which, in turn, comes down to two clashing views on the attributes of virtuousness: being successful versus being good.
From the Paper
"Having set out to discern the distinctions between two concepts, of which one is Plato's idea of virtue in the The Republic and another is the notion of virtu presented by Machiavelli in The Prince, one would not expect to face any difficulties, for few concepts seem to be at more extreme opposites of each other at the first glance. Indeed, while Plato in his dialogues sees virtue as a means of creating an ideal, happy state that will in turn yield happy individuals within it, Machiavelli's use of virtue (or virtu) seems to be vastly different, if not polarly opposite. The ruler's primary use of virtue in Machiavelli's view is in some instances to create, and in most to maintain power over the state acquired by various means, which would not always be considered virtuous by Plato. It is noticeable that happiness and well-being of individuals in the state possessed by a prince is a low priority for Machiavelli; rather than being the goal, as it is in the case of Plato's Republic, happiness of the citizens is merely a means of maintaining stability of the state and ensuring the prince's control over it. One can easily see, therefore, that the aim of Plato's virtue is happiness, while that of Machiavelli's virtu is power, mostly by means of fear and domination. With that being clear, what difficulty can one possibly expect in contrasting the two notions of virtue? Looking more scrupulously at the definitions formulated by both authors, however, one might be faced with a surprising paradox: on the level of words and definitions both concepts appear to be close to each other and involve similar qualities of their possessors."
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Virtue, 2004.
A review of Aristotle's book, "Nicomachean Ethics", focusing on the topic of virtue.
1,030 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the idea of virtue and attempts to show that Aristotle was correct in his argument that virtue is a state of being. Intellectual virtue and moral virtue are described. The paper claims that, according to Aristotle, to be virtuous one must first behave in a virtuous way, finding the mean between extremes for his or her personal life.
From the Paper
"Aristotle continues with the concept that virtue is simply the mean between extremes. He argues that everything is destroyed by either excess or shortcoming in nature, and so too are human virtues (Book II, Chapter 2). His point is well proven in nature. Take for example the flower. When given too much water, the flower will perish. Given too little, and the flower will also perish. It is only through careful proportion that the flower can survive. So too is the essence of human moral virtue. As Aristotle states, the man who runs from everything will remain a coward, and the man who meets every danger becomes irrational and unable to filter out situations that may cause extreme harm. However, by habitually exercising good judgment, one is able to find the mean for ones self, and thus, find virtue."
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Teaching Virtue, 2007.
A discussion of several philosopher's teachings on virtue, including Socrates and Jesus.
1,577 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 75.95
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Abstract
By consulting the works of Socrates and other philosophers, this paper examines whether virtue is something that can be taught. This question is examined, in particular, through a discussion between Socrates and Menon. The paper cites various quotes and paraphrases concepts to further illustrate the concept of virtue. The paper also examines beliefs of other experts who think virtue, and the ability to differentiate between good and evil, can be learned within the structure of a family or school environment. The paper then considers virtue from a Christian perspective, citing the example of Jesus.
From the Paper
"He continues by stating that virtue entails many qualities that enhance lives for good, and can also influence other individual's lives and of those whom we come in contact with. Learned virtue can encompass many thoughts and ideas, including those such as patience, humility, courage, justice, charity, etc. Many experts agree with Socrates that virtue is a quality of both inherited and environmental atmosphere. "
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Virtue Ethics and Pornography, 2002.
This paper discusses virtue ethics and how it would respond to the issue of pornography.
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, AU$ 64.95
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Abstract
Developed by Aristotle, virtue ethics emphasized the importance of reason and virtue for good moral character. Virtue ethics elevated the world of reason to a high level. More than anything else, it emphasized the importance of a balance. Since pornography is an extreme of sexual expression, virtue ethics would oppose it, since it emphasizes a mean between excess and defect.
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Aristotle on Virtue, 2002.
A study on Aristotle's philosophy of virtue.
985 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the concept of virtue as presented by Aristotle and how it differs from earlier Greek concept of virtue. The paper describes that Aristotle believed that everything in life serves a purpose and that there is an intimate relationship between virtue and happiness. It compares the works of Homer and Sophocles to illustrate the ancient concept of virtuous man as war hero who wins war for his nation, while for Aristotle a virtuous man leads a simple life.
From the Paper
"Aristotle is considered to be the philosopher of philosophers, he virtually wrote about everything, he pioneered most of the disciplines like psychology, biology, meteorology and political science. For almost a thousand years Aristotle?s theories were unchallenged such was the impact of his philosophy and thought. The medieval philosophy of Scholastics and early Renaissance thinkers borrowed heavily from Aristotle."
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Virtue Ethics, 2007.
This paper discusses the background of the theory of virtue ethics.
855 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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The paper explains that virtue ethics refers to the theory or a system of philosophical belief that focuses on the entire personality or disposition of a person instead of actions alone. The paper discusses how virtue ethics were developed by ancient thinkers Plato and Aristotle but it was in the 1950s that interest in virtue ethics was renewed by Anscombe's famous paper ""Modern Moral Philosophy."
From the Paper
"Prior to the 1960s, the field of normative ethics was largely dominated by deontology, which was based on the values and beliefs of eighteenth-century philosopher Immanuel Kant, and utilitarianism, which was based on the views of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century philosophers Jeremy Bentham and J. S. Mill. In most of the books published up until thirty years ago, virtue was discussed in terms of deontology or utilitarianism. Gradually a change was witnessed as people began searching for something beyond deontology and utilitarianism as it was found that these two theories did not encompass many important issues or had no answers for some modern problems. This gave rise to virtue ethics, which was not exactly seen as the third approach at first but attained a distinguished status of its own as it began to grow in stature and importance."
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Socrates' Conception of Virtue, 2002.
A look at Socrates' conception of virtue: the relationship between pleasure and pain, good and evil and ignorance and knowledge.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 77.95
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This essay investigates the relationship between pleasure and pain, good and evil, and knowledge and ignorance in Socrates' conception of virtue. The essay begins with an overview of the life and times of Socrates, which had an impact on his philosophy. It moves next to briefly discussing the relationship between each of the following three subsections: pleasure and pain, good and evil and ignorance and knowledge. It concludes by discussing how these concepts figure in Socrates' conception of virtue.
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Aristotle, Virtue and Happiness, 2002.
A discussion of Aristotle's views on the concepts of virtue and happiness.
1,363 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 66.95
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This paper examines the perspective that Aristotle brings to bear on the (for Greeks) twinned concepts of happiness and virtue. It looks at how the Greeks would have argued that both happiness and power derive from virtue and how the quest for a fulfilled life does not have to be seen in terms of a trade-off between doing good and doing well. It analyzes how Aristotle argues that happiness is one of the chief activities of the human soul, along with rationality and therefore it is virtuous both to be rational and to be happy.
From the Paper
"One of the most important of all questions for the classical Greek philosophers was how to define virtue: This is true not only of Aristotle but of many of his contemporaries. However, when we read Aristotle, we see this idea is almost a consuming passion of his. While we should not assume that Aristotle was not in fact a man very much concerned with doing the right thing and being a good person, we must also bear in mind that for a philosopher like Aristotle the concept of virtue was a much broader area of concern ? as well as action in the world ? than the term is for us today."
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Rape and Virtue in the Media, 2006.
This paper discusses the depiction of rape and virtue in the media.
1,635 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
In this essay, the writer discusses three different sources regarding the subject of rape and virtue. Women and society are looked at in this article. The writer discusses how rape is viewed in society and the many implicated meanings it has in the minds of both men and women. The writer concludes that the articles discussed in this paper indicate a society that prides itself on its advancement and openness, but that really is still in the Stone Age in many respects.
Outline:
Nongovernmental Organizations, "Grassroots," and the Politics of Virtue.
Toward a New Feminist Theory of Rape
Remapping the Event: Institutional Discourses and the Trauma of Rape
From the Paper
"The author's research began right after apartheid ended, and so covers a time of "historical transformation" in the country and in women's lives. The author admits there were many changes to the country after apartheid ended, but more importantly, many things did not change, including women's networks and their empowerment of other women.
She notes that women's organizations were included in the new government, which gave women new opportunities to lead. It also gave them opportunities to network on a global scale with other women, and this also opens up many questions. How do women pick and choose who to nurture and support and who not to? Ultimately, at least some of this nurturing is based not on need, but on women's perceptions of those who are "virtuous" or "deserving" and those who are not. They make choices based on women who are "trying to help themselves" rather than women who are needy or seem to "beg" for aid from others. In other words, they may choose to help one grassroots organization that seems to be worthy because it cooperates with others, but also because they meet certain requirements. For example, these women might not help a black, uneducated woman because they feel she is not doing anything to help herself, but they would help a black woman who has enrolled in school to learn English."
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Aristotle and Virtue, 2008.
An analysis of Aristotle's beliefs about human virtue and how they can be applied to the modern world.
1,269 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 63.95
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This paper discusses how the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle taught two thousand years ago that unless there is meaning and purpose in people's lives and that unless human beings understand why they suffer and rejoice and why they toil and exert themselves, and unless they comprehend the meaning of life, they do not truly live, but merely exist. The paper discusses how Aristotle emphasized that virtue provides meaning and defines human excellence. The paper also discusses how Aristotle's beliefs seems quaint and outdated today because self-interest and cynicism pervade this modern world, in which people are far more interested in advancement than in virtue.
From the Paper
"Aristotle sought to provide meaning and understanding through his works, to explain the purpose of existence, and to guide people to lead virtuous lives that will have meaning for them and for those they love. Yet today, millions of people still search for the meaning of life. For so many people, the philosophical teachings of the great philosophers of human history seem archaic, misguided, fearfully strict, hollow, or impossible to achieve. Life seems pointless, values seem flawed, virtuous conduct is rare, and they can find little if any joy or satisfaction in anything. "
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"The Virtue of Selfishness", 2004.
An analysis of the rationalization and pursuit of self-interest of humanity in "The Virtue of Selfishness" by Ayn Rand.
1,035 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
In discussing Rand?s philosophy that selfishness is a virtue, this paper discusses five essays that are the most crucial in explaining the concepts that Rand introduces in his book, "The Virtue of Selfishness". The discussion is followed by an analysis of the author?s claims and premises regarding the topic. The paper assesses each premise or concept introduced in the context of the present outlook of human society towards selfishness and humankind?s rationalization and individualization.
From the Paper
"Ayn Rand?s collection of essays in the book ?The Virtue of Selfishness? provides insightful thoughts about the emergence of rationalization and individualism within the individual. The author discusses how the dawn of humankind had already seen the emergence of individualism and rationalization. It is only in the process of being nurtured by the social environment that the individual learns how to detest, even consider evil, the ?virtue? of selfishness."
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Virtue Ethics, 2008.
This paper explores the extent to which virtue ethics can be applied in practice.
1,412 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 69.95
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The paper looks at the views of Plato, Aristotle, Elisabeth Anscombe and Alasdair MacIntyre on virtues and defines the strengths and weaknesses of virtue ethics when applying the virtues to real life. The paper shows how there are no concrete rules for people to follow, yet the theory is more practical than other normative theories because it is agent-centered and based around the type of person one is.
From the Paper
"Virtue ethics originated from the well known philosophers Aristotle and Plato and is based on the concept of being virtuous and achieving virtues. A virtue is a character trait of excellence that leads people to making the right choices and to happiness, to be a virtue it must have a good end. For example, a terrorist may have the virtue of courage but their actions lead to death and this is not considered a good end, the terrorist would therefore not be considered virtuous."
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Machiavelli's Virtue, 2007.
This paper studies "Machiavelli's Virtue", making use of the views of scholars.
1,518 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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In this essay the writer discusses that when hearing the name "Machiavelli," many people automatically think of negative words such as "corrupt," "evil," and "valueless." The writer notes that the controversy about the truth of this continues. In fact, the writer maintains that many historians better recall Machiavelli for his political philosophy and diplomacy during the Renaissance. The writer points out that in the numerous essays contained in the book, "Machiavelli's Virtue", Harvey Mansfield confirms that he strongly recognizes Machiavelli as ranking along with Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, to achieve his goal of "modernity." The writer concludes that Machiavelli's beliefs as well as the book 'Machiavelli's Virtue' provide a great deal to consider when looking at the political situation today across the world.
From the Paper
"Mansfield's following of Strauss is well recognized, so it seemed helpful to first start reading the section about Strauss in the book first. This would provide a foundation on how Mansfield derived his basic direction of thought regarding Machiavelli. It is confusing that the chapters are not in chronological order and this information on Strauss does not come until the middle of the book in chapter nine. In fact, it is easier reading the chapters in a different order and using the index to follow up on certain themes that are used throughout the essays."
"Mansfield admits his strong following for Strauss throughout his essays in Machiavelli's Virtue."
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