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"The Idea of Nature", 2004.
A review of the book "The Idea of Nature" written by R. G. Collingwood.
1,545 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses R. G. Collingwood's book, "The Idea of Nature". The paper examines whether the modern view of nature is closer to the ancient than the renaissance view. The paper illustrates how Collingwood analyzes the principle characteristics of three periods of cosmological thinking in the history of European thought: Greek, Renaissance and the Modern. The paper explains that by taking such an approach, Collingwood makes it possible for his readers to distinguish the similarities as well as fundamental differences between the modern view of nature and that of Greek and Renaissance cosmology.
From the Paper
"In fact, Collingwood himself suggests as much at several points in his book. For instance, in his introduction he observes, "The modern view of Nature owes something both to Greek and to Renaissance cosmology, but it differs from each in fundamental ways." (p. 9) Thus, it is evident that Collingwood is conscious of the dangers inherent in any comparison that does not examine the antecedents of a particular school of thought. In fact, to avoid falling into such a trap, he takes meticulous care to establish how the scholars within a particular period and across eras built on the work of their predecessors by identifying and addressing loopholes and unanswered questions."
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Comparison of Kant's Ideas and the Buddhist Idea, 2002.
A discussion of Kant's concept of the empty universe and universal reason and the Buddhist idea of the universal mind.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
Discusses Kan't concept of the empty universe & universal reason and the Buddhist idea of the universal mind. Examines parallels and differences between the two philosophies. Similarities in Kant's premise that the universe is empty or neutral and the Buddhist desire to empty the mind. Differences in their thought.
From the Paper
"Universal Reason, Universal Mind: Some Parallels and Diffferences
in Kantian and Buddhist Assumptions
There is a marked similarity between Kant's ideas of the empty universe and universal reason and the Buddhist idea of the universal mind. It is fruitful to explore these parallels, while also being mindful of the difference that exists between Kantian and Buddhist thought.
In his Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant argues that self-awareness is not possible without awareness of objects external to one's mind. And unless a being is aware of the self and of external objects as different from self, that being cannot grasp that its mental states are representations..."
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Concept Of Nature In Dickinson And Emerson, 2002.
Analysis of poet Emily Dickinson's view of nature & Ralph Waldo Emerson's ideas on nature.
4,275 words (approx. 17.1 pages), 10 sources, AU$ 197.95
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Abstract
Analysis of poet Emily Dickinson's view of nature & Ralph Waldo Emerson's ideas on nature. Emerson's transcendental notion of the unity of nature, humanity and God. Dickinson's image of nature as antagonistic and mysterious. Discusses several poems by Dickinson. Emerson's conception of nature & the poet's role in understanding nature.
From the Paper
The relationship between Emily Dickinson's poetry and Ralph Waldo Emerson's ideas on nature and the poet's function is very complex. Despite Emerson's great influence on the poet and the similarity of their conceptions of the poet's role early in Dickinson's career she was eventually to go beyond his light-filled, hopeful conception of the relationship between humanity and nature in her concentration on the questions of loss and death that cast not just human existence but all of nature in a wholly different light. Dickinson did, of course, write many poems that reflected Emerson's Transcendental notion of the unity of humanity, nature, and god. But Emerson's was ultimately a serene conception in which the means of transcendence resided in that relationship among the aspects of creation--nature mediated, he believed, between humanity and deity. Even though Emerson
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Nature and Emerson and Dickinson, 2002.
This paper discusses the complex relationship between Emily Dickinson's and Ralph Waldo Emerson's ideas on nature as reflected in their poetry.
5,175 words (approx. 20.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 188.95
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Abstract
This author believes that despite Ralph Waldo Emerson's great influence on Emily Dickinson and the similarity of their conceptions of the poet's role, she goes beyond his light-filled, hopeful conception of the relationship between humanity and nature. This paper discusses Emerson's serene conception of nature in which transcendence resides in the relationship between humanity and deity. This paper analyzes several of Dickinson's poems to demonstrate that she was far more skeptical and believed that, no matter how deeply and carefully one might read into nature, it retains its mystery.
From the Paper
"In "The Rhodora," as Tuerk points out, the speaker's encounter with the flower "immediately results not from his own volition but in response to the sea-winds' piercing" of his solitude (6). The human being, the speaker, is shown at once to be fully entwined with the physical world and apart from it only by virtue of his perceptive and reflective capabilities. Therefore, human activities and the unmotivated natural forces are shown to intermingle. The 'force' of the wind that drives him is equaled, however, by the mere sight of the rhodora and beauty is shown to operate, therefore, as a force with a power perhaps even greater than anything merely physical in nature. The flower is then described in terms of its interaction with its surroundings--spreading, pleasing, dropping its petals, blackening the water, and being courted by the bird that might be attracted by it. This array of beautiful sights draws the speaker's attention in much the same way that it might eventually attract the imaginary bird."
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The Environment: Nature and Society, 2007.
An examination of man's relationship with nature, and the ways in which modern man has learned to coexist with his environment.
1,853 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 86.95
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Abstract
The writer proposes that nature and society have not always peacefully coexisted; while one cannot argue that nature does not support mankind's existence, throughout much of early history mankind dominated over nature rather than lived synergistically within the context of natural society. The paper explores how ideas about nature, society and their interconnection have transformed significantly from the early 19th century to the present. While early history in America is marked by a period of ecological imperialism, modern environmental trends are shifting more toward an Arcadian outlook. The paper concludes that mankind has developed a greater appreciation for the interrelationship between nature and society and focuses less on exploiting or conquering the environment and nature, and more on supporting the environment and discovering new ways of coexisting with nature.
Outline:
Introduction
Ideas About Nature and Society Early 19th Century
Contemporary Ideas of Nature and Society
Conclusions
From the Paper
"As time progressed however, society began slowly but surely realizing the devastating effects industrialization had on nature. Slowly people began realizing that industrialization could not exist apart from nature, but rather everything man did to support industrialized processes influenced nature. Nature was not simply a source of natural resources for man to exploit, rather nature provided mankind the very sustenance he needs to survive. Slowly society began adopting a more conservationist rather than exploitative approach to nature. Prominent government agencies and members of ecological groups began realizing that nature and society must coexist in a more Arcadian manner."
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?Naturalness? in Conservation, 2003.
Explores the idea of 'naturalness? in conservation biology.
1,750 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 12 sources, APA, AU$ 82.95
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Abstract
A natural community can be defined simply as a number of different species living together in a particular locality. This paper presents a literature review and exploration of the idea of 'naturalness' in conservation biology. It includes a description and comparison between the schools of compositionalism and functionalism.
From the Paper
"By attempting to restore a site to its prehuman state, the compositionalist view that underpins many of the world?s current restoration projects ignores the role of humans in the long term development of the ecosystem. It also incorrectly assumes that nature is static, resulting in an often unachievable goal. To remedy this Cowell (1999) suggests a more dynamic outlook in which the past is used as a reference point rather than a goal and human participation is emphasized. In the same paper Cowell recommends a shift in focus for nature conservation - evaluation rather than control, appreciation in place of manipulation and protection instead of managing. This would help humans to develop a mutualistic relationship with nature, thus removing the distinction between culture and nature."
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Karl Marx' View of Human Nature, 1999.
Karl Marx's view of human nature and why he is critical of the ideas of human rights and political rights and emancipation.
1,444 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 69.95
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Abstract
This essay examines two aspects of Marx's philosophy; firstly, his view of human nature and, secondly, why he is critical of the ideas of human rights and political rights and emancipation. The paper argues that Marx?s view of human nature underpins his thought and work and shows that Marx is critical of human rights and political rights and emancipation because he believes there to be a greater goal.
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Charles Darwin: Process of Natural Selection, 2002.
A discussion of Darwin's ideas on evolution and natural selection.
1,140 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
A paper which discusses Charles Darwin";s theory of Natural Selection, which has been heatedly discussed since its inception in 1859 in the book titled ";The Origin of Species";. Charles Darwin believed that biological species are preserved by nature only if they are fit enough to survive in a particular ecology.
From the Paper
"Charles Darwin";s book ";The origin of Species"; is one book that literally shook the world with its unusual views and its strange and completely different theory on biological evolution. From the day the book came into the market, the world is engaged in a discussion about it. The book has so far been discussed from almost perspective but its most important impact has been in the area of ethics. We must understand that while Charles Darwin";s work basically deals with biology and evolution of species, the book has given rise to numerous arguments in connection with ethics. The ethical and moral implications of this work cannot be denied, as Darwin appears to shatter the traditional biblical view of man and his origin."
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The Role of Natural Selection in the Theory of Evolution, 2002.
This paper discusses various theories of evolution, then focuses on Charles Darwin's theory. Specifically, the paper explores how his idea of natural selection fits into the scheme of species development.
2,388 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 107.95
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Abstract
The writer explores the topic of species development and the ways in which different theories of evolution have arisen from different mechanisms proposed to be behind the changes in species. Darwin's theory of natural selection answers the question of species develop over time.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Various Historical Theories
Darwinian Evolution
Variation
Natural Selection
Survival of the Fittest
Difficulties of Darwin?s Theory
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Darwin based his natural selection on the idea that if there were no checking factor, all organisms have to potential to breed their population to quantities that vastly outweigh the numbers actually seen. Since this does not happen, there must exist some factor that limits the population of the species. He explains, in depth, the geometric progression of population growth. Perhaps the most basic example is that of bacteria; each bacteria can divide into two identical bacteria in a matter of hours. We would start with one, which would divide into two, which would divide into four and so one. In a matter of days, millions of bacteria would exist. Animals and plants have the ability to breed in a similar geometric fashion. Yet something keeps populations in check. There are a myriad of reason why a population would be kept in check. The overall title to these checks Darwin assigned was Natural Selection."
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The Dis(Unity) of Nature and Humanity, 2005.
An analysis of how modern views of what is "natural" or part of "nature" often clash with classical and currently popular conceptions of those ideas.
1,080 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
In "The Organic Machine," Richard White ambitiously redefines the natural world in terms of energy transfer. His is one of many contemporary views intended to counter classical conceptions of the natural world, conceptions that are still popularly held by many today. This paper shows that White's version is based on a startling and unique perspective, but one must ask whether it is satisfying and whether it is realistic.
From the Paper
"Perhaps White is correct in stressing the fundamental unity of all action. Perhaps a handmade wooden fish wheel is essentially no different from a massive steel turbine, and perhaps all movement that occurs on the earth's surface can be condensed into simple exchanges of energy. Yet one cannot help think that this simplification somehow removes a vital facet of reality. Are Shakespeare's writings, which Emerson continually praises, mere dashes of ink on a page, fundamentally no different from any other piece of written word? Is a Beethoven Sonata really just a string of 1's and 0's on a compact disc?"
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Exalting Nature, 2004.
An analysis of the use of poetry to exalt nature, with reference to poets Stevie Smith, Margaret Walker, Alexander Pope, 'Abd Allah ibn al-Simak and Pat Lowther.
1,158 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper contends that poets vary in their views on nature. The paper discusses how Stevie Smith in the poem "Alone in the Woods" uses anger to convey man's destruction of nature and how Margaret Walker in her piece "My Mississippi Spring" conveys nature as if it were the most beautiful thing they have ever experienced or beyond carnal experience. The paper explains how other poets choose to personify it or give it some type of unimaginable quality or symbolic meaning. The poets discussed in the paper (Stevie Smith, Margaret Walker, Alexander Pope, 'Abd Allah ibn al-Simak and Pat Lowther) tend to all mean for the better of nature but all use different techniques. The paper explores how the poets use different themes such as anger and different techniques such as diction or personification, but all arrive at the main idea of exalting nature.
From the Paper
"Stevie Smith in the poem Alone in the Woods personifies the woods "Nature has taught her creatures to hate" (line 3). By personifying the woods she can now illustrate anger or "bitter hostility with words using the woods as the one angry at the human race. "As the sap paints the trees a violent green so rises the wrath of Natures creatures At man" (lines 4, 5, & 6). Further along Smith continues fortifying the his technique and idea on lines eleven through eighteen "Nature is sick at man, Sick at his fuss and fume, Sick at his agonies, Sick at his gaudy mind, That drives his body, Ever more quickly, More and more, in the wrong direction" (lines 11-18). Smith uses short lines and repetition which reaffirms his angry view on mans destruction of nature. On the other hand poets like Alexander Pope in his work An Essay on Man (epistle 1) display or convey anger but not from nature, he puts comes out and openly and describes man. Pope gives the idea that man is very possessive, Pope uses six possessive pronouns such as "Tis for mine...for me"(Pope 1-10). "
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Conception of Human Nature, 2002.
A look at Mill's and Dostoevsky's conception of human nature.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper presents Mill's idea of human nature and the role it plays in his argument about what controls society can place over the individual. An argument also is presented to demonstrate Dostoevsky's view.
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Forced Nature, 2004.
An analysis of how the Enlightenment movement invented 'nature' to save itself the trouble of reinventing society.
2,029 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 94.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the role of the Enlightenment movement regarding feminism. The paper explains that the status of nature in Enlightenment thinking regarding gender was rather unsteady. Nature was used to prop up arguments both for and against feminism, being used to justify both the subservient state of women and the need they had for more liberty and respect. The paper contends that the ultimate contribution of Enlightenment thinking to the status of women, however, was not in its views on gender or on male-female relationships. The contribution for which this era and even its more misogynistic thinkers must be thanked by modern women's rights movements, is that they created the very concept of individual rights and liberties based on the natural reason of mankind. It was the role that Nature played in the understanding of rights and liberties that eventually led to the idea that women, too, had natural rights.
From the Paper
"The Enlightenment was defined by its focus on rationality. During this era, the mysticism and superstition of the medieval era were abandoned for the idea that the world was an orderly and rational place. God, if He existed, was not an arbitrary and capricious nobodaddy, as he may have been seen in previous years. On the contrary, He (or It) was seen as the great clockmaker, a mechanic who engineered the world according to divine law and order. According to some, natural law was seen as so important that nature and God were found to be one, and a monistic impression of the world suggested that the natural was all of the divine. In many ways, this focus on natural law led to a liberalization of ancient prejudices. The superiority of hereditary rulers was challenged by evidence from nature that all men had equal and inalienable rights to self-determination; the domination of the church was questioned by evidence from science and nature."
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The Nature of Man According to Machiavelli, 2002.
Looking at the philosophies of Niccolo Machiavelli as he presents them in his work "The Prince".
882 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Machiavelli's idea of the nature of man in his philosophical work "The Prince", and by doing so, examines the character not only of the ideal prince, but also of the citizens over whom he rules. This paper shows how Machiavelli considered that the basic nature of man was to seek fulfillment of his desires and needs, the most important of these being power. Power, according to Machiavelli, is the driving force of men and has a clear distinction from morality.
From the Paper
"Concerning cruelty, which leads to a man's unworthiness of trust, Machiavelli says, "Well committed may be called those [cruelties] . . . which are perpetrated once for the need of securing one's self " (68). In addition to personal gain, achievement of gain for the state is the primary goal of the true ruler. It follows, therefore, that ?a prince must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and faithful . . . ." (101). Machiavelli asserts that if a person conquers, nobody questions?or even remembers?the victor's motives, tactics, and methods. However, cruelty is not always so beneficial to and overlooked by the citizens in the long run, even if they are incapable of retaliation, as Machiavelli also says that men "will revenge themselves for small injuries, but cannot do so for great ones: the injury therefore that we do to a man must be such that we need not fear his vengeance" (36). Now, is this man, who is to be the victim of great injuries which will not be avenged, any man, or is he one of those "men in general" who are "ungrateful, voluble, dissemblers, anxious to avoid danger, and covetous of gain" (l02)? (What a contrast this thought is to that of Socrates in Plato's Republic, who argues that a just man would not harm anyone at all!) Such execution?though somewhat inconsistent?of cruelties, whether well-intended or not, inevitably results in the prince's not being trustworthy. Thus, power should be exercised with great care, no matter what the circumstances, because the prince must avoid being despised in order to rule strongly and effectively with no possibility of revolution."
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The State of Nature in "Leviathan", 2003.
Examines the ideas of the 17th century political philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, concerning the 'Natural Condition of Mankind' in his work, "Leviathan".
2,757 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 15 sources, MLA, AU$ 120.95
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Abstract
Thomas Hobbes lived in the 17th century and wrote during the time of the English Civil War. His political views most likely were influenced by the war. To understand the complexity of Thomas Hobbes's ideas, as expressed in "Leviathan" about the state of nature, this paper defines Hobbes's concept of a state of nature as being one of absolute liberty where men are viewed as natural persons who have never experienced the implied security of a commonwealth. Furthermore, this paper characterizes the commonwealth as a state of peace, offering its fellowship harmony and fruitful existence. This paper demonstrates the reasons and conditions that might compel a man to exchange his complete liberty for the conceptual security offered by a commonwealth.
From the Paper
"To use Hobbes's phraseology, the state of war exists when knowledge of conflict is present: "so the nature of war consisteth not in actual fighting, but in the known disposition thereto" (Hobbes 1590). True misery is a situation in which men feel they are likely to lose their lives, and therefore are faced with the fear of death. According to Hobbes, individuals value their own survival and well-being much more highly than the survival and well-being of others. Hence, if man believes a certain action best helps to maintain his own security, he is very likely to undertake it, even if it puts at risk the survival or well-being of others. Life becomes a constant battle for survival."
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Hobbes, Locke and the State of Nature, 2008.
A comparative analysis of the views of John Hobbes and Thomas Locke
on the state of nature.
2,944 words (approx. 11.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 127.95
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Abstract
This paper relates that both Hobbes's "Leviathan" and Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" were written in England during times of political unrest and that both works take a broad and critical look at political systems and society. The paper further relates that both men believed that in order to properly understand politics in a society, man must first be studied in the state of nature, a time before structured society. The paper then explains that both Hobbes and Locke created their own hypothetical states of nature and theorized on what motivates the behavior of men in this state. In addition, the paper looks at how each philosopher defends opposing theories on men in a state of nature and concludes that, while these perspectives may be very different, the truth may lie somewhere in between.
Outline:
Introduction
Ideas of Thomas Hobbes
Ideas of John Locke
Analysis and Validity of Ideas
Conclusion
From the Paper
"While both Hobbes and Locke make very convincing arguments on the state of nature, I believe the actual truth falls somewhere in between. Both thinkers seem to approach the subject with a preconceived notion of man, and then attempt to create a hypothetical state of nature in which this type of man would fit. To best understand man in a state of nature, we must first look towards wildlife in its own state of nature. Humans are, of course, the most complex of creatures, but there are still other animals that live in a state of individual self-preservation and in a community. Primates, in particular chimpanzees, are one of the smartest and most human-like animals of the world. Chimpanzees live in a community together and interact on a constant basis. "
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