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Identity Theory vs. Functionalism, 2008.
A comparison between identity theory and functionalism.
960 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explores functionalist theory and identity theory. Specifically, the paper briefly describes each, outlines their similarities and differences, discusses the relative shortcomings and strengths of each, and briefly advances which one is preferable. The paper concludes that, while it may be argued that functionalism is a more persuasive approach to understanding the human mind than is identity theory, ultimately neither philosophical school is entirely persuasive when it comes to explaining the activities of the human brain.
From the Paper
"At the same time, the computer analogy outlined above is infelicitous in the sense that, suggesting the "high-level" functions of the brain are shaped by the "hardware" of the brain, can raise some confusion in the minds of novice students. To wit, if "the software is a function of the hardware" ("Functionalism: How is functionalism different?" Para.2), then can it not be argued that the software is really more akin to the hardware than functionalists would have people believe? In other words, if there is such a dependency, then the difference between functionalism and identity theory is not very great, indeed; in fact, it may really not exist at all."
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Token Identity Theory, 2004.
This paper defines "token identity" theory and compares it to the theory of "dualism".
1,290 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper states that "identity theory" claims that each and every type of mental state corresponds directly to a physical state or occurrence within the brain; but "token identity" theory does not say that the tokens share any physical properties. The author declares that the theory of dualism claims that each mental token is entirely non-physical despite the fact that it appears to be connected to the body. The paper concludes that "identity theory" and materialism are more probable than "dualism".
From the Paper
"Now that the two opposing theories of identity theory and dualism have been defined, the various arguments for the theories can be examined. To begin with I will argue for identity theory, using an argument concerning our physical origins and evolutionary history. When a human being is conceived as a fertilized ovum, it begins life as a genetically programmed single-celled collection of molecules. The further it develops, the more molecules are added and the larger it becomes; as the cells divide over and over, the structure and amalgamation of each molecule that is added is controlled by information present in the DNA in the cell nucleus."
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Social Identity Theory, 2005.
A look at how social identity theory can be used to understand various aspects of organizational identification and behavior.
814 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how a review of the available literature on social identity theory and enactments suggests that organizations who consciously work towards creating and fostering a common identity will reap the benefits of greater organizational commitment. It also examines how the theory can improve employee morale and job satisfaction as well as better decision-making processes, enhanced creativity and innovation, and more competitive edges.
From the Paper
"One way for organizations to manage existing or potential conflicts is to ensure that management practices promote rather than compromise job satisfaction by establishing integrity in promotion processes, allocation of resources, and organizational policies (Anon, 2003). After all, research on experimental and ethnic groups indicates that groups are less likely to evidence ethnocentrism and defensive biases if differences are viewed as legitimate (Ashforth & Mael, 1989). Hatch and Schultz (2002) also contend that knowing how organizational identities work can help organizations avoid organizational dysfunction and thus increase their effectiveness. "
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The Theory of Identity Formation Applied to the Amish, 2001.
A look at Erik Erikson's "Theory of Identity Formation" and how it can be used to better understand the Amish culture.
7,925 words (approx. 31.7 pages), 13 sources, AU$ 249.95
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Abstract
This paper crosses disciplines of psychology and sociology/anthropology. It uses Erik Erikson?s famous "Theory of Identity Formation" to try and make sense of Amish culture. It examines social and psychological aspects of Amish life from birth to death. It finds that Erikson?s theory works well and is substantiated by Amish life?especially Amish adolescence.
From the Paper
"With this paper I am concerned with observing Old Order Amish Society (primarily in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania) through an Eriksonian framework of identity formation. His epigenetic cycle, the Eight Stages of Man, will be played out using Amish social customs and practices extracted from numerous literary sources, though most predominantly from John Hostetler?s Amish Society. Of particular interest, and most emphasized, is the fifth epigenetic stage?the identity crisis. To expedite a resolution during this adolescent phase, Erikson prescribes a psychological ?moratorium? which corresponds directly to the seemingly peculiar Amish practice of relaxing behavioral standards of teenagers. In order not to misrepresent individual identity as collective identity writ small, the notion of Amish personhood is later invoked, although is more briefly discussed. The successful resolution of an adolescent?s identity crisis seems to coincide with the decision to enter the church, which, marked by the baptism ceremony, signifies attainment of full personhood. Despite that Erikson?s notion of identity is predicated upon a fairly determinant and universalistic psychobiological trajectory, and therefore of limited utility for comparative studies, it is believed useful here as an analytic tool for understanding Amish development given their strong cultural identity and social dictates of personal behavior."
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Queer Theory and Homosexual Identity, 2006.
A review of the 'History of Sexuality' and Michel Foucault's perspective on the sexual revolution.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 142.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how in the 1970s Michel Foucault wrote the 'History of Sexuality'. Foucault was the first to discuss homosexuality in relation to western society and he developed the basis of queer theory that is used today. The general feeling during this period of time was that people had to begin to discuss their inner most feelings thoughts and behaviors in order to find themselves in the social order. The paper further discusses how sexuality became an important part of that discussion. Yet, as people began to delve into the topic of homosexuality, the dialogue was so intense that, according to Foucault, homosexuals became a species. According to the paper, studies focused on how homosexuals acted in society, what they ate and how they interacted within their own social groups. Every aspect of homosexuality became a factor for social investigation, much like science explores many species of animals.
From the Paper
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Functionalism and Neo-Functionalism, 2005.
This paper compares the ideas of functionalism and neo-functionalist schools in international relations.
920 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper defines functionalism and neo-functionalism in international relations. The author includes references to these ideas and the work of David Mitrany and Jean Monnet.
From the Paper
"The political theory known as functionalism refers to that policy of shifting responsibility for resolving problems from the nation-state to international bodies indirectly by ..."
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Identity, Gender and Academic Theory, 2005.
A review of a number of articles discussing identity, gender and academic issues.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly summarizes articles by Stuart Hall, Michael Foucault, Judith Butler and Lisa Duggan. The paper responds to set questions pertaining to identity, gender, the body in relation to the human being and gaps between academic theory, culture and social reality. The paper discusses the articles broadly towards critical responses.
From the Paper
"Responses to Readings in Relation to Questions I Stuart Hall. "Cultural Identity and Diaspora", in J.E. Braziel and A. Mannur. (ed) Theorizing Diaspora. (Oxford: Blackwell, 1988), 233-246. Stuart Hall notes the rise of a Caribbean cinema that he sees as indicative of various 'Third Cinemas', addressing post-colonial subjects, in contrast with Western depictions of the Afro-Caribbean or Asian of Caribbean origin. He notes which identities have come to be enunciated, as opposed to projected upon non-Western groups to observe them, and writes in terms of identity, and also, in terms of identity as a production, or an unfinished project that is continually debated, in our day. (p. 234)"
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Functionalism, 2004.
An analysis of what functionalism inherits from logical behaviorism and identity theory.
1,435 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses where functionalism falls in the genesis of theory that attempts to answer the question of the truth of the relationship between mind and body in the human experience. The fundamental idea of functionalism is that mental states are definable in a similarly exterior way to behaviorism. It examines how the the theory of functionalism can be considered the intellectual child of logical behaviorism with adapted elements of modern identity theory concerning the identical nature of the human brain?s structures and processes.
From the Paper
"Functionalism takes its inspiration from the mechanistic aspects of science. In so-called simple Decompositional Functionalism, a whole system is explained in terms of functional parts, such as the functional components of an the infamous Turning machine, the purely functional machine that forms the functionalist philosophy?s core image. In such an ideal machine, all that matters is what the machine does, not the mechanics of how it does what it does, or what the machine is made of. Computation-Representation Functionalism takes the technical aspects of Decompositional Functionalism and applies them to the biological components of the human mind, rendering mental states into functional states."
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Identity Crisis and Finding Identity in "Stand By Me", 2008.
An analysis of the theme of identity in Rob Reiner's film "Stand By Me".
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the issue of identity exploration and identity commitment in the movie entitled "Stand By Me" (1986), directed by Rob Reiner. "Stand By Me" is an adventure-drama movie based on the novella "The Body" by Stephen King. The film presents the journey of four 12-year-old boys who cross the woodlands near their home to see the dead body of a boy their own age. In order to fully comprehend the characters and their dilemmas, the paper closely examines their conversations and the items that they bring on the journey . The paper concludes that the film illustrates how choosing an identity to conform to is not an easy task, for it consists of contrasting personal, cultural and social identities.
From the Paper
"First and foremost is Gordie Lachance. Gordie is a book smart child; he likes to read, write and tell stories. He lost his older brother Denny to a jeep accident four months earlier before embarking on the journey. After his older brother's death, he felt like an 'invisible child' in his family as both of his parents tend to ignore him as they had a hard time to cope with the loss of their elder son. Gordie is never his father's favorite son as his father is only interested in Denny and Denny's next football game. In addition to this, Gordie's father questions him on his choice of friends, referring to all of them as 'thieves'. Gordie also has a nightmare that portrays his elder brother's funeral and he hears his father say, "It should've been you." All this shows that Gordie has a bad relationship with his father."
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Identical and Non-identical Twins, 2008.
This paper looks at two common types of twins and one rare type.
704 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the two most common types of twins; identical and non-identical twins, also known as monozygotic and dizygotic twins. The paper looks at the differences between identical and non-identical twins. The paper then talks about a third type of twins; half-identical or polar body twins.
Outline:
What Are Twins
Types of Twins
Identical Twins
Comparing Non-Identical Twins with Identical Twins
A Third Type of Twinning
From the Paper
"In a normal pregnancy, a single baby develops in the uterus of the mother. In very special circumstances, two and sometimes even more babies develop simultaneously in the mother's uterus. This is called a multiple pregnancy. Twins are two babies in a multiple pregnancy. Twins are considered very special and present a fascination for science and society. In the fields of psychology and sociology, there is a special subfield called "twin studies". Twins studies are especially important in the search for answers to the nature vs. nurture question. What is the most important factor in human development: genetics (nature) or environment (nurture)?"
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Personal Identity, 2007.
A comparison of the personal identity theories of John Locke and David Hume.
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts John Locke and David Hume's conceptions of personal identity. It discusses each of their theories and discusses the contemporary philosopher's views on the theories and how they may support or reject them. The paper also establishes some of the common points between Locke and Hume's approaches.
From the Paper
"A common point between the two philosophers is their diachronic view of personal identity. With Locke, the same soul or thinking substance is neither necessary not sufficient for personal identity over time and for Hume also, time is important in what concerns identity. However, there is also differentiation point: for Locke consciousness remains the same in the transition between thinking substances, and for Hume identity is shaped by perceptions, in the course of time. Only the large temporal frame is common, the approaches to identity in time differ."
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Homosexual Identity, 2007.
A review of the development of homosexual identity and the queer theory.
2,574 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 112.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the development of homosexual identity from a discursive perspective. It pays particular attention to the contemporary effects that queer theory has on the destabilization of homosexual and gender identity. In order to accomplish this, the paper first discusses the origin of the idea of the homosexual as a separate species, distinct from heterosexual individuals. The paper finally suggests some possibilities about the future of sexual identity.
From the Paper
"The origins of homosexual identity lie in modern socio-cultural and historical construction. Foucault and other theorists have shown identity, even homosexual identity, to be the result of social and cultural forces, not biological or natural ones. As a result, the origins of any identity can be traced to an historical origin point. For homosexual identity, modern attitudes about the speciation of homosexual developed in earnest in the late 19th century in the West and have come to dominate the subsequent century with regard to sexual identity construction. The relatively recent creation of queer theory has revealed the constructed nature of sexual and gender identities. Queer theory provides theorists, and even laypeople, with the understanding that identity is not the immutable natural item we generally assume it to be. Instead, the destabilizing effects of queer theory unmask gender identity for what it is, a social construction still undergoing social change."
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"Matter and Consciousness" (M. Churchland), 1992.
Examines Churchland's theories of mind and body, dualism, behaviorism, identity theory, functionalism and materialism.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 1 source, AU$ 127.95
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From the Paper
"Every field that contributes to the understanding of philosophy already has established theories and definitions. Man, the principle focus of philosophy, also has established customs and patterns of behavior. Both of these elements evolve and succumb over time - man evolves and dies; theories are replaced by newer, more accurate theories. Matter and Consciousness is Churchland's attempt to make us see that philosophy may most accurately be studied only if we keep our knowledge of it's theories and definitions current and only if we discard theories which become impractical in the modern world. This paper will be a discussion and analysis of Chapter 2 of Paul M. Churchland's Matter and Consciousness.
Churchland, in his preface, says his aim at writing a compact modern philosophy book is primarily to aid the newcomer ..."
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Queer Theory, 2002.
A look at its contribution to our understanding of sexual identity.
2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 10 sources, AU$ 155.95
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Abstract
This study investigates "Queer Theory's" contribution to our understanding of sexuality and sexual identity. The essay begins by exploring what exactly Queer Theory is, before elaborating on its contribution to discussions of sexuality and sexual identity. My argument is that Queer Theory, as a set of ideas based on the concept that all identities are unfixed and do not determine who we are, has played a profound and fundamental role in shaping our understanding of sexuality and sexual identity. This lies mainly in the theory's potential to question the very idea of sexual identities. Moreover, Queer Theory challenges us to think in new ways, not just about heterosexuality and homosexuality, but about seemingly fixed notions such as sexuality, gender, and even constructions such as 'man' and 'woman.'
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The Human Personal Identity, 2002.
An analysis of the different theories of personal identity and its formation.
1,355 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper tackles the issue of personal identity. The author examines the leading theories of personal identity: the Soul Continuity Theory, the Brain Continuity Theory, the Body Continuity Theory, and the Memory Continuity Theory. This paper gives some detail on each of these competing claims and proves that in fact none are correct and personal identity is some combination of the above.
From the Paper
"There are many theories as to what exactly constitutes an individual?s personal identity, their self-identity over time; the very thing that makes them unique from all other beings. This paper will show, through a defense and counterargument of the best of these competing theories, the soul theory, that it as well as the others fall short of defining personal identity and that in fact true PI is constituted through both the brain and the soul."
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The Nature of Identity, 2002.
A discussion on identity - how it is formed and judged, with a focus on racial identity, gender identity and class identity.
1,380 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper shows how a sense of identity is developed and how this identity is then judged by the individual to create their level of self-esteem. The paper examines the three aspects of race, class and gender, with a focus on how this impacts self-esteem and how it creates an individual's identity.
From the Paper
"Identity is a characteristic that defines a person and impacts everything they do, from the relationships they form, to the work they do and everything in between. Identity is the one characteristic of an individual that remains with them at all times, whether they are alone, socializing, working or with their families. Identity is a constant companion of an individual and determines how they see themselves and how they feel about themselves. This first part is self-image, the second part is self-esteem which is defined as one of the key components of an individuals personality (Seamon & Kenrick 398)."
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