| Papers [1-16] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "LANGUAGE INSTINCT": |
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'Language Is Not an Instinct', 2006.
A look at how Michael Tomasello proves that language is not an instinct in his article, "Language is Not an Instinct".
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 0 sources, AU$ 38.95
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Abstract
Is language an instinct? This paper examines Michael Tomasello article, "Language Is Not an Instinct" in which he disagrees with Chomsky's theory of generative grammar. The paper explains Tomasello's argument that language is not an instinct because it has not been studied scientifically and many of the main points required for something to be an instinct do not apply to language.
From the Paper
"Michael Tomasello proves that language is not an instinct and he offers alternate explanations concerning language. Language is not an instinct because it does not have a set of behavior competencies (Tomasello 1995, 132). It does not have specific expressions nor does it have species-typical sets of expression (Tomasello 1995, 133). Language has thousands of different types of expressions depending on the country, gender, ethnicity, race, etc. "
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Theory of a Language Instinct, 2002.
Explains Steven Pinker's theory of a language instinct, partially derived from Noam Chomsky's work with generative/universal grammar.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, AU$ 51.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Pinker's ideas expressed in his book "The Language Instinct", and explains the position of those who oppose his theory of language instinct and advocate a more or less behaviorist position in which nothing is "innate" in the mind.
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Animal and Human Language, 2004.
This paper discusses that human and animal languages are not fundamentally different in type, but differ in degree.
1,745 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 8 sources, APA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the three elements of language ? abstractness, grammar, and cultural ramifications ? are not unique to human language, but merely more advanced or merely more evident from our perspective than the language of animals. The author points out that chimps and parrots in laboratory settings seem capable of grasping abstract terms (such as ?mad? or ?bad? or ?blue?), generating new combinations of words to express new ideas, and referring to distant events or objects. The paper relates that animals may be more driven by instinct than by learned behavior, yet they show a propensity, in many cases, to learn language.
From the Paper
"Grammar is one of the strictest supposed differences between human and animal languages. Grammar involves the organization of discrete words into complex sentences that have specific required orders and syntaxes. Even human sign language tends to require certain specific syntaxes. While animals appear capable of understanding syntax, there is little evidence that they use it in communication (though it is difficult to prove a negative). According to one influential chimp research, Terrace, ?No chimpanzee has learned sign language. They?ve certainly learned some gestures, but sign language is not just a system of gestures. It?s a full, grammatical language with its own systematic grammar, like Latin.? The lack of grammar is evident in cases such as that of Koko, one of the stars of the talking-chimp movement."
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James and Lorenz on Instinct, 2002.
Compares ideas by William James and Konrad Lorenz on instinct in behavioral determinism.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 5 sources, AU$ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper will compare and contrast the theories of William James and Konrad Lorenz that determine the role of instinct in determining behavior. By understanding the inner nature of instinct within the human being, we can see how these two men agreed and disagreed on the nature of mankind to create a source of behavior. By revealing these theories, we can see the real part that instinct plays within the complex notions of behavior as determined by these men.
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'Death Instinct', 2006.
A discussion regarding Freud's theory of the death instinct.
1,679 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a discussion about Freud's theory of the death instinct in humans. The paper examines and summarizes Freud's theory. The paper concludes with the argument that the death instinct theory makes sense.
Outline:
Introduction
What It Is
Holding It Against Life
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This idea was rejected at the time by many of the students who followed his teachings. They could not grasp that someone would have a desire to die and would move their life in small steps that could be perceived as a subtle death wish, however, if one closely examines the theory and applies it to scenarios of modern life one can see that the theory seems to have some merit."
"Freud's basis for the theory was that it is almost a primal instinct to wish to die. Before birth one is in the womb, safe, sound, warm and it is peaceful(Strachey, 2002). There are no worries or cares and they do not have to make decisions, hurt or be hurt. They can just exist. On an unconscious level, according to the theory, people want to go back to that time and the one thing that will offer that type of peace is death. "
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"Basic Instinct", 2002.
An examination of Sharon Stone's character in the movie "Basic Instinct."
3,650 words (approx. 14.6 pages), 6 sources, AU$ 193.95
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Abstract
This paper is an in-depth analysis of Sharon Stone's character in the movie "Basic Instinct." It draws on both feminist and neo-noir genre criticism in its support of the theory that her character transcends the traditional "femme fatale" to become an active agent in her own narrative. It also discusses the use of sexual power by Stone's character, citing many key texts in contemporary film theory.
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"The Instinct for Bliss", 2004.
This paper analyzes ?The Instinct for Bliss? by Melissa Pritchard.
1,702 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 80.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the relationship between Frances Waythorn and her daughter, Athena as they head out for a retreat at a Navajo reservation. The imagery and occurences on the trip that define and strain their relationship are examined, along with cultural elements of their constant misunderstanding of one another. It was written for a women in literature class and has a feminine bias.
From the Paper
"Frances Waythorn would have less trouble finding her bliss if reality would just stop butting in. As Frances tries to reorganize her life after divorce, the rebellion of her daughter drags her back into the truth of her situation. While Frances sees her daughter Athena?s attire and behavior as a result of her bad parenting, Athena?s reasoning for her actions and clothing are primarily to grab her mother?s attention. A sharp contrast to their familial uncommunicative relationship is life on the Navajo reservation. As Frances and Athena attempt to reconnect at a retreat while learning to dye fabric, their differences and quarrels are offset by the serene, organic lifestyle of the Navajo women. Through a series of physical and emotional battles and a contrived absence of men, Frances comes to term with her situation and accepts her daughter, not as the cause of her divorce, but as her child."
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Asceticism and the Instinct of Workmanship Within Capitalism, 2001.
An analysis and comparison of the theories of Max Weber and Thorstein Veblen.
3,355 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 7 sources, AU$ 138.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with Weber?s account of the existence and persistence of asceticism within the development of capitalism in the west, thus providing a backdrop for the elucidation of Veblen?s instinct of workmanship. The two concepts converge when one?s ?industry and frugality? meets the other?s ?bias toward serviceability and not waste.? The paper uses this juncture to compare asceticism and the instinct of workmanship and follow Weber and Veblen?s separate paths on the road toward a modern capitalism. While there are some similarities along the way, they arrive at somewhat different conclusions.
From the Paper
"Within Economy and Society and The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Weber explicitly discusses the crucial role of a specific type of asceticism in the development of modern occidental capitalism. Within a religious context he characterizes (he admits, particularly and narrowly) the ?ascetic? as one with a ?methodical procedure for achieving religious salvation? (Weber 1978: 541). Given this portrayal, with its emphasis on salvation, the world in which the ascetic exists, and subsequently moves beyond, assumes a distinct centrality. The world from a religious perspective is the social sphere of mankind that is intrinsically saturated with temptation?those ?ethically irrational? sensual pleasures and the concomitant proclivities toward ?complacent self-sufficiency and self-righteousness? that are counterproductive to the divine accomplishments necessary for salvation (1978: 542). As a Weberian ascetic, one?s ?methodical procedure? of living may emphatically engage this world of temptation or resolutely reject it."
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Theories on Instinct and Free Will, 2007.
A creative writing piece discussing the notions of free will.
2,479 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 1 source, APA, AU$ 109.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the notions of free will. It is written in the narrative form and contains elements of creative writing. The paper looks at the philosophies and ideas of Descarte, Berkeley and Maharshi, as well as quotes Frank Zappa's lyrics. It also cites unique personal experiences. The paper briefly looks at notions of dualism, notions of mind versus body, soul and wholeness, thought and the absence of thought and instinct. It then relates these notions to free will.
From the Paper
"I want to be the author of my actions. It's my story; I want to be able to look back on my life and tell the tale I wanted to tell, because it goes the way I wanted it to go. Sure, I've made my mistakes, but I still make my own choices, carve my own path. By assuming the role of autobiographer, I give myself credit, assume responsibility for my actions. I have and can choose to take a reactive attitude to my thoughts and therefore see everyone else as reacting the same way. I control my life. I can even control the way I look at things."
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Conditions, Instincts and Egos, 2002.
This paper investigates human nature from a psychological and philosophical perspective.
2,795 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 120.95
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Abstract
This essay discusses whether it is possible for a person to be truly free or whether we are bound to some external force that we can not yet explain. The human mind is very complex and thus is unpredictable. It has qualities that can not be analyzed by looking at nerve cells or doing psychological profiling. The author discusses some of the popular psychological and philisophical theories to date which try to explain who and what we are.
From the Paper
"Freud came to the conclusion that included the now widely known ?super ego?. The superego consists of two parts, the conscience and the ego-ideal. The conscience is the familiar metaphor of angel and devil on each shoulder. The conscience decides what course of action one should take. The ego-ideal is an idealized view of one's self. Comparisons are made between the ego-ideal and one's actual behavior. Both parts of the super-ego mature with experience with others, or via social interactions. According to Freud, a strong super-ego serves to inhibit the biological instincts of the id, while a weak super-ego gives in to the id's urgings. Further, the levels of guilt in the two cases above will be high and low, respectively."
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Criminal Justice View of "Lord of the Flies", 2000.
An analysis of the book's depiction of the "civilizing instinct" versus the "barbarizing instinct".
2,084 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 1 source, AU$ 94.95
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From the Paper
"The Lord of the Flies dramatizes a fundamental human struggle: the conflict between the impulse to obey rules, behave morally, and act lawfully; and the impulse to seek brute power over others, act selfishly, behave in a way that will gratify one?s desires, scam moral rules, and indulge in violence. The first set of impulses might be thought of as the ?civilizing instinct,? which encourages people to work together toward common goals and behave peacefully; the second set of impulses might be thought of as the ?barbarizing instinct,? or the instinct to savagery, which urges people to rebel against civilization, seeking anarchy, chaos, despotism, and violence."
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Freud and Nietzsche, 2004.
This paper discusses the ideas of Sigmund Freud, who insisted that instincts alone to rule a man?s life, and Friedrich Nietzsche, who believed that a man must question all the doctrines imposed on him.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
This paper explains Sigmund Freud believed that the sexual instinct, or libido, was the motivating power behind human acts and behavior and that the overall conflict between civilization and sexuality was based on the frustration or obstacle placed upon that instinct; frustration developed the neurosis that characterized civilization. The author points out that Nietzsche was a proponent of nihilism. and probably the first existential philosopher. by arguing that there was no objective order or structure in the world except what men created or perceived. This paper relates that Nietzsche?s 'superman' was the highest expression and projection of will, the very creative force behind all human endeavor that an enlightened and happy society must observe and cultivate.
From the Paper
"Man instinctively wanted to be joined to a sexual object as opposed to groups, which was how society managed its governed. Society has always attempted to control individual impulses by subjugating inborn impulses to the higher, more valuable group interests, which endeavored to produce ?gratification substitutes? to the individual sexual craving and aggressions. Most men agreed, and still do, to this manipulation of their inner and natural desires only because of their own need to belong and the individual limitations. The result was the development of neurosis for driving this natural appetite into the darkest subconscious or conscious mind of man and giving it a very bad name and image."
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Reptile Nightmares, 2008.
An analysis of Clotaire Rapaille's theory that human's have a reptilian instinct.
979 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Clotaire Rapaille, who believes that people instinctively desire large objects because of a reptilian instinct and how the bigger the object, the more appealing it is to humans. The paper also looks at how critics have described Rapaille's theory as fanatical and rash.
From the Paper
"Rapaille knows at times he can be irrational and completely ignores statistics. He performs studies of people for his instinct theory, and from his own results claims them to be true. His discoveries should not be taken seriously due to his biased ways he himself is aware of. When Rapaille does his studies, he only looks at the results that are in favor to his theory. Knowing that he has much to lose if his theories are wrong, including his job, his discoveries are always in his favor. Rapaille would be digging his own grave if he proved his theory was incorrect. Genuine scientists do not overlook and falsify their outcome in experiments; he or she accepts their analyzed evidence and moves on to another theory."
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The Conflict of Man versus Man, 2002.
A study of William Golding's classic novel, "Lord of the Flies" and the human instincts that battle inside individual personalities.
845 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the two competing characteristics of savagery and order found in the characters, Jack and Ralph in William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies". It provides a narrative summary of the novel and examines the nature of conflict between society and survival instincts.
From the Paper
"In Lord of the Flies, by William Golding, one of the main themes is man versus man. In the novel, there are two competing instincts found in every individual: one that values peace among all, and stresses the good of the group. The other side values supremacy over others, and the good of one?s self over others. In the novel, these values are symbolized in the two main characters: Ralph, who represents order, and Jack, who stands for savagery. This is apparent in the novel, with the boys originally all forming one tribe, but eventually splitting up, and joining Jack Merridew?s group of hunters. The only ones remaining from the original tribe are Ralph, the original leader, and Piggy, his follower. This conflict between the civilized impulses of man versus the savagery of man exists throughout the novel. In the end, the winner of this conflict is Ralph, for he is the only one who does not give in to the nature of inhumanity."
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Will to Survive, 2005.
Argues that a human's will to survive is instinctive.
2,841 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 122.95
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Abstract
One of the most valuable human qualities is the will to survive. Case histories of life-threatening situations have demonstrated that stubborn, strong will power is often the key to conquering dangerous conditions. The paper shows, however, that the will to survive also manifests in the human physiology. Hunger, sweating and panic are good examples of anatomical responses to danger. These actions are largely uncontrolled. The paper argues, therefore, that the will to survive is not simply a human trait, it is also an instinct.
From the Paper
"However, by stopping the sweating mechanism, the body is making a drastic attempt to prevent further water loss by initiating absolute conservation of water. This physiologically-initiated method of survival actually prolongs the person's ability to survive in that it allows him extra time to replenish his fluids. If the body continued sweating, the fluid loss level would reach 15 percent, the blood volume would fall below sustainable levels and the organs would simply die."
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The Difference Between Humans and Animals, 2007.
This paper explores human choice and instinct in "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell.
1,418 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that many people have tried to define what it really means to be human but there is still no definitive answer that everyone will accept. The paper relates that one of the most definitive essays on humanity and society and one that is often overlooked, is "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell. The paper discusses how Orwell shot an elephant and then looks at the psychological, ideological and social issues that were involved in the shooting. The paper also examines three books that address the subject of what it truly means to be human and the reasons behind the actions of humanity. The paper discusses human choice and our basic differences from animals.
From the Paper
"From examining Orwell's essay, it is easy to see that he is discussing his own adventure but also the human adventure. Shooting the elephant is something that Orwell had to deal with, but the feelings that he went through about being laughed at and the need to be respected belong to almost every human being at some time in their lives. Socially and ideologically the elephant was shot because Orwell wanted to be accepted and treated decently. Psychologically the elephant was shot because Orwell felt that he had to do something and did the best thing that he could find to do."
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