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The Reconciliation of Faith and Science, 2008.
This paper discusses that science and religion or faith are thought to be irreconcilable; however, recently some scientist and religionists have attempted to reconcile these arenas.
2,505 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that religion is an experiential based field that relies on faith alone and is therefore highly subjective in its world view; whereas, in contrast, science is experimental but anchored in observation and has an objective interpretation of facts and events. The author underscores that both science and religion are based on faith and have as their common objective the quest for a formalized type of truth that can be applied universally to the human condition. The paper contends that achieving some sort of balance between science and religious faith is critical if mankind is going to continue to advance as a species. The author points out that, for Albert Einstein, the melding of science and religion was not a conundrum at all but rather, for him, the real problem lay in how man consistently chose to interpret both scientific and religious concepts and particularly religious concepts.
From the Paper
"One of the primary points of contention for the religious proponents has been the view that science attacks religious precepts and undermines religion's doctrine. Many scientists have patently disproved this argument as being somewhat disingenuous since much of their activity has been centered only on illuminating the specific characteristics of systemic phenomena in the physical world and make no judgment at all on the origin, necessarily, of these phenomena per se. Science and scientists almost as a collective unit admit that while they can understand many of the systemic processes in the physical world they are at a loss as to how many of these highly complex processes could have simply evolved out of the molecular fabric of space."
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Bennett and Lennon on Locke, 2008.
A comparison of the views of Jonathan Bennett and Thomas Lennon, concerning John Locke's conception of ideas and qualities.
1,230 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how John Locke's distinction between ideas and qualities, outlined in his "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding", would become a point of contention between Jonathan Bennett and Thomas Lennon. In particular, the paper takes a look at Bennet's book "Learning from Six Philosophers" and Lennon's critical article "Bennett on Ideas and Qualities in Locke's Essay". The paper concludes that Locke can be confusing at times because the distinction between ideas and qualities is not always clearly drawn in the text, but the ideas are more clear when closely examined by later thinkers.
From the Paper
"In 1996, Jonathan Bennett offered his own version of a standard objection raised against Locke, that the distinction between ideas and qualities is ill-formed and exposes a fundamental confusion about ideas and qualities that runs throughout Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Bennett says that Locke tends to use the word "idea" to mean "quality." Bennett also says that the distinction is intended to be clear and that Locke addresses it by stating that whatever the mind perceives in itself is an idea, while qualities are those "ideas" that are produced I the mind by sensation of the object and quality in question. Locke uses a snowball as an example and says the snowball itself produces the ideas of white, cold, and round. These are qualities because they are ideas that are in the snowball and then imparted to the mind as the mind experiences the snowball."
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Rene Descartes and the Certainty of Mind, 2008.
A look at the argument of the certainty of the mind over external physicality in Rene Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy".
938 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the greater certainty of mind over the physical external world in the philosophy of Rene Descartes. It discusses how by understanding the origins of thought in the mind, the presence of external objects are only perceived through this organ of the human body. It looks at how therefore, Descartes viewed the external world as unknowable by the mind because he viewed the human conscious as an internal and separate distinction from reality. In essence, the paper shows how Descartes provides a philosophical argument that provides a greater certainty of the mind over the external physical world in his "Meditations on First Philosophy. "
From the Paper
"This describes the inherent sense of unknowing that pertains to understanding the physical body that the unreasoning human mind cannot grasp on its own. Descartes uses the example of the human body to determine the nature of the external world outside of the mind to logically deduce that the mind is a limited tool for discerning what is real and what is not. This provides the premise that although Descartes is able to feel and know the human body, the whimsical nature of the human mind often prevents logical reasoning to bring light to external realities. "
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Socrates and the Just Life, 2008.
This paper examines Socrates' view of the just life and why such a life is better than the unjust life.
1,410 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper presents Socrates' discussion of why the just or "good" life far exceeds the unjust or "bad" life that is given over to the rapacious pursuit of material and corporeal gratification. The author points out that the core of Socrates' moral philosophy is the emphasis on the ability of human beings to think rationally and to use moral precepts to arrive at a means of living and a way of life, which allows them to be proper citizens as well as contented and balanced individuals. The paper relates that, in this view, the soul can only be made peaceable and agreeable if a person seeks out only moral or "pure" pleasures and eschews bad actions. The author concludes that, generations later, Socrates' work continues to serve as a remarkably didactic and important contribution to the western philosophical tradition.
From the Paper
"When reviewing Socrates' "Crito", it must be said that one of the chief arguments which arises is the argument that the just life is one means - perhaps the ultimate means - by which a man (or woman, though women were not discussed as possible philosophers by Socrates or by the other ancient writers) can maintain individual freedom and not fall to the debased status of a slave. Specifically, a man or woman is not truly free unless she applies human logos (the gift of the critical, inquiring mind) to the difficult question of what is truly just and proper within a particular situation."
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Socrates, Forms & Epistemology, 2008.
This paper looks at Socrates' argument concerning forms or ideal structures and epistemology.
1,114 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer discusses that Socrates accomplishes much of his rational argument based on establishing that forms or ideal structures only result in knowledge and he argues that sophists make of knowledge nothing but a commodity. The writer points out that Socrates' ultimate demise is well-known through the reproduction of his argument by his star pupil, Plato and it is to Plato that most Socratic researchers must rely on to gain a better understanding of Socrates because he never wrote anything at all. The writer notes that it is Socrates' use of forms as a paradigm for epistemological study which has freed philosophical pursuits from simple contemplation of knowledge and moved it to the application of insight and wisdom. The writer maintains that for Socrates, the world of forms was useful as a rational construct upon which to make his philosophical points; that is, knowledge to Socrates was only the starting point for philosophical debate whereas for others such as the sophists, knowledge and the pursuit of it were the ultimate goal or pursuit.
From the Paper
"However, the force of Socrates' renunciation of sophist thought and doctrine comes through so clearly in Plato's work that it is clear that Plato relied on Socratic opinion almost exclusively for the foundation of his most renowned works such as the Republic which contains a series of Plato's works. Therefore, were this last the case then Plato would be known almost exclusively as the father of philosophy rather than Socrates and Socrates would be a mere footnote. Yet, the marvel of Socrates' fame and his foundational position in the philosophical body of knowledge is that through him philosophy was given a greater conception of itself as separate from pure knowledge which Socrates demonstrated was relatively invaluable without the more important qualities of moral justice, wisdom, and restraint.."
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Riba and Marx's Exploitation, 2008.
The paper examines the Islamic concept of riba and Marx's famous premise about the working class' exploitation by capitalist elites.
2,349 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the similarity between the idea of riba in Islamic law and Marx's belief that the working class is exploited by capitalist elites. The paper examines how Islamic banks inspired by Islamic law and theology differ substantively and procedurally from western banks. The paper looks at the merits of Islamic law and Marxism vis-a-vis their shared concern for less-fortunate individuals. The paper concludes that both schools of thought are exceptional at articulating the needs of poor and struggling persons, but that the Islamic school of thought appears to be the more prudent and practical.
From the Paper
"To begin with, experts who study the Koran are generally agreed that the abolition of riba (interest) is an essential injunction of Islam. Specifically, Islamic orthodoxy holds that riba is the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy; it is, in short, an undue charge and an instance of income re-distribution, with those who need the money least siphoning it away from those who need it most. Proceeding onward, the Islamic revulsion towards interest or riba appears to lead to another innovation of Islamic economic practice: the adoption of profit-sharing in lieu of interest-bearing transactions."
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Machiavelli, Hobbes and the Good Society, 2008.
This paper analyzes the ideal society in Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" and Thomas Hobbes' "The Leviathan".
1,010 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Hobbes' ideas of leadership as the means to a good society by manipulating or instilling fear and Machiavelli's emphasis on how a ruler should appeal to human nature in creating order. The paper explains how both theorists believed that the natural state of affairs without leadership was bound to be chaos. The paper discusses how Hobbes saw political violence as a clear sign of a social order falling back into the natural state of chaos, just as Machiavelli perceived this violence as a sign of a ruler having failed to do what was required to preserve and protect a social order.
Outline:
Introduction
Machiavelli on the Ruler
The Good Society
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) and Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) knew turbulent times. Machiavelli experienced the 1498 French invasion of Florence and the flight of the Medici family, and Hobbes's views owed to the very violent English Civil War, his The Leviathan's ideas said to have been achieved by the War's time in the human personality as motivated by fear. This influenced his ideas of leadership as the means to a good society by manipulating or instilling fear. Machiavelli shared an emphasis on how a ruler should appeal to human nature in creating order. The natural state of affairs without leadership was bound to be chaos."
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The Human Need to Believe in God, 2008.
A discussion of why human beings have always needed a god or gods to believe in.
1,908 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the origins of religion and how they may have evolved from a basic human need to believe in something that was meta-physical, divine, and omnipotent. The paper also focuses on the indebtedness - if any - of some of today's prominent religions to other sects which have been lost to the mists of time. Furthermore, this paper explores what purposes myths served in the ancient world and how they benefited ancient societies in ways that other forms of socialization perhaps could not. In the final analysis, the paper suggests that religion may have evolved from more primitive forms of morals and maintains that religion is beneficial to the human species.
From the Paper
"Returning once more to the work of Paul Kurtz, the need for religion is something that all ancient human societies required insofar as it was an ideal (or at least tolerably effective) coping mechanism for dealing with all of the many things early man could not control. For instance, it assuaged the fear of death, gave human beings the comfort of believing that the injustices of this world would be rectified in the next one, was a means by which the tribulations brought about famine, pestilence, terrible weather or warfare could be endured in the hopes of better days to come, and - finally - religion was a palliative that restored hope in instance wherein hope might not be easily revived otherwise. Finally, religion gave early man the faith that the unseen factors shaping the world (for better or for ill) could be propitiated and even brought to serve the needs of the local community (Kurtz, 23)."
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Theories of Human Nature, 2008.
A comparison of the contemporary relevance of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's and Thomas Hobbes' theories of human nature.
1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper compares Jean-Jacques Rousseau's theory of human nature and civil society with that of Thomas Hobbes'. The paper analyzes which of the two theorists' understanding of human nature has greater contemporary relevance. It provides examples from their works and concludes that Hobbes' theories have far more contemporary relevance.
From the Paper
"In general, Hobbes's theory seems more relevant to contemporary society than does Rousseau's. Hobbes' idea of the naturally brutish, competitive state of man seems more accurate than Rousseau's notion of the man-born-noble-sovereign. More importantly, Hobbes's theory of the civil state is more relevant to the contemporary state. After all, we do in fact do precisely what Hobbes says: we give up our right to wrest things away from other people, in return for the right to walk down the street without having the shirt ripped off our back. On the other hand, Rousseau's theory of the civil state as a place in which we all share sovereignty has no relevance to our modern state, where numbers are so great that almost no one has any sovereignty (unless one's name is Walton, or Bush, or Oprah, perhaps)."
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"Notes from Underground", 2008.
An analysis of the philosophies of Plato, Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud as they relate to Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground".
1,522 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" is an interesting and somewhat shocking short novel first published in 1864 and often seen as a forerunner of existential fiction. The paper then looks at how first-person narrator of the story recites a long complaint about life, society, and in fact all of human existence in what he deeply feels to be its essential pointlessness and cruelty. The paper then attempts to analyze the psychology behind the behavior of the "Underground Man" by examining what three important thinkers have to contribute to the discussion: Plato, Nietzsche, and Freud.
From the Paper
"Nineteenth-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was very impressed with Dostoevsky, claiming that "Dostoevsky is one of the few psychologists from whom I have learned something" ("Nietzsche.") The Birth of Tragedy from the Spirit of Music (1871) was Nietzsche's first major book. In it, he first elucidates what would soon become a widely known dichotomy, that between the Apollonian and the Dionysian, two opposed strands of ancient Greek thinking which he deduces based upon his uniquely creative interpretation of Greek literature. Put briefly, the Apollonian is the rational, while the Dionysian is that which is irrational or instinctive. "
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Aristotle and Moral Responsibility, 2008.
This paper provides an analysis of Aristotle's beliefs of moral responsibility.
705 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Aristotle's belief that human beings are morally responsible for their conception of the good life, which was based on his determination that every form of activity people engage in has an ultimate goal that they consider good. The paper explains Aristotle's argument that because there cannot be an endless regression of external motivations, an intrinsic motivation for achieving the highest good must exist. The paper further explains how moral responsibility extends across desires to the conduct those desires produce and to the ends such conduct achieves.
From the Paper
"Aristotle believed that we are morally responsible for our conception of the good life, and based this belief on his determination that every form of activity people engage in has an ultimate goal which they consider good. Furthermore, Aristotle argued that because there cannot be an endless regression of external motivations, there must be an intrinsic motivation for achieving the highest good. This highest good is the goal towards which all human activity is directed."
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