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Swift, Blake and Social Hegemony, 2008.
This paper discusses challenges to social hegemony in the works "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift and "London" by William Blake.
1,381 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that the argument that the "purpose of good literature" is not - as Sir Philip Sidney argued - "to teach, to delight" and "move to virtuous action" but to challenge social hegemony by destabilizing its core values is a controversial one. This essay argues the thesis, with reference to Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" and William Blake's "London", that while literary works are not simply political statement or social criticism, good literary works nonetheless engage with their cultural context in a critical and complex way. As is seen, while both Swift's and Blake's works have clear political and social dimensions, it is their literary qualities that give them their potency as powerful social critiques.
From the Paper
"This being said, it may be argued that this view of literature is simplistic and limited in many respects. Literary works are not created in a vacuum but instead, capture their audiences by their engagement with the social contexts in which they are created. However, unlike political tracts or social critiques which are rarely remembered beyond the immediate circumstances in which they were created, good literature resonates beyond its immediate context - even when it has a clear political or social purpose - due to the power of its writing. This power allows these works to transcend the particulars of the social order they criticize or destabilize, and reflect something of the universal in humanity's social constructions."
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James Madison and Rousseau, 2007.
This paper discusses that, in "Federalist 10", James Madison was responding to Jean Jacques Rousseau's republican model of democracy as presented in "On the Social Contract".
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in "Federalist 10", James Madison sought to ensure that the problems identified by Rousseau would be addressed through constitutional checks and balances and a federal system of government. The author points out that, in response to the political model of Thomas Hobbes, Rousseau argued that power is invested in the will of a united people. The paper relates that Rousseau also believed, when the social bond is shattered and special interests aggressively pursue their own agendas while insisting they are acting in the public good, the general will becomes silenced and covert motives guide citizens and groups. The author continues that Madison contended that the republican form of government embodied in the proposed Constitution was conducive to free debate and allowed the various factions certain to emerge to contend with one another and influence the government.
From the Paper
"Madison arguments were based upon his conviction that political ambition would be checked by rival political ambition, for power would be divided among three separate but equal branches of the federal government, and would be further divided between the federal government and state governments. These arguments reflected Madison's belief that, "there are two methods of curing the mischiefs of faction: the one, by removing its causes; the other, by controlling its effects.""
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Plato and Courage, 2008.
This paper analyzes courage in the works of Plato (Socrates).
1,317 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
The paper focuses on courage and personal choice in "Protagoras" and in Book IX of "The Republic" by Plato. The paper looks at the curious actions of the diver and attempts to find an explanation for this in the final lines of the dialogue between Socrates and Protagoras. The paper then turns to Book IX of "The Republic" which succeeds in offering a better explanation for the diver's behavior by stressing the actions of the man who is overcome by a desire for glory.
From the Paper
"Towards the end of the Protagoras, Socrates finally gets Protagoras to acknowledge that a man (or woman) cannot be courageous without being wise. Specifically, he asserts that cowardice is essentially an inability on the part of an individual to distinguish between what is to be feared and what is not to be feared. Proceeding a little further, Socrates maintains that this ability to ascertain what is genuinely deserving of one's fear and what is not deserving of one's fear is best described as wisdom - a quality, again, that is associated with the brave (Plato, 360c5-361d6). Given the exchange between Socrates and Protagoras at the end of the dialogue, it is clear that the subject in our hypothetical situation has experienced a sudden loss of courage."
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Theology Sermon, 2008.
This paper presents a sermon on theology.
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this speech or sermon, it is explained that the writer is a student of divinity. The writer explains that a number of people have asked whether the writer is studying theology. Therefore, the pastor suggested that the writer presents a sermon on the subject of "theology" and its importance to the Church and religious community. The writer firstly explains the concept of theology, defining it as a discussion on or about God. The writer expresses the belief that the words of Jesus are very important in allowing an understanding of what exactly is the purpose of theology. The writer concludes that theology is, in its essence, an effort to understand in a systematic way the message of Christianity as embodied in scriptural text and, with the assistance of the Spirit, to apply this message in everyday life.
From the Paper
"I believe that these words of Jesus are very important in allowing us to understand what exactly is the purpose of theology. In the early days of Christianity there were some in the Church who felt that "theology" represented a movement away from the roots of Christianity in the Scripture and in Jewish traditions, and towards Greek and Roman ideas of logic and debate. Yet this is not an accurate view of the value of theology in the long history of the Church. In fact, theologians emphasize the importance of Faith and the operation of the Holy Spirit in allowing us to understand the deeper meaning of Christ's words."
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The Hellenistic Era, 2008.
An analysis of philosophical and religious syncretism in the Hellenistic Era.
1,334 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the syncretistic or homogeneous tenets of Hellenistic religion and philosophy. It looks at how the military expansionism of Alexander the Great's Macedonian armies helped to bring about a greater knowledge of differing belief systems, which allowed greater syncretism between philosophy and religion. It also discusses how, due to the elitist and often exclusionary principles of extremist religious (Pharisees) and philosophical tenets (Aristotle and Plato), the creation of Stoicism and Epicureanism helped unify the divide between these two factions.
From the Paper
"The greater part of the Hellenistic era is derivative from the invasions of Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) form his native Macedonia. From about 336 BCE, Alexander the Great had conquered much of the Mediterranean and had a massive influence over the way that people thought about religion and about philosophy. Although Alexander was essentially a Macedonian he was far different from the mainland Greeks in his tolerance for other religious ideals. In many ways, he was able to integrate both aspects of religion and philosophy into a more unified system. "
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Liberalism, Marxism and Feminism in Canada, 2008.
A comparison of Marxist, feminist and liberal approaches to social policy in Canada from the first nations period to the present.
1,453 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the Marxist, liberal and feminist approaches that are all concerned with the needs of the oppressed. The paper looks at the liberal perspective that is especially focused on the individual's human rights and highlights its similarities and differences to the Marxist approach of the capitalist and class system. The paper discusses the feminist perspective that is primarily concerned with patriarchy and women's oppression and notes the similarities and central differences to the other perspectives.
From the Paper
"The Marxist, liberal, and feminist approaches share a pivotal characteristic in common in that all three are concerned with the needs of the oppressed. The liberal perspective is especially focused on the individual's human rights. Overall, "the Liberal Party was ultimately successful in identifying public needs, designing solutions to national social problems, and finally implementing programs". When the Liberals developed their system of social security, they did so as one aspect of a comprehensive national policy designed for social improvement. In sharp contrast to the Marxist approach, the liberal perspective is accepting of the capitalist system as not only necessary but as beneficial for the disadvantaged classes. The Liberal Party worked in stages to achieve the welfare state, the first phase being made up of National Health Grants, along with the later expansions in 1951 of the old-age pension program, and the emergence of hospital insurance in 1957."
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Machiavelli's "The Prince", 2008.
This paper discusses how Niccolo di Bernardo Machiavelli's political thinking was profoundly shaped by lessons of history.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at Machiavelli's "The Prince" and his controversial political teachings that a wise prince should not feel himself bound by morals but should consider the needs of the state. The paper discusses how Machiavelli draws lessons from classical and recent history that are always filtered through his real-world experience. The paper maintains that it is this grounding in real-world historical examples that distinguishes Machiavelli's political guides from that of earlier theorists and supports the continuing validity of his work even in the present day.
From the Paper
"In contrast to earlier political philosophers such as Plato or Aristotle, whose political theories are primarily based upon logical argument with "real-world" political illustrations and applications being secondary, Machiavelli's political thinking was profoundly shaped by the lessons of history as filtered through the contemporary political events of his own time. For example, the political battles and intrigues of the Medici family, who dominated Florence through much of Machiavelli's youth, gave him insights into both successful and flawed political strategic thinking. In Machiavelli's The Prince and The Discourses he explores how past and present political events can be viewed as examples that illustrate general political rules or maxims which can guide a leader or prince in political action (Bondanella and Musa 1979). As modern scholars note, this characteristic of Machiavelli's work distinguishes him from earlier philosophers, and grounds his political theory in real-world experience."
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Law, Deontology and Utilitarianism, 2008.
This paper explores utilitarianism, deontology and lawyers' ethical duties.
766 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses utilitarianism, an ethical philosophy which holds that the right course of action is the course of action which provides the greatest good. The paper then looks at deontological ethics that believes a person has certain duties which he should carry out. The paper looks at Immanuel Kant's deontological beliefs of moral duties and discusses how duty requires a defense lawyer to zealously represent the defendant even if he/she knows that a client is guilty and believes that if the client is not imprisoned, he/she will commit more crimes. The paper further explains that an attorney is required to not take a case in which he cannot give zealous representation.
From the Paper
"Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy which holds that the right course of action is the course of action which provides the greatest good or the greatest number. As articulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, this ethic holds that the two controlling emotions in life are pleasure and pain. Man prefers pleasure. Thus, for the isolated individual, an action producing pleasure is good; an action producing pain is bad. For a person in society, an action is good if the pleasure felt by all those affected is greater than the pain felt by those affected. (Hollinger 2002, pp. 32-33; Bentham, 1949; Mill, 1979)"
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Assessment of Bertrand Russell's "Value of Philosophy", 2007.
An examination of Bertrand Russell's dissertation "The Problems of Philosophy", focusing on the fifteenth chapter entitled "The Value of Philosophy".
904 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper explores Bertrand Russell's fifteenth chapter of "The Problems of Philosophy" entitled "The Value of Philosophy", as a means of assessing the rationale of the study of philosophy and its value within the lives of human beings. The paper explains how the Russell describes his concepts of philosophy as a mental endeavor and as a worthwhile subject of study. The paper demonstrates that the value of philosophy for Bertrand Russell consists of the enlargement of human capacity. The paper also discusses how Russell believed that the human being is confined by the rigors of life and often allows these to affect his decision-making processes. The paper also looks at how Russell suggests that philosophy is unique in that it reduces the human's influence and ability to control, thus transforming all efforts to participate in philosophical discovery to a state of pure spiritual achievement.
From the Paper
"Russell made a distinction between efforts that enriched the self materially and those that enriched the self mentally and spiritually. This theme is seen not only in his attitude towards government and the treatment of citizens by their governments, but also can be seen in his perception of philosophy as a worthwhile endeavor for study. He identifies that "practical" men are those whom merely frame the world in terms of "material needs," where each decision made is used to advance a personal agenda that increases his wealth, resources, or stature (Russell, 114)."
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Utilitarianism and Enron, 2008.
This paper explains the theory of utilitarianism in relation to the Valhalla oil trading scandal at Enron.
734 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper provides an overview of the utilitarian moral theory and how it is applicable to the Valhalla oil trading scandal at Enron. The paper shows how this theory highlights important components of Enron's interactions with its environment and how Kenneth Lay dealt with ethical issues. The paper explains how utilitarianism allows unethical actions so long as these actions give rise to sufficient benefits and how the Valhalla oil trading scandal in Enron is an example of this.
From the Paper
"The utilitarian moral theory or the 'greatest happiness principle' according to notes from Russell Marcus is based on the idea that the moral measure of an action is measured by the addition to total utility. Specifically, the morally correct or right act produces the greatest utility/satisfaction/action for the most individuals within a society. Marcus's class notes identify the three clauses of the Utilitarian Moral Theory as 1) consequentialism; where acts are judged by their outcomes. 2) Hedonism; where outcomes are evaluated by the total amount of happiness/utility they derive for the individual. 3) Equalitarianism; where each individual is accounted for as one entity, that is, without just cause no one is worth more than another (Marcus)."
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Philosophy in Education, 2008.
This paper explores different philosophical perspectives and their role in education.
824 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses four different schools of thought and how they relate to reality, knowledge and value: nationalism, ethno-nationalism, utopianism and totalitarianism. The paper further looks at how these schools of thought contribute to education and how they impact the role and responsibilities of a special educator.
From the Paper
"Nationalism is the belief that one's nation is key to understanding a person's place and identity. The Stanford Enclyclopedia of Philosophy (2005) states, "Nations and national identity may be defined in terms of common origin, ethnicity, or cultural ties (para. 6). We can see a key element of this in the United States, particularly after September 11, 2001. After our nation was challenged, the nation came together for a common purpose and vision. Also, it is often taught (and assumed), that the United States is the best nation in the world. These views have a strong impact on our perspective on reality, for our point of reference is based around our nation. Thus, our knowledge and what we value will be based primarily around how things relate to the United States. For example, our news will be U. S. driven. This belief has a strong impact on special education, for as we encounter different facts that do not necessarily support our nationalism (such as the disturbing information about Abu Ghraib prison), we can choose to ignore them, or present them truthfully and risk destroying strong nationalism. It also limits our ability to understand the perspectives of other nations."
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Darwinian Challenge to Aristotle, 2008.
This paper looks at the Darwinian challenge to the Aristotelian world view and discusses why it is taking so long to resolve.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that according to Aristotle, one of the greatest influences on the development of Western civilization, the natural world is unchanging, eternal and purposeful. The writer points out that this epistemology dominated Western civilization for the two thousand years leading up to Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. The writer discusses that Darwin's contribution was to make the theory public, to promote it and to provide extensive empirical evidence to back it up. At the heart of the theory is the revelation that nature is not immutable, but subject to change. The writer concludes that continued resistance is to be expected, but not to be overly feared; it is the inevitable death throes of an ideology that is giving way to one that is simply a fitter adaptation to the natural world and its demands on the human species.
From the Paper
"With evidence mounting at every turn and only minor modifications being made to evolutionary theory (thanks to work mainly in molecular biology) many in the scientific community are astounded that a strong current of anti-Darwinism still persists anywhere, let alone in a modern nation such as the United States. Religious fundamentalism and intelligent design proponents have challenged the Darwinian world view since it upset the Aristotelian roughly one hundred fifty years ago. The scientific consensus is strongly in favor of evolution and the empirical evidence support the claims of evolutionary biology. Why does a current of opposition to the Darwinian world view still persist? It persists because two millennia is a long time for a cultural meme such as the Aristotelian world view to become entrenched and self-supporting. The Darwinians shouldn't be surprised that there is still resistance to their position after more than one hundred years--they should be amazed that after such a short historical period, the Darwinian world view is successfully subduing Aristotelian resistance wherever it is found."
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