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Capitalism, 2007.
A review of Karl Marx's views on the capitalist society.
709 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses capitalism and its relationship with democracy. It also discusses the relationship between socialism and democracy in today's society. The paper discusses the development of social theory and then describes Karl Marx's theories on the capitalist society and discusses why capitalism continues to thrive in today's society.
From the Paper
"Two of the important principles of behavior associated with economics are reciprocity and redistribution, and these feed certain universal elements of human nature. The first is associated with the sustenance of the family and is related to family and kinship, while redistribution is a territorial and society-wide effect. More complex civilizations actually test the limits of reciprocity and strain efforts at redistribution, but still they do address these underlying conceptions of human nature. Large-scale economies are run with an understanding of redistribution, and human beings work for their families on the basis of reciprocity. Capitalism does so in spite of the view of Marx that it does not, which is why capitalism continues to thrive and to seek ways of mitigating the tensions that remain."
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Socratic Justice, 2007.
An analysis of Socrates' views of justice as described by Plato, Xenophon, Aristophanes and Aristotle.
1,803 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Socrates' interest in logically establishing certain central, important truths, for example what constitutes justice, and what constitutes the good. To discuss Socrates' views, the paper analyzes dialogues and other writings of his pupil, Plato and writings by Xenophon, Aristophanes and Aristotle. It describes his notion of justice (or morality) as an ideal that could be timeless.
From the Paper
"As we have seen, Socrates believed in a notion of justice (or morality) as an ideal that could be timeless. He believed that it consisted in balance and harmony, and most importantly in the triumph of truth and reason over passions and selfishness. This ideal of justice could be realized both in the individual person, and also in the state as a whole, or the polis. And although at the end Socrates chose to submit to ignorance, fear and procedural justice, there is no reason to suppose that he ever deviated from his quest for truth, or from his belief in justice as an ideal form of harmony and truth."
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Rhetoric and Judges, 2007.
This paper explores the role of rhetoric in the judicial process.
807 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper examines Aristotle's philosophical work "Rhetoric", which outlines the principles of effective persuasion. The paper discusses how rhetoric also serves as a powerful tool for the type of legal reasoning employed in the making of judgments in the judicial process. The paper concludes with the hope that members of the judiciary always prefer discovery of the better argument, reason and rigorous analysis over persuasion, emotion and dazzling effect.
From the Paper
"The art of rhetoric arose in 5th century Greece, a time when traditional religion, morality, and politics received criticisms that significantly affected traditional attitudes about these subjects. According to historian Frank Thilly, it was also a time when public life offered a group of professional teachers called Sophists, men skilled in verbal persuasion, a wide-opened arena for practicing their arts of "oratory" and "rhetoric". (43)"
"However, rhetoric did not receive a systematic treatment until the 4th century, by the hands of the philosopher Aristotle. In his philosophical work called Rhetoric, Aristotle outlined in detail the principles of effective persuasion. Although rhetoric is an extremely useful instrument for writers and orators, it also serves as a powerful tool for the type of legal reasoning employed in the making of judgments in the judicial process."
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Aristotle and Friendship, 2007.
This paper offers a personal opinion on Aristotle's ideas of friendship among equals.
1,024 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Aristotle's beliefs about the requirement for equal intelligence and reciprocity for true friendship. The writer concedes that some of Aristotle's points are correct. The writer contends, however, that to say that the intelligence of a person is directly related to his/her value and that people of different intelligence cannot be friends, is elitist and untrue.
From the Paper
"Jena Vanier states that "Aristotle bases the value of human beings on their rational and intellectual capacity alone", and therefore cannot conceive of the possibility of true friendship among unequals. I agree with this statement. In fact, the truth of this statement can be shown by reviewing Aristotle's ideas about friendship. I also think that Aristotle is for the most part correct - although not completely. As I will show, the idea that true friendship cannot be possible between people of different intelligence can be attacked quite strongly."
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Stem Cell Research, 2007.
This paper deals with the controversial issue of stem cell research.
1,393 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the issue of stem cell research has to do with a conflict between the need for scientific research on the one hand, and the moral issues associated with the sanctity of human life on the other hand. The writer discusses that taking human life is certainly reprehensible to most people's moral code, but there is also the issue of all the good that could come out of stem cell research, in terms of alleviating human suffering. The writer points out that the issue of funding stem cell research in the U.S.A. remains steeped in controversy and subject to severe restrictions. The writer concludes that if it continues and does one day yield almost miraculous cures, this might have an extremely positive impact on the US economy - but it might also yield even more complex moral issues, as to who gets to reap its benefits, and who does not.
From the Paper
"There is clearly a strong case to be made for this point of view. Harvesting stem cells implies that the embryo is denied the chance of growing into a human being, so it is clearly not to be taken lightly. On the other hand, proponents of stem cell research argue that in normal life, human eggs are frequently fertilized but fail to implant in the woman's uterus. Thus, a fertilized egg should not be seen as a human life, but only as potential human life - without the same rights and privileges of an actual human being. Apart from this theoretical point, proponents of stem cell research point out that in practice, the embryos utilized never had any hope of growing and being born anyway."
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Social Justice, 2007.
This paper explores the idea of social justice; that a society should provide equal treatment to all its members.
1,263 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper reviews the concept of social justice and argues that social justice is fundamentally about giving people what they deserve, as well as fundamental things they need. The paper focuses specifically on how the "rewards" of society should be apportioned if social justice is to be achieved. The paper concludes that a just society is one in which basic services are readily available to all, but where the "perks" of modern living are made available in proportion to one's social utility.
From the Paper
"One of the cornerstones of any philosophical discussion devoted to social justice is the idea that people should be given what they "deserve". Among other things, this means that people who do wrong should be punished according to the severity of their crimes and that people who "do good" or who achieve excellence in their field of endeavor should be rewarded for their actions. Obviously, things like punishment and reward go to the heart of our criminal and civil justice system and it may be said, at least to the extent constitutional safeguards in America ensure that punishment is (usually) proportionate to the offense in question ("U.S. Constitution: Eighth Amendment" 2006), that America has developed into a society fairly cognizant of social justice ideals."
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Gay Rights and Civil Rights, 2007.
This paper compares and contrasts gay rights with civil rights.
880 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses whether homosexuals should receive rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. The writer questions whether gays should receive rights compared to civil rights. The writer argues that while it is true that gays and minorities are often mistreated, the difference is in the ability to make a decision. The writer maintains that gay rights are different than civil rights because homosexuals make the decision to be gays and even the Bible shows that it is wrong, but African-Americans are born "black" and the Bill of Rights guarantee rights to "all men". The writer then points out that the Civil Rights Act was passed to guarantee that all African-Americans be treated equally with other Americans. The writer argues that comparing gay rights with civil rights shows that gays make a decision to date or love another person of the same sex, while African-Americans are born with their skin color and they should be given the same rights as any American.
From the Paper
"Before determining whether gays should have rights it is important to look at the definition of homosexuals. The definition of homosexuals will show that it is defined as a sexual orientation with romantic love and sexual desire of the same sex or gender. When a person falls in love with another person, a decision must be made to love the person. Homosexuality is a decision. The gay person decides to fall in love with another person of his or her same gender. This is the same as if a person decides to never date a person or if a person decides to fall in love with another person of a difference sex. Since it is a decision, people should not receive certain rights because they make a decision. Many homosexuals and minorities are rejected jobs and other freedoms so many people believe they should have rights as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. However, it is important to remember that homosexuals decide whether they want to have a love life with a member of the same sex."
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Tolerance, 2007.
An analysis of the similarities in Francois-Marie Arouet's (Voltaire) views on tolerance to his predecessor, Pierre Bayle.
1,498 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the philosophical views of Francois-Marie Arouet (known by the pen-name, Voltaire) and Pierre Bayle with regards to the concept of tolerance. It argues that Voltaire is surprisingly indebted to Bayle for a number of his own views. The paper specifically discusses their views on violence, common potential and a basic belief in enlightened humanism. The paper suggests that Bayle clearly blazed a trail that Voltaire was to later follow.
From the Paper
"At the same time, Bayle also believes that the outwards professions of faith are meaningless if they are not conjoined by inner purity. In particular, he defines an inner state lacking in proper fear of God or in proper love for the Holy Writ as "Acts of Hypocrisy and Falsehood, or Impiety and Revolt against Conscience" (Bayle 77). The reference to "impiety" is particularly interesting inasmuch as Voltaire, in a much later era, would write at length about how those who stoop to judge their fellow man and their fidelity to the Word of God are guilty of impiously assuming for themselves the magisterial role best left to God. In Bayle's case, his strong emphasis upon the need to truly have fear and love of God in one's heart runs parallel with Voltaire's to the extent that he, too, believes that proper modesty and deference is essential to noble Christian living. Clearly, a person who wishes to "play God" is not acting as a humble Christian and, in this respect, both Bayle - who denounces those who use punishment and coercion in an attempt to impress the Word of God upon the souls of others (77) - and certainly Voltaire rebuke those who want to act as members of earthly tribunals."
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Interactions with Divine Forces, 2007.
This paper analyzes "Angels in America" by Tony Kushner and "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how "Angels in America" and "Oedipus Rex" both present a reflection of the troublesome relationship between human and deity in the form of drama. The paper shows how the human characters attempt to gain control over their lives through fighting with forces that could not be controlled. The paper looks at the Tao Te Ching, the principles of Chinese philosophy and uses these principles to explain how it would have been possible for the characters in these stories to gain power over what controlled them.
From the Paper
"The Tao Te Ching is a document that describes many of the core principles of Chinese philosophy. It presents a pathway that the reader can follow, and through doing so the reader can begin to reconcile himself with many of the unique problems of life. Foremost among these is the nature of contradiction, wherein concepts that should not be able to function simultaneously are nevertheless quite abundant. Of note are the concepts of being, where the Tao Te Ching emphasizes the qualities of nothingness and non-existence and the nature of being and existence as two parts of the whole; things both exist and do not exist at the same time, and while it is not in the capacity of the human observer to affect these, it is within the capacity of the human observer to change these."
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Mendelssohn and Hobbes, 2007.
This paper examines the extent that Joseph Mendelssohn's theory of natural rights is based on Thomas Hobbes' earlier theories.
3,688 words (approx. 14.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 102.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the theories of both thinkers and compares Hobbes' notion of natural rights to Mendelssohn's thinking. The paper maintains that despite chronological and ideological differences, it is possible to argue that Mendelssohn's theory of natural rights was distinctly Hobbesian.
From the Paper
"In order to decide if Mendelssohn was Hobbesian, and most specifically in terms of his theories of natural rights, it is necessary to first be clear on what Hobbes's theory of natural rights was. It has been said of Hobbes that he "founded political positivism on the basis of natural law." (Windolph, ix) And it is not possible to understand Hobbes's theory of natural rights without first understanding his view of the nature of reality. For it is upon this view that he went on to build his theories of political science (of which his theory of natural rights is an integral part). In short, Hobbes's theories of political science were founded upon his understanding of human nature."
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Internal and External Reasons for Behavior, 2007.
This paper discusses internal and external reasons and motivations for different actions.
2,028 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that trying to determine why human beings do the sometimes absurd things they do has long engrossed philosophers and psychologists. The writer explores the work of Bernard Williams (and a critic of his work) with an eye towards explaining the internal and external reasons that guide human conduct and also whether or not Williams' emphasis upon rationality as the chief guide of human endeavors or pursuits is warranted. The writer argues that, while Williams' faith in the efficacy of internal determinants is plausible (although it does raise at least a few serious questions), his defense of rationality is not nearly as strong and is taken to task by Warren Quinn.
From the Paper
"Obviously, external reasons for action tie into the idea that society can create the internal wants of its citizens; this is not really a revelatory idea, but it is one that Williams appears to reject. Specifically, he holds that the idea people who are not otherwise internally pre-disposed to a certain course of action can nonetheless become predisposed to that course of action via developing a new motivation (courtesy exposure to alleged external reasons) is entirely wrong; people are never guided towards certain decisions because of external reasons but are simply guided in one direction or another because the constant competition between internal motivations leads them to conclude that a "reason" for doing something outweighs any disinclinations they may otherwise have."
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Great Minds of the Free Market System, 2007.
This paper presents brief summaries of the lives and contributions of nine economists and philosophers.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, from early philosophers such as Plato to economics' founding father Adam Smith and to Noam Chomsky and his economic and political criticisms, great minds have formed the concept of the free market system. The author points out, for example, that David Ricardo, born in 1772, established the labor theory of value and developed the concept of comparative advantage. The paper presents, as another example, Milton Friedman, born in 1912, who proposed that the predictive power of theoretical study was of higher importance than the assumptions with which one entered into research.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Plato
Adam Smith
J.S. Mill
Karl Marx
Thomas Malthus
David Ricardo
John Meynard Keynes
Milton Friedman
Noam Chomsky
From the Paper
"Noam Chomsky was born in 1928 and his primary studies and academic contributions have been in the field of linguistics. Chomsky is academically recognized for the Chomsky Hierarchy which is a type of classification system of languages relative to their generative power. Chomsky composed his seminal work, "The Logical Structure of Linguistic Theory", in which he established himself as a preeminent linguist. Yet, Chomsky's greatest contribution, perhaps, to economics has been his engagement of the political establishment and its economic and political policies."
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