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Traditional Naturalist Claims: The Problems Therein, 2007.
A discussionon the philosophical position of naturalism.
993 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses the concept of naturalism. According to the paper, naturalism believes that the world is constructed and ordered in purely material terms, but there is little evidence to suggest that this is the whole story. The paper goes on to say that naturalism fails as a useful, empirical explanation of the universe because it imagines itself to be somehow above and outside of the influence of wishful thinking.
From the Paper
"In the same vein, naturalists imagine that all situations and circumstances in the universe have a mechanical explanation; i.e., it is possible to provide a natural explanation of every phenomenon (Dubray par. 3). Worse, this obviously ideological position is not supported by anything but the naturalist's wishful thinking. For example, though evolution is the source of heated debate, no self-respecting scientist would argue that contradictory evidence or poor understanding is a challenge to the eventual discovery of the mechanisms of evolution (Johnson par. 8). There is never a doubt in the head of the naturalist that evolution, or any other complex and poorly understood subject, has a natural explanation that can be reasoned out through an examination of possible natural mechanisms. But, of course, this position is not a function of empirical fact, and it would be a stretch to definitely state that macroevolution is well documented at the empirical level. Rather, the faith in evolution as a mechanism of species change is based on the philosophical presupposition of naturalism, not evidence that such a mechanism actually exists (Johnson par. 3)."
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American Transcendentalism, 2007.
This paper analyzes the transcendentalist school, known as American Transcendentalism, a movement started in the nineteenth century in New England with the publication of Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Nature".
1,240 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the concept of transcendentalism is often used in religious and philosophical debates to describe the characteristic of divinity, the feature of God to transcend being and the immanent world. The author relates that famous intellectuals of the time such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, George Putnam, Elisabeth Palmer Peabody and Frederick Henry Hedge shaped this movement with the founding of the Transcendental Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1836. The paper concludes that the philosophy and evolution of the philosophical and religious perspective of transcendentalism should be seen only within the larger frame of the dominant ideology of the time and of the epistemological barriers and rigid framework, which were dominant in the universities of the time.
From the Paper
"For Emerson, on the other hand, the unity between the soul and the nature is announced even since the publication of his work "Nature". Here, he expressed that all the beings in the Nature are interconnected with each other and with the infinite Oversoul, or Nature. The reverberations of individual acts are felt within the entire system as consequences and the individual has not only the ability to decide autonomously about his acts, but also the duty to deal with the consequences of his own actions, when confronted to his own internal intuition, with his soul."
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John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding", 2007.
This paper analyzes the critical debate surrounding John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding".
1,560 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that John Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" is especially important because his writings inspired Thomas Jefferson's participation in the Declaration of Independence. The author points out that scholars also are attracted to Locke's "Essay" because he draws a provocative line between what he sees as primary and secondary qualities. The paper concludes that, regardless of the haggling of scholars and philosophy students, Locke is justified in drawing distinctions between primary and secondary qualities because distinctions between all worldly matter is a requirement of life.
From the Paper
"Yolton follows that with what he believes Locke really meant; "The mental content of any act of awareness or thought" is an "idea" to Locke. But as to the primary qualities, on page 130, Yolton breaks Locke's concept of an object into five "propositions." One, objects "have primary qualities non-relationally"; two, objects are observed "or perceived" to have both primary and secondary qualities"; three, the qualities that one can observe to be "dependent upon other objects" are both "perceivers and other bodies"; four, ideas of primary qualities and primary qualities themselves are connected ..."
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Timothy Sermon, 2007.
This paper analyzes 2 Timothy 4:2 from the King James Bible.
1,024 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that 2 Tim 4:2 teaches us how to live in this world. The writer maintains that it is a proactive passage, one that focuses on the footwork we must do to help create God's kingdom on earth. The writer points out that we are urged to speak with and from our heart of hearts the good news of the gospel. Further, the writer suggest that to be instant suggests spontaneity: the joy that derives from expressing the instantaneous glory of God. Moreover, the writer claims that we become instantly available as reliable messengers. In addition, the writer believes that the people around us respond when we come from the heart and thus we help spread the gospel.
From the Paper
"Out of season we become willing to swim against the tide, delivering the word of God even when it seems no one is listening or even that no one cares. In the current day and age, the moral and spiritual climate may appear out of season. It is in times like these that our work is most important. Being instant in this case signifies swiftness of spirit: the willingness to jump at any available opportunity to offer aid or assistance in the name of Christ. Though the gospel may be out of season, out of fashion, or out of place, the word of God still resonates within you. Therefore, preaching the word and being instant in season and out of season entails both inner and outer work. In the world, we take these words literally by speaking frankly about the gospel of Christ. For ourselves, we read, we re-read, and we re-apply the principles of the gospel in everything we do, say, and think. Even when you do not preach formally you can still be a role model that proves how God works through mankind."
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Aristotle and Ethics, 2007.
This paper studies Aristotle's views on virtue and ethics.
2,056 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in the second book of the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle defines the relation between character and virtue as being mediated by or depending on the two antagonist feelings of pleasure and pain. The writer then points out that Aristotle's proposition that virtue is about pleasure and pain implies that goodness is inevitably related to the feelings that accompany an action. In this way, one sees that, for Aristotle, the optimal actions of a certain human being are the result of the virtuous character, which is in fact, a state of the soul. The writer notes that the virtuous character is in its turn, determined by the other states, or the feelings of pleasure and pain experienced in a certain situation or when performing a particular action. The writer concludes that Aristotle's implication is that no action is good of itself, unless supported by the proper feelings, and that this would be the essence of ethics.
From the Paper
"Thus, it is imperative to discriminate between, for example, an individual who abstains and enjoys abstaining, and an individual who is equally abstinent, but does this with great pain. The distinction between these two apparently identical and good actions is, according to Aristotle, precisely one of virtue of character."
"This is why, in his view the reaction of either pleasure or pain to a certain situation or state of facts always determines the character of a certain person. However, to attain virtue is not at all simple, given the fact that, as Aristotle asserts we are used to indulging in wrong actions that provide us with pleasure."
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Creativity and Madness, 2007.
This paper studies the correlation between mental illness and creative ability.
1,189 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that for many years, experts have studied the possible link between creativity and madness. Throughout history, some of the most creative people on earth have behaved in ways that seemed outside of the norm. The writer discusses a study that indicates that while mental illness does not have to accompany creativity, there is a connection between the two in many cases.The writer points out that recent scientific research concluded that there are more mentally ill people in the creative professions and arts than there are in the scientific or business world. The writer concludes that these studies lend credibility to the thought that creativity and madness are closely linked.
From the Paper
"It is commonly believed by experts in the mental health field, that mood disorders are sometimes responsible for the enhancement of creativity. Bipolar patients will stop taking medications because they believe it stunts their creative flow and they are unable to write or compose while taking them."
"The study into the correlation between mental illness and creative ability, gathered intensive biographies of more than 1,000 people, over a decade long period. They were all deceased by the time the study took place, and they had all lived in the 20th century. This was important as it leveled the playing field and removed the ability to attribute differences to cultural or evolutionary processes."
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Face to Face with God, 2007.
This paper analyzes the book 'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' by C.S. Lewis.
1,419 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the book 'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' by C.S. Lewis and notes that Lewis has created a complex novel in his retelling of the story of Cupid and Psyche. The writer points out that it is a novel with numerous themes and meanings, one which is very deep and reflects on the very core of the interaction between human nature and spirituality. The writer relates that speaking largely on the power of God, the Divine, love, jealousy and family among other themes, Lewis creates a powerful character in Orual whose transformation reflects on the very nature of God's involvement in life and on love, spirituality, and holiness within an individual. The writer concludes that Orual went through the process of gaining a face through her conversion and through her realization of her own self-deception, Lewis is suggesting that it requires internal awakening of the divine before true conversion and understanding of God can be reached.
From the Paper
"Orual's conversion, and her own struggles with the divine, is reflective of the challenges humans must overcome to discover God. To find God, one must first find God in him or herself. Only through finding the divine inside, can one truly discover God. With the veil over the faces, to borrow Lewis' metaphor, humans have to face, and therefore cannot see the face of God. The face of God is not for humans to see anyway, because it is so pure and divine. However, there will come a day when we all have faces, as the title suggests, and then truly can we discover God. Ultimately, we must discover the Godliness in us as individuals; we must all undergo the conversion of Orual. The love that humans think they feel is not unconditional and it has to be to discover God. Discovering God is finding heavenly love in oneself, and to discover that one must believe in the greater spiritual powers without empirical proof. Psyche found her true happiness by trusting God, and she had beauty that was limitless. In Till We Have Faces, Lewis depicts how humans must go through a conversion, a difficult conversion in which they find true love in themselves in order to understand the true love of God. Only then, can God be discovered."
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Kant and Mill, 2007.
An analysis of Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill's views of morality and their application to certain scenarios.
1,643 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the views expressed by Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill with regards to the metaphysics of morals and utilitarianism. In other words, it discusses moral obligations and motivations. The paper presents various examples where there are issues with morality and describes how Kant and Mill would view the situation and the conclusions they may have drawn.
From the Paper
"Mill, on the other hand, might view Judah's act as one that is morally permissible. For Mill, the principle of utility must factor in the relative pain of Dolores' death, and the pain of those who would be affected by allowing her to reveal their affair. With Dolores dead, Judah, his family, friends, and others would be spared the psychological harm of dealing with adultery and betrayal. No one would have to deal with the horrible divorce that would ensue. However, had Dolores broken up his marriage, then it seems no one, not even Judah or Dolores would be happy. So, in this sense, one would view the murder as a morally defensible action. This, however, does not seem entirely correct, as the pain of Dolores' death seems a much greater slight than the pain that his family would experience by the knowledge of the affair. Mill's principle of utility seems to be able to account for qualitative factors (in separating the two forms of pleasure, Mill obviously views qualitative factors as meaningful in moral calculus), thereby providing the justification that Dolores' murder is unacceptable, as her pain would outweigh the potential pleasure realized by her death, or the pain that would accompany her revealing the affair (cf. Mill 11)."
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Political Theory, 2007.
A review of the political theories of Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes.
905 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes and discusses the theories of both Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes in an effort to better understand political theory. The paper uses and explains direct quotes.
Outline:
Abstract
Machiavelli's and Hobbes' Perceptions of the Ruler
Political Philosophies of Machiavelli and Hobbes
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Hobbes stands in contrast to Machiavelli, at least on the surface, in terms of his theories on who should rule the state. Whereas Machiavelli advocates the ideas of absolute power, submission among subjects, and the gaining of authority through a display of force, Hobbes seems to be more attuned to the ideas of the nature of man to be essentially free, and the ruling of the state by a democratic type of a body, rather than a solitary dictator or despot. For example, one can consider the following quote from Hobbes: "The right of nature... is the liberty each man hath to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life." (Harrison, 2003, p. 67). In other words, Hobbes is saying that every person has within them certain rights, yearnings and liberties; as such, the individual is entitled, and indeed should, pursue their own interests and not be oppressed by rulers. Likewise, rulers should not attempt to force subjects into submission or to rule by intimidation or fear- for Hobbes, power must be earned and maintained through a level of fairness (Rogers, et al, 2000). Within this scope, the ruler should be motivated, in Hobbes' opinion, by serving the interests of the people over whom they govern. Likewise, the citizens would be involved in the political process, and the ruler, having earned the right to rule, would have the duty to effectively lead with conscience rather than sheer force."
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Atheism, 2007.
A discussion regarding the beliefs of atheists and deists, focusing primarily on atheism.
1,461 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This research explores arguments and counterarguments regarding the existence of God. According to the paper, atheists live in a material world and deny the existence of anything that cannot be seen, felt, or touched. The paper further reports that the key atheist argument is that God does not exist because the essence of God cannot be experienced on earth.
Outline:
Does God Exist?
The Atheist Viewpoint
The Deist Answer
From the Paper
"If we simply live and then die, our actions do not matter. The future does not matter; therefore, humankind must have some higher purpose. Atheists argue that our higher purpose is in service to man and the future inhabitants of earth. Deism does not undermine man's need to serve the future generations of humankind; it simply recognizes and embraces man's higher purpose. If one is dedicated to God and the higher purpose of improving humankind, then one does no have to justify their reason for existence through actions. Both deists and atheists have their sights on the future, the difference is that Atheists must justify their existence through actions. However, they have no investiture in the outcomes of their actions."
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David Hume, 2007.
This paper looks at the beliefs and works of philosopher, historian and economist David Hume.
4,340 words (approx. 17.4 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 114.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that David Hume was seen as a very prominent figure in history both in the Scottish enlightenment and in Western philosophy. The writer notes that interest in Hume's work in recent years has become more centered on the philosophical writing that he did, but it was for being a historian that he originally gained some notoriety. The writer points out that much of what Hume had to say became closely involved with others as they examined their own philosophies and ideas. This made Hume's work much more significant because so much of what he stated and believed in was studied by others and expanded on as time passed. The writer concludes that Hume meant a great deal to many philosophers, and this is part of the reason that his work is still so alive and important today while the work of others of his time have not been as closely studied.
From the Paper
"In David Hume's article on empiricism, he attempts to show how some things that people believe to be real are the product of false knowledge, and there is a difference between things that people perceive to be true and things that actually are true. Hume's theory is that only things that can be proven, such as mathematics, are absolutely true. Other things may seem to be true because something usually happens related to something else, but even though this seems to always be the case there is room for argument in that it does not have to be the case every time, simply because it has happened that way in the past. Hume believes that the only truth is mathematical truth, and that there are many other things in the world that people falsely perceive to be true because they have not subjected those things to an examination that is serious enough to show otherwise."
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