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Hedonistic Act-Utilitarianism, 2007.
An examination of the various types of utilitarianism, particularly hedonistic act-utilitarianism, and their applications to life.
3,128 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and discusses the concept of hedonistic act-utilitarianism. It discusses the importance of morality in society and how the theory of morality changes depending on how one defines one's social obligations. It then describes the utilitarian theory and how a Utilitarian may view an act. The paper goes on to discuss rule utilitarianism and the various types of utilitarianism, such as hedonism and egoism. The paper concludes by exploring the concept of hedonistic act-utilitarianism and its applications.
Table of Contents:
Heroism and the Call to Duty
Utilitarianism and Justice
Hedonism and Egoism
What, Other Than Pleasure, Is Valuable?
Issues of Utilitarian Impartiality
From the Paper
"According to Hurka and Copp (pp. 357-380) utilitarianisms affects the groups, more so than the individual. Therefore, the same dilution effect can be seen in the division of the greater social good. When one considers the group, everyone receives a smaller piece of the pie. The plausibility of hedonism in a utilitarian act depends on one's definition of pleasure and how the group dynamics work as far as spreading the rewards and punishments to their members. It is plausible to have hedonism and utilitarianism together. However, one must be careful to qualify their definitions. One can speak of the hedonistic acts of an individual or the hedonistic acts of a group. It is plausible for a group to have hedonistic act-utilitarian. However, this is more difficult for the individual because of the differences in perception. The answer to the question lies in which microscope one uses to examine the issue."
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"Critique Of Pure Reason", 2007.
An analysis of the arguments presented by Immanuel Kant in "Critique of Pure Reason."
903 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason," which is the great thinker's most critically acclaimed work. It presents Kant's numerous arguments in favor of the possibility of metaphysics and shows how he tried to establish a much-needed link between science and metaphysics. It also discusses how he tried to bridge the gap between reason and metaphysics with the help of priori and posteriori.
From the Paper
"In the Critique, Kant invites science 'to undertake anew the most difficult of all its tasks, namely, that of self-knowledge, and to institute a tribunal which will assure to reason its lawful claims'. This tribunal is 'no other than the critique of pure reason' (Axi) and thus in the book Kant presented numerous arguments in favor of the possibility of metaphysics and tried to establish a much-needed link between science and metaphysics. Kant was fully aware of the shortcomings of both pure reason and pure metaphysics. He understood the problems posed by the two fields in exclusivity and hence tried to bridge the gap with the help of priori and posteriori. According to him we need a priori in order to move to posteriori. He feels that at some level all sciences require priori- i.e. a prior knowledge that mind just happens to possess and which happens to be true as well. The mind, Kant maintains, must be capable of holding true knowledge or generating it. For example it is important for it to know that night changes into day and day into night because of some heavenly changes. When it possesses this knowledge, it can move on to posterior to test the truth of it."
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Altruism Within Evolutionary Biology, 2007.
An analysis of the paradox of altruism within evolutionary biology.
1,502 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines, through collected evidence, whether or not altruism can occur under the premise of evolutionary biology. It explains what evolutionary biology is and then explains the concept of altruism. It then goes on to explain why altruism is a paradox for evolutionary biology. The paper presents theories on altruism in an attempt to explain and minimize this paradox.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Methods
Discussion
From the Paper
"There are many different results that are possible within this experiment. First, the expected result is that the majority of individuals will answer that they would act altruistically. However, they could act altruistically in some cases, as when they are giving change back to others, but selfishly when it comes to saving a drowning person and risking their own lives. Another scenario is that they could act selfishly when they are in the room by themselves, but when they are doing so in conjunction with someone else, they might be motivated by the visual sign of someone else to be altruistic. I argue that in most cases individuals will be altruistic and that they are altruistic because it is a reciprocated trait. When it comes to the questions of whether they would act altruistically knowing that the other person would not do the same. I believe the majority of individuals will still act altruistically. Although this result might differ from person to person."
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Philosophical Understanding, 2007.
This paper looks at philosophical beliefs, particularly as they relate to science and religion.
981 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that there is a very basic problem associated with each individual's innately subjective understanding of the world: it makes generalizing feelings or experiences to all of humanity unavoidably inaccurate. In other words, no matter how deeply we might feel about one thing or another, we cannot reasonably assert that anyone else feels the same way. The writer points out that obviously, this presents a problem for religion, because religion is concerned with providing some form of meaning for our existence. Yet, precisely how that meaning is conveyed must fall somewhere in between pure individualism and interconnectedness. The writer concludes that religion could be interpreted as more natural than science: science must operate on the same form of knowledge - faith - that gives any of our lives meaning.
From the Paper
"Throughout the history of mankind there have been two major ways by which human beings have claimed to attain knowledge: through direct observation and through revelation. One of these modes of gaining knowledge has led us down the most practical avenues of our development. It most likely, for example, that the earliest people who discovered how to harness fire did so by observing it in action, and employing trial and error to eventually arrive at a workable technique. It is far less likely that these individuals were simply inspired to rub two sticks together in a particular manner independent of any empirical knowledge achieved over the course of their lives. In other words, few people would accept the idea that God told the first person who made fire how to go about it."
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Utopian Writers of the 17th Century, 2007.
A review of different concepts of utopia as expressed by 17th century utopian writers.
6,330 words (approx. 25.3 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 147.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and analyzes the utopian literature and ideas put forth by writers and philosophers in the 17th Century. It reviews and analyzes this literature from the perspective of literary critics and the writers who carve out utopian ideology and circumstance. It discusses the views that pinning down a definition for utopia is an exercise in opinion and not substantive fact.
Table of Contents:
Definitions Of Utopia: James Holstun
Definitions Of Utopia: Sir Thomas More
Definitions Of Utopia: J.C. Davis
Definitions Of Utopia: J.H. "Jack" Hexter
Eastern Definitions Of Utopia: Buddhism, Daoism, And Confucianism
Utopian Luminaries: Francis Bacon
Puritanism As Utopia
Utopian Luminaries: Mary Astell
From the Paper
"Once she had pulled herself out of the black hole she had been in, Astell was determined to do something positive for other women; and moreover, she wanted to help women in ways that transcended mere economic issues. She saw the "moral and spiritual destitution of many more" women than those she counted among the very poor and homeless, and she was very concerned for wealthy women who lacked humanistic values, according to Sutherland's critique. As Astell got her feet in the ground and became solvent, and later moved in high society, she "was deeply shocked by the superficiality of the lives of most women." Many of these wealthy women were just as impoverished morally as Astell had been impoverished materially and financially. In Proposal Astell describes in excellent narrative that she was "horrified by the waste of time, of intelligence, of talents given by God," Sutherland continues. And so, the book proposed the establishment of a "Protestant Nunnery" where women who were not married "could take refuge in a life of holiness and service.""
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Marx the Individual, 2007.
This paper discusses Karl Marx and the subject of individualism.
2,064 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Karl Marx is best known for his incisive analysis and acidic criticisms of capitalism, including the ideology that reinforces and legitimizes it. The writer points out that Marx is especially critical of modern theories of individualism. The writer discusses Marx's critique of individualism as developed and demonstrated in the political writings of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, two of the greatest champions of individualism. The writer explains that Karl Marx is known for his "Communist Manifesto" and "Capital", writings that would change the course of history. The writer concludes that ultimately, Marx's entire way of thinking is a critique of the individualistic ideas of Hobbes and Locke.
From the Paper
"Most of Marx writings suggest an understanding of the world that is not in terms of individualism as Hobbes and Locke, despite their differences, have championed. This ties into Marx's ideas that eventually the classes that are dominated by the capitalists will come to rise and overthrow the system and create a much more communal society- communism. However, before this can become a reality Marx has to define the world in different terms than Hobbes and Locke. People have common interests and unite behind those interests to Marx; those interests are being exploited as workers or being the capitalist doing the exploiting trying to protect and further one's interests. Therefore people are united by a common interest one way or the other. There is no individual freedom as the system, whether feudal or capitalist, tells people what they should do and how they should further themselves. The natural state of freedom is not existence to Marx. Furthermore, Marx does not believe that people are necessarily at a state of war, but rather are acting rationally in a system dominated by classes and the need to accumulate resources. Ultimately, Marx's entire way of thinking is a critique of the individualistic ideas of Hobbes and Locke."
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Aristotle and Capital Punishment, 2007.
This paper discusses Aristotle, teleology and the death penalty.
1,768 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses capital punishment, which is a controversial issue in today's society. The writer notes that it is questionable whether man is justified morally to take another man's life, particular when it comes to an official or sanctioned killing. The writer discusses that Aristotle created a notion that came to be known as teleology that can help to understand the ethical issue. The writer explains that within this notion, Aristotle offers four causes that can help to explain the 'why' aspect of any why-related questions.
The writer concludes that Aristotle's logic is genius and powerful and shows things for what they really are. Further, the writer maintains that the death penalty is unethical because it assumes things to be true that are not necessarily true.
From the Paper
"Teleology means the end of the process, and in consider capital punishment as an ethical issue the end of the process must be considered first. The end to capital punishment is to put to death the person guilty of the crime. However, this is not necessarily the end, or reason for capital punishment. Capital punishment is intended to punish a person by taking his or her life. But there can be a second interpretation of the ethical issue of capital punishment and that is that the end of capital punishment is the prevention of a crime in the first place. Thus according to teleology, capital punishment could be considered to have two different ends. As an ethical issue, capital punishment is a much deeper issue than simply molding a bronze statue, which is the end to the Aristotelian example. Much can be left up to interpretation, and therefore a deeper look at the two possibilities for capital punishment viewed from the Aristotelian viewpoint on causality and teleology. If the end product is necessary to explain the event, then there are two ways to explain capital punishment. Capital punishment is capital and thus death is the final result. But also, punishment implies punishment for doing something wrong and thus the punishment is intended to prevent something from being done wrong in the first place, and that is a second possible end."
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Group Think, 2007.
This paper examines group think behavior, using its portrayal in the film "Twelve Angry Men" as a basis for discussion.
1,665 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer first explains that group think is a way of thinking when a group of people are together and decisions are often made due to loyalty and cohesiveness rather than critical evaluation. The writer studies evidence of group think apparent in the storyline of the film "Twelve Angry Men". The writer notes that perhaps the most important remedy for group think was clearly portrayed and that was the presence of critical evaluators who point out the errors of key members of the group. The writer shows how decisions were made via group think and then looks at how the members of the jury in the film were shown how their original argument is not sound.
From the Paper
"In the film Twelve Angry Men, the situation is a little different. The members of the group are on a jury and have never met before, nor will they be likely to meet again afterwards. They have only one task to accomplish, and that is to decide on the guilt or innocence of an 18-year old boy from the ghetto accused of murder. For the boy, the stakes are high because the law mandates the electric chair if he is found guilty. In the beginning of the deliberations, eleven of the twelve members are already in agreement. They have heard the prosecution's case and found no fault with it. They believe so strongly that the boy is guilty they feel invulnerable (at least, as long as they stick together, that is, as long as they are cohesive). As a group, they want to hurry up and find him guilty, so they can go home."
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"Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals", 2007.
An analysis of Immanuel Kant's "Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals".
1,316 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, beginning with his preface to the "Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals", Kant is unambiguously clear in his assertion that moral dictates hold universally, since if a law is to be morally valid, then it must carry with it absolute necessity. It also discusses how for Kant, morality is fundamentally based on his three formulations of the categorical imperative and how in general, Kantian morality does little to resolve many of the everyday moral debates present in contemporary society.
From the Paper
"Despite the appeal of the categorical imperative, follows its dictates proves to be seemingly impossible, and even in some instances, undesirable. When adhering to the principles of Kantian morality, it is clear that moral reasoning is reduced to a strict moral calculus, whereby there is only one correct answer to the question, "What am I to do?" This process, moreover, does not allow for any deviations from this strict normative standard, and morally ambiguous areas become non-existent. However, in some situations, certain actions that are in violation of the categorical imperative might be morally necessary. For example, during the Holocaust, people often had to lie to the Nazi SS when harboring Jews in their home. It seems obvious that lying violates at least formulations one and two of the categorical imperative. "
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Business Ethics, 2007.
A discussion of the importance of good business ethics in today's corporate environment.
1,273 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the issue of corporate responsibility and the consequences of a lack ethics on today's business environment. The author attempts to define ethics and cites various studies which illustrate which ethical values people hold to be most important. The paper further discusses the intersection of ethics and sales. The author concludes by describing the relationship between ownership of values and ethical behavior.
Outline:
Introduction
Defining Ethics
Finding the Connection of Ethics and Performance
Alleviating Ethical Meltdowns
Summary
From the Paper
"There are as many definitions of ethics as there are of academicians, researchers, and scholars studying the topic. To align ethics with a specific religion is erroneous; there are many religions in the world that embrace honesty and truthfulness, yet do not provide the impetus for followers to willingly select these ethical approaches to interacting with others. One scholar, Josephson (2001), suggests that ethics involve first the ability to discern right and wrong, and second, the commitment to do what is good and aligning with what ethical conduct is. Ethics then requires action to be undertaken; to be ethical is to act in a consistently transparent and honest way. Josephson (2001) is specifically referring to the values a person has as shaped by their cultural, economic, religious, spiritual and social interactions accumulated over their lives. Ethical choices, according to Josephson (2001), place an equal weight of the values of an individual and their choice of behaving ethically or not. In a study conducted at the Institute for Global Ethics (1996), 272 individuals were asked to identify the 5 values from a list of 15 that were most important to them. Researchers found that the value of truth was by far the most frequent choice. What also emerged were the top three values of truth, compassion, and responsibility. When individuals were asked to pick the most important value, compassion was far and away the greater one chosen. The research went on to show that this small set of core values that is cross-cultural and universal."
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Physician Assisted Suicide, 2007.
An argument showing support for physician-assisted suicide.
790 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the controversial topic of physician-assisted suicide, arguing in its favor. The author describes why a seriously ill person would prefer to control his death rather than submit to long and drawn out medical procedures. Arguments against the right to die movement are also presented. The author concludes, however, that individuals should have the right to chose how their lives end.
From the Paper
"Physician assisted suicide is a natural response to the modern creation of a death denying society, reflective of the recent historical emphasis on the physician and his vast skill as the heroic. Modern medicine is seen as having all the answers, as it is capable of reversing the probability of death in so very many cases, even when it is only partly true and the return from the dead is not always pretty, nor does it usually offer the patient a real return to the life they know or a life without dependence."
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Plato and Imperialism, 2007.
A discussion of how Plato may have viewed the events of World War II based on his writings.
5,907 words (approx. 23.6 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 141.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the events of World War II in light of Plato's philosophical and ethical works. In particular, the author considers the incidence of imperialism during the conflict and how Plato might have viewed this. The paper first explores Plato's philosophical outlook and that of other philosophers who influenced him and then highlights and analyzes Plato's works "The Republic" and "The Allegory of the Cave." The philosophies of different scholars from different time periods are also analyzed in terms of Plato's outlooks. Additionally, the paper examines Plato's theory of forms and shows its link with Socrates. The paper concludes with an overview of three modern philosophers which include Emanuel Wallerstein, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Eli Wiesel.
From the Paper
"Plato deals with ethics in many of his writings. In particular, his informative dialogues about 'The Republic' and 'The Allegory of the Cave' deal with ethics in a rather abstract sense. Both of these writings will be mentioned here, and used to explain how Plato sees human ethics and behaviors. However, much of what Plato worked with and where his philosophy came from involved three other philosophers - Pythagorus, Heraclitus, and Parmenides. These three individuals will be addressed here, and after they have been discussed Plato's philosophy will be addressed in order to show how the work that they did was taken up by Plato and used in the philosophy that he discussed."
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