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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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Educational theory and Philosophy, 2007.
This paper discusses educational theory and philosophy in US schools.
4,443 words (approx. 17.8 pages), 43 sources, MLA, $ 116.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer first discusses that most researchers believed that during the 1950s the topics that were not raised consistently as influences on educational theories like racial discrimination, status of women, etc., had more drastic effect than the issues that were addressed. The writer then relates that educational theories were more specialized and respected in the 1960s than any other on the basis of the incorporation of assessment procedures that guaranteed impartiality, lucidity, and practical inflexibility. Further, the writer notes that Thomas Kuhn's Structure of Scientific Revolutions in 1970 basically brought forth the notion of competition that was singly the most influential concept in the coming decades. The writer points out that the decade of the 1980s saw feminism, neo-Marxist notion, and the first drafts of the postmodern theory being considered as legal areas of concern in the sphere educational philosophy. Finally, the writer notes that the 1990s brought around tragedy, feelings of loss and uncertainty among the societies. The writer concludes that in the future, one can hope that the reforms and incorporations that have been made over the past decades in the education theories yield fruitful results by enhancing educational standards and efficiency of the execution of education philosophies.
Outline:
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1950s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1960s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1970s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1980s
Educational Theory and Philosophy during 1990s
Conclusion
From the Paper
"There were also quite a few articles that chose to concentrate only the numerous problems or aspects of the education policies present like the level of educational liberty available to both the students and the teachers, the educational as well as peripheral responsibilities of the academic management. An example of an essay of this format is the article written by Willard Spalding who was the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois at the time. He in this article tried to design a completely fresh notion and theory of training the teachers. He believed that this could be achieved by invalidating what he believed to be the conservative or traditional comprehension of the association amid the traits and various units of education. He followed the viewpoint first brought forth by Aristotle that regarded the numerous units as the primary factors whereas the traits as the secondary factors. Spalding supported this viewpoint because he believed that this led to a more lucid understanding of the society's needs and requirements for the educational standards, temperaments and policies."
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Bacchic Rituals and Modern Manifestations, 2007.
A review of the legend of Dionysus and the Bacchic ritual.
4,615 words (approx. 18.5 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 119.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and demonstrates the transitional phase in human development by discussing the history of the mythical legend of Dionysus, and the Bacchic ritual and its rich traditions. The paper then discusses modern manifestations of this ritual as the expression of the spiritual that modern people seek in ways that are not religiously motivated but still boast many of religion's facets.
Outline:
Introduction
Dionysus in the Ancient and Modern Expression
Bacchic Ritual Today
From the Paper
"The whole expression of the initial rejection of the Rock-n-Roll culture, music and lifestyle, not to mention its messages of rejection of the broader conservative culture is an example of the manner in which youth demonstrates revolutionary control over subsequent generations. The initial desire of the broader more conservative culture to suppress the movement, and all its expressions was met by heated rejection of conservatism. Many who look back on the beginnings of the movement express that all their fears were realized, through the very public expression of conflict and rage that became synonymous with Rock-n-Roll music and all of its accompanying events, which clearly reached it peak of possibility both good and bad during the Woodstock era. (Altschuler, 2003, p. 3) Yet, it is also clear that the music and the mentality it brought with it changed the face of society, and all that the older more conservative generations could do about it was warn the culture of its potential threats, just as those who drove the Bacchic ritual into the attic in earlier times did."
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Zeus, 2007.
This paper examines the figure of Zeus, as the father of the gods.
1,852 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 59.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that it is not exactly clear how or when the ancient Greeks first began to worship Zeus as the supreme leader of the gods. The writer maintains that some scholars argue that the name of Zeus originated in specific Indo-European cultures some 5,000 years ago. Further, th writer points out that the names of numerous gods and goddesses have been found on what are known as Linear B tablets, names like Hera, the wife of Zeus, Poseidon, the ruler of the seas, and of course Zeus. Thus, the name of Zeus became the foundation of ancient Greek mythology. The writer concludes that Zeus was the "King of the Gods" and the ultimate symbol of the Greek Pantheon, a religious system still studied by scholars today.
From the Paper
"Zeus also played a major role in the position of women in ancient Greek society. Overall, marriage, procreation and family property were all under the control of men, while women remained under the guardianship of their fathers, brothers and those linked to the political arena of Greek society. Once again, the poet Hesiod helps us to understand this situation by relating the myth of the first woman named Pandora. According to this legend, Zeus, the King of the Gods, created Pandora as a punishment for men when Prometheus, a divine being and enemy of Zeus, stole fire from Zeus to give it to the human friends of Prometheus."
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Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", 2007.
A discussion of the Taoist influences in Sun Tzu's "The Art of War."
1,632 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the religious and spiritual roots of Chinese Taoism found in the military treatise "The Art of War." The paper explains the basic tenets of Taoism and Sun Tzu's connection to the religion. The reviewer also addresses the book's paradox that Taoism is a peaceful religion, yet the work is about war. The reviewer states that traditional Taoist concepts emerge from discussions of battle tactics and troop movements. The paper also discusses Taoist views on duality such as the ying-yang and the art of wu wei. The paper concludes by stating that although Taoism is traditionally viewed as a peaceful religion, it recognizes that life involves conflict, but that the wise man can mediate this conflict and control it so that it is least destructive and most productive.
From the Paper
"Basically, Taoism is an ancient Chinese spiritual tradition that can be roughly translated as "the way of life." It provides loose proscriptions for how individuals can live in harmony with their surroundings and with their fellow man. But like any good philosophy, Taoism contains a few key tenets that are common throughout all of the writings on the subject. Chief among these include the idea that one should remain immovable and allow events to flow over and around oneself, that one should try to balance the opposite but complementary forces of the universe (yin and yang), and the art of "wu wei," which can be roughly translated as action through inaction or accomplishing goals through the least effort (Wilson). At its heart, Taoism recognizes that there is conflict inherent in life, that the competition for limited resources will inevitably lead to conflicts, but that this conflict naturally takes the form of a universal balance that human beings can imitate in their own endeavors (Cantrell 13). This realization is the point on which Sun Tzu is able to use Taoist philosophy to describe warfare. In other words, he uses the notion that conflict can be balanced and harmonious in dictating the way in which wars can best be fought."
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Feminism, 2007.
This paper discusses various feminist perspectives and looks at the philosophy of feminism.
1,209 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer maintains that it is important that one understands the use and application of the numerous feminist perspectives to gain a lucid idea of what feminism really is and how it works. However, the writer notes that not even one successful feminist perspective has been recognized in recent years, which is one of the main reasons why this phenomenon has had to face more than its fair share of criticism in recent history. The writer points out that the feminist school of thought has helped women all around the world to gain confidence and strength in their abilities and venture out of their homes to widen their spectrum of opportunities. The writer concludes that feminism has also helped women to tackle the situation at hand whether it is defying against an aggressive spouse, challenging racial and class prejudice, tackling the demands of a greedy landlord, pursuing higher levels of education, encouraging the employment of female politicians or lawyers or engineers, challenging chauvinism at work, initiating women's health or co-operative or financial headquarters.
From the Paper
"One of the phases where the feminist perspectives were finding strong basis was from the post WWII through to the early 1980s. The main aim of feminism during the post WWII period through to 1920 was to mainly speak out and fight against the oppression and violence that women were facing due to the constant political and economic conflicts that the world was facing. This particular form of feminism was very common throughout all the countries in the world but also had certain specific circumstances and characteristics related to every country where the gender-struggle was a constant issue. After that the main focus of the feminist activists was to gain parallel on the legal grounds alongside men specifically in the US. The open-minded feminists during this time tried to get the women to contribute at a higher percentage in the political and legal aspects of the administration."
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