| Papers [97-108] of 4382 :: [Page 9 of 366] | | Go to page : <— 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 —> | |
|
|
The Human Need to Believe in God, 2008.
A discussion of why human beings have always needed a god or gods to believe in.
1,908 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at the origins of religion and how they may have evolved from a basic human need to believe in something that was meta-physical, divine, and omnipotent. The paper also focuses on the indebtedness - if any - of some of today's prominent religions to other sects which have been lost to the mists of time. Furthermore, this paper explores what purposes myths served in the ancient world and how they benefited ancient societies in ways that other forms of socialization perhaps could not. In the final analysis, the paper suggests that religion may have evolved from more primitive forms of morals and maintains that religion is beneficial to the human species.
From the Paper
"Returning once more to the work of Paul Kurtz, the need for religion is something that all ancient human societies required insofar as it was an ideal (or at least tolerably effective) coping mechanism for dealing with all of the many things early man could not control. For instance, it assuaged the fear of death, gave human beings the comfort of believing that the injustices of this world would be rectified in the next one, was a means by which the tribulations brought about famine, pestilence, terrible weather or warfare could be endured in the hopes of better days to come, and - finally - religion was a palliative that restored hope in instance wherein hope might not be easily revived otherwise. Finally, religion gave early man the faith that the unseen factors shaping the world (for better or for ill) could be propitiated and even brought to serve the needs of the local community (Kurtz, 23)."
| |
|
Theories of Human Nature, 2008.
A comparison of the contemporary relevance of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's and Thomas Hobbes' theories of human nature.
1,705 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper compares Jean-Jacques Rousseau's theory of human nature and civil society with that of Thomas Hobbes'. The paper analyzes which of the two theorists' understanding of human nature has greater contemporary relevance. It provides examples from their works and concludes that Hobbes' theories have far more contemporary relevance.
From the Paper
"In general, Hobbes's theory seems more relevant to contemporary society than does Rousseau's. Hobbes' idea of the naturally brutish, competitive state of man seems more accurate than Rousseau's notion of the man-born-noble-sovereign. More importantly, Hobbes's theory of the civil state is more relevant to the contemporary state. After all, we do in fact do precisely what Hobbes says: we give up our right to wrest things away from other people, in return for the right to walk down the street without having the shirt ripped off our back. On the other hand, Rousseau's theory of the civil state as a place in which we all share sovereignty has no relevance to our modern state, where numbers are so great that almost no one has any sovereignty (unless one's name is Walton, or Bush, or Oprah, perhaps)."
| |
|
"Notes from Underground", 2008.
An analysis of the philosophies of Plato, Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud as they relate to Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground".
1,522 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses how Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" is an interesting and somewhat shocking short novel first published in 1864 and often seen as a forerunner of existential fiction. The paper then looks at how first-person narrator of the story recites a long complaint about life, society, and in fact all of human existence in what he deeply feels to be its essential pointlessness and cruelty. The paper then attempts to analyze the psychology behind the behavior of the "Underground Man" by examining what three important thinkers have to contribute to the discussion: Plato, Nietzsche, and Freud.
From the Paper
"Nineteenth-century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche was very impressed with Dostoevsky, claiming that "Dostoevsky is one of the few psychologists from whom I have learned something" ("Nietzsche.") The Birth of Tragedy from the Spirit of Music (1871) was Nietzsche's first major book. In it, he first elucidates what would soon become a widely known dichotomy, that between the Apollonian and the Dionysian, two opposed strands of ancient Greek thinking which he deduces based upon his uniquely creative interpretation of Greek literature. Put briefly, the Apollonian is the rational, while the Dionysian is that which is irrational or instinctive. "
| |
|
Aristotle and Moral Responsibility, 2008.
This paper provides an analysis of Aristotle's beliefs of moral responsibility.
705 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 25.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper discusses Aristotle's belief that human beings are morally responsible for their conception of the good life, which was based on his determination that every form of activity people engage in has an ultimate goal that they consider good. The paper explains Aristotle's argument that because there cannot be an endless regression of external motivations, an intrinsic motivation for achieving the highest good must exist. The paper further explains how moral responsibility extends across desires to the conduct those desires produce and to the ends such conduct achieves.
From the Paper
"Aristotle believed that we are morally responsible for our conception of the good life, and based this belief on his determination that every form of activity people engage in has an ultimate goal which they consider good. Furthermore, Aristotle argued that because there cannot be an endless regression of external motivations, there must be an intrinsic motivation for achieving the highest good. This highest good is the goal towards which all human activity is directed."
| |
|
Culture in Nursing, 2008.
This paper discusses practices in trans-cultural nursing care focusing on the Chinese culture.
933 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article the writer notes that in order to provide effective nursing care, nurses must have knowledge of the client's worldview which is influenced by their cultural beliefs, values and life ways. The writer points out that in Chinese culture, the approach of patients to health and illness centers on the concept of balance, and is holistic and traditional. The writer maintains that health is understood as a state of spiritual and physical harmony with nature and illness caused by some upset in body energy. The case study demonstrates the differences that often become apparent between cultural beliefs and practices versus the perspective of nursing. This paper focuses on the cultural factor of religious and philosophical factors. The writer concludes that religious and philosophical factors greatly influence what Chinese people do and what choices they make.
From the Paper
"In contrast to Chinese religious and philosophical beliefs regarding health and disease, nurses in Western culture are trained in a much different way regarding nutrition. Nurses also are instructed to push fluids. For nurses, the focus on nutrition involves its role in healing in relation to the need for protein and fiber as well as electrolyte balance. The normal course of nursing actions is that when the problem is hypertension, then the amount of sodium is restricted. Whatever foods might be contributing to the health are either very limited or are eliminated from the diet. In the case study, nurses are following the usual procedure in promoting fluids for the patient in order to enable Mr. W. to recover from his bladder surgery. To achieve the health outcome, it is very common for nurses to provide patients with cold tap water. The issue is that both Chinese cultural practice and professional nursing practice both are concerned with the same outcome."
| |
|
Philosophy of Leadership, 2008.
A discussion of leadership by comparing James Farr's "Leadership vs. Management", Plato's "Republic", Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan", and Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail".
1,970 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 62.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper considers the need to master leadership skills as a means for effective leadership. The paper reviews the work of James Farr, "Leadership vs. Management", as a critique of ineffective and effective leadership. It then reviews the leadership suggestions of Plato as shown in the "Republic". The paper finds this model of leadership especially negative in its criticism of democracy. It next turns to Thomas Hobbes, and again finds him extremely negative in his outline of the state of nature and the need for absolute government as shown in the "Leviathan". The essay finally turns to Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and finds that this is a positive and effective model of leadership.
From the Paper
"Plato, for example, shows what he thinks our democratic society will become. It is a grim view, one I cannot endorse. In Book VIII of The Republic, he discusses society's descent to democracy, which he says follows the failure of an oligarchy. That is an order driven by fear of abject poverty (553c, 562b, 556c). Men show miserly respectability (553d), without control of reason or spirit. (551a, 553c, 556d). A few grow rich and shape the state they want, oppressing others. (552e, 5533, 564e)."
| |
|
Suicide, 2008.
A comparison of the arguments of Immanuel Kant in "Suicide and Duty" and David Hume in "Of Suicide."
1,578 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper presents David Hume's argument against suicide as described in "Of Suicide." It discusses his arguments based on God's plan for human beings and the establishment of immutable laws that cannot be transgressed, although he does defend suicide in certain scenarios. It then discusses Immanuel Kant's argument against suicide in "Suicide and Duty" and his position that suicide can never be justified.
From the Paper
"Kant (1930) provides the strongest position on the immorality of suicide. Although Hume (1874) defends suicide in certain cases, he based his entire argument in God's plan for human beings and the establishment of immutable laws that cannot be transgressed. Those laws are, in fact, providence, designed to protect human beings and guide them. The problem with Hume's (1874) argument is that in a universe that is completely controlled and determined by God, there is no choice for the human being. All that anyone can do is to accept and observe the laws. The whole argument depends on whether has faith in God. Kant's (1930) argument focuses on the human being as having a great deal of worth and as a person who is a moral agent. The person can commit suicide but the choice is made on the basis of a higher purpose which is that person's own purpose."
| |
|
Aristotle and Friendships, 2008.
This paper analyzes the highest level of friendship that induces Aristotle's idea of friendship as a virtue in Nichomachean Ethics.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper analyzes the three different tiers of friendship in Aristotle's philosophy: friendships of utility, pleasure and of the good. The paper discusses Aristotle's argument that a friendship "of the good" provides a foundation for eudemonia (the happiest life). The paper explains how this level of friendship strives to discover the greatest good or happiness between friends, rather than seeking immediate gratification through superficial relationships.
From the Paper
"For Aristotle, the greatest good of life comes from having a friendship that can be purified from immoral or materialistic causation. The importance of friends is one of the major virtues of life that must be taken into account when living for eudemonia or for the greater good of life in Book VIII:
"After what we have said, a discussion of friendship would naturally follow, since it is a virtue or implies virtue, and is besides most necessary with a view to living. For without friends no one would choose to live (Aristotle para.1)"
| |
|
The Family and its Relation to Politics, 2008.
A comparison of the views on family and politics expressed by John Locke in "Second Treatise of Government" and by Confucius in "The Analects."
2,696 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 80.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the family unit and its relationship with politics. It looks at John Locke's views, in his "Second Treatise of Government" of the place and nature of the family as a social unit in its contribution to what we today know as political science. It also looks at the viewed expressed in "The Analects" of Confucius. The paper compares and contrasts the two authors' views on family and politics.
Outline:
Introduction
Second Treatise of Government
The Analects and the Ideal Family
Reflection and Conclusion
From the Paper
"As approaches to the family in relation to the greater forces of politic science and social order, both Locke and Confucius are intriguing to investigate, again, referring to the present, given that both began in reactions to observed and experienced political turbulence and situations of social disorder. For instance, what does it mean when conservative Americans and others proclaim the need for what are called Family Values, or why is it that members of non-Western societies so denounce what they perceive of Western individualism and non-existent family life? Put differently, what implications can be expected in societies to very much emphasis individualism, personal agency and competition, as part of how children are prepared for adult life? In the case of what is referred to as the Sinic World of cultures shaped by Chinese civilization, why might authoritarian governments of one kind or another be expected, or accepted?"
| |
|
The Human Person and Truth, 2008.
This paper explores Socrates and Friedrich Nietzsche's differing beliefs on the concept of truth, what constitutes true knowledge, and the human ability to understand it.
3,155 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at the ideas of Socrates as passed on to his student Plato and then to Aristotle and compares these ideas to Frederich Nietzsche's beliefs. The paper explains that Aristotle sees truth as an interaction between our soul and the observable world while to Nietzsche, truth is a creation of the human mind.
Outline:
Socrates and Plato
Aristotle
Nietzsche
From the Paper
"One of the most important discussions of the nature of truth, knowledge and the human ability to understand it, comes from The Apology of Socrates, by his student Plato. The Apology is an account of Socrates trial in 399 B.C. Along with Plato's description of Socrates' debate with Meno, The Apology helps us understand both the Socratic method of inquiry and the world view which justifies this type of learning by discussion.
"Socrates was charged with corrupting the youth of Athens and of not believing in the Gods of Athens. Plato sets the scene with Socrates opening statements in which he asks to be allowed to speak to the judge and jury. Socrates explains that he is an old man and that this is how he teaches. He asks, "...think only of the justice of my cause, and give heed to that: let the judge decide justly and the speaker speak truly. (Jowett, 1)"
| |
|
Inter-Cultural Harmony, 2008.
This paper discusses that no matter how enlightened the participants, inter-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective.
1,253 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer argues that inter-cultural or cross-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective simply because human beings' (and how they react to the gestures and communicative strategies of others) are the most volatile and unpredictable variable of all when it comes to assessing the possible problems and rewards of a communication exchange. With that in mind, the paper explores why cross-cultural communication is so difficult. The paper also looks at some arguments which insist that inter-cultural exchanges can be harmonious and "worry-free" if enough training and education is provided. Finally, the writer concludes by reiterating why there will always be certain difficulties in cross-cultural communication and the paper finishes by suggesting that such tensions are just a "part of life" and must be accommodated to the fullest extent possible.
From the Paper
""Following this premise to its logical conclusion, it is clear that biological determinism, ecological factors, and simple evolution really are insufficient to wholly explain the nuances of each society - or at least to the satisfaction of a trained social scientist. Going further, each and every human being is a remarkably complex creature that will respond differently to essentially the same stimuli; consequently, it is impossible to avoid cross-cultural miscommunication because comments or gestures that someone else from the same culture finds tolerable might spark a highly unpleasant response from someone else who is also from that culture. In the end, the variables which constrain smooth cross-cultural communication are at least as numerable as there are people in the world.
"Still, some experts believe that cross-cultural communication does not have to be hampered by differences in background or by differences in perspective."
| |
|
Locke and Rousseau on Economic Inequality, 2008.
A comparison of John Locke's "Second Treatise of Government" and Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality".
2,790 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This essay compares and contrasts two theoretical models regarding economic inequality. The first is presented by John Locke in his "Second Treatise of Government", which addresses the origins of economic inequality. The second, which is in sharp distinction to these views, is presented by French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau in his "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality". The paper outlines the strengths and weaknesses of both. It argues that, while both works are very similar in their imagined origins of economic inequality in the early history of property, they differ radically in how they represent property and the justifications for its differing accumulations that ultimately give rise to economic inequality. The paper concludes that Locke envisions property and moderate levels of economic inequality as a good thing, while Rousseau condemns this inequality as a corrupting influence upon human society in every respect.
From the Paper
"However, while there is a superficial similarity between how Locke and Rousseau each conceive of the state of nature, there is one important distinction between the two: property. While Locke conceives, as noted above, of an equality of property as existing in the state of nature, Rousseau contends that the innovation of property itself marked the ending of the state of nature and the beginning of human society.
"This is an important difference, and it goes to the heart of how each philosopher conceives of economic inequality. For example, it is clear from the outset of Rousseau's description of the state of nature and its defining characteristics that he sees property as not only a negative aspect of human society but as being fundamentally illegitimate as well."
|
|
|
