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Suicide in America, 2008.
This paper evaluates the ethics and morality of suicide within modern American society.
1,210 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
This study examines the ethical and moral arguments that support or decline the validity of suicide within modern American society. By examining the role of assisted suicide for suffering patients, the autonomy of a person's own body argues that the law has no right to interfere with the rational taking of one's own life. In contrast, the writer maintains that the morality of the law often denies a person's self-autonomy due to the religious and ethical background of the American legal apparatus. In essence, these two contradicting points of view are analyzed within this ethical and moral evaluation of suicide in modern American society.
From the Paper
"Although the law makes it possible for a person to terminate life with the consent of a family member, the issue of self-autonomy and the right to life is deferred on religious morality and within the criterion of the Hippocratic Oath that many doctors adhere to in their medical code of ethics. These are the major factors that define how American law perceives suicide and how it can be dine within the parameters of social morality and ethical standards. Often, the basis of religious or medical ethics provide the legal standards that often enforce a lack of self-autonomy on the part of patient's to choose their own suicide. By understanding the basis of law, one can now examine the counter arguments for suicide that detail the right to live or die through a person's own bodily autonomy."
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"The German Ideology", 2008.
This paper explains how Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' "The German Ideology" lays the philosophical foundations of Marxism.
1,236 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how "The German Ideology" serves as the groundwork for Marxist thought and outlines the basic principles of communist theory. The paper explains how, using the philosophy of history, Marx creates a school of thought through empirical evidence, quantifying class separation and the evolution of private property. The paper also discusses how Marx answers the problem of inequality and calls for the oppressed to take action against those who are in control.
From the Paper
"The German Ideology is the most cherished by many Marx critics and supporters as it lays the groundwork for the concept of materialist method. The challenge of creating such a method is conceived against the background of the then current state of the German government and its philosophers. In direct opposition to Hegelian's, Marx and Engels propose that the philosophy of history is not just a set of ideas to be championed; the philosophy of history demonstrates the development of the social communities, the derivation of property and the human need to own property; and the eventual desire by the underprivileged to seek alternative methods of changing the social construct of their communities. The German Ideology, using Feuerbach's conceptions of idealism and materialism as an analytic tool, lays the groundwork for the basic philosophical foundations for Marxism."
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Larry Lauden's 'A Confutation of Convergent Realism', 2008.
This paper analyzes and supports Larry Lauden's article 'A Confutation of Convergent Realism' published in a 1981 issue of "Philosophy of Science".
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Larry Lauden in his article 'A Confutation of Convergent Realism' formulates an argument against scientific realism from the perspective of pessimistic induction. The author points out that Lauden rightly states that other philosophers' suggestions that epistemological realism is an empirical hypothesis, which is authenticated by its ability to explain the workings of science, is becoming a significant problem. The paper presents Lauden's methods of attack from which he tackles this assumption of reference and demonstrates how the historical, empirical evidence simply does not exist to support the realist claims. The author concludes that Lauden's debunking of scientific realism via their epistemological dependence on reference and retention is a useful and effective method of philosophical analysis.
From the Paper
"Scientific realism is, most basically, the idea that "[m]ature scientific theories are (approximately true." Lauden delves into the meat of this basic statement by dissecting realism into bite-sized chunks that can be more easily analyzed and (in this case) refuted. While Lauden does debunk various aspects of scientific realism, one aspect of it with which he is particularly concerned is the matter of reference. Lauden lists five characteristics of convergent epistemological realism, which he has aggregated from the available resources on scientific realism."
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The Philosophical Rhetoric of Right and Wrong, 2008.
An analysis of cultural bias versus objectivity for journalism within the modern media according to Aristotle and Plato.
2,742 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 45.95
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Abstract
The aim of this paper is to bring forth the views of Aristotle and Plato to analyze the current issues of bias and objectivity that exist within the cultural construct of journalism and the modern media. By evaluating the issues of rhetoric as put forth by Plato and Aristotle, the paper shows how one can realize the often-tainted perspective for truth within the institutional nationalism and capitalism of modern media corporations.
From the Paper
"The philosophy of Plato is far more abstract than that of Aristotle, since it focuses more on the forms of higher understanding and the greater good. The term rhetoric was often not a complimentary word for Plato, as he often saw language and knowledge being used on a relativistic basis for the well being of those that sought to profit from non-virtuous political or social means. Often the lack of uniformity in defining what is the "greater good" in society is difficult, since the intellectual virtue discussed by Aristotle can often provide an abstract and often unrealistic set of ethical guidelines. "
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Foucault and Normalization, 2008.
A discussion of Michel Foucault's concept of the process of normalization in social organization and regulation.
1,236 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the belief of Michel Foucault that social organization and regulation occurs most effectively through practices of normalization. It discusses the structures and strategies which facilitate social construction, regulation and especially the processes of normalization. The paper also provides examples from whiteness, heterosexuality and the culture of therapy in order to illustrate how normalization functions for the ends of social organization and regulation.
From the Paper
"Numerous mechanisms are at work in normalization through which social organization and regulation can be effected. The trend which can be observed repeatedly, however, that the most efficient and successful type of control is implemented when certain ideas and practices are subjected to normalization in the society. Governments regularly operate in this way, and psychiatry with its culture of therapy can produce ideas such as abnormality and then maintain an industry based on achieving normality. The construction of normality is associated with other constructions such as heterosexuality, whiteness, and sanity experts, and all of the constructions are linked with power. Being normal is synonymous with control and being linked to control, which creates a secure position when compared to the non-white, homosexual, neurotic or insane."
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Doux-Commerce, 2008.
An analysis of David Hume's concept of doux-commerce and the pursuit of luxury.
904 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 17.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses doux-commerce. It analyzes David Hume's emphasis that the necessity of earning a living in a free-market environment requires people to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner, especially with their trading partners. It describes why Hume has been described as an apologist for luxury for his explanations regarding doux-commerce.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, David Hume has been described as an apologist for luxury because he emphasized that in a market setting, self-interest is the primary motivation for conducting oneself with politeness, sophistication, and cordiality. This motivation reflects the necessity of earning a living in a free-market system, which compels people to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner as they do business. This "doux-commerce" thesis describes the fundamental conditions of interaction through which participants must interact if they wish to thrive and prosper."
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Aristotle's Arguments For Democracy, 2008.
An analysis of Aristotle's arguments for democracy and justice.
1,519 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Aristotle's arguments for democracy, which are based on his concepts of the citizen, the city and the constitution. It compares his teaching that the aim and principle of a
constitution is its concept of justice to the teaching of his mentor, Plato. The paper analyzes Aristotle's concept of justice in a democracy.
From the Paper
"Aristotle, however, is still not satisfied. Although "the assembly, the council, and the court consist of many people" (Stalley 111) can and should act as a safeguard for unworthy people assuming office, Aristotle wants guarantees, and like the framers of the Constitution he wants it in writing. The means by which the constitution of a city organizes the life of its citizens is through law. Since rightly constituted laws are framed by Aristotle as the final sovereign, it is clear that "laws must be laid down in accordance with constitutions; and...it follows that laws which are in accordance with right constitutions must necessarily be just" (Stalley 112). The fact that Aristotle uses the plural may indicate that not only was he familiar with good and bad (perverted) constitutions, but he may even have recognized the need for a constitution to be amended because "owing to the difficulty of framing general rules for all contingencies [the may be unable] to make an exact pronouncement" (Stalley 112)."
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The Virtual Self, 2008.
This paper explores how the mind and body interact with virtual environments, focusing on the book "Remediation" by David Bolter and Richard Grusin.
1,036 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
The paper examines "Remediation" by David Bolter and Richard Grusin, which looks at the changing relationships between people and the media. The paper concentrates on the chapter "The Virtual Self", which deals with the way human identities are transformed by their interactions with virtual technologies. The paper discusses Cartesian philosophy and shows how the concept of the virtual self totally disproves the Cartesian beliefs. The paper provides examples of virtual selves in contemporary media.
From the Paper
"A major section of this chapter(pages 248-254) deals with the ways in which the mind and the body interact with virtual environments. These arguments look at Cartesian and anti-Cartesian elements of the virtual self.
"In order to understand these arguments it is first necessary to have an understanding of Cartesian philosophy. Basically Cartesian philosophy is based on the work of Rene Descartes. Descartes basically sees the mind and body as separate entities."
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Intimations of Immortality, 2008.
An analysis of transcendentalism and its role in Henry David Thoreau's writings.
707 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 13.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how transcendentalism is evident in Thoreau's writings through his desire to recapture childhood delight in nature, his goal to find truth and grounding in nature, and his understanding of transcendentalism and its outgrowth in his life.
From the Paper
"In Thoreau's writings we see the theory of Transcendentalism made practical. His writings reflect not only the theoretical aspects of Transcendentalism, but also the true outgrowth of what those theories mean. When he went to the woods to find the glory and delight of nature, he found out more of who he was as well. No longer was he an exploiter of nature or one of those whose life was "but a sleep and a forgetting", but rather a man who had found balance and a deep understanding of his role and place. Transcendentalism in Thoreau is not a castle in the air, but a rough, grounded cabin next to a pond. "
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Materialism, 2007.
This paper discuses the concept of materialism, which has long roots in the Western philosophical tradition.
1,545 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that materialism is based on the concept that matter is the essence of reality and that it is matter that creates the mind. The author differentiates between cultural materialism, which relates to understanding human societies through its material conditions such as geography, and dialectical materialism, which explains human processes such as art. The paper argues that materialists demonstrate that all aspects of the world have material causes; but these causes do not change the fact that decisions are made and responsibilities can be taken. The author concludes that the traditional concept of free will is a holdover from pre-Enlightenment desires for a spiritual component to the world that is uninfluenced by the material world.
Table of Contents:
Varieties of Materialism
Materialism and Free Will
From the Paper
"There may be, though, a way to reconcile materialism with the concept of free will. Free will requires that human actions are dictated by choices made individually by human beings, that responsibility for any action can be traced back to the individual. But this may be an incorrect epistemological approach, one that prevents free will enthusiasts from recognizing that free will does not have to be at odds with materialism. Superficially, there doesn't seem to be anyway around the matter of being able to find a fundamental material cause for every human decision, once attributed solely to free will. If prime mover status cannot reside with the human mind, then how can free will exist? This is the quandary faced by those who would reconcile these concepts."
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Walter Benjamin's "Theses on the Philosophy of History", 2008.
A discussion of various interpretations of history, with a focus on historian Walter Benjamin's 1940 book "Theses on the Philosophy of History".
2,820 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 9 sources, MLA, £ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in his 1940 book "Theses on the Philosophy of History", Walter Benjamin, using the analogy of an Angel of History, warns that false interpretations of history can be as deadly as the historical tragedies themselves. The author points out that a means of avoiding this is not to emphasis and understand history as a rigid sequence of absolutely true events, which must be accepted as the definitive truth. The paper stresses that it must be remembered that history is written by the triumphant winners. The author discuses examples of history from the ancient Greeks to modern times to emphasize that human nature has changed very little over thousands of years: Intolerance still causes ignorance, which causes wars and kills people.
From the Paper
"The exploitation and abuse of women throughout human history is another refutation of the triumphalist conception of history. As Mohanty notes, even in modern times, women are still struggling for equality, for social movements such as women's liberation tend to trigger resistance because many people prefer the status quo and feel threatened by social change. For example, in recent years some feminist organizations have drawn increasing criticism from mainstream America due to strategies and tactics which seem too aggressive and divisive."
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Plato's Theory of Justice, 2008.
An analysis of Plato's theory's of justice in "The Republic" according to the thesis of Johann Gottfried Stallbaum.
2,058 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 0 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a critique of Johann Gottfried Stallbaum's (1793-1861) vague and generally accepted thesis that the true argument of "The Republic" is "the representation of human life in a State perfected by justice and governed according to the idea of good" . The paper contrasts a discussion of what justice refers to in Plato's thought and how justice is related to the Good, as defined by Plato, to the subtly deceptive and incomplete idea of Gottfried's exegesis.
From the Paper
"In "The Republic" separate functions are the foundation for justice. Justice is the professed aim of the constitution of the kallipolis. It becomes visible in individuals because justice is the order of the state, which in turn is its visible embodiment. The one is the soul and the other is the body in the Greek ideal of a fair mind in a fair body. In Hegel's language, the state becomes the reality of which Justice is the ideal. Political justice is the harmony in a constituted body based on specialization. This is a direct refutation of Stallbaum's description because his generalization makes no mention of the roles the people have in the development of justice in the State. Plato regards the ideal form of the perfect city as the ideal form of the good person. Plato is not interested in "the representation of human life in a State perfected by justice" because he is arguing that a kallipolis requires a specialized constituted community in order to exist under the guidance of the Guardians."
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Reality and the External World, 2008.
A comparison of the views of Rene Descartes and George Berkeley on the notion of the external world and how people interact with it.
1,058 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, £ 20.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the notion that there is an external world and that people generally interact with it in similar manners. It describes and analyzes the philosophies of Rene Descartes and George Berkeley who both attempted to formally justify these notions. Furthermore, the paper compares and contrasts the views of the two philosophers in their explanations of the external world and reality.
From the Paper
"It seems that there is an almost undeniable disconnect between our mental constructions of how the world operates around us--largely through language--and the way in which this world may actually work in an objective sense. Since, according to Berkeley and many others, there may be little logical backing to the notion that an objective, physical reality can ever be reasonably approximated by any of us--because we are so completely committed to our own individual points of view--it has been historically difficult for correspondence theorists to generate a formula by which objective truth can be determined. After all, the linguistic mechanisms that we all make use of every day involve, extensively, relational propositions, universals, predicates, and other functions that fail to unambiguously possess any meaning in the physical world."
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Plato and American Democracy, 2008.
An application of Plato's "Republic" to the failure of American democracy.
804 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 15.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Plato's "well ordered soul" in relation to the corruption that resides within failed American democratic institutions. It discusses how Plato's "Republic" defines the notion of the greater good in society and how the practical applications of these ideas are prone to corruption and the dissolution of justice within the United States.
From the Paper
"Socrates also realizes that governmental 'order' in reality is only as stable as time. Therefore, since time is always moving and changing, there are no reasonable ways to create a government that can mimic the greater good of the soul. In this manner, the term democracy is a transient form of government that can never be realized, since power is often consolidated and fluctuates between the three branches. However, Plato reinforces the construct and need for the well-ordered soul, since chaos would surely ensue without the doctrine of the greater good to be imposed throughout the various sections of the Republic. "
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