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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, £ 24.95
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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, £ 23.95
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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, £ 15.95
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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, £ 78.95
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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, £ 64.95
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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, £ 66.95
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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, £ 32.95
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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, £ 29.95
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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, £ 22.95
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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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The Nature of God, 2007.
A discussion on the nature of God from differing religious and philosophical perspectives.
1,219 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
This essay considers the Western perception of a Divine Creator, from both a religious and philosophical outlook. The paper first examines God from a Christian viewpoint, stating the requirements of a believer and the characteristics of God. Next, the essay analyzes several Western philosophers' concepts of God, including those of Friedrich Nietzsche, David Hume, Albert Einstein, Bertrand Russell, and many other post-relativity scientific philosophers like Stephen Hawking. The author then discusses the difficulties Western individuals may have with the cultural definition of God. The paper concludes, however, citing the benefits of belief in a creator.
From the Paper
"Very generally, Christian religions require unquestioned loyalty to an eternal, loving, and just God, who is fundamentally of Good "character." The Christian God rewards good behavior and also punishes for sinful human conduct. God rewards (and punishes) both in life as well as in the afterlife. Many believe that God appreciates (indeed, demands) our personal allegiance even more than our good conduct toward our human contemporaries, and that, unlike the former, our shortcomings with respect to the latter are unforgivable. According to Christian religious beliefs, God forgives all earthly sins of those who believe in him and rewards them with eternal life in Heaven after death. Conversely, no good deed on earth is sufficient to avoid eternal damnation in Hell for those who do not accept God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost."
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Greek and Roman Thoughts and Culture, 2007.
A look at how Greek and Roman thought and culture has impacted Western civilization.
1,953 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the contributions made by the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome to Western thought and culture. According to the paper, these contributions are many, especially in the areas of art, literature, architecture, politics, government, science and religion.
From the Paper
"During the Enlightenment (the eighteenth century), theorists such as John Locke and Adam Smith in Great Britain, Rousseau in France and Jefferson in America, championed "natural law" passed down from the time of the Greeks and Romans by the perpetuation of Roman law and the rediscovery of Greek philosophical writings during the Renaissance. But the interpretation of those laws became the subject of major disagreement. During the sixteenth century, Machiavelli had put state over citizen and Jean Bodin had defended the divine right of monarchs. But in the seventeenth century Hugo Grotius proposed a system of international law based on reason (nature), profoundly influencing two British thinkers, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. The refinement of "natural law" and the discourses on how one is to define it ultimately influenced the philosophy of the "Founding Fathers" in the United States as well as the ideals of the French revolutionaries."
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Liberals/Conservatives/Libertarians, 2007.
This paper discusses the different beliefs of liberals, conservatives and libertarians, arguing in favor of liberalism.
1,257 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper begins by providing a definition of the terms 'liberal', 'conservative' and 'libertarianism', using the definitions from Dr. Paul Johnson's "Glossary of Political Economy Terms" as a basis. The writer defines each of the terms and then explains why liberalism is superior. The writer maintains that the liberal philosophy lives by one word, balance. Further, the writer notes that there are balances in the fields of cooperation and competition on every level, between private and public institutions and primarily in the rights and needs of the individual compared to the demands of the entire society. The writer concludes that the dreams of the ordinary man are to be free to live and have enough so that the pursuit of happiness can become an actual reality.
Outline:
Why Liberalism is Superior
Alternative Stances
Values
Beliefs
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Liberals tend to emphasize individual rights over governmental authority and to leave the economy alone, unless it needs help. More and more, the economy has been controlled by conservative elements and this has tended to squelch free trade and put too many regulations on imports, while allowing special interests avenues of squeezing more revenue out of the citizens by legalizing higher interest rates, putting tariffs on imports, freezing influx of cheap labor even while raising private profits by raising prices (such as for gas) and shipping manufacturing out of the country to where free labor resides."
"Where conservatives have traditionally believed in the superiority of the ruling class, today in the United States they have concentrated power and money into smaller numbers of people, corporations and bureaus, and the government is used to protect those interests."
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Hinduism and Buddhism, 2007.
A comparison and contrast between Hinduism and Buddhism.
2,233 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 7 sources, APA, £ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews discusses and compares Hinduism and Buddhism. The paper takes a look at whether they both stem from a similar philosophy and culture. The paper also discusses the impact both religions have had on Indian and Chinese culture.
From the Paper
"The two religions, Buddhism and Hinduism started in India where the belief and practices are almost the same although the interpretations are different. Many believed that the founder of Buddhism, Gautama, was a Hindu. He only left his crown and lived in reality to find out the true meaning of sufferings. There were people who deemed that Buddhism was taken from Hinduism but believers of Buddhism strongly denied the allegation that they stemmed from Hinduism. They claimed that their beliefs and practices were completely different from other religions although there might be some similarities but they insisted on their uniqueness and independence. Buddhism was accepted to be originated in India since it started its reputation in that country because there were oppressed groups that became unsatisfied with their beliefs and practices. The teachings of the Buddha created hope and aspiration for those who had otherwise no hope of salvation and freedom of choice in a society that was dominated by caste system, predominance of ritual form of worship and the exclusive status of the privileged classes which the Vedic religion upheld as inviolable and indisputable. Buddhism made a more lasting effect in China and even spread as far as Japan and Korea. Much of the social, cultural and philosophical beliefs of China sprung from the precepts of Buddhism. Even the great Chinese philosophers like Confucius, Mencius and Lao-Tze had adapted some of the precepts of Buddhism."
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Transcendentalism, 2007.
An examination of the philosophy of transcendentalism as it applies to gender differences, focusing on insights from Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Self-Reliance" and Margaret Fuller's "The Great Lawsuit."
1,616 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the philosophy of transcendentalism through the interpretations of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller. It draws from their interpretations and illustrates transcendentalism through Emerson's and Fuller's essays, "Self-Reliance" and "The Great Lawsuit," respectively. The paper then compares their views in terms of gender differences.
From the Paper
"Emerson also argued how modern society had put down human faculties and ability to learn through his/her feelings--aptly determined as perception. The perception/fact dichotomy has plagued human thinking for many years, and this development in the modern period has been a cause for concern, since, according to Emerson, perception need not be considered as a simple concept that do not have a significant role in influencing human thoughts and feelings. Perceptions, as explicated in the essay, are not "whimsical, but fatal. If I see a trait, my children will see it after me, and in course of time, all mankind--although it may chance that no one has seen it before me. For my perception of it is as much a fact as the sun." Thus, Emerson believed that humanity should not only give strong belief on facts, but most importantly, on human perceptions. It is only through human perceptions that higher forms of reality and knowledge can be achieved and become humanly possible."
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