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Transcendental Idealism, 2006.
This paper compares Kant's transcendental idealism with dogmatic and problematic idealism.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, £ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how Kant's theory of transcendental idealism is a useful doctrine, given that it picks up on key problems with realism and posits a theory that is intuitively acceptable. This essay compares transcendental idealism with both dogmatic idealism and problematic idealism, using the differences to clarify the meaning of transcendental idealism. As is shown, only transcendental idealism is acceptable, as dogmatic idealism and problematic idealism have fundamental problems that render them unacceptable.
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Realism and Idealism in "Editha", 2004.
Examines ideals of realism and idealism in William Dean Howell's novel, "Editha".
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 0 sources, £ 28.95
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Abstract
By examining William Dean Howell's book, "Editha", the paper shows that the battle between George and Editha over whether the Spanish-American war is immoral and should be opposed or is moral and worthy of support is a study of realism and idealism, respectively. The paper shows that by using Editha to demonstrate the beliefs of the American government, the narrator fuses the more ?foolish? point of view, idealism, to the ?weaker? sex, females, and shows that the American government?s idealistic approach to war is ?foolish.?
From the Paper
"Perhaps there is no realistic, humane way to solve such a problem, or perhaps the answer is so obvious to George that he does not feel the need to mention it. Whatever the case, George does not idealize the war as ?glorious? until he is so physically drunk that his senses break down and he, too, becomes inebriated with the war feeling. George?s conversion under the influence of alcohol shows what a foolish state one must be in to accept the idealistic view of war and foreshadows the ending when Editha makes all idealists seem foolish."
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The Conflict Between Idealism and Materialism, 2005.
A discussion of the conflict between idealism and materialism in the field of physiological psychology and how this conflict is at the very basis of one of the fiercest controversies in this field.
2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 26 sources, APA, £ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the philosophical conflict between materialism and idealism in the field of physiological psychology. The analysis of each of these ideas offers the possibility to determine with greater accuracy which are obstacles to the development of physiological psychology and which help the process. The study favors materialistic monism, but without making any strong statements.
The conflict between materialism and idealism
Classifications
Mentalism
Psychophysical parallelism
Organicism
Phrenology
Psychoanalysis as a form of mentalism
Pure behaviorism as a form of mentalism
Psychophysical complementarism
Discussion on the advantages/ disadvantages of the abovementioned
approaches
From the Paper
"Mentalism, for instance, is based on the thought that any reference to the nervous system is not necessary in explaining mental events, which can be causally explained by psychodynamic concepts. The brain and mind are seen as distinct and independent from each other, which equals with a dualistic perspective. The opposite perception is purely monistic, and states that mental events are simply neural events. This approach, named materialist monism presupposes the existence of a single dimension - the neural one. This way of viewing things is enhanced by the appearance of organicism, which claims that mental events are caused by a particular portion of the brain, specific for each class of neural events. The basic idea of materialist monism is kept and taken one step further, by particularizing each mental event in relation to its source. "
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Idealism, 2006.
A discussion regarding idealism, in both philosophical and real terms, such as education.
2,374 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 12 sources, APA, £ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper explores and briefly analyzes the philosophical stance of idealism. The paper then goes on to deal with the reaction and response to this stance from the point of view of the relevance of idealism in education and the effect that it can have in terms of personal experience and the social milieu.
From the Paper
"As is evident for the above discussion, the philosophy of idealism has many important implications for the modern word and in particular for education and teaching. In the first instance idealism offers a view of reality that goes beyond or transcends the mundane and everyday reality. In Platonic terms, idealism suggests that there are ideal forms or models of reality to which we aspire and these ideals act as objectives that direct our actions and thoughts in everyday life. In education there are ideals that have often been noted as being desirable. For example, the ideal of excellence in education refers to the intention of excelling or attaining the best or optimum educational standards and achievements. To attain excellence there must be higher and ideal standards. Another idealistic notion that is common in modern education is the ideal of "educating the whole child". This refers to the view that the student should receive an overall education that includes and integrates the various facets of his or her personality and potential. The central idea is that the child should be educated in terms of all the different aspects of mind and body. This view is described as, "...mutually reinforcing qualities of a fully functioning mind and body." (Dustin, Hibbler, Mckenney & Blitzer, 2004) These ideal are positive aspects that may or may not be practical in every sense but are goals or ideals that are important for the development and advancement of education. "
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Naturalism and Idealism, 2005.
This paper is a personal essay comparing the philosophies of naturalism and idealism, as it applies to science.
3,190 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that idealism claims that the world is beautiful, everybody is good and a person can adopt high goals and adhere to them though ideas rather than material forces; on the other hand, naturalism is the view that nature alone is real. The author points out that nature has its share in the life of the soul and, in its numerous manifestations, deeply influences human life; but this natural life of the soul is peripheral, merely an appendix to the material phenomena of nature. The paper contends that modern science has not been the result of a gradual accumulation of sensual perceptions but rather a deliberate break with the entire stock of traditional knowledge.
From the Paper
"Technological progress becomes even more exciting when it enters into the service of the social idea, which demands not only a small elite but also humanity at large should profit by it. This demand creates an entirely new challenge, requiring tremendous energy but also giving rise to new complications and harsh contrasts which, in turn, intensify the passion of man's work in this world and enrich its meaning. The transformation of environment has become the purpose of human life; life seems real only insofar as it deals with things. Man no longer needs to escape to an invisible world in order to find and realize exalted goals."
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Idealism and Pragmatism, 2001.
An analysis of the use of idealism and pragmatism in the U.S. foreign policy.
2,505 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 7 sources, £ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the role of idealism and pragmatism in the US foreign policy between 1898-1945. The author examines these two principles and discusses the reasons and effects of their incorporation into the U.S. foreign policy.
From the Paper
"At the time of its independence from Britain, the United States planned to pursue an isolationist foreign policy, reluctant to get entangled in European or Asian affairs. However, the initial strategy had to be abandoned with time as economical developments led to a series of foreign expeditions that many Americans hoped would eventually create a vast commercial empire. These ambitions necessitated that the United States increase its spheres of influence abroad to protect American business interests and investments. Economic interests combined with concern for national security, international balance of power, and world order, all requisite for capitalism to flourish, to encourage American intervention overseas. Moral intentions, full of idealist hopes for a democratic, free world, played part, although sometimes seeming artificial and hypocritical. As revealed in United States foreign policies concerning the major international events of the late nineteenth century until 1945 ? the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II ? pragmatic grounds initiated American involvement abroad, while the moral reasons amplified the motivation and gave justification, and higher meaning to the involvement later on."
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Idealism, Pragmatism and Nation Building, 2007.
A discussion of the pragmatic idealism that led to the formation of the United States Constitution.
4,064 words (approx. 16.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the philosophy and events behind the formation of the US Constitution. In particular, it examines how the political philosophy during the Confederation period of the United States developed into two important documents--the Articles of Confederation followed by the US Constitution. The paper describes why the Articles of Confederation were not sufficient in delineating the basic tenets of the new nation. The formation of the Constitution and its relevance today is also described.
From the Paper
" It was soon -indeed, only two years after the ratification of the Articles of Confederation- obvious, however, that "the system of state politics [could] not assure America's future" (Washington, 1783). In other words, the framework of the Articles of Confederation proved too idealistic to be put into practice. The Nationalists -that is to say, those who were in favour of a strong national government, such as Madison- deeply believed that the Articles of Confederation had to be altered. Actually, they had led to several problems within the colonies: political and social unrest, economic difficulties, trading problems and unfair practices - "no money is paid into the public treasury; no respect is paid to the federal authority. Not a single state complies with the requisitions; several pass them over silence, and some positively reject them" (E. Marienstras, Naissance de la Repulique Federale, from The Writings of James Madison). Those issues resulted from the fact that Congress was not entitled to take decisions that would save the Confederation from disintegration: it did not have any coercive power. No common government existed. The emergency was then to avoid a clash between the states and to consolidate the union: all the states had to be represented in Congress. It was even said during the Hartford Convention of 1814 that "the lack of coercive power was the greatest defect in the 'general government of the continent'" (M. Jensen, The New Nation). Indeed, too much liberty -be this conception conceivable- within the sovereign states would lead to anarchy and confusion. Too much freedom of power for the individual states would lead to too democratic a union, and all this would bring about nothing but everlasting disputes and unrest. Too much power in the hands of ordinary people would lead to "mob rule", chaos and despotism."
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The Quest for Puritan Idealism, 2002.
The Puritan's mission in America was to create a "city on a hill." This paper analyzes how this idealism and quest for perfection resulted in the death of so many residents as described in Arthur Miller's "The Crucible".
862 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 0 sources, MLA, £ 17.95
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Abstract
Arthur Miller's "The Crucible", was written in the context of the historical Salem Witch Trials, and shows many innocent people being accused of crimes and sins they did not commit. Miller wrote "The Crucible" to show society has been blinded in response to "witch hunts".
From the Paper
"In "The Crucible" Miller describes the life of a puritan community in Salem as being rigid and somber, and for allowing little room for people to break from the monotony and strict work ethic that dominated this society. Furthermore, the Puritan religious ethic informed all aspects of society, promoting safeguards against immorality at any cost to personal privacy or justice. The Puritans of Massachusetts were a religious faction who, after years of suffering persecution in England, developed a rigid sense of community. This puritan society is characterized by a paradox which seems to be a major theme of The Crucible: in order to keep the community together, members of that community believe that they must interfere in others' affairs to guard against immorality. In this book Miller writes about an intense paranoia over morality typical of the Puritan community and about their belief that they are in some sense chosen people who aim at founding a ?New Jerusalem? ("The Crucible" p.5), a New City of God in the New World. In addition, this community is one that promotes interference in all personal matters and intensely criticizes any sinful conduct without allowing for any legitimate expurgation of sin, contrary to the Catholics. For this reason, the witch trials may be considered as a mean to break from this strict atmosphere and publicly confess one's sins through accusation. For example, the confession of Proctor of having had a sexual relationship with Abigail probably relieves him from the burden of hiding his sin."
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Commercialism and Idealism in Post-War American Writing, 2004.
A examination of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and Saul Bellow's "Seize the Day" in the context of post-war capitalism and the myth of the American Dream,
2,915 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 8 sources, APA, £ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the languishing of the American Dream during the post-war era, as rampant capitalism engendered an unequal mercantile system at odds with these earlier ideals. It looks at how Arthur Miller's quintessential salesman, Willy Loman and Saul Bellow's Tommy Wilhelm epitomize the disillusionment felt by many Americans as the rise of commercialism left many hard-working men struggling to survive and to come to grips with the emerging paradigm. Pointed quotations from formative Americans such as Thomas Jefferson and Henry Ford are juxtaposed with excerpts from the literature to provide a rich and multifaceted context for the analysis.
From the Paper
"Arthur Miller's "quintessential American play," Death of a Salesman, deals directly with the conflict between romanticized notions of success and realities of economic marginality in the 1950s. Although the play was composed during a period of relative national prosperity, Miller's own experiences of financial hardship during the Great Depression still resonated strongly, and he infused his drama with skepticism toward the lofty ideals of the American Dream. "There is a feeling at the back of the brain," explained Miller, "that the whole thing can sink at a moment's notice." This sense of doubt appears most recognizably in the character of Willy Loman, a sixty-three year old salesman whose mediocre career contrasts sharply with his idealistic expectations."
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Idealism in "Billy Budd", 2004.
This paper analyzes Melville's "Billy Budd" and examines the conflict between the individual and society.
678 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 13.95
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Abstract
The paper offers an analysis of the conflict between the individual and society as it is portrayed in Melville's story, "Billy Budd." The paper explains the story of an innocent sailor who is condemned to death due to his vulnerability to the forces of evil.
From the Paper
"The idealism in Melville's "Billy Budd" revolves around the conflict between the individual and society and the vulnerability of innocence. Billy Budd is a twenty-one-year-old sailor who is idealistic, innocent and incapable of perceiving evil intentions in others. Good looking and emitting a virtue of character sugaring the sour of his nature, Billy is vulnerable to the evil on board the H M S Bellipotent in the form of the Master-at-Arms Claggart."
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Revolutionary War Promises: Idealism or Propaganda, 2002.
A look at how a democratic nation was born on principles not many people were sure of - the early days of American democracy.
1,865 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the birth of the American nation and the necessary steps for the Revolution. Specifically its thesis is that the Founding Fathers and Thomas Paine used idealistic propaganda in order to convince people that they had the right to independence and the rights of man, while not necessarily believing it themselves. The paper analyzes Paine's Common Sense as well as other primary sources' promises and effects compared to what was actually carried out once the nation was formed. Much of it is contrasted with the treatment of the Negroes and a speech by Fredrick Douglas on the matter.
From the Paper
"The idea of an independent American continent would have bore no fruit had its inhabitants not rallied behind it. Spreading this will for independence was a necessity for establishing the new nation. All the colonists had to be convinced independence was necessary and viable. Establishing a common ground the people could all agree upon was a formidable task for the founders of the new nation. In order to do so they had to decide on and convince the people of the ideals that the new America was to be based on. The people also needed to view themselves as a separate nation, breaking old allegiances to Great Britain. To accomplish this, America as its own nation, had to be established as well. The questions of who was an American and whom did its liberties extend to, had to be defined. Once officially separate from England, America had to find a common ground as to its own culture. To be an independent people it was necessary to establish its own values through its heroes and folklore. While all these were necessary to unite the populace as a new and distinct people, many of the principles established were idealistic and unattainable. The standards that were set were meant as only optimistic eventualities, if ever to be put into practice at all. "
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Moral Idealism and Social Progress in 19th Century Europe, 2004.
An examination of the works of Flora Tristan, Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, and Fredrich Engels.
1,371 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Flora Tristan, Karl Marx, Fredrich Engels, and Charles Darwin all examined and discussed the state of social affairs, but each in critically different ways. It looks at how, although the three theorists share the foundational desire to understand human society, their ways of doing so differ greatly. It shows how Marx, Engels, and Darwin take a clear economic and scientific approach, while Tristan performs unscientific and emotional analysis.
From the Paper
"The largest difference between Marx, Darwin and Tristan lies in the influences of religion on their respective work. Marx does not make God part of his arguments; similarly, Darwin's work was absent of religious influence. Tristan, however, claimed she was on a mission from God, and that her work was God's will. In this way, Tristan's work was guided by a desire for change of a higher order than that called for by Marx and Engels. Influenced by morality and religion, Tristan laid out a plan for a utopian future in socialism. Apart from her beliefs in a socialist system, Tristan was also a leading figure in the French feminist movement."
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The Ideal City And The Conduct Of Politics, 2002.
Examines political theories according to Plato and Aristotle on idealism and materialism.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 6 sources, £ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper will consider the differences between Platonic idealism and Aristotelian materialism and the ways these are relied upon by each philosopher for conceptualizing Utopian political governance.
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The Ideal in Literature, 2002.
This paper discusses the ideal man and women as presented in Washington Irving?s ?The Legend of Sleepy Hollow? and Nathaniel Hawthorne?s ?The Birthmark?.
1,875 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper states that, when looking at gender definitions, the context dictates the ideal characteristics for men and women. The author relates that Washington Irving?s ?The Legend of Sleepy Hollow? shows the victory of the physical over the intellectual man, while applauding the ideal woman who craves such physicality. The author believes that Nathaniel Hawthorne?s ?The Birthmark? pits two opposite types of men against each other representing the ideal man as a blend of the two, while representing the ideal woman as a complicated blend between intellect and beauty.
From the Paper
"Each man is diametrically opposed to another male influence in his respective stories, and these opposition figures represent the physical portion of the male that is lacking from both Ichabod and Aylmer. Ichabod is opposed by both the father of his love interest, and by a competitor for Katrina?s love, Brom van Brunt. Brom is the ideal of masculine strength and carries with him a certain wild frontier quality. He is a braggart, a sportsman, and a swaggering daredevil wrapped into one. Katrina?s father represents the town of Sleepy Hollow; he does not look beyond his own borders, cares little if any for education, and wants to keep his town continuing the way it is, free of outsiders and outside ideas. Aylmer is opposed by his scientific assistant, Aminadab."
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