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Marxist Political Thought, 2005.
An analysis of how Karl Marx's theory of alienation affects Marxist political thought.
4,227 words (approx. 16.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Marx's concept of alienation is fundamental in his comprehension of human nature and how each aspect of human activity, such as religion, economy, politics and society, has become an alien to man for it has been appropriated by external instances. Consequently, alienation inscribes itself in natural history as a constant and the outcome of history has therefore to be the overcoming of alienation. It discusses how Marx sees this overcoming in the realisation of true communism and how this idea of the transcendence of alienation being a historical culmination has serious implications for the overall concept of the task of philosophy.
Outline:
Marx's Theory of Alienation: Private Property as the Fundamental Source of Every Form of Self-Estrangement
The Transcendence of Alienation and the End of History
Conclusion:
From the Paper
"Marx's theory of alienation also induces naturally that human thought is alienated from the thinker. Marx states that "The man estranged from himself is also the thinker estranged from his essence, i.e. from his natural and human essence" (MARX, 1844: 398). Such a consideration intervenes in Marx's critique of the Hegelian dialectic, in the Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts. In this passage, Marx actually reveals that the ideological alienation of man was present through religion and especially through philosophy. Philosophy constitutes indeed a process of abstraction of man's real essence: man reflects upon his human essence by philosophising, but the thinking process is still marked by alienation in the sense that this human essence is still seen as an abstraction, it does not have any translation in the reality given that alienation has transformed man's world in a complete reified world that is estranged from man. "
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Roger Kimball and the Political World, 2002.
A look at what Kimball considers the role of education to be in the political world.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 7 sources, £ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the ideas of Roger Kimball and his ideas on how education is affected by the ideologies of the post processual ideas of Marxist and Leninist theories that have indoctrinated the universities since the 1960's and how education has been affected by these inclusions of political and ideological thought. Furthermore the paper looks at the attitudes and theories of education and how lecturers form their hybrid of theories.
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The Failure of Marxist Revolutions, 2002.
Argues the potential benefits for society of a Marxist revolution and cites the reasons for the failed Marxist revolutions in Nicaragua, Cuba and Grenada.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 11 sources, £ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the meaning of revolution and why the Marxist revolutions in Nicaragua, Cuba and Grenada failed. The paper argues that a revolution promotes the advances of productivity and of the society in general. There are also fundamental changes in political and economic structure. In the case of Nicaragua, Cuba and Grenada, there were major changes, but the lack of economic and political freedom, in combination with U.S. pressure, made it impossible for those revolutions to succeed.
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Classical Marxist Theory and Literature, 2005.
This paper discusses the classical Marxist approach to literature, which views literature as essentially a social and cultural production.
8,870 words (approx. 35.5 pages), 85 sources, MLA, £ 128.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that in its classical sense, Marxist theory does not deal explicitly with literature and art and does not develop an aesthetic of culture or literature. However, the theoretical trajectory of Marxist thought has impacted radically on art and literature as aspects of societal and cultural discourse. The author points out that the concept of dialectic refers specifically to the methodology or method of analysis, which is peculiar to Marxist theory;. In this sense, literature and art, as cultural products, are analyzed in relation to their social and historical context. The paper analyzes specifically " Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad, "A Passage to India" by E. M. Forster's and the writings of Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview
Foundation of Marxist Theory and Literary Criticism
Marxism - Extrinsic and Intrinsic Approaches to Literature
The Premises of Marxist Criticism
Base and Superstructure
The Dialectic
Ideology and Alienation
Semiology and Psychoanalytic Theory.
Reader - Response Theories
A Marxist Critique of Literature
Analysis of the Echo in "A Passage to India": A dialectical reading
" Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad
Dickens
Shakespeare
Conclusion
From the Paper
"From this perspective, literary works are essential structures of ideological formations. In other words, literature expresses and represents the ideals and aims of class formation that persist and maintain the society. "Literature is for Marxism a particular kind of signifying practice which tends to make up what can be termed an ideological formation". Therefore, Marxist critical perspectives will attempt to explain literature from within its social context and in relation to that particular historical time period. This in turn relates to basic strategies, such as the identification of class structures and class struggle within the literature of a certain historical period."
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The Marxist Utopia, 2006.
This paper discusses Karl Marx's political theories and beliefs.
1,573 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 35.95
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Abstract
The paper explores Marx's theories and is of the opinion that Marx is undoubtedly the most influential person in the last one and a half centuries. The paper maintains that this is because Marx vigorously espoused a cause that is close to the heart of billions of workers all over the globe. The paper discusses how Marx was influenced by Hegel in his dialectical method as well as Engels and his other contemporaries and fellow revolutionaries. The paper concludes that through his hard work and focus on his vision, Marx forged a distinct worldview that has greatly changed and is still changing the political map of the world.
From the Paper
"Marx had a scattered and incomplete account of his conception of a communist society. Much of the knowledge available is from his analysis and critique of capitalism from which he made projections as to the nature of communism that he contends is diametrically opposed. It is in this context that Marx suggests discovering new worlds through the criticism of the old. Thus, to better grasp Mark's conception of communist society, one must delve into his critique of capitalist bourgeois society together with his analytical framework and worldview that vastly differed with the prevailing dialectical materialism and historical materialism."
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Language, Thought and Perception, 2008.
An analysis of the influence of language upon thought and perception, and the influence of thought and perception upon language.
1,968 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 43.95
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Abstract
How much does our language influence what we can think and perceive? Indeed, does our language control what we can think and perceive? Conversely, do our thoughts and perceptions influence or even control our language? This paper explores these questions, and shows that - while it is difficult to say which comes first, as the process is clearly somewhat circular - it does seem that culture influences language more than language influences culture.
From the Paper
"Theories such as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which combine linguistic relativity and linguistic determinism, are useful in that they remind us of the relationships between culture and language. For example, in Canada the many aboriginal languages have died - and in terms of this hypothesis, this is one of the important reasons why aboriginal cultures are under threat. On the other hand, in South Africa, despite decades of colonial rule and then apartheid, the indigenous languages, such as Zulu and Xhosa, remained very strong. This was reflected in the fact that the indigenous cultures remained very strong - so it is certainly possible that the survival of the languages enabled the survival of the cultures. "
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Marxist Revisionism, 2005.
This paper discusses Marxist revisionism, focusing on the beliefs of Eduard Bernstein.
1,084 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the opinions of Marxist revisionist, Eduard Bernstein. Th writer notes that, although Eduard Bernstein believed in Marxism, many did not see him as a true Marxist. He challenged the orthodoxy of Marxism because he believed in revisionism. The writer discusses that Bernstein believed that moral ideals should be the guide to the future. He thought that plans should be bent in order to adapt to new environments and circumstances, as opposed to following orthodox Marxist ideals without considering the current circumstances of society. The writer maintains that because of this, Bernstein brought new light to Marxism, and reformed it in many ways. The writer concludes that the idea for Bernstein was to help the working-class understand the process of legislative reform, and ultimately enable them to rise up against their oppressors through peaceful and longer-lasting methods. To transcend the self-deception of orthodox Marxism was to transcend the tyranny of the bourgeois, and ultimately bring about a new era of economic conditions.
From the Paper
"Bernstein also believed that Marx contradicted himself. Marx said that political action was the most important duty of the movement, and yet he challenged his own convictions. For one, he said that the proletariat was not mature enough for their emancipation, and that the economic conditions for this were not present. On the other hand, he stated several times that all culture and virtue is only to be found among the
working class, and that even the most extreme revolutionaries should be right. Marx believed that legislative work over a long time appeared only as a temporary device. Bernstein, being a revisionist saw that Marx himself did not recognize free will of the people to decide their own economic conditions. Marx believed that everything would evolve automatically, and yet in contradiction to himself, he still sought to develop a revolution through appealing to the proletariat."
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Action versus Thought, 2004.
An analysis of action versus thought in modern American law.
1,068 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the option of penalizing criminal thought. The paper explains the fundamental concept in modern American law of the distinction between mere criminal thought and actual criminal conduct. The paper contends that, whereas criminal thoughts alone are usually not punishable as crimes, modern American law does generally authorize public safety authorities, law enforcement, and mental health agencies to confine citizens against their will anytime mere thoughts meet certain statutory criteria and are considered to represent a legitimate threat of harm to themselves or to the general public.
From the Paper
"Even after criminal convictions for actual criminal conduct, elements of criminal punishment still require a ?guilty mind,? and sentencing guidelines recognizing varying degrees of malice, even for the same specific act. Typically, criminal statutes distinguish between criminal conduct in several different degrees, such as first or second degree murder, based largely on the specific state of mind, or specific intent of the criminal. In many instances, criminal conduct is punishable by life in prison, or even by the death penalty, such as in the case of first degree murder, which requires a guilty mind, or malice (Taylor, 1982). Conversely, even deadly conduct, is, in certain circumstance, prosecuted and punished much more leniently, such as in the case of second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and negligent homicide."
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Rational Thought, 2004.
A look at the fundamental aspects of rational thought.
690 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 16.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the fundamental aspects of rational thought and the common barriers to reasoning rationally. It defines rational thought and the process of reasoning and cites several barriers or obstacles to rational thought including unavailability of necessary knowledge, a disorder that prevents thinking at a rational level.
From the Paper
" The purpose of this paper is to describe the fundamental aspects of rational thought and discuss the most common barriers to rational reasoning. The paper begins ..."
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Marxist Interpretations of Hamlet, 2008.
A Marxist interpretation of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet".
1,808 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 40.95
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Abstract
In this essay the writer examines Hamlet from a Marxist perspective. It is shown how the class structure associated with a feudal society drives the action in Hamlet. Particular attention is placed on the relationships between the royal family and their courtiers. The writer notes that these relationships show how the class system associated with a feudal society results in an aloof upper class that exploits a subservient lower class. The writer concludes that a Marxist criticism looks at how class, material production and the history of material production can influence a work. The writer maintains that Hamlet can be successfully analysed using a Marxist perspective.
Outline:
Introduction
Thesis
Historical Context/Material Context
General relationship
Upper Class Exploitation of Lower class
Lower Class Encouraging their Exploitation
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Denmark in the twelfth century was a feudal society. This meant that the economy was based primarily on agriculture and wealth was determined by how much land a person controlled. Feudal societies have a very strong class hierarchy with clearly defined upper classes and lower classes. In this type of society the upper classes essentially lived pampered lives of luxury by controlling the land and exploiting the lower classes. Essentially the upper classes control the means of production (land) and the lower classes sell their labour in order to survive. As a result of these material relationships the upper class is clearly dominant and the lower classes are subservient to them."
"This type of relationship is clearly apparent in Hamlet. The upper class lives in absolute luxury and is mostly preoccupied with their personal issues."
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The Evolution of Western Political Thought, 2006.
An analysis of the growth and change of political thought from the time of the Babylonians to the Greeks and Romans.
1,307 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper uses the Code of Hammurabi, the Funeral Oration of Pericles, and Polybius' discussion of the Roman constitution, all as examples of the political thought present in each author's culture. It then compares and contrasts those political thoughts and ideas.
From the Paper
"In the course of historical research, it would seem, one of the primary goals is to seek out recognizable patterns of development, and of similarities and differences as well. One of the major ways of doing so is in the comparison of whatever written documents have survived a culture. For instance, one can draw some interesting conclusions from studying various sources from the ancient Babylonians, Athenian Greeks, and Romans. Within the frame of the western tradition each of these cultures effectively developed the ideas of the previous cultures further. The Athenians drew from the Babylonians, and the Romans expounded on the works of both cultures. This can be seen by a comparison of the Code of Hammurabi, the Funeral Oration of Pericles, and Polybius' discussion of Rome's constitution in his histories. Though each culture, as demonstrated through the above works, differed in many ways from the others, the earlier ones were doubtlessly the building blocks for more sophisticated and modern ways of thought that followed."
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Examining the Twin Earth Thought Experiment, 2007.
A look at four philosophers' theories on the 'Twin Earth' thought experiment' and an analysis of the definition of water.
1,318 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at four philosophers' theories on epistemology. It discusses their views and understanding of the 'Twin Earth' thought experiment. The paper then describes each of the philosopher's commentaries on their individual philosophy and analyzes their points and counterpoints. It also analyzes their logical reasoning with regard to their philosophy of the 'Twin Earth' thought experiment. The paper explores exactly what it is that defines water, and further, what defines a definition. It is written in a narrative form from the writer's perspective.
From the Paper
"What defines a definition? How can something be defined, and that definition be wrong? If a definition is indeed definite, what constitutes a "correct" definition? Or, what makes one definition more accurate than another? I have been presented with four different philosophical answers to the question raised of how words and definitions relate to each other. And here I am trying to come up with a definitive answer to what seems like a simple question: What is water? And as new ideas and new ways of conceptualizing come pouring in, one after the other, I am just trying to stay afloat. My mind floods with new thoughts and ideas - without letting the old ones wash away. I try not to think I'm in over my head, but I can at least skim the surface of profound thought as long as I don't hold back. Because fortunately for me, it's philosophy; there is no right and wrong answer."
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Confucian Thought, 2007.
An analysis of Confucian thought and its influence on pedagogy today.
1,885 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the history of Confucian thought. The paper explains Confucius' theory that advocated the creation of a common community of moral teaching, rather than stressing the individual in isolation. It suggest that his influence is felt in the modern educational system today and describes ways in which this is true. The paper also explains the background of many of the cliches about Confucian thought that we have in society today.
From the Paper
"According to the Confucian scholar Tu Wei-ming, Confucius even has a great deal to say to persons involved in the modern debates revolving around multiculturalism. Despite Confucius' place in his own Chinese tradition as a transmitter of culture and a teacher of long-shared values, Wei-ming stresses that "to truly find one's roots, to find inspiration in one's ethnicity and cultural tradition, one must go beyond a closed ethnocentrism or a narrowly conceived culturalism," because cultivation of li, or right teaching is never mere-navel gazing. It is locating the immediate and ancestral family and tradition as part of a greater world community. (Wei-ming, 2006) Knowing family history alone is not enough. Rather, a student must know the collective history of the nation and the world, to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, and to replicate the right moral teachings of his or her ancestors. This is underlined in every good civics class in America today, even if avoiding historical mistakes can be difficult."
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Evolution of Western Thought, 2003.
A look at Max Horkheimer?s interpretation of the evolution of Western thought, as compared to that of Immanuel Kant.
1,420 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 32.95
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Abstract
Throughout modern history, no other period of human evolution has had a greater effect on the way people think than the Enlightenment. The philosophers and great thinkers of the Enlightenment changed the logic of the human mind for the better and propelled a period of mass advancement in all aspects of society. Western thought progressed over time to help build a more intellectual society. This paper looks at how modern philosophers such as Max Horkheimer and Immanuel Kant incorporated their views of Western thought into their political writings.
From the Paper
"Western thought is defined as the rational and critical inquiry into basic principles. Western thought is often divided into the four main branches of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and aesthetics. Metaphysics is the investigation of ultimate reality. Epistemology is the study of the origins, validity, and limits of knowledge. Ethics studies the origins, validity, and limits of knowledge. Aesthetics is the study of the nature of beauty in the fine arts. Western philosophy is usually considered to have begun in ancient Greece as an assumption about the underlying nature of the physical world. In its earliest form it was indistinguishable from natural science."
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