1180 samples of this type
Enlightenment According to Kant Definition According to Immanuel Kant, enlightenment is a “man’s emergence from his self-imposed nonage” (Kant What is Enlightenment? 1). Kant can be deemed as the pioneer of the described mode of thinking, with his notion of Enlightenment being the result of the ultimate freedom trumping the...
Hobbes and Locke are among the most influential political philosophers to ever write in English. The state of nature, which precedes the organization of the complex societies, is the common premise that both Hobbes and Locke share but interpret in different ways. The former views humans in their natural state...
Skepticism is associated with doubts about knowledge and its reliability. Skeptics stress that it is impossible to make sure that any source of knowledge is reliable enough, so people are likely to be mistaken all the time (Vaughn, 2018). The best illustration of this perspective is Plato’s assumption that the...
Introduction The fields of ethics and morality continue to dictate or govern human beings’ behaviors and actions. Different philosophers and scholars have presented evidence-based theories and principles to guide moral values and ethical perspectives. Some of these thinkers include John Stuart Mill and Immanuel Kant. The paper presented below uses...
Introduction According to Plato, the central axis of the state is justice; it contains the answer to the question of why and how a perfect polis is born and dies. The correct organization of government, according to Plato, is able to curb and make impossible the greed of rulers, in...
There are many different arguments for the existence of God and against it, most of which have been criticized heavily and logically deconstructed since their inception. Blaise Pascale, a famous scientist, and philosopher proposed a model for faith that is based on rationality. He claimed that belief has a higher...
Introduction As a rule, society considers helping others to be a virtuous and noble deed. If you approach anyone on the street and ask them if helping others is a good thing to do, the answer would most likely be “Yes.” However, after getting this initial affirmation, there are many...
Introduction The morality of an action can be judged from different perspectives. For instance, from a utilitarian perspective, an action can be said to be “good” if it brings happiness to the largest number of people (Cholbi 88). In the Kantian categorical imperative, an act is termed as good or...
Introduction Moral dilemmas are common problems that people face when making decisions in their day-to-day lives. Directed by Ben Affleck, the chef-d’oeuvre film, Gone Baby Gone, highlights different moral dilemmas involving the kidnapping of an innocent girl, Amanda. The protagonist, Patrick, is forced to make a decision, which critics may...
Introduction John Locke was an English philosopher, famous for his liberal ideas and natural rights. In Two Treatises of Government, he evaluated different states of nature, war, and slavery. In the fifth chapter, Locke focused on property and its establishment in society from God’s perspective. The purpose of this essay...
Introduction As an essential set of traits, virtue is perceived as moral excellence that defines the extent of the humanity of oneself. It is a common phenomenon studied by ethics, a branch of philosophy. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, made a significant contribution to examining this ethical phenomenon, as he is...
Do humans have a soul? It is not right to claim that human beings have a soul yet there is no concrete evidence to indicate any action that has resulted from the presence of the soul. Instead, many individuals just talk about it surviving after the death of the body....
Is it wrong to punish a criminal primarily as a means to reform the criminal? Developing main principles of the doctrine of right, Kant states that punishment is just retribution for a committed crime, and any state has a right and obligation to cause suffering to a criminal. Speaking about...
Critical Analysis of the Quote According to Max, “religion is the opiate of masses” (48). This statement has elicited heated debate among scholars over the years as they try to analyze its meaning as per the thoughts of Max. In this quote, Max compares religion to opium, a drug known...
The paper will examine an interdependent relationship between government and society. Governmental structure, duties and divisions of administration will be analyzed in comparison to the social norms, needs of people and preferred ways of ruling. Philosophical views of Edmund Burke, Montesquieu and Alexis de Tocqueville will be compared to illustrate...
Introduction Values refer to codes of conduct that a person holds as relevant, worth, or essential in life. On the other hand, attitude is the way of viewing or feeling about something, which is usually seen in a person’s form of conduct. Human service goes along with appreciating the well-being...
Introduction The philosophical work “On Liberty” was written by J. S. Mill in 1859. These are the times of democratic republics’ heyday on the eve of slavery abolition in the US. The main idea centers on the understanding of the concept of individual freedom and the definition of public interference...
At the root of evidentialism is the principle that one should only ground beliefs on the relevant evidence that one possesses. Clifford, one of the famous proponents of the view, argued that the level of knowledge (the amount of evidence) one has is proportioned to the belief. The philosopher’s view...
Introduction In her article, Altmann (2007) focuses on analyzing Patricia Benner’s influential article “From novice to expert” with the aim of defending its philosophical, rather than theoretical, character. Altmann explains that her purpose is not to diminish the significance of Benner’s work, which is extensively applied in all spheres of...
Plato’s Republic focuses on the discussion of the meaning of justice and explores a connection between the just man and his happiness providing evidence that supports the notion that inability to do “one’s own business” disrupts a person’s capacity to maintain “the unity of their souls” thereby breaking the link...
The fundamental aspect of being a soldier is the acceptance and willingness to follow all the rules given by one’s superiors. The power hierarchy is, thus, very important in the military and army bases. Due to this, soldiers usually experience personal battles regarding whether to take an order as expected...
Introduction Answering the question whether one can know when to trust our emotions in the pursuit of knowledge we are to consider the definitions each of these notions expresses. There are cases when emotions are helpful and even necessary in knowing while in another case emotions are harmful. Everything depends...
Seneca’s Definition of Anger Anger is the desire to repay injury (Seneca and Reinhardt 47). The harm can be genuine or imagined. In addition, it can be mental or physical. Generally, it is anything seen by an individual as an offence. Seneca acknowledges Aristotle’s explanation and concurs that it defers...
Introduction For centuries, philosophers have debated the nature of the universe and knowledge of reality. Plato and George Berkeley, two well-known philosophers, have approached the investigation of this subject from various angles. As outlined in his famous book “The Republic,” Plato’s philosophy provides intriguing insights into the nature of reality....
Summary Imperfect Societies, the ninth part of Plato’s Republic, is a fascinating chapter of observations and critique on government modes. He distinguishes four sorts of government: timocracy, oligarchy, democracy, and tyranny (Plato, 2022). The most interesting part of this reading is the overall deep analysis of flaws and vulnerabilities in...
Introduction John Henry Newman was born in 1801 and died in 1890; and was an English philosopher, intellectual, academic, theologian, poet, scholar, writer, and historian, among many other titles or accomplishments. In addition, Newman happened to be the first Anglican priest who later became a Catholic cardinal. Newman was also...
The selected chef for this assignment is Jiro Ono, who is globally recognized as the best sushi chef. Sushi is a collection of delicious Japanese cuisines that are sold in several restaurants around the world. Ono is well known for his outstanding specialization in preparing sushi with his philosophy of...
Introduction These days, the words minimalism and sustainability are most often mentioned in the same breath. A modern, minimalist lifestyle usually goes hand in hand with sustainable products and the fundamentally sustainable use of facilities. These two concepts were born from different parts of the same problem, which perhaps show...
Summary Groundhog Day is an iconic film that has a classic rethinking of the time loop theme with deep philosophical overtones. Even though I had watched the movie several times before, I rewatched it a few days ago and found a lot to think about. The film builds parallels with...
A fable is a short narrative that can be written in prose or rhyme and conveys a straightforward moral or lesson. Examples of animal characters that are humorous, clever, or foolish creatures who reflect human flaws and vices abound in tales. The moral lesson of a fable may occasionally have...
Introduction Sovereignty is the ability of states to make laws and shape policies in their territories. Territories must obey the sovereignty in force and fulfill obligations by complying with laws and regulations. Different perspectives on the power of sovereignty determine how public policy operates to legislative and executive powers. The...
Similar to many other regions of Western Europe, the Enlightenment era greatly affected the social, cultural, and political aspects of life in Scotland. In particular, the concept of “useful knowledge” was a significant term that many Scottish thinkers of the 18th century frequently used in their writings and presentations. In...
Metaphors for Other Philosophy provides people with a basis to reflect on various aspects of life and the meanings behind them. In Chapter 13 of her book Philosophy of Communication Inquiry, Annette Holba introduces her selection of metaphors for the Other, with one of the major arguments revolving around connections...
Introduction There are three common frameworks for moral philosophy: deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is possibly the oldest ethical theory in the world, with origins in Ancient Greece. Ethics, also called moral philosophy, is the discipline concerned with what is morally good and bad and morally right and...
Introduction The Allegory of the Cave is the cornerstone of objective idealism, illustrating the world of things and the world of ideas. Many researchers rightly consider the Allegory of the Cave to be Plato’s central conversation (within the great dialogue of the State) and one of the primary texts in...
Introduction In Theaetetus, Socrates argues about the matter and essence of knowledge in his dialogue with Theodorus. While the latter believes that knowledge is perception, the former provides another perspective of knowledge, giving examples and refuting the arguments of Theodorus and Theaetetus. In this work, Plato endeavors to show that...
Introduction Niccolò Machiavelli is considered one of the most influential political thinkers of his age. He was a statesman in Florence and wanted to achieve success and power in politics. Due to his broad interest and knowledge of the topic, Machiavelli observed the ways other politicians obtained power and gained...
Core Philosophy Aspects The special feature of Socratic philosophy is its conscious departure from cosmology, centered on the cosmos, to anthropocentrism, which is its basic, most important principle. Thus, Socrates concentrates on the human being and on the individual’s life. Two intents, faith and reasoning, determine Socrates’ personal and philosophical...
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay “Nature” was released in 1836 by James Munroe and Company. In his paper, Emerson laid the groundwork for transcendentalism, a religious system that promotes a non-traditional view of nature. Transcendentalism holds that nature is infused with the supernatural, or God and that studying nature may reveal...
Introduction The comparison between Christian and metaethics theory is very appropriate to discuss, especially during the learning and growing stage of life. As Christians, I believe we have to set specific standards that will be decided if a conducted code of ethics is wrong or correct towards representing the life...
One of the central sections of philosophy that studies the problem of being is called ontology, and the problem of being itself is one of the main ones in philosophy. The problem of being was the base around which the whole field of philosophy was originally formed. Ancient Indian, Chinese,...
Free will, what is it and do human beings have it? Does everyone have free will? Is free will a concept to be able to account for the evils within our world if you believe in any form of a higher power? Is free will a real thing, or is...
Sam Berns’ talk on how he achieves happy life while living with a rare medical condition provides valuable insight for all people who ever face obstacles and prostration. His philosophy is founded on three primary principles: focusing on possibilities instead of inabilities, choosing positive communication circles, and bringing certainty to...
Meaning of Life Many influential philosophers throughout history have offered a response to the issue of what, if anything, makes life worthwhile, albeit they rarely state it in these terms. The systematic endeavor to determine what individuals have in mind when they think about the issue or what they mean...
Jean-Paul Sartre was a renowned French philosopher who wrote several books and inspired people through his brilliant ideas. In writing “Existentialism is a Humanism,” originally published in 1946, Jean-Paul Sartre tries to persuade an audience comprising of other philosophers and the publics about the nature of people living as isolated...
The two philosophical works, namely Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” (1962) and Immanuel Kant’s “What is enlightenment?” (1784), present their authors’ views concerning a better state and society. Although they were written almost 2000 years apart from each other, the ideas that the philosophers developed share many common aspects. First...
Introduction Human beings have formulated moral principles that guide their actions and the manner in which they relate to each other. Confucius was an ancient Chinese thinker who acknowledges that the presence of a gentleman among barbarians helps them overcome their uncouthness. Seneca believes that a virtuous life is only...
Robert Nozick (1938-2002) refuted the Hedonistic idea that happiness is the only end that people pursue. Ethical Hedonism views individual welfare in terms of pleasure and pain. Hedonists claim that pleasure experiences are intrinsically good and experiences of pain are intrinsically bad (Dimmock and Fisher 11). Hedonists believe that what...
Introduction Rene Descartes is known for his ontological argumentation in support of the existence of God. However, there are several issues with the view of the omnipotent and perfect God. For example, atheists appeal to the idea that if God existed, he would strive to prevent human suffering and catastrophes...
The wagon problem is one of the most popular ethical and philosophical issues. The question seems straightforward; of course, saving the lives of five is more important than saving the life of one. However, it is complicated by the fact that, in this case, the person behind the level, making...
The second chapter of Archetypes of Wisdom by D. J. Soccio (2015) was dedicated to the Presocratic period in the development of philosophy. In general, it introduces the term Sophos, which referred to wise men or first philosophers who aimed to understand natural processes and the essence of life (Soccio,...
The concept of Happiness presented by the Greek philosopher Aristotle in his classic work Nicomachean Ethics lies beyond the traditional notion of Happiness that has developed in the collective consciousness. Happiness is not determined by the amount of wealth or the constant pleasures that a person is able to experience...
Although the concept of equality may seem to be intuitively understandable, it is quite complex and multidimensional in fact. Every new epoch brought different interpretations of the term; at the current stage of the development of the society, everyone may have his or her own opinion that derives from relevant...
Introduction Individuals in American society feel that the government secures them without infringing on their freedoms. The government is seen as a safe harbor where citizens feel comfortable under its leadership and protection. However, the government cannot respond to threats and defend the subjects of its control without regard to...
The question of how much we should do for our fellow man arises every time, especially during times of emergencies, disasters and when we see others in need. Helping others is a choice that every person can make on their own. However, it depends on individual ability and willingness to...
Relativism is based on the assumption that all diverse viewpoints are equally valid since the various perspectives relate to the observer’s domain in one way or another. In turn, the dialectical method is founded on the premise that a conversation between two people holding conflicting perspectives can establish the truth...
Multiple themes are covered in the famous play by Sophocles. Despite the importance of love for family and other essential topics, the playwright particularly emphasized the issue concerning the origins of law and the conflict between the natural law and the new type of civil law that developed rapidly at...
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson is a great poetess of the nineteenth century originally from Amherst, Massachusetts, and the world-renowned for her mystic and captivating poetry. Regardless of her parents’ desire for her to become a well-mannered, diligent housewife, Emily Dickinson devoted herself to literature. During her saturated literature path, she developed...
Concerning the discussion posted on analysis of validity, acquiring, and defining truth on the pragmatic theory of truth, criticism on William James’ pragmatic theory can be deduced. The theory holds that a belief or claim can be classified as true if it works. However, critiques of this theory assert that...
Introduction It is important to note that the concept of change was interpreted and understood differently by Parmenides and Anaximenes. On the one hand, the former believed in a static framework of the universe, where any apparent change is a mere illusion. On the other hand, the latter claimed that...
Introduction The origins of land ownership, property, and the ability to claim something as belonging to a particular individual and not all people is a disputable topic. In The Second Discourse, Rousseau critiques Locke’s approach to viewing ownership of land. Locke’s view on the property is based on the idea...
It is necessary to raise the question of the nature of the direction of the criticism of Nietzsche against thinking. Although it is comprehensive and very radical at first glance, the study allows us to see the ambiguity of such an understanding. Uncompromising criticism is directed primarily against the absolutization...
Modern sociologists, philosophers, and economics currently use the works by Max Weber and Karl Marx to strengthen their views of society and discuss the impact of different ideas in history. It is not enough to take Weber’s theory of stratification or social class and explain the roots of social conflict...
Aristotle gives a fairly broad meaning to friendship, giving numerous and varied examples. For instance, one type of friendship is care for the elderly (Aristotle. 142). The philosopher also notes that parents “feel it for offspring” and vice versa, meaning friendship also encompasses love between relatives (Aristotle. 142). To summarize,...
Understanding differences in philosophical approaches, as well as their nature, is essential for gaining insight into the key premises of specific philosophies and teachings. Although cultural specifics play a vital role in the development of said differences in philosophical approaches, other factors may also be at play. However, despite the...
Cesare Beccaria was a Milan citizen who witnessed how the government system imposed its justice on offenders. During his time, he found the laws of the country to be horrific. In most cases, alleged offenders were killed by asphyxiation and put in a state where the bodies would be burnt....
Introduction There are many ethical approaches to charity and altruistic behavior that state how individuals should embark on helping others, whether any kind of help is necessary, and to what extent. Thus, such theories as utilitarianism and libertarianism present opposing views on charitable behavior and whether individual members of society...
Science and philosophy are strongly correlated because modern science has grown directly from philosophy. According to Ramchandani (2017), science means “knowledge” and stems from philosophy, which means “love of wisdom.” Therefore, people in former times considered philosophy as a method to express their love for wisdom, and the purpose of...
The topic of the absurd has been an ultimate ground for philosophical debates and discussions for many centuries. The main issue considered under this theme is the connection between human life and its absurdity. Nagel, in his work, investigates a concern about the inescapable absurdity of human lives and analysis...
Introduction Political scientists identify two main theories of international relations such as realism and idealism. These theories are fundamentally opposite since their representatives believe that a different nature guides people and states. While realists believe that all states’ actions are based on their national interests and the desire for power,...
Deontology is a theoretical and philosophic movement that directs people in understanding what action should and should not be taken by an individual. People subscribing to this view believe that persons are born with a set of obligations and responsibilities they must adhere to. This ethical theory places an increased...
Friedrich Nietzsche’s (1844-1900) works had a tremendous impact on the development of the entire philosophical current of the XX century. Nietzsche was a harsh critic of religion; in particular, he viewed Christianity as a disease of the entire Western civilization. In his opinion, Christian moral in its exaltation of eternal...
Introduction Acquiring knowledge is actual progress to people as it assures sustained better lifestyles. Plato describes the experience in his Allegory of the Cave as he communicates a message to Glaucon (Peterson 275). His perspective on knowledge entails understanding the worth of doing good. Plato makes a vital comparison with...
Marxists’ attitude towards the concept of criminal punishment cannot be discussed outside of how Marxist paradigm theorizes crime. In its turn, this theorization reflects the conventions of the Marxist theory of a class struggle. According to Marxists, the pace of a historical progress is being defined by an ongoing process...
Introduction The ethics of human relationships is the object of many philosophical teachings and doctrines. At the same time, specific issues and topics are controversial and acute since they are difficult to discuss within the framework of one particular theory due to distinctive views on causes and effects. As such...
Freedom is one of the phenomena that permeate all spheres of human activity. Many philosophers, writers, and scientists thought about it, trying to understand its essence and necessity for humanity. In my opinion, freedom seems to be something attractive and essential for a happy life. Unfortunately, many people feel unfree...
The importance of public opinion is crucial in modern-day society and cannot be underestimated. The majority of people’s views should be taken into consideration and given publicity when a controversial issue is being discussed. Socrates, a Greek philosopher, was trialed and executed for his controversial opinion on multiple subjects. His...
Abstract People in the 21st century perceive the world in a significantly different way from their counterparts from the 14th century. Jean Baudrillard argues that a considerable shift has occurred, and human beings can no longer determine what reality is. He states that individuals are surrounded by “models of real...
Aristotle inspired many philosophers and thinkers with his ideas of how the universe functions. One of the people who built on the ideas of Aristotle was Aquinas, a well-renounced theologian. The similarities between Aristotle and Aquinas’s views on the universe are in their interpretation of knowledge and some views of...
Description and understanding of an ideal society are two contentious issues due to the divergent views put forward by scholars. While some sociologists focus on social components defining a perfect community, political scientists and economists underpin the significance of sociopolitical elements. Thus, an ideal society incorporates socioeconomic and political factors...
Why Materialism Makes More Sense The purview of existence in the world has had several illustrations on the constitution of life as well as the state. Even then, the notions of soul and body tend to attract massive concerns from different fragments, drawing battle lines on which aspect is more...
One of the most debatable issues investigated by Socrates is his suggestions on the nature of peoples’ evil actions. The philosopher claimed that people tend to commit only good deeds and no one can knowingly choose to do evil, hence, all the harm is done out of ignorance (Ambury). The...
Argument Critics of the Marxist approach comprehended art as a form of social production and realization. For them, it is not an intellectual, idealistic phenomenon but an instrumental social practice. A genuinely revolutionary artist, therefore, always deals not only with a work of art but also with the means of...
Introduction Human beings should act and behave in accordance with the established legal systems and ethical principles. Different theorists present various views and arguments regarding the validity of natural law and its interpretation. Many modern philosophers and scholars of politics and governance reference Thomas Hobbes and John Locke for their...
Introduction Many philosophers, researchers, and scientists have explored the question of whether a person can be sure about anything they know or perceive through their feelings. Rene Descartes, who shared the ideas of rationalism, claimed that the one, certain truth is that every time one thinks he or she exists,...
The British philosopher Bertrand Russel was one of the most ardent advocates for philosophical knowledge. According to Russel, individuals who immerse themselves into practical affairs or scientific matters often brush off philosophy as a field that relies largely on “useless trifling, hair-splitting distinctions, and controversies (Russel, p. 298).” In Problems...
The way to a happy life was studied by philosophers from ancient times. Alain De Botton’s programs united in the series “Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness” present and discuss the views of different philosophers on various aspects of this subject. Comparing the perspectives of the thinkers, it is possible to...
The idea of the categorical imperative formulated by Immanuel Kant is based on four specific principles, and the principle of ends is one of them, in addition to the principle of universalizability, the principle of humanity, and the principle of autonomy. The purpose of this paper is to explain how...
The disagreement between Hume and Kant resulted in the awakening of the latter from his dogmatic slumber since he was disturbed by Hume’s skepticism against causality. The so-called Hume’s problem was in his disbelief in cause-effect relationships due to the fact that people can see only a row of events...
Introduction In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle explains the principle of friendship and virtue are the coe of social relations, Aristotle supposes that all people were not equal. Aristotle believed that there were a more intelligent master or ruling element and a ruled element or slave. In contrast to Aristotle, Cicero believes...
It is an outstanding article by Harry Frankfurt called ‘Alternate Possibilities and Moral Responsibility’ that makes modern philosophers think over the moral responsibilities, free will, and if they need alternative possibilities. This is exactly the case study Frankfurt addresses in his work. He depicts some kind of scenario in which...
My research project aims to give an account of the presence of fairies in modern society. This project work will also examine the significance of fairies in modern society. This subject concerns us because fairies are widely believed to be troublesome to men and women. Fairies would prove the existence...
Hume’s Theory in Brief Hume’s theory is a theory of based on how we can be able to make inductive references and knowledge. This theory revolves around skepticism which is the belief that people cannot have full knowledge on the nature because perception reveals things not as they are, but...
Introduction “The primary purpose of philosophical analysis is to examine meaning and to develop theories of meaning” (Kaufmann 59). It is hence the purpose of this paper to discuss the topic of Existentialism. This paper analyses Existentialism, its definition, origins, concepts and early pioneers who helped shape this philosophy into...
Thesis Statement Discussion Socrates’s decision of investigating piety was prudent and necessary. He was a wise philosopher who enlightened the citizenry against unjust laws and traditions which tend to be oppressive. He was charged, convicted, and condemned on the charge of impiety. Impiety charge had three specifications depicting Socrates’s thoughts:...
The notion of freedom may be characterized by a multiplicity of interpretations and possible shades of meaning ascribed to it. This fact is unquestionable evidence of the importance of this concept for humanity. Freedom may be understood as a multidimensional concept as it may refer to almost any sphere of...
Introduction Why do I act in certain ways? Am I really responsible for my behavior and actions? These are some questions that most of us have asked ourselves at one time or another. While philosophers have put forward many theories to explain this phenomenon, no one seems to have satisfied...
Religion and God are personal beliefs and depend upon whether individuals believe in the existence of God. Nils Rauhut asserts that belief in God should be accompanied by devotion “through prayer” “religious rituals” and readings of “the holy books like Bible or Koran” (Pg. 173). On the other hand, disbelief...
Similar to other employees, Moira is faced with moral and ethical dilemma. The best solution for Moira is to report the problem to the supervisor over the manager’s head. This behavior will not be considered as unethical because Moira had already reported the problem to her direct manager but received...
Ethics is a term which refers to that branch of philosophy which attempts to deal with questions regarding morality. Ethics tries to differentiate the right from the wrong, commendable from lamentable, good from bad, obligatory from acceptable, responsible from irresponsible and fair from unfair. Not only does it concern itself...
This essay aims at illustrating in what way truth in mathematics, ethics and arts is different. It is widely believed that mathematical truths are objective, universal and agreeable to all in all situations. It is also widely accepted that truth in art is more of subjective i.e. depends on individual...
Moral Development This research paper aims to analyze Lawrence Kohlbergs theory of moral development. In particular, we need to discuss its application to the so-called Heinz or druggist dilemma, which exemplifies the choice between two limited options, either duty to the law or a dear person. First, it is necessary...
Introduction It can be said that science is a form of knowledge but one must add that it is a higher form of knowledge. This is because we can easily equate knowledge to facts and facts need not necessarily be scientific. For instance I love chocolate ice cream and that...
Introduction This paper is a critical evaluation of “Popular Sovereignty and Nationalism” By Bernard Yack. Discussion In his article, Yack proves the relationship between nationalism and popular sovereignty and shows that against popular belief, modernization is not a prelude to nationalism but rather a result of nationalism to some extent....
Abstract A variety of approaches to the study of fairness, ethics, morality, and justice entails numerous disputes between scientists who support specific theories and ideas. Famous philosophers John Rawls and Robert Nozick offer compelling and intriguing concepts regarding the values of fairness and equality. They describe concepts of building a...
The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle’s best-known and significant work that defined his ethics. This writing includes ten books that were initially introduced as separate scrolls and are believed to be based on his lecture notes at the Lyceum. Aristotle was one of the last great Greek philosophers and the heir...
Introduction After reading the first part of Descartes’ Meditation, it was interesting to learn other thoughts about the chosen topic. His Meditation 2 about the human mind and the body seems to be a logical continuation of the discussion. The goal of the chapter is to understand the essence of...
The new understanding of the world in Renaissance consisted primarily in the fact that the thinkers of the Renaissance began to relate to the problem of human completely differently than Christian theologians. Christian theocentrism was being replaced by Renaissance anthropocentrism, when a person, personality problems become the center and goal...
Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, Immanuel Kant’s first mature work dealing with moral philosophy aims at exposing foundational principles that are to govern human behavior. One of the concepts indispensable from Kant’s metaphysics of morals is that of moral imperative. This essay will discuss the difference between categorical and...
Introduction Edmund Husserl is believed to be one of the greatest rationalist philosophers of the early 20th century. During the Nazi regime, the scholar studied and analyzed most of the predicaments that appeared to trouble every European citizen. The events experienced during this period confirmed the challenges that had been...
The benefits a student may gain by studying philosophy and the Socratic Method of Teaching Studying philosophy benefits students as it develops their thinking abilities. Philosophical inquiries and debates contribute to the students’ critical thinking and encourage them to look at one issue from different angles. This can help students...
Introduction Rene Descartes was a thinker who was best known for his contribution in the field of philosophy. In Meditations, Descartes focuses on epistemic and metaphysical matters (Moriarty 13). Through this, he shed more light on the existence, mind, and answers about God. In the article, Descartes asserts that as...
Summary The basic issue of concern for physics and philosophers nowadays is defining the direction of the time arrow. The arrow of time is known to be directed in the future. This means that all the events are arranged in chronological order, and human mind is adapted to such organization....
Administering life A good example of ‘administering life’ is when human beings link money with power. Wealth is seen as a source of power. Rich people in society are highly regarded as compared to poor ones. Society has a way of linking wealth with power; this is a belief that...
In 1935 philosopher John Dewey published Liberalism and Social Action. John Dewey was one of a number of intellectuals in the 1930s who openly articulated antagonism toward the free market economy that dominated most of the United States’ policies; John Dewey’s enmity was largely targeted toward the unequal distribution of...
The connections between pleasure, contemplation, and judgment in aesthetic appreciation In aesthetic appreciation, when the object is contemplated, it is not only experienced by dint of sensory system but also enjoyed. Being rational creatures, people tend to judge the objects using their own standards of judgment based on interests. While...
1. Explain some of the benefits a student may gain by studying philosophy. While studying philosophy, a student can gain a range of benefits because of learning the principles of developing and analyzing the knowledge which can have different sources, including objective and subjective reality. As a result, knowing the...
Introduction Managing dilemmas and addressing conflicts as well as getting involved in any sort of analysis means being able to navigate among the existing options and analyze the arguments provided by each party to define the solution that suits the identified problem best. Traditionally, two types of arguments are used...
Difference from Predecessors The history of the United States is riddled with ambiguous and often controversial events, people, and ideas. Even though all of these ideas are built to fit the profile of a democratic concept as a part of the philosophy created by the Founding Fathers, some of the...
The contribution of Simone de Beauvoir to the development of contemporary philosophy and Western culture as a whole could hardly be overlooked. Primarily, her most recognizable work is The Second Sex essay, which is considered to be one of the central texts of the feminist movement. However, she contributed to...
Introduction The Transcendental Exposition of the Concept of Space postulates that humans have a pure instinct of space, a concept that is commonly referred to as the argument from geometry. Accordingly, Kant has tried to assume a theory of space as untainted instinct from a postulation about mathematical cognition. This...
“Nicomochaen Ethics” is a piece of work consisting of ten books written by Aristotle. It is considered one of the best ethical treatises ever written and presents a broad exploration of the way a man should live a life (Miller 1). “Exodus” is the book included in the Old Testament...
Introduction Lament for a Son is a book by Nicholas Wolterstorff focused on the author’s personal experiences of the death of his child, grasping his grief, and finding hope in the faith. The objective of this paper is to analyze how the author describes discovering joy after loss, to provide...
Introduction There are many discussions and contradictions in the attempts to understand what virtue can mean and how it can define the quality of a human life. The ideas developed by Aristotle seem to be one of the oldest examples of how people should behave in regards to the virtues...
Socrates Essay Introduction Socrates was a philosopher from Athens. His moral and intellectual integrity is reflected in all aspects of his life. This is evident even in the face of betrayal and execution by his fellow Athenians. Socrates way of thinking and of life is presented in four well-known works....
John Searle and Rene Descartes on Dualism Descartes’ philosophy can be represented as an extreme manifestation of dualism since the philosopher believed that a mind does not have any physical properties and, thus, is related directly to consciousness. Searle, on the other hand, believed that there is a strong biological...
Introduction Marxism perspective is concerned with the ways in which the production of space and place is implicated in the reproduction of specific social reforms that happen in history. Marx believed that the present order must first be destroyed by revolution before a truly socialist could evolve. Marxist Theories of...
Introduction The quest for meaning in life is a perennial concern that has traversed the boundaries of time and culture. In my pursuit of understanding, I anchor my philosophy of life on the principle of self-actualization—an intrinsic drive to realize one’s full potential and to become the most that one...
Introduction Leadership is an intricate and pivotal practice that involves guiding and influencing others to achieve a common goal or purpose. It is the cornerstone of any successful group, organization, or society, as it involves the ability to steer people in a direction that leads to collective success. Leadership is...
Introduction In Friedrich Nietzsche’s second essay, “On the Genealogy of Morality,” he delves into a daring and profound exploration of the origin of ‘bad conscience.’ Nietzsche posits a theory that challenges conventional wisdom, presenting a narrative of societal transformation and the intricate interplay between internalization, societal structures, and religious concepts....
Introduction It is important to note that humans construct their self-conceptions to establish a form of philosophy and organize their existence. Existentialists and humanists provided an atheistic perspective on human essence as a product of human existence and not the reverse. The analysis will focus on Jean-Paul Sartre’s piece, ‘...
Introduction Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once declared, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” These words, spoken by a man whose life was a testament to the pursuit of...
Introduction Among the several arguments for theism presented by atheists, the issue of evil and suffering stands out as the most renowned and often discussed. Despite ongoing debates around evolution and related topics, it is plausible that the majority of meditative theists would concur that the presence of evil and...
Introduction The essay’s focus will be David Thoreau, American author and philosopher of the early 1800s, his works, and the influence of the period he lived in. The 1800s are usually described from the perspective of years before and during the Civil War; thus, most writers were highly influenced by...
Introduction Making a case for a philosophy of giving that I believe is crucial, I argue for “Effective Altruism” or “Thoughtful Giving.” Effective altruism involves donating money to do the best for humanity rather than just addressing immediate individual needs. It’s about maximizing the positive impact of your donations on...
Introduction Phaedrus is a dialogue written by Plato, a set of conversations between Socrates and Phaedrus as they walk along the roads outside Athens. The text of the dialogue is constructed in a conversation-based manner where the speakers share philosophical ideas about love, eroticism, and rhetoric as a manifestation of...
Introduction Philosophy is an influential domain that makes one reconsider their views by presenting alternating standings on different aspects of life. Among the outlooks that can affect a person are those of prominent figures like Plato and bell hooks. The key topics that felt eye-opening to me and altered my...
Introduction The main character in the “A Thirteen-Year Boy” video faces an ethical dilemma. Examining it considering Immanuel Kant’s moral values, it becomes clear that his emphasis on reason and autonomy plays a decisive role in determining the ethical nature of actions. Ethical Analysis of the Dilemma Reason and Independence...
Introduction The fundamental link between ethics and happiness cannot be disregarded in the quest for a happy life. Ethics, commonly characterized as a system of moral precepts directing conduct, is a crucial factor in determining our choices and behaviors. Using insights and my own experiences, this article aims to investigate...
The Foundation of Inferences from Experience In philosophy, particular importance is given to such an aspect as knowledge and to what extent individuals can claim it. Many philosophers paid attention to the study of such an aspect as the reason for securing knowledge; however, David Hume had a more skeptical...
The story of Joe Simpson is an example of survival in one of the most hopeless situations. In 1985, two British climbers, Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, successfully climbed the summit of Siula Grande in Peru (Wacky Wanderlust [17:30]). However, during the descent in bad weather conditions, Joe broke his...
Introduction For decades, the question of whether knowledge can be equated with sound faith has been relevant and interesting to humanity. Edmund Gettier’s influential 1963 paper, “Is Justified True Belief Knowledge?” has become a real challenge to the classical understanding of what knowledge is and how it relates to sound...
Introduction This project will focus on the concept of “Justice.” The basics of justice and the structure of legal systems are among the first things a person learns. Future research is hoped to dive further into more complex issues, such as the effect of technology enhancement on the administration of...
Ethical Dilemma Saving a family member over a famous scientist is a complex but ultimately justifiable decision. Family holds a profound, intrinsic value that cannot be easily replaced or replicated by any breakthrough in science. The bonds of love, trust, and support that exist within a family are invaluable and...
The Influence of Classical and Hellenistic Greek Culture on the United States The influence of Classical Greek culture on modern American life is deeply ingrained, but perhaps the most profound effect is seen in the realm of government. The concept of democracy, born in Athens in the 5th century BCE,...
Introduction Immanuel Kant is a truly outstanding philosopher who became widely known, and contemporaries still analyze his works. Kant’s ideas on the topic of ethics are a peculiar intellectual task for contemporaries, as he believes that morality is based on reason and the ability of man to govern it. Particularly...
Introduction There are many ways to define “meaning” because it can have different definitions for everyone. Aside from the description in the dictionary, “meaning” is something people derive, share, and can create. Today, people often say, sometimes aggressively or in a sad way, that “life has no meaning.” Two reasons...
Introduction To embark on this philosophical odyssey, we must first chart our course. In the initial segment of this Touchstone, we shall distinguish between the three primary branches of philosophy and illuminate their connections to fundamental inquiries that have transcended time. Defining Philosophy and Its Branches Philosophy is the quest...
Philosophical Points of View of Nietzsche, Foucault’s, and Derrida Nietzsche Nietzsche is a German philosopher whose ideas mostly revolve around the concept of “will to power” and the criticism of traditional morality. He claims that conventional ethics are founded on a slave mindset that limits individuals (Dunkle 189). The “revaluation...
Philosophical Thinking Defining Philosophy and Its Three Main Branches Philosophy is an ancient discipline that dives into the questions of nature, knowledge, and ethics. The experience retrieved from the Greek history can be correlated with the modern reality. The philosophers of ancient Greece were following the truth based on Western...
