1202 samples of this type
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...
Greatest Happiness The ‘greatest happiness principle’ is based on the belief that an action is right if it promotes “happiness” or, in other words, “pleasure and absence of pain” and it is wrong if it produces “the reverse of happiness” (Mill, 2015, p. 107). Two Pleasures It is possible to...
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...
Moral intent According to Abelard and Heloise, moral intent is the best way of assessing morality because it determines the capacity and intention of a person to undertake moral or immoral acts. The notion of Abelard is that moral intent predisposes people to perform good or evil acts. In this...
Summary of Socrates’ Allegory of the Cave In Plato’s Republic, Socrates uses the cave allegory to emphasize the distinction between knowledge and opinion and the importance of philosophical reasoning. The allegory depicts a group of prisoners imprisoned in a cave since birth. They cannot move or turn, and all they...
Introduction Skepticism plays a vital role in the life of any person and the scientific field as well. For this purpose, this phenomenon allows one to differentiate between the truth and a flawed perspective or a lie. An ability to be skeptical makes a person capable of thinking critically. In...
Background The study of philosophy aims to comprehend the essence of reality, existence, knowledge, and morals. It is an ancient discipline studied by great thinkers throughout history, from Socrates and Plato to Descartes and Kant. Philosophy can be defined as the systematic inquiry into the nature of reality and human...
Introduction Socrates, one of the greatest philosophers of ancient Greece, presented his statement about crafts, arguing that they are all selfless and directed only for the advantage of what they operate on. However, in Thrasymachus in the Republic, I used a shepherd as a counterexample to refute this claim. In...
Introduction The human soul is the immaterial essence of a person, which combines individuality and humanity and is often seen as the representation of the mind or the self. Thus, immortality is the ability of the human soul to continue existing for an indefinite period, even after death. It entails...
Introduction Metaphysics is a concept that has a different interpretation depending on the historical period. Aristotle stressed empirical observation and experience as the route to understanding the nature of reality. At the same time, Plato focused on the existence of a world of Forms or Ideas, which he believed to...
Book Summary The Big Question: A Short Introduction to Philosophy by Solomon and Higgins is designed to discuss the most important philosophical questions. Many of the main themes of this subject are revealed in various sections of the book. Thus, thanks to an integrated approach, the authors fully reveal the...
Introduction Friendship has been an integral feature of human existence since ancient times. The topic attracted massive interest from philosophers seeking to uncover what it constitutes. Jean-Marie (2021) states that Aristotle and Epicurus are two of the most significant ancient Greek philosophers who recognized the importance of friendship. The philosophers,...
Introduction The opposition between faith and reason has been an issue in theological circles for centuries. Among the many attempts to logically explain and justify the Christian doctrine, St. Thomas Aquinas is still known and placed in high regard. This paper will support Aquinas’ claims and argue that his stance...
Introduction One of the main topics in philosophy is how free a person is in their actions and whether there is determinism in the nature of things. Determinism and freedom are two concepts that describe two different sides of this question. This essay will explore the differences between the two...
Introduction The arts and the natural sciences have profoundly affected human thinking. Culture, technology, and socioeconomic ideas have all grown exponentially due to this double-edged quest for knowledge. Explainable refers to everything that can be reduced to a set of physical laws or a set of unambiguous physical properties (Shafir...
Introduction Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher and writer who became one of the first philosophical activists who tried to show social problems in an easy way that was available to everyone. The figure has raised various discussions that directly influence surrounding people, like culture, history, and critical thinking in...
Introduction The syllogism is a fundamental technique of logical reasoning, and logic is the study of reasoning. A syllogism is a type of deductive argument made up of two premises and one conclusion. The validity of the syllogism depends on how logically connected these three elements are and how the...
Big Ideas The First Big Idea The first big idea introduced by Epictetus is that a man cannot control everything in his life, but he can manage his attitude. The philosopher takes this position because most people believe external events like health, wealth, and reputation must always be regulated. This...
Introduction The philosopher Peter Singer most famously articulates the argument that most people should donate far more than they currently do to alleviate extreme poverty. His reasoning hinges on the moral imperative to prevent suffering and death when it is within our power to do so, especially when the cost...
Introduction Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who flourished during Greece’s Classical Period. He is regarded as one of Western philosophy’s greatest philosophers, and his theories have affected numerous subjects, including politics, ethics, and biology. This is an examination of three major topics in Aristotle’s philosophy. Aristotle was born in Stagira,...
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 Philosophy is a rather complicated and highly rewarding discipline to study as it offers a variety of issues for analysis. However, during such contemplation, one may realize that one’s previously established views or ideas are wrong or, at least, can be doubted. During the course, several topics were eye-opening...
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...
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 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 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...
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...
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...
After reading Book I of Nicomachean Ethics (NE), it is doubtful that Aristotle would accept the moral stand of the Delphians. The Delphians, as described by Aristotle, believed that happiness and pleasure were the ultimate goals in life (Aristotle, 2020). However, Aristotle argues that true happiness is not derived solely...
Ayn Rand believes that altruism leads to four negative consequences. First, people express low self-esteem as they view their lives beneath those of others. These persons also do not respect people, perceiving them as weak. Next, they develop a negative view of humankind and the universe, believing that society and...
Introduction Bertrand Russell’s The Problems of Philosophy is a seminal work in philosophical inquiry. It comprehensively examines Russell’s various philosophical ideas and perspectives, drawing on a wide range of philosophical concepts. This paper summarizes Chapters V through VIII of the book, highlighting the key ideas and arguments presented by Russell...
Introduction Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s The Basic Political Writings is a collection of his perspectives on political philosophy, including executive organization and human freedoms. As an 18th-century philosopher, Rousseau was highly skilled in governmental issues due to his sporadic but intense love of studying in libraries. Thus, he offers three major works...
Introduction The knowledge of ancient thinkers often proves beneficial in the quest for self-improvement and personal growth, delivering profound insights that are just as applicable today as they were hundreds of years ago. Socrates discusses these ideas in Alcibiades I and makes a strong case for the virtues of self-control,...
Introduction Many people draw parallels between David Hume’s philosophy and the moral aspects of Immanuel Kant. In contrast to Kant’s insistence that morality should be rooted in a priori principles, Hume’s approach to moral philosophy guiding political activities is experimental and empirical (Kant, “Toward Perpetual Peace” 56). While Hume argues...
Introduction Since the dawn of civilization, religion has played a fundamental role in human existence. Many have resorted to religion to cope with life’s hardships, find consolation and comfort, and learn the meaning and purpose of existence. According to Mircea Eliade, a Romanian historian of religion, the significance of human...
Introduction Given its name, scientific realism seems to be the logical approach to perceiving science, as science itself is based on interpreting metaphysical reality and giving realistic claims. Despite this assumption, scientific realism has its opponents who support anti-realist ideas. This essay will defend the realist point of view by...
Overview of “The New Nature” by Britton-Purdy “The New Nature,” an essay by Britton-Purdy about nature and humanity’s historical perception of it through the lens of the political economy, reveals the coming world paradigm for some and confirms the hunches of others. He claims, “the world has slipped from the...
Plato was known for being concerned about society and its morals. He knew that art had a great influence on the youths, which is why he expressed some concerns. The philosopher feared that certain negative influences depicted in it could have a negative impact on people. This is why the...
Introduction Truth as a subject of investigation is very problematic. In this paper, through analysis of what philosophers have posited over time, it will be established that a universal understanding and appreciation of truth is possible. However, in given different contexts the approach to and appropriation of truth has to...
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...
Reflection Paper: Wisdom and Intellectual Skills By taking the lecture on wisdom and intellectual skills, I learned the nature of wisdom from the philosophical perspective, the traits of a wise person, and a detailed breakdown of analysis, assessment, and argument. As a result, I understood the role of wisdom in...
Introduction The diverse routes of knowledge have created controversy in the field of epistemology, with rationalism being the most viable acquisition strategy. Various philosophers have tried to explain how individuals acquire knowledge about their environment and every other aspect of living. Socrates’s pursuit of wisdom begins with discovering facts through...
Introduction Humanity constantly seeks happiness in different material and spiritual matters. Through the centuries, people have been referring to various philosophical studies to find the key answer to happiness and how to satisfy it. The teachings of Roman and Greek philosophers offer their ideas on content life leading. Epicureanism’s death...
In Plato’s “Euthyphro,” the character Euthyphro offers four definitions of piety. The first definition states that piety is what is loved by the gods, while impiety is what is hated by the gods (Lu). The second definition states that piety is doing what is pleasing to the gods, while impiety...
Consent is voluntary permission to receive or provide something in a legally binding contract or other circumstances. It creates the opportunity to make agreements between at least two entities, with one or both agreeing to initiate certain actions or avoid them in exchange for a certain outcome. Consent can be...
Epicurus defines pleasure as nothing more than the elimination of pain. If a person can attain a mental state without pain, they have achieved a state of pleasure. Therefore, Epicurus holds that individuals experience the greatest pleasure after all suffering has been eliminated (Voorhoeve, 2020). This implies pure, genuine pleasure...
The idea that existence comes before essence is a cornerstone of Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist philosophical system. It implies that humans create their essence via their choices and actions in life rather than being born with a predetermined nature or purpose. Sartre believed that a person’s existence, or the fact that...
Introduction The French philosopher Michael Foucault’s theory of governmentality, correlates with the idea that power is only used under the circumstances that the individual is free to begin with. For example, slavery does not exercise power as those who are enslaved have no choice and are, by definition, trapped. Instead,...
Introduction William Rowe is a philosopher who wrote extensively on the ethical issues concerned with suffering. He argued that it is unlikely that all critical cases of intense human and animal suffering bring about the greater good. It is possible to agree with the philosopher that suffering cannot obviously lead...
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...
The fundamental problems of philosophy arise along with its development, which is inseparably linked with civilizational transformations. The problems that thinkers have always considered have changed with the development of human culture, knowledge, and practice, but there have always been such questions, the answers to which were traditionally expected exclusively...
It is important to note that ethical perspectives and frameworks provide insight into how people should act morally. The given analysis will primarily address Kantian and Singer’s points of view on animal cruelty as well as Baier’s arguments on the unethicality of trust relationships. Kant highlights the importance of personhood...
Equality has been the subject of debate among many scholars and philosophers. During the 20th century, the concept was met with ridicule in regards to defending women’s rights and anti-racism. One of those cases was Thomas Taylor’s satirical piece called A Vindication of the Rights of Brutes, where the philosopher...
Bonaventure, Averroes, and Avicenna were all medieval philosophers who wrote extensively on the nature and status of the human soul. However, their views on this topic differed in several significant ways. For Bonaventure, according to Löwe (2021), the human soul was the highest form of being in the universe and...
Many philosophers considered the nature of knowledge and human intellectual capacities from different perspectives. Aristotle proposed the most influential theories that later became the basis for interpretations and discussions. Saint Bonaventure articulated a theory of the agent and possible intellect, which attributes the possibility of knowledge generation to each individual...
The most important thing for Christians to acknowledge is that there is no black and white in the world. Only grey areas that must be navigated carefully exist and continuously call Christians to action. The discussed story is “Free Fruit for Young Widows” by Nathan Englander, featured in the May...
Ron Highfield’s book, God, Freedom, and Human Dignity, offers a thoughtful and illuminating exploration of how to embrace a God-centered identity in a me-centered culture. The author draws on various sources, including scripture, literature, and philosophy, to present a compelling argument in favor of living a life of faith and...
Over the years, various thinkers and philosophers have developed various approaches and concepts that have attempted to explain and understand human nature and life itself. One of the most prominent philosophers of the past years is Socrates. He made a significant contribution to the construction and dissemination of concepts and...
The Scientific Revolution was when philosophers began to discover truths about existence and the universe through intensive research and experimentation without relying on the influence of Christian theology for solutions. Philosophers such as Galileo contributed knowledge to the Scientific Revolution through thought experiments that led to numerous discoveries (Zanatta 1)....
Introduction The Socratic maxims are both conscientious and conceptual in nature. These dicta were initially analyzed and critically assessed by Aristotle. Presently, these axioms have become an area of interest in the philosophy of education and general philosophy. Indeed, the intellectual and cultural development of the world has been shaped...
Postmodernism is a philosophical aspect that is described as a truism. It is a concept characterized by relativism, subjectivism, and skepticism. Postmodernism plays a role in asserting and balancing life through a general suspicion of reason. The basis of postmodernism is the reaction against the intellectual assumptions and traits 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...
The problem of evil has been debated since the dawn of time. Komodo Dragons hunt their prey by biting them; the blood attracts other dragons, and they all wait for the venom from the bite to take effect, which can take days, weeks, or even months (Smithsonian Channel, 2016). Fans...
Middle class has historically exhibited higher internal complexity and greater regional volatility and has been highly vulnerable to changes in business cycles. It is commonly believed that middle-class status is most reliably associated with business people, even though it can also refer to a variety of other groups, such as...
Introduction The philosophy of nature is the hypothetical field that examines the natural environment or the actual universe in its broadest sense. This existence of distinction and focus on the origin’s dilemma has profoundly impacted present conceptions of creation. Nature is an inherent and essential component of humanity. It is...
Introduction Libertarians argue that people are, indeed, free. A libertarian’s views on free will tend to fall into one of two camps: the principle of alternate possibilities (AP) or the principle of ultimate authorship (UA). AP conceptualizes the idea that one would have acted differently. On the other hand, UA...
Introduction Humean compatibilism is a belief in the possibility of free will within the context of determined actions. This viewpoint is a compromise between the philosophically opposed ideas of free will and determinism. Whereas free will argues for the absence of predetermined fate, determinism states that all events are caused...
Moral judgment is the process of deciding what to do when faced with an ethical dilemma, including questions of right and wrong. Different philosophers have developed theories for criticizing right and wrong and the forces that drive people to decide what is wrong and right. These philosophers include David Humes,...
Close inspection of different perceptions of morality in Western philosophy allows identifying unique features of philosophical teachings. Furthermore, studying how different philosophical doctrines approach violations of morality can be used for a clearer understanding of philosophers’ views. In a significant part of her works, O’Neil defended Immanuel Kant’s philosophy and...
Introduction Aristotle remains a great philosopher whose works and ideas continue to influence human thought and behaviors today. While he primarily presented numerous epistemological arguments, the philosophers offered additional information in other fields of study, such as science and the arts. The emerging conceptions remain practical and capable of guiding...
Introduction As a Chinese official who uses moral relativism, I found there were no ethical standards for me during the repression in China in 1989. Thus, the solution of these pro-democracy movements is dispersing the demonstrators to protect their society. On the night of June 3 to 4, it was...
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...
Experience is the utmost source of knowledge. People go through new experiences all the time, which gives rise to new knowledge. This means that future lives will always have new knowledge. Experience is also the source of understanding. Empirical knowledge is gained by experience and not innate ideas or deductive...
Abstract This research proposal is based on whether money is evil or virtue for Christians. To adequately address this research problem, the researchers have decided to address the topic using four factors: meanness versus generosity and greed versus frugality. This will be a qualitative study because it aims to evaluate...
Classical utilitarianism is traditionally understood as an ethical doctrine that asserts happiness as the primary value. All human actions are based on the desire for happiness, understood as the maximization of human activity, the maximal avoidance of suffering, and the approximation of the pleasures of life (Alican, 2021). Utilitarianism determines...
A college education that teaches general information and fosters intellectual development is often referred to as a liberal arts education in the twenty-first century. A degree in the liberal arts can equip a student for various careers in today’s economy. As Jamila Lyiscott said in the video, getting a top-notch...
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 Science has a history characterized by an incommensurate succession of paradigms. Kuhn asserts that a sole paradigm’s empirical work is of little significance to that of another (Kuhn, 1974). Comparing paradigms on identical grounds, for instance, empirical adequacy, proves inconclusive. Diverse paradigms differ on the meaning of truth or...
In the essay What Is Enlightenment, Immanuel Kant provides readers with the definition of enlightenment as well as the path towards it. In his own words, enlightenment may be defined as “man’s release from his self-imposed tutelage.” The tutelage, which can also be perceived as immaturity, is the concept by...
Rousseauism The dream of a better life and the idea that each generation should live better than the previous one has made a decisive contribution to the pursuit of scientific and technological innovation, reform, and continuous progress. However, not all concepts agree that moving forward is tantamount to approaching a...
The ethics of virtue today is one of the three main approaches in normative ethics. It can be characterized as an approach that attaches particular importance to virtues and moral character. This is put in contrast to approaches that emphasize the importance of responsibilities and rules or the consequences of...
Introduction The cave’s inner part embodies the sensual world; it is dim, gloomy, and devoid of natural light, where a group of prisoners sees the shadows. Consequently, the outer part illustrates the intelligible, material world, filled with the magnificence and beauty of light from the sun. Thus, the prisoner’s journey...
Introduction Education helps in social and economic development and is significant for any political decision. Through education, academics can interact with people and develop creative solutions that help save the world. Praxis is a deliberative, responsible, human-moral action that involves wise judgment. The approach is the basis of creativity in...
Introduction Justice is primarily concerned with the ideals that should support the state, politics, and the law relevant to Western pluralistic cultures. Sandel provides a three-way argument between utilitarian, liberal, and communitarian viewpoints, with the latter emerging victorious, aided by a healthy dose of neo-Aristotelianism. Reasonable explanations are provided, and...
DISPOSITION HISTORICAL EXAMPLE With Citation CURRENT PROPOSED APPLICATION SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Fairness, Justice, Equity Adam Smith Adam Smith believed in the ability and responsibility of each person to contribute to society, which could be achieved through universal education of as many people as possible (Doyle, 2018). According to Smith, equity and...
Introduction The problem of determining human nature has always been topical. Individuals have always tried to determine the nature of their selves and find their places in the world. For this reason, the question of self is one of the fundamental ideas in both Western and Eastern philosophies. Thinkers have...
Introduction The mind-body problem is a philosophical discussion explaining the relationship between the body and mind. Various past and modern philosophers have developed varied positions regarding whether the mind is independent of the body. Sufficient evidence shows that the mind is what the brain does and that both are interdependent....
Introduction People determine the moral value of acts differently since environment and experience play a role in shaping one’s opinion of morality. The criterion for the acceptability of deeds is different for everyone, so it is difficult to choose a single view of morality and the morality of an act....
In the present day, four Hellenistic philosophies are less followed by people due to their changed perceptions of reality and life values. From a personal perspective, cynicism in its understanding by ancient Greek philosophers has less importance for modern individuals in comparison with other teachings. It emphasized the importance of...
Basic Knowledge The Critique of Practical Reason is Kant’s second commentary, one of his three main expositions on morality, and a highly influential work in the history of ethical theory. The Critique, which was first released three years after Kant’s Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, expands on the central...
Basic Knowledge Burke is notable at supplying the reader with an abundance of information on psychological and sociological topics alike. The most useful of them in terms of philosophy of communication would be occupational psychosis, piety as a system builder, and the pathetic fallacy. Occupational psychosis is concerned with the...
The “Allegory of the Cave” represents the fact that information acquired by the senses is little more than belief and that actual knowledge can only be attained through philosophical deliberation. We are to understand the cave as a metaphor for those who place their faith in the evidence they gather...
Basic Knowledge The truth may be discovered via art, and the truth of art can elevate any way of comprehension. An experience can inspire a piece of art, which can then be produced to depict the event. In certain circumstances, the accuracy or correctness with which a piece of art...
Basic Knowledge of the Book The Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle is a major guiding force in academic and political ethics, which is a fundamental factor for human existence. The book is based on the author’s views and is subject to constructive and negative criticism from its intended audience. From my...
Introduction Many philosophies are trying to provide their own, unique explanation of the world and humans’ place in it. One of them, existentialism, suggests that people “exist before there is the essence and cannot but create or construct essence and meaning” (Vandekerckhove, 2020, p. 130). Discussion According to that philosophy,...
Confessions by Augustine is a series of books by St. Augustine, which describe his life’s journey and transformation from a sinful paganistic individual to a devout Christian. These books are some of the earliest theological and scholastic works depicting one’s path towards religion. It is often described as a ‘self-help’...
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...
The issue of governance has always occupied a significant place in philosophy because the former directly affects people’s social life. The most prominent thinkers of different epochs dedicated their attention and effort to explain what governance was, why it existed, and what forms were preferable. This state of affairs has...
Husserl presents an excellent introduction to phenomenology and develops a new approach to looking at reality, and this is one way the book advanced my theoretical knowledge. Husserl meditations depict a huge influence of Leibniz’ Modadology because the Cartesian ego attains conversion into the monad (Husserl 68). Hence, this brings...
Sigmund Freud is a highly controversial figure among philosophers, often criticized. Despite the significant number of published works, they have often been considered frauds. Nevertheless, some of Freud’s writings, especially later ones, deserve more detailed attention. One such work is “The Future of an Illusion”, in which Freud examines the...
The problem of free will or the question of determinism is a fundamental problem of human cognition and the nature of one’s thoughts. This problem is characterized by a well-known philosophical reflection on whether man’s mind generates his being or vice versa, and a great deal depends on it. Whether...
In philosophy and social sciences, a debate regarding the existence of free will resulted in the creation of a deterministic approach. The classical doctrine of determinism suggests that every event and incident in human life is controlled by laws of nature and mystical powers. Thus, the deterministic views opposed the...
Utilitarianism is a direction in ethics that presents utility as the basis of morality. It is the principle of evaluating phenomena, processes, objects, and information only in terms of their usefulness and ability to serve as means to a goal (Scarre, 2020). The essence of utilitarianism consists of its concept...
The fact that humans are aware of time and space demands that science investigates consciousness from a near-spiritual perspective on existence. Physicalism is a worldview rooted in the notion that everything is physical with no room for any other domain, such as epiphenomenalism or soul. This essay answers Thomas Nagel’s...
Introduction Morality is a philosophical view concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour. Overall, morality is a particular system of values, which are dictated by individual’s inner standards or principles. There are two views on morality; they are skeptical and non-skeptical views. Moral skepticism is...
Since the beginning of time, paradoxes have fascinated both scientists and laypeople, igniting debate. Some have not yet been resolved or cannot be resolved in general, while others appear paradoxical because the solutions defy logic. In science, the emergence of any new field of understanding often starts with discovering previously...
This lecture is the primary source that focuses on existentialism, where the author argues how it is synonymous with humanism. According to the author of this article, everyone tries very hard to become what they wish to be. From the onset, Sartre has a conflict with his public image, which...
It is important to note that the first five correspondences between Elisabeth and Descartes delve into the subject of soul and body. The central question posed by the Princess is about how an immaterial substance, such as a soul, can move and affect a material body. The analysis of the...
In the John Locke’s Of Identity and Diversity under review, the author discusses several definitions of identity and self and separates them into component parts and terms. His philosophical definitions of thought, perception, and interaction intersect with rejecting and denying certain definitions and concepts. It is necessary to analyze and...
Confucianism is an ethical-philosophical doctrine that became widespread in the countries of the Asian region. The main issues are the relationship between rulers and subjects, moral qualities, and virtue as obligatory character traits for all people. The teachings of Confucius have developed as one of the greatest because they include...
The word evolution refers to social changes that are carried out according to general principles. In the evolutionary process, each new state about the previous one appears to be better both quantitatively and qualitatively. Evolution is interpreted as a process carried out by itself and is thus a kind of...
Karl Marx was a German philosopher, currently known for such works as Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto. During his lifetime, he was not that popular among his contemporaries, however, later, he gathered a large number of followers. In the latter work, Marx criticizes the current system and current ruling...
The philosophy of Thomas Aquinas is one of the brightest systems of thought in medieval Europe and world philosophy in general. Thomas Aquinas himself did not consider his philosophy original and claimed that he was striving only for an exact reproduction of the main ideas of Aristotle (Brook, 2018). However,...
It is important to note that warfare and the ability to defend oneself are key aspects of rule and governance. There is a reason why the largest and most powerful nations on the planet invest heavily in their militaries, such as the United States, and China, or Russia. The strength...
Introduction There are a few different reasons why philosophers might think that there is a formula for determining moral duty. One reason is based on social contract theory, which holds that humans have a duty to obey the law because they have agreed. Another reason is based on the role...
Introduction Philosophy and religion are tightly connected with the human desire to understand the world and themselves. Many different theories were proposed in order to better quantify the human condition and determine the ultimate purpose and aim of life. However, it still remains impossible to find definitive truths about living...
Virtue ethics is a moral ideology developed as early as ancient Greece by the famous philosopher and thinker Aristotle. He believed that our purpose is to pursue our true human goal, eudaimonia, which is best understood as human prosperity or a life of abundance. It is a fundamental concept in...
Introduction Consequentialism is a theory of ethics in which people should choose actions based on the expected outcomes of those behaviors. Consequentialism does not specify which virtues should be maximized, but people can choose values in a way that corresponds to what is important to them (Ivlampie, 2017). Thus, this...
Introduction The focus of the philosophical trend of existentialism is the question of existence. The absurdity, despair, freedom, alienation, and responsibility became entrenched in the system of theoretical science and the social and moral cultural model emerging in the twentieth century with existentialism (Hayim 14). The supporters of existentialism aimed...
Introduction: Marx, Nietzsche, and Du Bois Marx, Nietzsche, and Du Bois have contrasting views on modern ideology, specifically liberalism. Liberalism as a concept, both from an individual and societal level, has been criticized by all three political thinkers, yet for different reasons. Marx, who was the founder of the communist...
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...
Jean-Paul Sartre is a renowned philosopher of the 20th century, belonging to the same group of philosophers as Kierkegaard and Nietzsche and contemporaneous to Albert Camus and Simone de Beauvoir. The latter ones all experienced the same significant event that tremendously influenced their life and philosophy: The Second World War....
When it comes to the philosophical aspects of life, many people support the idea of free will. This idea is deeply ingrained in their actual experiences to the extent that it is nearly hard to consider the possibility that their perspectives are incorrect. For example, when individuals contemplate various actions...
Rene Descartes was a famous philosopher from the era of Enlightenment who has made some relevant points today. Throughout his life, he has challenged the views he was taught and one’s perception of the world. This made the philosopher one of the most influential figures in skepticism and rationalism. The...
A utilitarian person is usually characterized as having a desire for practical benefits. The concept of utilitarian means imbued with narrow practicality, limited by immediate interests, needs or prescriptions of utility motives, benefits (Mensah & Agyemang, 2020). This means that such a person will see a valuable advantage in having...
Formal Analysis P1: All living beings undergo constant change at every point in their lives. P2: Inanimate things are subject to continuous change. P3: Everything in the world exists in a cycle of change as fire does. C: Heraclitus’s philosophy of change is the correct way to think about the...
Principle of Utility The principle of utility represents behaviors or actions that are either approved or discredited as per the degree of their benefit. It is one of the major theological principles related to hedonism. The author John Stuart Mill developed this phenomenon back in the 19th century, in the...
Introduction Philosophy has always played a significant role in humans’ lives, and the greatest philosophers create laws that are different from governmental regulation but close individuals’ beliefs. The Crito is one of the famous ancient dialogues where the main character Socrates states that injustice should not be replied with injustice,...
There are different approaches in philosophy that discuss the existence of God from all viewpoints. Some intend to prove that God exists, whereas other concepts support the idea of his non-existence. The third ones suggest the idea of agnosticism, claiming that it is not possible to prove the existence or...
Introduction Enlightenment in history was an era that appeared in the 18th Century, with many people being stakeholders in this significant change. It was a movement that turned out to be philosophical and intellectual. The ideologies of this era focused on the worth of human contentment, the pursuit of knowledge...
It is important to note that human nature is a highly complex and intricate subject because it is rather challenging to define and pinpoint. Such an elusive characteristic of the concept makes it challenging to prove or disprove its existence. However, an argument can be made that human nature is...
Introduction People typically have more freedom to pursue their interests during their leisure time. When discussed from various philosophical perspectives, the idea of leisure takes on several diverse forms. The Greek philosophers Aristotle and Epicurus each offer distinctive interpretations of the term “leisure,” with Aristotle focusing more on the advantageous...
In their philosophical discussion of justice, Rawls and Hobbes adhered to different considerations, which informed their opposing definition of this concept. On the one hand, Rawls defined justice, emphasizing its so-called ideal state without proper consideration of the injustices (Wilburn 96). In particular, Rawls perceived justice as the prevalence of...
Sartre’s theory argues against placing meaning in human existence and believes it to be meaningless. Sartre believes that existence preceded essence, which means that we are born and then define ourselves over time through our own free will choices. Whoever we are, according to Sartre, is a result of the...
Embracing historical instances of global injustice, one must admit that of all the evils that the humankind has ever created, the Holocaust as the persecution and extermination of Jews and slavery as the failure to recognize the humanity of African American people in the U.S. represent by far the worst....
I agree with the statement that humans are products of their choices. According to existential theory, people have responsibility for their actions and incorporate meaning by creating their world (Glowiak, 2017). According to research, people are more inclined to seek counseling and self-help when they maintain belief in their ability...
