This paper explores ways in which Socrates’ prayer at the end of The Phaedrus reflects Plato’s ideas of love.
Wittgenstein, Section 184
Abstract: This paper discusses in depth Section 184 of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s book, Philosophical investigations.
Kant on Transcendental Deduction
Abstract: This paper examines Section 25 of Transcendental Deduction, contained in Critique of Pure Reason, in detail.
Idealism in Kierkegaard and Hegel
Abstract: This paper examines the way in which Kierkegaard and Hegel’s writings express their idealism.
Wittgenstein, §210 Explanations and Examples
Abstract: This paper discussed several sections of Ludwig Wittgenstein’s book.
Generating Moore's Paradox
This paper describes the kinds of statements necessary to give rise to Moore’s paradox.
Mistakes in Thinking
This paper considers the question of whether or not it’s possible to be mistaken in knowing what we think.
Investigating Moore's Paradox
This paper discusses two aspects of Moore’s Paradox: what statements give rise to it, and why one can’t make such statements.
The Nature of Truth
This paper examines five theses with respect to the attempt to delineate the nature of truth.
Examining the Nature of Truth
This paper examines five theses with respect to the attempt to delineate the nature of truth.
Hobbes and Rousseau: Laws and Lawmaking
This paper examines the beliefs of the two philosophers with regard to the law, and concludes that if taken to the extreme, we could “label” the two men as liberal and conservative as the words are...
Pragmatism: James and Peirce
This paper discusses the philosophical construct known as “pragmatism,” an American school of thought of the 19th Centur
George Herbert Mead: “Mind, Self & Society”
This paper briefly examines Mead’s work on the interaction between individuals and society.
PLATO, ARISTOTLE, AND THUCYDIDES
Examines the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, and Thucydides, and their views on how human beings should live.
John Locke
This paper offers a brief biography of one of the most well-known philosophers whose philosophical and political theories have been highly debated throughout the centuries.
Mencius II
Mencius was a disciple of Confuscius who suggested that if we were taught about human relationships, we would be able to respect each other, and our rulers. He believed that with guidance one...
Theories of Veridicality
Describes the correspondence and coherence theories of veridicality and offers an opinion as to which is more compelling
Rene Descartes: Dreaming and Evil Genius
This paper compares the ideas of Descartes and John Locke.
St.Augustine, Evil and Free Will
This paper examines some of the theological teachings of St. Augustine, particularly in regard to his theodicy, which attempts to reconcile evil with the existence of God; and the issue of God’s...
Zola's "Germinal" and 19th Century Social Philosophies
This paper mentions two of the most prominent social theories of the 19th Century and relates them to the plot of Zola’s novel.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Radical or Conservative
This paper discusses Rousseau’s philosophy and attempts to decide if he can be labeled “radical”, “conservative,” or if neither fits.
Kant and Hegel
This paper compares the two German philosophers, Immanual Kant and Friedrich Hegel.
Philosophers’ View of Women
This paper examines the way philosophers have viewed women’s issues in the past 300 years.
Right Action
This paper examines the idea of “right action” in connection with some of the Eastern philosophies. It also touches on the impact of right action on economics, and the difference between Eastern...
Kant’s Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals
Imperative and Hypothetical Imperative. Two examples of each will be given, and both types of Imperatives will be compared. Finally, the fundamental meaning of the Categorical Imperative will be...
Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil
This paper discusses some of Nietzsche’s philosophical positions in regard to opposites, his concepts of “noble” and “plebeian,” and how he might have described himself in relation to those terms.
Maimonides and Free Will
This paper examines the concept of free will as viewed by Maimonides.
Mencius
This paper examines the ways in which the Confucian philosopher Mencius idealized the scholar-official-administrator as an exemplar of the kinds of social reform that he advocated.
Nietzsche on Love and Forgiveness
In this paper, there will be a discussion on Friedrich Nietzsche and his perspectives on love and forgiveness. How do they differ from that of Christ, and is Nietzsche’s perhaps more practical for...
Machiavelli’s The Prince
This paper examines Machiavelli’s classic work, and compares it to Thomas More’s “Utopia.” It answers the questions how would More respond to Machiavelli, and which philosophy seems more relevant...
Two philosophical views on the death penalty
This paper argues examines two philosophical views on the death penalty, looking at the ways in which both Stoic and Judeo-Christian perspectives help us to understand the moral issues involved in...
Hobbes and Montesquieu
This paper examines the differences between Hobbes' and Montesquieu's conception of the sovereign and how the idea of the power at the heart of a state affects other aspects of the system.
Hobbes and Rousseau
This paper contrasts Thomas Hobbes’ and Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s understanding of the structure of the state.
Susan Wolf and the “Real Self”
This paper examines the concept of the “real self,” and Susan Wolf’s arguments against it.
St. Thomas Acquinas
This paper examines the works of St. Thomas Aquinas as they relate to his concept of “Natural Law.”
Does God Exist?
This paper analyzes three different approaches to the question of the existence of god.
Nietzsche, Celine, and DeLillo
A comparative review of Journey to the End of Night by Louis-Ferdinand Celine and White Noise by Don DeLillo, in light of each author’s application of Nietzsche’s position on the modern lack of...
European Questions
This paper answers three separate questions on the relationship between individual liberty and governance in Europe from the Enlightenment to the present.
Chinese Philosophies
This report provides an overview of the concept "insufficiency of the self", in the Chinese philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
The Role of the Subconscious in the Religious Experience
This paper presents the views of philosopher William James on the relationships of mysticism and the religious experience to the subconscious, as expressed in his book The Varieties of Religious...
Dr. Frankenstein and John Locke
This paper evaluates some of Locke’s theories about the rights and duties of man, and applies them to the question of whether or not Frankenstein’s creature is innocent or guilty.
Burke and Kant
This paper discusses the differences between the two philosophers, and some of their thinking about the concept of human dignity.
Karl Marx, Feminism and Post Structuralist Theory
This paper will briefly examine the problem of class struggle, from the view of Karl Marx. The paper will then re-examine Marx's theory from the feminist and post-structuralist viewpoints.
Plato's Euthyphro
In this paper, there will be a discussion on Plato’s “Euthyphro,” explaining what the philosopher intended with the piece. A basic overview will be provided.
Plato's "Dialogues"
Introduction: In Plato’s “Dialogues,” Socrates plays a prominent role in many of the scenes. Through him, philosophical questions are posed, and truths are sought out. Those he converses with are...
Dante and Lucretius on the Nature of the Universe
The nature of the universe is a subject that philosophers have addressed for centuries, since the beginning of time. Lucretius and Dante are a part of this group and through their poetry, they...
The Inevitability of Death
In this paper, there will be a discussion on death as it is a theme in poetry. The central theme will be that death is inevitable – that everyone must die at some point or another even if it may...
Six Definitions found in the Euthyphro
In this paper, there will be a discussion of Plato’s “Euthyphro.” The six definitions given in regards to piety will be defined and examined, with Euthyphro’s third definition being expanded upon...
Socrates and “Crito” and “Phaedrus”
In both “Crito” and “Phaedrus,” Socrates speaks of Truth. The essence of both arguments is that what is superfluous should be stripped away, leaving behind what is real. As a result, the Truth...
Crito
In this paper, there will be a discussion on Plato’s “Crito,” addressing the questions pertaining to Socrates’ commitment to death. Why does he not escape? How do principles justify his action?
Marx, Hegel, Rousseau, and Nietzsche: Four Views of Modern Society
Summary: This paper will answer four questions specific to the four philosophers in the title: Marx’s understanding of systems of production; Rousseau’s views on civil religions; Hegel’s beliefs...
Jesus Christ and Socrates
Introduction: Great Philosopher Kings. Socrates was one of them, and before him, a prophet walked this earth and set out to impart his knowledge to those of us who sought out enlightenment. Jesus...
Descartes and Rousseau
In this paper, there will be a discussion on René Descartes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau – both men of whom had disparate ideas on free will and knowledge. These differences will be included within...
Plato and Thucydides
Discusses Thrasymachus' views on justice in Plato's Republic, in relation to Thucydides History of the Pelopenesian War, and how he could be considered a spokesperson for the Athenian view of the...
Thucydides & Plato
Discusses the topic of democracy in Plato's Apology, and Thucydide's History of the Pelopenesian War.
The Philosophies of Kant, Aristotle & Mill
Discusses the ethical theories of Immanuel Kant, Aristotle, and John Stuart Mill. Examines their views on self interest vs. doing what is ethically required.
Aristotle, Aquinas and Nature
Discusses Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas regarding their philosophies on the natural world, and by extension, God. Politics are included as well. Inspired by Aristotle, we will address the way...
Augustine Speaks Against the Non-Believers
Discusses Chapter 1 from Book I of Augustine's The City of God, in which the situation between the Christians and pagans within Rome is addressed. This report provides a simple explication of the...
St. Augustine's Political Writings
Discusses St. Augustine's Political Writings, in which he deals with the many questions that arise out of a world that is less than ideal. This report provides general overview of this work.
Images in the Tao
Discusses the images of water, the empty vessel, the bending bow, and Heaven and Earth, in Lao Tzu's The Tao Te Ching.
Kant and Aristotle on Morality
Analyzes and compares Aristotle and Kant's thoughts on moral character.
Simone De Beauvior and David Hume's Role of Freedom in Human Identity
Presents the contrasting views of Simone de Beauvoir and David Hume on the role of freedom in human identity.
Utilitarianism Versus Kant
Contrasts the basic utilitarianist philosophy of John Stuart Mill and the ideology of Immanuel
Political Education in Greek Philosophy
Examines how Aristophanes viewed political education, and how this position was addressed by Plato and Aristotle, both of whom highly valued education and felt that it was necessary for the...
The Philosophy of Determinism
Examines the philosophy of determinism and its two forms, hard and soft. Explains what determinism is and how it is used. As long as there is the unexplained, determination cannot be refuted.
Aristotle's Views of Nature & God
Discusses how Aristotle was cleverly able to apply his views of the nature of the physical world to the existence of God. He saw excellence in nature and a sense of order in the world and in the...
Plato's: The Laws
A review of Plato's The Laws, in which he has designed another militaristic state with a virtuous objective; although his primary method of attaining this is through universal compulsory education,...
Mencius' View of Human Nature
Discusses the Chinese philosopher Mencius, and his views on human nature and human goodness. His belief is that every person is born with a basic humanity given to him by the heavens, and it will...
Friendship in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics
An analysis of the two books of the Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle devoted to friendship.
War and Violence :Buddhism vs. Mencius Perspectives
An argumentative essay presenting Buddhist and Mencius concepts of violence, war and military force with a conclusion advocating the position of one over the other.
Modern Political Thought : Locke Versus Rousseau
Compares and contrasts the opposing viewpoints of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau in terms of their political beliefs.
David Hume : Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding
Introduces British philosopher David Hume's argument about cause and effect, as related in parts IV and V of his Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Also relates the argument's significance and...
God in the Philosophy of Decartes and Berkely
Examines the context of God in the philosophical systems of Descartes and Berkeley, and looks at the critiques of Hume and Kant.
Philosophy of Political Violence
Discusses the philosophies of Machiavelli, Locke, Luther and Calvin as they apply to using violence in achieving political agendas.
Aristotle's Theories of the Physical World
Details Aristotle's views of the physical world, which has also been called his teleological view. In addition, the report discusses his views on the nature of God and on the subject of eternity....
Immanuel Kant: Two Issues From 'Metaphysics of Morals'
Addresses two separate topics on the philosophy of Immanuel Kant. The first is why the right to marriage might be a right concerned with enduring the external freedom of individuals to act for the...
The Philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, & Thucydides
Plato, Aristotle, and Thucydides all have theories about the way human beings should live. Aristotle focuses on virtue, Plato on justice, and Thucydides has a deterministic view of how human beings...
Euthanasia from a Legal & Philosophical Standpoint
Examines the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Sue Rodriguez cases because they present the salient constitutional arguments for and against assisted suicide. In addition to the legal analysis,...
Critical Analysis of Plato's The Republic
Provides a critical analysis of The Republic by Plato and offers the opinions of other scholars as to Plato's intentions and motivations behind writing The Republic
Plato's Political Philosophy
Discusses Plato's political philosophy and its philosophical basis in The Republic
Descartes' Philosophy of the Human Mind
Examines the second meditation of Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy, describing the nature of the human mind.
Max Weber vs. Karl Marx
Compares and contrasts the philosophies of Karl Marx and Max Weber in their views of time discipline in modern societies.
Thomas Aquinas on the Natural Law
Essay discusses the components of Aquinas' doctrine and examines his notion of an external law grounded in a belief and understanding of God.
The Views of Thomas Nagel
Provides a description of Nagel's philosophy as outlined in his introductory book, What Does It All Mean. Language, free will, and death are a few of the topics discussed by this great philosopher.
Freedom and Free Will
Based on the book by Burr and Goldinger, this paper analyzes the philosophy of freedom, based on the controversy of Determinism versus Indeterminism. Also discusses the philosophy of free will as...
The Philosophy of Mind and Body
Details the two main schools of thought regarding the relationship between mind and body. One theory is based on Materialism while the other is based on the concept of Interactionism.
Does God Exist
Briefly details opposing views as to whether God exist, separating God and Religion, and enumerates seven reasons why scientists believe God does exist.
Does Life Have Meaning?
Examines several theories, pondering the age-old question, does life have meaning? If so, what is it, and if not, why not?
The Philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Examines the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, considered the Father of Democracy, and discusses why his thought falls prey to a variety of interpretations.
Descartes' Meditations
Explores Rene Descartes' Meditation Three, its objections and Descartes' replies. Essay is based on the writings of Adams and Tannery, the principal editors of Descartes' text.
Emmanuel Kant's View of Animal Research
This paper will discuss the topic of animal research, with the opposing points of view of Peter Singer and Carl Cohen, using Immanuel Kant's ethical theories as a basis. In order to form a firm...
Adam Smith and Rousseau: Their Views on Public Education and Roles in the Enlightenment
Adam Smith and Jean Jacques Rousseau were both influential philosophers whose views shaped political and social thought for years to come. Each had a viewpoint specific to their discipline; which...
Critical View on Descartes' Methodology
Discusses I think, therefore I am as a philosophy that probes the mystery of existence based on skepticism and inner doubt. Also provides an overview of the individual who developed this dualistic...
The Philosophy of Sir Francis Bacon
Explores the inductive method of scientific philosophy developed by Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626) by examining The Essays, Novum Oragnum, and New Atlantis.
Nietzsche : On the Genealogy of Morals
Discusses Nietzshce's work, On the Genealogy of Morals, with regard to his philosophies of Good versus Bad, and his views on God, religion, and morality.
St. Matthew , St. Teresa , and St. Joan of Arc : Ethical Lives
Examines both the rewards and the difficulties of responding to higher beliefs in a world which often demands otherwise. In the lives of Saint Matthew, Saint Teresa of Avila, and Saint Joan of Arc,...
Camus, Modern Philosophy, and Nietzsche
Examines, through Albert Camus' The Rebel, his criticism of modern philosophy from the vantage point of his avowed commitment to the ancients, and explain Camus' view of Nietzsche's argument in the...
Socrates in Ancient Athens
The execution of Socrates and his threat to ancient Greek philosophy.
Plato and His Views on Justice
A look at the master and innovator of classic philosophy with a concentration on his views of justice.
The Trial of Socrates
Discusses the charge of corrupting the youth against Socrates and his defense.
Plato's Apology
Discusses how the trilogy of Plato's Apology is a study of unwavering dedication to one's principles.
Good vs. Evil
Discusses the philosophical views regarding good and evil and how they relate and interact with each other.
Aristotle's Views on Tragedy
Argues that plot, and not character, is the most important part of tragedy in Aristotle's works.
A Theory on Academic Dishonesty Proposed by Alasdair Macintyre
A philosophical analysis of academic dishonesty based on the theory of MacIntyre, with an emphasis on virtue and morality.
The Relationship Between Freedom and Determinism with Regard to Scientific Determinism
Explores the tenets of Freedom and Determinism and examines their applications in modern, Scientific Determinism.
Empiricism of Hume and Descartes
Presents a comparative analysis of empiricism and rationalism by discussing the epistemological views of David Hume and Rene Descartes.
John Locke's Notions of Personal Identity and Punishment
Explores John Locke's philosophy relative to intuition, personal identity and punishment.
Plato's Allegory of the Cave
Argues the Plato's Allegory of the Cave is a metaphor for enlightenment. Philosophical questions abound in our lives and when we turn away from them, we remain safely in the cave, within its...
Mill's Notion of Individual Rights
Discusses John Stuart Mill's essay On Liberty; specifically addressing the questions of the far reaching assumptions Mill makes in stating his principles concerning individual rights.
Descartes Meditations and Human Knowledge
Illustrates Descartes' views on human knowledge, using meditations 1, 2 and 3 in particular.
The Political Writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Discusses four works by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau considered political in nature
Nature vs Nurture Controversy
Debates the long time developmental issue of nature vs. nurture, defending each side of the question including the current status of the debate.
Aristotle and Cicero's Theory of Order and Friendship
Compares and contrasts the theories of political order, justice, and friendship among Aristotle, Cicero, and Plato.
Fairness versus Entitlement: A Comparison of Social Theories
Examines the theories of John Rawles and Robert Nozick, from the perspective of human beings as inherently group-oriented, social animals who have preferred to live in closely cooperating groups....
Machiavelli and Hobbes: On Human Nature
Both Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes were philosophers who produced influential works on politics and human nature. Hobbes was best known for his publications on individual security and the...
The Philosophy of a Paradox
The philosophical question of paradox will be addressed. There will be examples, and by way, explanation of the problems that a paradox presents. The question that s paradox demands is what is...
Theories of Justice in Plato's Republic
Compares and contrasts the theories of justice that are presented by Thrasymacus and Socrates in Cornord's The Republic of Plato.
Aristotle's Theory of Politics
Defines Aristotle's theory of politics and the state and briefly applies his philosophy to the government of the United States.
A Comparison of Aristotle & Hume
Hume's theories and writings are classified as belonging to the philosophical movement called empiricism, which believes that sensory experience is the only source of knowledge. On the other hand,...
Does Human Free Will Really Exist?
Address the philosophical debate regarding whether or not humans are truly able to act of free spirit, of free mind, and of free will.
The Freedom of the Individual
Discusses the contributions and philosophies of James Madison, John Stuart Mill, Rousseau, and Marx concerning rights and freedoms of the individual.
