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I believe that we know what is right or wrong based on our daily practices, beliefs, and culture. For example, eating pork is wrong according to Islam; thus, Muslims do not eat pork. However, this practice is acceptable to other people. This comes from the religious belief that is a...
I believe that it is possible to know anything as knowledge rests on specific experience. During our lifetime, we make assumptions about the physical world around us. These assumptions form our knowledge, making us believe that we know something. It also contributes to the emergence of a particular fact existing...
Rosseau viewed the state of nature as peaceful with man being free. However, as society grows and people become dependent on each other, a social contract is necessary to overcome conflict. He argues that man is subdued in chains once becoming part of society, losing that natural freedom and peace....
Marx’s theory of alienation of labor takes place in a capitalist society where workers are made to feel foreign from the products of their labor. Marx outlines four categories of alienation which are the product of labor, activity, alienation from humanity, and from society. This is part of the systemic...
Hobbes viewed the nature of the state as all-powerful, autocratic, and collectivist because he believed that humans were by nature chaotic and hostile, without peace and security. The government was a machine with absolute sovereign authority that could restore peace and security. Only this type of government could potentially free...
Marcus Aurelius is known for his adoption and promotion of stoicism as a philosophy, which he also sought to be applied in the practical sense of governance. He adopted the stance of what Plato called the “philosopher king” a wise leader that understood his people. Marcus supported the highly rational...
Plato’s Republic utilizes the method of Socratic dialogue and a thought experiment in the form of an allegory. The method of the Socratic dialogue is evident from the first chapters, as Plato provides an account of Socrates engaging his company in a philosophical discussion on the meaning of justice. The...
The message of this piece seems to root itself in the Taoist mentality of allowing the energy to flow through rather than trying to overpower it. If one were to interpret the passage in the context, the following lines read: “Taste without tasting. Whether it is big or small, many...
Aristotle evaluated the subject-predicate discourse where a subject exemplifies a universal notion in different predication types. A subject is a particular example of a universal notion that a predicate creates. Aristotle suggested two different prediction types: essential and accidental (the qualities something has). The former indicates that the subject’s predicate...
Aristotle’s argument for the nature of self relied on hylomorphism or the questions of material, formal, efficient, and final. According to Aristotle, the human soul has the form of its ‘vessel’ (the body); the soul is one’s real self. However, the soul is not composite and thus not subject to...
Martin Heidegger emphasized the importance of Being in his works, virtually implying that humans must treasure the essence of existence. At the same time, he feared that technological progress would hinder the relationship between man and the world, as humans would inevitably start perceiving themselves as the central part of...
Ludwig Wittgenstein, specifically in his later works, viewed language and linguistic structure as the primary elements of human thought. In other words, the language system shapes thoughts and alters experiences. As a result, Wittgenstein emphasized language as the essential tool of philosophical arguments and “natural human practices”.
Using the example of the history of the prisoners in the cave, Plato tried to convey to society what difficulties scientists and philosophers face when trying to enlighten people. It is convenient for most people to exist in ignorance and meet with aggression those who seek to give them new...
The aesthetic stage of life allows the person to gain as much experience as possible by reveling in every possible opportunity existence offers. During this stage, a person can form and discard marriages, careers, hobbies, people, without truly devoting themselves to anything. Such an existence is as boring as it...
At the heart of David Hume’s philosophy is the doubt about the existence of any reliable criterion of truth. Such an extreme form of skepticism is based on the assertion that nothing corresponds to reality in human knowledge and reliable knowledge is in principle unattainable, and for this, there is...
Locke’s skepticism is expressed in the fact that human thinking does not have a guarantee for the identity and validity of knowledge, even in the most indisputable conclusions. The comprehensive completeness of expertise is a goal desired for a person, and it is initially unattainable by its essence. Due to...
Humanity is the set of characteristics that distinguishes humans as being human. These characteristics include the ability to participate in self-directed rational action and to adopt and pursue one’s own goals. Suppose the worker freely employed his rational capacities to pursue his line of work. According to Kant’s Formula of...
Kantian ethics are unifying moral principles that apply to all people, independent of context or circumstance. They are distinguished by their emphasis on duties characterized by wrong and right. Therefore, in throwing a person overboard, Kantian theorists would say that killing someone is immoral, even if killing one individual may...
Acting in a manner that one always treats humanity is the second statement of Kant’s categorical imperative. Humanity should be applied, whether in one’s own personality or other individuals, never as a tool to an aim but as an end in itself. Therefore, I would morally find it permissible to...
Due to the fact that it is impossible to ascertain all of the effects of an action, Kant argues that the results of an action cannot be employed to assess its moral worth. Even if we could know all of the repercussions, Kant claims that people still could not use...
Kant state that only in the absence of qualification is the will good. This is due to the fact that the will is rational and free, whereas physical laws determine everything else in the universe. For Kant, morality consists of acting according to our free and rational will and not...
Even though we do not feel like it, Kant proposes that we have a responsibility to act in particular ways. This is because there are some things that are morally right or wrong, regardless of our personal feelings. To explain the acting out of duty concept, Immanuel Kant presents the...
A categorical imperative is a moral law that should not be broken, but a hypothetical imperative is founded on the intended outcome. Kant believes that the categorical imperative is the only legitimate basis for moral action. A hypothetical imperative is dependent on a specific condition of fulfillment. For example, if...
The categorical imperative, in Kant’s first formulation, is acting entirely in line with the conduct that somebody at the same time would expect or wish to be implemented as one of the universal laws. It is a moral principle that dictates how people ought to behave. False promise is never...
Deductive reasoning, also called deduction, is the making of a judgment based on facts that are accepted globally. An assumption in this particular reasoning is drawn from inference reasoning. Inductive reasoning, also known as induction, concludes an observation of a sample. Deductive reasoning usually follows essentially from general or universal...
Sir Frances Bacon used many styles to write his essays depending on the intended purpose. Bacon’s diction and sentences are clear and avoid ambiguity. He primarily employs figurative speech using similes and metaphors to draw his audience to interact with his works. In the essays “Of Marriage” and “Of Negotiation,”...
Against the background of spontaneously arising (every day and other) forms of world understanding, philosophy appeared as a specially developed doctrine of wisdom. Philosophical thought has been chosen as its guide, not myth-making or naive faith, not popular opinions or explanations, but free, critical thought about the world and human...
I used to wonder why I should study philosophy and how it could help me. Now, I realize that philosophical thinking structures thoughts and teaches us how to analyze vast amounts of texts and the information that comes to us. I thought that philosophers were these sullen, sad, staggering-looking uncles....
I think Aristotle and his ideas struck me the most: this philosopher was talented in everything, and this is probably his main trait as a thinker. He was able to carry his ideas with common sense and calm reasoning and justify his opinion. I think this is very important for...
Happiness is considered the final good because it is the supreme goal of humankind. Humans do not choose happiness as a tool to reach another purpose but choose other things to achieve happiness. For example, people aim to earn more money, but it is not their final goal. They make...
If a person understands their abilities and talents and improves them lifelong, that would be their function. Aristotle describes the function of the meaning as the “exercise of his vital faculties.” The exercise of the faculties could be reached when a person uses two sides of their nature. One side...
Excess temperance or courage and deficiency of one of those destroy any attempt at virtuous behaviors. The absence of the golden middle will lead to excess or deficiency, both of which are undesirable. It is considered foolish to be extra courageous and fears absolutely nothing and faces anything. At the...
The absolute mean applied to mathematics is a particular mean that could be calculated, for example, the arithmetical mean. If we consider that the absolute mean between four and ten is seven, that would be absolutely true for everyone. The golden mean, which is applied to human behavior and virtue,...
Provide your attitude and thoughts on animal research. Use sources to give background info on the topic. Introduce the two opposing views of the scenario. Discuss the key points of contention on this topic. Present your thoughts about the topic. Specifically, discuss which option choice at the end of the...
How would you define your answers to questions about the nature of the cosmos, social order, and individual ethics in today’s world? To answer this question, give your opinion rather than doing a lot of research. List the questions and then answer them in full as to their meaning in...
Analyze Socrate’s Apology and Phaedo. Do you think Socrates’s activities were worthwhile? Why or why not? Do you think the state was right to come after him? Do you see any way in which the texts are relevant to the philosophy of the human person? Throughout these dialogues, there are...
Compare and contrast the views of Locke, Armstrong, and Smart on the nature of our visual experiences of color. Analyze the basic science behind the vision. What are the similarities between Locke, Armstrong, and Smart’s views on the color experience? Point out the differences between Locke, Armstrong, and Smart’s views...
Kant taught morality as a matter of following maxims of living that reflect absolute laws. Discuss the ethical factors that may be involved in determining the moral position. What are the personal and/or communal ethical factors that may be involved in determining the moral position of either side, given a...
Discuss the theories and philosophies of the Aesthetic movement and the Arts and Crafts era. Compare and contrast these two. Theories and Philosophies of the Aesthetic Movement: make sure you also address the influences on society, culture, and the political environment. Theories and Philosophies of the Arts and Crafts Era:...
Compare Plato’s notion of education and gender relation with Mary Wollstonecraft’s notion of education and gender relation in an envisioned society. You can look into Plato’s “Republic” or “The Symposium” and Wollstonecraft’s “A vindication of the rights of women” or their relevant research. But the point is to compare the...
Analyze the notion of ”teleology.” We are introduced here to the notion of ”teleology.” A theory that focuses on the end results of something. From the Greek telos: an aim, goal, or purpose. How does your concept of the ”purpose” of the world shape your thinking? Is the world only...
Implement five acts of kindness (prosocial behavior) for an entire day of compassion and kindness. Use your discretion, common sense, and modesty at all times. Do not put yourself in an environment of potential danger or harm. Describe your implementation of kindness. What did you do, how did you approach...
Distinguish between the three primary branches of philosophy. Consider the three following questions: What is knowledge? What is reality made of? What is the good life, and how ought I to live it? These are the basic questions that were considered in different forms by the major figures in ancient...
Explain philosophical biology concepts. Represent and express philosophical reasoning about advances in biology and medicine by writing clear and concise analytical and argumentative prose. Explain and critically examine social dynamics and issues in their historical and cultural contexts. Explain a social issue related to minor treatment refusals (like “the age...
There is an apparent difference in the reasons behind one’s intention to continue their line. Other mammals have sex for the sake of survival, which is reflected in their reproduction cycles and rates of birth per animal. While animals reproduce due to their instincts, people who come to such a...
The criticism considering utilitarianism as a philosophical theory as a doctrine worthy only of swine’ might be explained as utilitarianists’ misleading tendency to limit human desires to the most primitive ones, such as pleasure. As a result, if a person has the same willingness as an animal, such as swine,...
Yes. Philosophy is a fundamental aspect when questioning life and what it means to be human. According to Plato, when people challenge themselves by asking why in life, they begin to understand the significance of being humble. Plato argues that possessions can only go far to satisfy the soul. In...
The movement to secularism was spear-headed by many philosophers. For example, Spinoza and Erasmus were at the forefront of the campaign, making secularism a success. Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu were other philosophers who also fought, among others. They believed that the world would be morally upright and free of violence...
Francis Bacon was one of the first to describe typical thinking errors in reasoning solving scientific problems. The possibility of technological breakthroughs was encouraged by the ways of thinking generated by the scientific revolution. Even intelligent and enlightened people encounter many obstacles on the path of knowledge. The first kind...
The great philosopher Descartes is considered the founder of modern rationalism. According to the model, the mind is not familiar with the objects themselves but only with their copies – ideas projected into consciousness. Descartes starts from the very first truth – from the truth of his consciousness. True consciousness...
Ryle objects to Descartes’s theory of substance dualism which he terms an official theory. He argues that the main principles of the theory are full of conflicts and unsound. According to him, the theory that believes that every human being possesses a mind and a body is false because the...
Unitive and procreative dimensions are the two parts of sexual marital love and are overall inseparable. The unitive dimension refers to the bonding and emotional connection that spouses express through their physical intimacy. Procreativeness is related to their shared desire to bring a new life into the world.
Universal is a term that describes the qualities of a thing, and particulars are non-abstract objects that people encounter in the world. The four views regarding the nature of universals and particulars are nominalism, realism (exaggerated and moderate), and conceptualism. They offer different opinions on the nature and existence of...
Compared to other philosophers, Socrates believed in the power of knowledge. He was passionate about wisdom, which was rare for his period. Besides, he showed no interest in money and property and tried to explain how people had to make choices and establish priorities. Instead of becoming rich or known,...
In his discussion, Socrates used many arguments to demonstrate how wisdom became one of the main human virtues. He applied adjectives like good and profitable and nouns like courage and justice to support his choice. People have to be happy, and there are many ways to achieve this condition. Socrates’...
I think science, especially neuroscience, plays a significant role in shaping modern philosophical views on the mind-body problem. For instance, fMRIs can show how changes in the brain due to injuries or aging can affect mental states. However, it can be argued that science is and will be unable to...
In my opinion, the mind-brain identity theory is more persuasive than eliminative materialism. Although the former can be criticized for not considering that one mental state can appear in several brain states, it is generally less flawed than the latter. Indeed, even everyday observations can provide evidence that the mind...
In my opinion, all three concepts are quite impressive and provide a new perspective on the problem of mind and body. For instance, although property dualism is based on materialism, it still acknowledges the existence of mental property as dependent on the brain functioning but not equal to it.
Abduction, deduction, and induction are methods utilized to arrange assumptions and make conclusions. In deduction, a conclusion about a specific issue is formed through the use of general knowledge or a widely accepted premise. Abduction does not require a particular outcome; therefore, a hypothesis is made based on the given...
The student of Thales, Anaximander, is a philosopher who was concerned with the origins of things. More specifically, he investigated the question of substance nature. In his view, it was a boundless or infinite creation, which he called “Apeiron.” Also, he questioned the existence of a primary substance (which was...
Foundationalism views people’s beliefs as something that is based on a basic concept. Thus, there is a concept that cannot be further justified. Coherentism states that no primary notion supports other ideas. All of them coexist and prove each other.
Gödel’s Theorem implies that reality consists of a variety of beliefs. For a particular system of knowledge, there will be an idea that cannot be proved or refuted. Thus, Gödel has emphasized the limitations of current scientific knowledge by showing that some elements can exist outside the widely accepted assumptions.
Critical thinking is an essential aspect of philosophy. Thus, it can be utilized to examine a philosophical issue, as it requires questioning a statement until a consensus is reached. Since philosophy offers different opinions on the nature of things, critical thinking can be applied to validate argumentation and come to...
The philosophy course will discuss various topics, including the importance of logic and its origins, views on human existence, and the nature of knowledge. Also, an important aspect is religious beliefs and different opinions on the topic. Themes of ethics and politics should be discussed as well.
Aristotle’s four causes are utilized in modern science as a framework for research, and they are called final, efficient, formal, and material. They are being used to answer the questions of what an object is, what it is made of, how or by whom, and how to use it (or...
Provide a brief definition of constructive empiricism, empirical adequacy, functionalism, idealism, instrumentalism, materialism, mind-body dualism, and nominalism in your own words. When you search online, add the word “philosophy” to the term and spell it properly to be sure you are getting the right information. “Idealism” in philosophy is very...
Analyze Plato’s “Meno.” Discuss whether it is possible to knowingly do evil. How does one’s view of what is good affect their view of paternalism? Apply what you know from Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, and Natural Law. The goal is for you to explore the topic for yourself and to express...
Discuss rights ethics with regard to Locke. As a reminder, Locke said we have inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property. It is immoral to violate them. Many think we have more rights than those listed by Locke. Some even think we have a right to health care. Rights theory...
Analyze the values about love discussed by Aristophanes and Socrates. Discuss the problems with their claims. Would the values they discuss still be applicable to the lives of modern people today? How does their idea contribute to the universality of love across all gender preferences? What is love, and what...
What is one philosophical theory or philosopher’s views that you have found particularly interesting? Explain the view and why you find it interesting. Be specific and demonstrate good use of the text. You can find something interesting without actually agreeing with it. For example, you could talk about Aristotle’s virtue...
Why do we ascribe so much worth to Freud’s philosophies of children’s psychological development? Considering the fact that Freud posed all of his theories of children’s developmental stages without having spent any study time with actual children, how can the field justify putting much stock in his philosophies? For your...
Philosophers have varying interpretations of the truth as human beings understand the meaning of the word. According to Aquinas, truth resides not in the human intellect but in things. This belief applies when the truth cannot be real until it is proven with facts. For instance, the stones beneath the...
Both Aquinas and Plato sound like they explain that cosmic and nomic truth may be true, but there is no certain way to determine it unless there is some supernatural intervention. The two philosophers argue that the perception of truth is highly determined by the intellectual interpretation of one’s surroundings...
People are aware of two ways of thinking and explaining the world, namely logos and mythos. On the one hand, the approach of mythical thinking is characterized by the presence of intuitive means and poetic insights that strengthen the content. On the other hand, logical thinking gives scientific and empirical...
In Ancient Greek philosophy, the concept of soma sema was introduced by Pythagoras and developed by Plato as the body prison idea. Philosophers addressed Egyptian mystical stories and believed that a human soul was imprisoned in the body. As such, the body turned out to be a tomb for the...
When Rene Descartes presented his argument on dualism, the dissonance between science and religion settled temporarily. Some of the contentious issues that existed before Descartes’s conception of the ‘new’ mind included the visible and the unseen forces that controlled humanity. Therefore, when he claimed that the body is under the...
Why is death not necessarily a bad thing? How does Epicurus argue that we should not fear death? Why would immortality not necessarily be good? Why can being mortal be valuable for leading our existence? Is “letting die” more moral than killing? Use Rachels’ article for this. What arguments against...
Analyze modality in Descartes’s philosophy. Is there a fundamental problem with Descartes’ proof of God’s existence and his subsequent argument that he can trust his clear and distinct perceptions? Explain in detail what this problem is and how it arises. Could Descartes convincingly argue that there isn’t any problem? Explain...
How would you create the teaching philosophy for your dream job? Assume that you prepare the teaching philosophy in order to apply to your dream job that requires a strong teaching philosophy. Briefly specify what kinds of job position, job description, and characteristics of the search committee member (community college...
Discuss Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave.” Compare and contrast the shadow watchers chained in the cave to those who today spend all their time tied to screens. Is it skewing our concept of reality? Do we need to unplug to find virtue and happiness? In what ways do we scorn...
Explain the definition of virtue and compare how Kant’s and Plato’s definitions differ in the use of Governance and the people. Explain the definition of virtue and compare how Kant’s and Plato’s definitions differ in the use of Governance and the people. Discuss the concept of virtue needed in government,...
How do the concepts of Natural and Revealed Law affect American Political Philosophy? The analysis must employ critical thinking techniques, such as identifying and evaluating the philosopher’s arguments, comparing and contrasting philosophical positions, and anticipating opposing views to your interpretations and ideas. Also, include some excerpts from the writings of...
Discuss the comparison of Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” and Plato’s “Republic.” Compare and contrast the political actors envisioned and advocated for in the “Nicomachean Ethics” and the “Republic,” with special attention paid to the role of virtue (and virtues) and what type of knowledge is needed for rulers. Which, if either...
Discuss the life and works of the Hellenistic philosopher Epicurus. Who was Epicurus? Which philosophical school was he associated with? How do these maxims reflect the presentation of that philosophy in the learning materials? Are any of these maxims still relevant today? Why or why not.
Does Kant offer us a humanistic system of ethics in Fromm’s sense? Explain. Your answer must have a thesis. Your answer must engage substantially with readings. You are not allowed to consult any outside sources for this answer. Your answer should be concise, clear, and to the point, and say...
Read and analyze the maxims from the Hellenistic philosopher Epicurus. To answer the question, read the excerpt carefully, then do an examination of the document. Who was Epicurus? Which philosophical school was he associated with? How do these maxims reflect the presentation of that philosophy in the learning materials? Are...
Review Socrates’ main ideas. Use primary sources in the words of Socrates. How is he a model for the philosopher’s way? Analyze the arguments in his trial and defense. Point out Socrates’ philosophical way. What do you know about the Socratic problem? Do other philosophers have similar views? Discuss the...
Evaluate Plato’s theory of forms. Does the theory make more sense for mathematical concepts, like a number, than for other concepts, like ‘knowledge’ or ‘beauty’? What problem was Plato trying to solve? Are there any Plato’s autobiography features related to the current topic? Does the philosopher provide a direct explanation?...
Discuss what human history is for Hegel and Kojeve. What is the essence of the philosophical concept of Kojeve? What is his claim to the works of Marx? What is the essence of human history, according to Hegel and Kojeve? Offer a critical exposition of the material to be discussed,...
Conduct a comparative analysis of Plato and Socrates and their philosophical concepts. Compare Socrates and Plato, using one primary source for each and one secondary source for each; for each event or figure that you include in the comparison, do the following: Briefly describe the event or figure (including references),...
Discuss the role of Creon in the government functioning in Sophocles’ “Antigone.” Sophocles’ “Antigone” is sometimes interpreted as a play that criticizes the function of government, specifically its authority to shape an ethical society. How does Creon fit into this role of government? What kind of governing authority does Creon...
Discuss the philosophy of home and the secret of turning homeplace into a safe place based on philosophic works. Explain and theorize the secret of Resistance of turning homeplace uniquely into such a safe, free, and peaceful visionary space that helps extend its positive values to the world by comparing...
Discuss the particular philosopher’s ideas concerning the state of man and nature in the Social Contract. Identify the philosopher you have chosen, and in dialogue with the character you have chosen, state the philosopher’s ideas concerning the state of man and nature in the Social Contract. Allow your character to...
Explain and defend the exclusivism of general revelation against inclusivism and Pluralism. Review the three views: Exclusivism, Inclusivism, and Pluralism. Exclusivism means that it is only through a specific revelation, as given by the triune God, that man can be saved. Inclusivism means that anyone can be saved if they...
What does Descartes have in mind by a substance’s “principal attribute,” and in what sense do all of a substance’s other properties refer to this principle attribute? In “The Principles of Philosophy”, Descartes argues that to each substance, there belongs “one principal attribute” and that this attribute constitutes its “nature...
Articulate your philosophy of teaching. Teaching practice is influenced by your values and beliefs; therefore, it is important to reflect on your teaching philosophy, particularly at the beginning of your teaching career. A philosophy of teaching statement is a valuable document that will guide your future teaching practice and communicate...
Is Descartes’ mind-body dualism the best philosophy of human reality? Take a stand for or against Cartesian Dualism & select an opponent, either Darwinian Monism or Sartrean Nihilism. Consider Descartes’s arguments. Briefly present Descartes’ arguments for metaphysical dualism. Make an argument for/against Descartes’s dualism. Consider the arguments made by the...
Explore in-depth an idea (e.g., liberty or democracy), theme (e.g., development of natural law, natural right, or liberalism), or philosopher’s writings (e.g., John Locke’s Second Treatise on Government) of your choice. Engaging primary sources is highly recommended. Do not rely exclusively on secondary commentary. However, you must present a topic...
Who was Voltaire? What would you write in a brief biography of him for the philosophical dictionary? What was Voltaire’s personal motto? What did it mean? Who are some of the “patriarchs” that Voltaire meets on his journey? Why are they sad? Who is the last person he meets? What...
According to William James, “I” is both the subject and the object of self-соgnition. Among the three ways of knowing oneself, introspection should be mentioned as the closest mechanism to the one described by William James. In introspection, the cognizable “Me” is the complex of thoughts, feelings, images, and emotions...