«Epistemology is a philosophical discourse that is predicated upon understanding the scope, limits and value of knowledge. While one may argue that the scope and limits are quite straightforward in terms of individual understanding and knowledge, the...» Document abstract
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SummaryEpistemology is a philosophical discourse that is predicated upon understanding the scope, limits and value of knowledge. While one may argue that the scope and limits are quite straightforward in terms of individual understanding and knowledge, the philosophical component of epistemology clearly demonstrates that there are a number of potential theories that can be utilized in the explication of the limits and scope of knowledge. Given the extent to which theories of knowledge have developed over the course of time, it is evident that even though these theories provide necessary insight into the process of human conceptions of knowledge, these numerous theories create a paradox for the philosopher. Namely, those studying epistemology not only need to consider which theory will be used to describe knowledge, but also which of the theories of knowledge are indeed valid. Thus, while the theories to understand the acquisition of knowledge have increased in recent years, some consideration of the validity of these theories must be garnered.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Epistemological Theories'An Overview
- Belief
- Truth
- Justification
- Reliability
- Summary/Conclusion
«A critical reading of Sunil Khilnani’s arguments in The Idea of India appears to reflect well on the actions taken by Jawaharlal Nehru in his development of the state of India. As described by Khilnani, Nehru had a number of ideas which appear at...» Document abstract
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SummaryA critical reading of Sunil Khilnani’s arguments in The Idea of India appears to reflect well on the actions taken by Jawaharlal Nehru in his development of the state of India. As described by Khilnani, Nehru had a number of ideas which appear at the outset to be in violation of the principles of Gandhianism that had become essential to the development of Indian society. However, when one looks more closely at the actions taken by Nehru, it becomes evident that this leader was incredibly focused on the tenets of Gandhianism. Unlike Gandhi however, Nehru was able to see the problems with putting theory into practice. As such, the leadership that evolved under the rule of Jawaharlal Nehru, while much more pragmatic than that undertaken Gandhi, still has solid roots in the teachings and philosophies espoused by Gandhi.
Table of Contents
- Introduction.
- The Duties of the State.
- The Use of Non-Violent Action.
- Socialism.
- Conclusion.
«The synopsis on the back cover of Alexander Solzhenistyn’s One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich claims that it is “the harrowing account of one day in the life of a man who has conceded to all things evil with patience, dignity, and enduring...» Document abstract
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SummaryThe synopsis on the back cover of Alexander Solzhenistyn’s One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich claims that it is “the harrowing account of one day in the life of a man who has conceded to all things evil with patience, dignity, and enduring strength.” Like so many others, the author of this quote reads the work as an analysis of how virtuous and strong characters function despite the horrid conditions they face. A close reading of the interpersonal relationships in the text suggests that these characters behave in natural ways predictable from their ambient conditions. Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s depiction of the camps focuses on the organization of a kinship society among the workers and how camp conditions naturally lead to such an organization. The familial relationships of the prisoners within the camp, on the whole, develop in response to economic and financial constraints; Solzhenitsyn uses the inconsistency of this group behavior with the Communist Manifesto to imply the failure of implementing Marxism in the Soviet Union.
Table of Contents
- Solzhenitsyn's text continually persuades the reader that the prisoners within the camp have established social networks and hierarchies.
- The result of meager food rations and long hours of labor is the development of tightly controlled mutualisms and dependencies among the zeks.
- Solzhenitsyn successfully comments both on the atrocious conditions existent in the Siberian labor camps and on the failure of Soviet policy at large.
«Epilepsy and the punitive system—two seemingly unrelated items that Fyodor Dostoevsky juxtaposes in order to make a point about Russia and the futility of the judiciary. In his giant oeuvre The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevsky exemplifies the tension...» Document abstract
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SummaryEpilepsy and the punitive system—two seemingly unrelated items that Fyodor Dostoevsky juxtaposes in order to make a point about Russia and the futility of the judiciary. In his giant oeuvre The Brothers Karamazov, Dostoevsky exemplifies the tension between rational and irrational behavior by putting Dmitri Karamazov and Pavel Smerdyakov at trial. Though they are to a large extent very different, both have something in common: their actions and thoughts are somewhat out of their control. It seems that “impulses” often govern the course of their lives. Interestingly, the epileptic Smerdyakov has an incredibly ironic function in the novel; his condition should render him an impulsive mess, subject to unpredictable fits, but he is often more successful at achieving his ends and keeping his “disease” under his own control than Dmitri. Ultimately, the ironic contrast between Dmitri’s impulsivity and Smerdyakov’s rationality is crucial in conveying Dostoevsky’s message that the judicial system and, by extension, the Russian notion of justice are flawed. From this, a Dostoevskian system of universal justice emerges.
Table of Contents
- Mitya is impulsive - he is almost more 'epileptic' than Smerdyakov.
- Smerdyakov's condition is manageable and somewhat loopholeical.
- His disease of impulsivity is suspicious in the abruptness of its onset and the benefit that accompanies it.
«Here I shall argue against objections raised by J.L. Mackie and Nelson Pike to the Free Will Defense. These philosophers want to know why an omnipotent and wholly good God could not create a world in which everybody acts freely and rightly. I shall...» Document abstract
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SummaryHere I shall argue against objections raised by J.L. Mackie and Nelson Pike to the Free Will Defense. These philosophers want to know why an omnipotent and wholly good God could not create a world in which everybody acts freely and rightly. I shall show that this condition is logically impossible because it requires that people have a developed will which chooses these things. However, since people start as children with undeveloped wills the ability to always act rightly and freely would then have to be innate (which would defeat the freely part) or would have to be gained in a sufficiently nurturing environment. But if God interfered with the environment then he would soon have to interfere with nearly everything and our wills would be practically useless because of Holy subversion. So it is not possible for God to create only those people who will always act rightly and freely because everyone is potentially one of those people but to make everyone one of those people would involve constant policing by God.
Table of Contents
- Abstract.
- Logic is a perfectly fine tool until it is applied using nebulous concepts.
- Mackie's coup de grace seems to come when he asks why God can't just let people will whatever they wish.
- It can be a characteristic of will though because an infant must start with only the potential to develop reason.
- To return to the worker metaphor, it is important to realize that someone is not simply being hired for a job which we know is going to be completed.
- The ability to act freely and rightly is learned in childhood not gained by designation or luck.
«In any unfavorable situation, we seek a solution and if there is none, then a way out. When one of main characters of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible finds herself in a vulnerable position, she not only manages to escape her problems, but also succeeds...» Document abstract
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SummaryIn any unfavorable situation, we seek a solution and if there is none, then a way out. When one of main characters of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible finds herself in a vulnerable position, she not only manages to escape her problems, but also succeeds in placing the repercussions of her actions on the heads of others. An unmarried and orphaned young woman, Abigail Williams comes from a modest social class. She served in the well-respected Proctor household, but only briefly, as Elizabeth Proctor dismissed her shortly after discovering her husband’s affair with Abigail. With no real buttress of any kind in her life, Abigail only has her good name to lose. The niece of Reverend Parris, Abigail not only fears for her reputation if the word of her relationship with John Proctor were to be known, but also the contempt of her only relative in the town and with him, any chastisements the church may administer. Abigail also fears being an outcast, someone on a rung of society’s ladder that is even lower than her own. With her reputation ruined, she would be forced to live in shame as a so-called harlot.
Table of Contents
- The niece of Reverend Parris, Abigail not only fears for her reputation if the word of her relationship with John Proctor were to be known.
- Abigail is mainly motivated by her need for power and control.
- Abigail faces no single test, as her crucible is presented several times throughout the story, each time with more severe consequences as odds.
- Abigail Williams is crucial character in Miller's play and serves to answer the reader's question, 'How could something like this happen??
A critical review of ‘A New Birth of Freedom: Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War by Harry V. Jaffa
«A New Birth of Freedom: Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War by Harry V. Jaffa is the long awaited sequel to the author’s 1959 book, Crisis of the House Divided. Although the specific objective of the A New Birth of Freedom is to examine...» Document abstract
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SummaryA New Birth of Freedom: Lincoln and the Coming of the Civil War by Harry V. Jaffa is the long awaited sequel to the author’s 1959 book, Crisis of the House Divided. Although the specific objective of the A New Birth of Freedom is to examine Lincoln’s development of the Gettysburg Address, what makes the text so unique is that it focuses on Lincoln as a scholar. This aspect of Lincoln’s personality is often overlooked in the context of autobiographical data on Lincoln.With the realization that Jaffa spends so much of he text focusing on Lincoln as a scholar, this investigation seeks to provide a clear understanding of Lincoln in this light. By examining what Jaffa writes about Lincoln as a scholar and comparing this to what others have written on this historical figure, it will be possible to demonstrate that Jaffa’s work makes a notable contribution to scholarly understanding of Lincoln as both a man and a leader.
Table of Contents
- With the realization that Jaffa spends so much of he text focusing on Lincoln as a scholar, this investigation seeks to provide a clear understanding of Lincoln in this light.
- Jaffa goes on to argue that Lincoln's interpretation of the Declaration of Independence is what served as the basis for him to support the abolition of slavery.
- To illustrate this point one only needs to consider Francis Fisher Browne and John Y. Simon's recent biography which chronicles the everyday life of Abraham Lincoln.
- Other writers examining Lincoln's life also appear to be quite preoccupied with Lincoln's ability to fit into his surroundings.
- Neely maintains that Lincoln typically became rigid and inflexible in his attitudes and opinions, preferring to rely on to the strict interpretations provided by the Constitution.Although this may provide for provocative read material it does not appear to provide a fair and accurate picture of this historical figure.
- In the end, Jaffa's work provides a strong historical analysis of how Lincoln was able to effectively serve as president of the United States.
«References to Asia often bring to mind the stunning beauty of the Orient. Rich cultural tradition coupled with unique design and architecture make Asia appear to be an almost mythical culture to Western citizens. While it is indeed true that Asia is...» Document abstract
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SummaryReferences to Asia often bring to mind the stunning beauty of the Orient. Rich cultural tradition coupled with unique design and architecture make Asia appear to be an almost mythical culture to Western citizens. While it is indeed true that Asia is associated with an exotic culture deeply entrenched in historical discourse, researchers examining this region of the globe have note that the region is also struggling to come to terms with maintaining culture in the wake of rapid industrialization and globalization. Although countries such as China have worked hard to balance tradition and progress, it is clear that the changes that have taken place in the country have placed notable stress on citizens. At the present time, many Asian citizens are being economically marginalized because of such rapid development.
Table of Contents
- Introduction.
- As family struggle to survive, many women and girls have found work in the brothels of large Asian cities such as Bangkok.
- World Health Organization (WHO) (2001) undertook an extensive investigation of the problem.
- . The United Nations has firmly supported the development of human rights policies that protect the rights of society's most vulnerable citizens
- Conclusion.
«Over the course of the twentieth century there have been a number of issues that have promulgated debate. Prayer in public schools, gun control and abortion are among the most notable issues to garner attention. While each of these issues has...» Document abstract
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SummaryOver the course of the twentieth century there have been a number of issues that have promulgated debate. Prayer in public schools, gun control and abortion are among the most notable issues to garner attention. While each of these issues has significant ramifications for the development of society, there is one particular issue that continues to polarize debate and unsettle even may of the most liberal politicians. This issue is the capital punishment.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Death Penalty and Minorities
- Placed in this context it becomes evident that there are notable disparities between the African Americans and Whites sentenced to death.
«It is arguable that today it is commonly, if subconsciously, accepted that nationality is the most important aspect of one’s identity. Whether it is a national sports team, a national representative at Eurosong, a national author…etc. one’s...» Document abstract
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term papers
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SummaryIt is arguable that today it is commonly, if subconsciously, accepted that nationality is the most important aspect of one’s identity. Whether it is a national sports team, a national representative at Eurosong, a national author…etc. one’s nationality has become the most basic marker of identity. It would be logical then to assume on this basis that having a nation expressed in territorial terms would of the highest priority, and some might even say that this feeling of nationalism and self-determination is an inherent right of all peoples. What is unclear, however, is how these nations come to define themselves, and why they feel they must define themselves in a specific way. For many nations today these questions are taken for granted because they haven’t had to defend them (in their lifetime of course, almost all nations at one point or another have had to “assert” themselves). Today we have certain common markers of identity that distinguish us from other nations and make us unique. These criteria are most commonly seen to be language, religion, a shared history, a common goal, and a common culture (including literature, music, food, mythology, sport, symbols…etc.).
Table of Contents
- Since its annexation by Britain in 1801 Ireland has been fighting for independence from that same nation.
- During the Irish fight for Independence religion was used as a clear marker of difference.
- Another very similar case of identity-forming as a result of a nationalist movement can be seen in Bosnia.
- Just as in Ireland, language and culture were also being used as a means of disintegration.
- It is evident from these two cases that markers of identity such as language, culture, religion and others are manipulated by individuals or groups.
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