Berkeley and Descartes on Knowledge & Reality
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A 5 page research paper that investigates the theory of knowledge posited by Berkeley (1685-1753) and compares it with that of Locke and Descartes. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: khberdes.rtf

Berkeley's "Three Dialogues Between Hylas And Philonous": Direct Realism
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5 pages in length. Throughout most of the First Dialogue of Berkeley's "Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous," Hylas' position has two components: (R) For an ordinary physical object (such as a tree) to really exist is for it to exist external to, and independent of the mind; and (D) We immediately perceive ordinary physical objects. Sometimes this position (R + D) is called Direct Realism, a position which Philonous openly argues against. No additional sources cited.
Filename: TLCphiln.wps

Berkeley's Doctrine Of Notions
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13 pages in length. The very nature of perception is that which we, as humans, have been trained to discern as a species, inasmuch as the certain quality of perception required within the sensual world is decidedly unique to human beings. Man looks upon his world as a direct reflection of him, his values, beliefs, experiences, conditions and development. As such, the writer discusses Berkeley's doctrine of notions as they relate to spiritual perception. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: TLCBerkNo.rtf

Berkeley’s “Three Dialogues”
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A 5 page paper which examines the argument in Berkeley’s “Three Dialogues” which states that “Colours, sounds, tastes, in a word, all those termed secondary qualities, have certainly no existence without the mind.” No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAcolors.rtf

Bernard & Krieger/Knowledge & Power
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A 5 page research paper/essay that discusses Claude Bernard, nineteenth century scientist and medical pioneer, and Martin Krieger, contemporary mathematician. These men address very different subject areas in their writing; however, these two men of science share a common feature in that they both express a philosophical orientation towards how to understand the nature of knowledge, and by implication, the nature of power. While these two viewpoints are divided by time, and somewhat by subject matter, these two insightful scientists/philosopher are fundamentally in agreement in that they both present knowledge, whether it is scientific or mathematically in nature, as being only a construct of reality, rather than a representation of reality that can be thoroughly trusted. Examination of representative examples of Bernard and Krieger's work illustrates this point. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: khcbmksc.rtf

Bernard Williams' "The Makropulos Case: Reflections on the Tedium of Immortality"
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This 7 page report discusses Bernard Williams' 1972 essay regarding the idea that immortality is not a desired state of being. "The Makropulos Case" is included in Williams' essay title because it is the name of a play about 16th century woman named Elina Makropulos whose father gives her an "elixir of life." She reaches the age of 342 but her life has been reduced to a state of: "... boredom, indifference, and coldness. Everything is joyless." The report supports Williams' argument. Bibliography lists only the primary source.
Filename: BWimmort.rtf

Bernard Williams/Kant & Mill on "Jim the Botanist"
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A 5 page research paper that analyzes Bernard Williams' ethical dilemma of Jim the botanist. The writer examines the ethical question presented by Williams from the perspective of John Stuart Mill and Immanuel Kant, before offering personal observations. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: khjim.rtf

Bertrand Russell - Denotation
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Bertrand Russell - Denotation: An 8 page paper that discusses some of Russell's theories on denoting phrases. The essay includes discussions of Russell's puzzles, including the law of excluded middle. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: PGrsldn.RTF

Bertrand Russell And Pragmatic Conception Of Truth: Compare/Contrast
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7 pages in length. The notion of truth, even after centuries' worth of attempts at securing incontrovertible clarity, still remains as elusive a concept as it was when Gorgias first struggled to understand its meaning. Bertrand Russell argues the only way in which one can truly know truth is by sense data - employing the senses to see and feel the image in a way that it may be interpreted by the sensor - which illustrates the means by which all things may be interpreted as already possessing truth. James and Pierce uphold the pragmatic point of view by claiming how truth is whatever one believes it to be at that very moment, a reality that can change with the wind and become entirely different than it was but a split second ago. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TLCBertrand.rtf

Bertrand Russell on Plato's Attempts to Account For Knowledge of the Nature of Reality
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A 3 page paper which contemplates what Bertrand Russell would think of Plato's attempts to account for our knowledge of the nature of reality. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TGruspla.wps

Bertrand Russell's View of Knowledge
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This 3 page paper examines Russell's ideas along with that of Locke and Hume. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: SA813kno.rtf

Bertrand Russell: "On Denoting"
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This 4 page paper discusses Bertrand Russell's idea that the sense of a proper name is equivalent to a description of the object named. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: HVDenote.rtf

Bertrand Russell: Manifestation Of Tenet
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5 pages in length. Bertrand Russell, one of the most steadfast skeptics of science and its sole claim to truth, understands the esoteric nature of sensory perception where systematic values cannot. His claim that the truth is not retrievable without benefit of awareness captures the very essence of man's intrinsic alliance with himself and the world around him. According to Russell, removing sense data from truth's legitimacy conjures up the same limiting factors imposed upon if the circumstances were reversed and sensory perception was the only accepted way of obtaining truth: there is simply no single opportunity, no matter how stringent the focus, for realizing truth. As such, Russell's tenet can be found in myriad facets of global society and the way in which the relevant composition of "truth" manifests itself in the form of whatever that culture dictates. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TLCbertruss.rtf

Bertrand Russell: The Value Of Philosophy
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8 pages in length. Bertrand Russell's greatest philosophical point is clarifying the nature of truth, a concept that continues to elude finite understanding even in the twenty-first century. His objective is not so much to condemn the purport of knowledge but rather espouse the grander benefits of philosophy as it relates to man's understanding of truth. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: TLCBertRussPhl.rtf

Bill Gates and Plato -- Masters of Rhetoric
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This 5 page report discusses Plato and Microsoft chairman Bill Gates in terms of their rhetorical powers. To include the persona and accomplishments of Microsoft’s Bill Gates in the discussion of Plato and rhetoric is to introduce a component of the modern world that demonstrates the ways in which vision can be (and has been) interpreted as a characteristic of successful commercial development. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: BWrhetor.rtf

BIOGENICS AND ETHICS
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This 5-page paper deals with concerns about biogenetics and ethical mores. Taking a little from the ethical stance of Aristotle and Mills, the paper discusses the problems with biogenetics as it pertains to society as a whole. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: MTbioeth.rtf

Boethius: virtue and happiness
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A paper which considers Boethius' philosophy of happiness, and the need for the virtuous individual to understand predestination, free will and moral choice in order to achieve true happiness despite the privations of the material world. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: JLboeth.rtf

Bonds Between Romanticism and Modernity in the Law
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An 18 page paper which discusses the relationship between Romanticism, modernity, and human law. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: RAromlaw.rtf

Bonnette's Origin Of The Human Species
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The philosopher, Dennis Bonnette, in his book, Origin Of The Human Species, provides an analysis of current paleontological theory that is congruent with the philosophical stand of both Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas. This 7 page paper asserts that Bonnette, Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas share in the belief that the study of mind is unequivocally melded with the concept of evolution and by the advance of science. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: KTdenbon

Borges: "The Garden of the Forking Paths"
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This 5 page paper discusses Jorge Luis Borges' story "The Garden of the Forking Paths" and answers several questions about it, such as what Borges means when he says that the world is a labyrinth and only fiction that imitates those qualities can reflect it; and what the implications are for a person who holds such a worldview. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: HVGarFor.rtf

Bounded Rationality and Heuristics
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This 5 page paper provides an overview of bounded rationality and heuristics. The concept of bounded rationality is linked to the belief that behavioral elements influence the way in which decision-making takes place. Inherent in this concept is the understanding that human rationality has definable constraints and that uncertainty plays a major role in determining the way in which the rational mind functions. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: MHHeuri3.rtf

Bratman: Intent and Intention
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A 5 page paper discussing the salient points of a single article. In “Two Faces of Intention,” author Michael Bratman discusses from the philosophical perspective the connection between (1) intending to act and (2) acting with intention. Though this seems to be a matter of semantics and psychological process, philosophy takes a different view. Bratman (1984) explains that philosophically, having an intention to act commonly is accepted as being inextricably linked to also holding a belief, desire or both regarding the intended action. The author rejects the desire-belief model to arrive at his own. Ultimately, he gives humans credit for have the ability to operate on a plane that cannot be reduced merely to desires and beliefs. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: KSphiloIntention.rtf

Brotherhood, Friendship and Morality
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A 5 page paper which defines these concepts and what they mean to man and society. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: TGbfm.rtf

Buddha And Epicurus: 'Self' And The Root Of Human
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4 pages in length. In determining how realistic the claims of Buddha and Epicurus are in relation to the self and the root of human misery, one cannot deny the truth of their contention when one understands just how limiting mortal thought can be to these esoteric concepts. Clearly, both Buddha and Epicurus have a greater grasp of man's powerlessness to exist in anything but the mortal realm and, therefore, wallow in a myopic sea of erroneous perception where his sense of being is concerned. Noting how human mortality does not equate with the 'self,' Buddha expounds upon the measures of one's existence that do, not the least of which includes mindfulness and karma, not essential. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: TLCBuddEpi.rtf

Buddhism and Utilitarianism
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An 8 page research paper that answers questions about Buddhism and the Utilitarian philosophy of John Stuart Mill. These answers serve to outline the fundamental precepts of each philosophy and personal evaluations of each are offered by the writer. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: khbudmil.rtf

Business Ethics; The Use of Stem Cells in Research
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This 13 page paper looks at the ethical dilemma of using stem cell research to find a cure or treatments for medical conditions. To consider this the importance of the research is considered and the religious or ethical objections are considered before applying a utilitarian and deontological approaches to determine the right or wrong ethical stance. The bibliography cites 7 sources.
Filename: TEethstemcell.rtf

Callicles and Socrates
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A four page paper which looks at the dialogue between Callicles and Socrates in Gorgias, the different perceptions of Self which the two characters put forward, and the emphasis which Callicles places on social reputation in contrast to Socrates' support of philosophical wisdom as being superior. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: JLgorg.rtf

Camus and Existentialism
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A 5 page paper which examines Albert Camus’ perspectives on existentialism. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: RAcmus.rtf

CAMUS, HEMINGWAY AND INDIVIDUALITY
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This paper compares existential theories outlined in Ernest Hemingway's "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" and Albert Camus' "The Guest." The essay notes that, although the styles of the writers are different, their treatment of individuals in relation to their world are very similiar. Bibliogrpahy lists 2 sources.
Filename: MTcamhem.rtf

Can Free Will And Determinism Coexist?
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4 pages in length. To consider the otherwise opposing aspects of free will and determinism as being complementary entities is to embrace the notion of compatibilism. Historically speaking, free will and determinism have long represented a paradoxical reality save the handful of philosophers who believed that while one or the other may take precedence in the overall scheme of man's complex behaviors, both can duly coexist within the vast realm of humanity. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: TLCFrWlDetCo.rtf

Can Free Will Exist Amidst Determinism?
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5 pages in length. Most people like to think that human beings possess free will, at least with regard to a wide range of actions. In contrast, however, mankind also thinks that certain people lack the aspect of free will. Many great theorists have contended that the reason some people may, indeed, lack free will is not so much due to the determined nature of their choices and behavior, but rather due to the fact that their behavior is not responsive to their choices in such a manner as to reflect those who do possess free will. When examining this view in further detail, it is important for the student to consider whether or not one can possess free will while at the same time having one's choices and behavior determined by a greater force. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: TLCdetfw.wps

Can Humans Control Nature?
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This 3 page paper uses Natural Selection by Charles Darwin and The Enchiridion by Epictetus as a framework to answer the question, Can humans control nature? Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: HVHumNat.rtf

Can Pre-Emptive War Ever Be Just
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This 7 page paper considers the views of different philosophers on war and pre-emptive war in particular to assess it if can ever be seen as moral. The views of Plato, Aristotle, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Kant and Mills are analysed and compared. The bibliography cites 10 sources.
Filename: TEwaraqu.rtf

Can There Be Morality Without God?
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An 8 page argumentative essay that draws on Plato's Euthyphro and Nielsen's article "God and the Good" to consider the question in the title. The writes argues that "yes" morality is possible without consideration of God's will, or in Plato's case, the will of the gods. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: khmorwog.rtf

Can We Know Something That Has Not Yet Been Proven True?
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This 7 page paper considers how truth may be proven, and how, without the ability to gain an ultimate truth we can determine what is and is not true without proof. The paper includes consideration of Popper, Kant and Hume as well as apriori truths and posteriori truths. The bibliography cites 6 sources.
Filename: TEtruth2.rtf

Capital Punishment: The Philosophies of the Ancient Greeks, Kant, Mill, and Contemporary Thinkers
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A 10 page examination of the moral acceptability of capital punishment. Explores the opinions of Pythagoras, Socrates, Kant, Mill, and others to determine if their is a common consensus of the morality of taking another life as a matter of punishment of one's deeds. Concludes that there is no consensus and that the true answer to the morality of such a practice lies in a fully developed moral consciousness. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: PPcapGrk.wps

Careless Mining And Timber Harvesting: Kantian Theory
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6 pages in length. Careless mining and timber harvesting in tropical rain forests can destroy entire species of flora and fauna, create soil problems, and even threaten the existence of primitive people who are reliant on what the forests provide. Yet in a number of countries business entrepreneurs are exploiting the rain forests for profit. Kantian theory addresses just such self-seeking behavior, inasmuch as the philosopher believed that such tremendous devastation is not accomplished for the greater good. According to Kantian duty, those who compromise their ethical responsibilities do so in disrespect for the understanding of universal duty. The writer discusses Kantian theory as it relates to careless mining and timber harvesting. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TLCtimbr.wps

Carl L. Becker's "The Heavenly City Of The Eighteenth-Century Philosophers"
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5 pages in length. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Carl Becker's (2003) argument pertaining to eighteenth-century philosophers and their misguided understanding of their role in perpetuating medieval philosophies rather than those that reflected modern thought. Main points include examining how philosophes supported the very same beliefs as the Christians they toiled to have discredited for their convictions, providing evidentiary support for the argument's validity by citing numerous instances where this interpretive discrepancy is demonstrated during the Enlightenment, the reinforcement his evidence provides the argument, as well as the influences that guided his line of reasoning. No additional sources cited.
Filename: TLCbeckrphil.rtf

Cartesian Circle
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A paper which looks at the philosophical problems associated with the Cartesian circle, and some of the ways in which both Descartes and other thinkers attempted to resolve them. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: JLcirc.rtf

Cartesian Mind/Body Dualism
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A 5 page research paper/essay that examines what two articles say about dualism and Descartes and then offers the writer's personal observations. Dualism maintains that the mind and the body are distinctly separate entities (Calef). The dualism espoused by Rene Descartes expresses this philosophy in its "most radical form" (Palmer 114). First by looking at what author Donald Palmer has to say about dualism in his text Does the Center Hold? (1996) and then comparing this with further comment by Scott Calef of Ohio Wesleyan University, this examination lays the foundation for formulating personal observations on the validity of this philosophical perspective. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: khdual2.rtf