Anselm, Aquinas, Descartes/Existence of God
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A 3 page essay that contrasts and compares the arguments of Anselm and Aquinas on the existence of God and then briefly discusses Descartes' view. Theologians and philosophers throughout history have formulated arguments that are designed to prove, logically, that God exists. This examination of three of these arguments looks first at the proofs of God's existence offered by Anselm and Aquinas. These two theologians take opposite approaches, with Anselm offering an a priori, ontological proof, while Aquinas formulates a cosmological, a posteriori argument. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: khanaqde.rtf

Aquinas, Kant and Others
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This 6 page paper focuses on St. Thomas Aquinas and Immanuel Kant by incorporating comments and answering questions posed by a student. Several issues are discussed including the existence of God. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: SA050Aqu.wps

Aquinas: First Mover and First Cause
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A paper which looks critically at Aquinas's Five Ways, and at the problems inherent in his arguments for the First Mover and First Cause. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: JLaqways.rtf

Are Emotions Wholly Different from the Rational Intellect? A Discussion Using Some Arguments from Plato’s “Republic”
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This is a 6 page paper discussing emotions and rational intellect. Traditionally in ancient Greek philosophy as seen in Plato’s Republic, emotions are considered as separate from rational intellect. In Plato, he presents three souls in the human body which consist of rational intellect, emotions and will. For Plato, all three souls must work in harmony in order for a man to be considered just. Regardless of Plato’s arguments however, examples can be given which show that perhaps emotions and intellect are not developmentally separate and in all cases, the intellect and emotions have an effect on each other in addition to having a mutual control over the will. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: TJemots1.rtf

Argument: Blaise Pascal’s Statement about Religion and Evil is Wrong
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This 4 page paper argues that Blaise Pascal’s famous statement, “Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction,” is incorrect. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: HVNoPscl.rtf

Arguments on the Existence of God
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A 6 page research paper that examines the position of eighteenth century philosopher David Hume concerning the existence of God in his Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion. The writer outlines the parameters of a cosmological argument for the existence of God and then summarizes the discussion in Hume's text, arguing that, while Hume shows that such an argument does not necessarily prove that God exists, it does not disprove it either. The writer then reconciles scientific theory with belief in God as a creator. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: khhumgod.rtf

Arguments Relating to the Existence of God
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This is a 6 page paper discussing the arguments used for the existence of God. The existence of God has long been a topic of philosophy, religion and science and continues to fascinate. Traditional arguments over the existence of God were based on design, ontological, cosmological (first cause), moral, reason or rational issues. Recently, the cosmological issues which relate to science and the big bang theory can lend themselves to arguments for the existence of God within the scientific paradigm which not only includes cause but also relative universe and time factors. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TJexGod1.rtf

Aristotle & Augustine/Religion & Ethics
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A 3 page essay/research paper that contrasts Aristotle's ethics against those of Augustine. Contrasting with these two extremes, contemporary philosopher William Frankena has sought to bring secular and religious moral philosophy into constructive engagement. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: khariaug.rtf

Aristotle & Sermon On The Mount
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A 5 page paper that discusses the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and Aristotle's The Aim of Man. Goodness and virtue is discussed as it is expressed in these two works. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: PGarmtm.RTF

Aristotle and Human Origins
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A 4 page paper which examines Aristotle’s take on human origins. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: RAaror.rtf

Aristotle's Argument on Self-Love:
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This 4 page paper examines the argument of Aristotle regarding self-love and self-sacrifice. Aristotle contended that self-love can in fact be compatible with self-sacrifice, and this paper explores the foundation of that position, as well as raising, and defending, arguments against that position. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: GSArislv.rtf

Aristotle's Definition Of The Good Life
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6 pages in length. The writer discusses happiness and virtue as they relate to Aristotle's definition of the good life. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: TLCAristHap.rtf

Aristotle’s Philosophy, Science, and the Christian Church
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This 10 page report discusses the philosophy of Aristotle (384 -322 BCE) and its impact on Christianity. According to Aristotle, the human soul is made up of rational and non-rational elements. One has the ability to reason about things within itself, and understand mathematics and other theoretical sciences. The other listens to reason “as one would listen to a father.” Certainly, the connection between the thinking of Aristotle and that of Christianity becomes obvious in that one statement. Many other parallels exist between Aristotle’s thinking and the attitudes of the Christian church in terms of science, medicine, and other physical truths of the universe. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWarcris.wps

Atheism, Immorality and David Hume
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This 5 page paper, written in the style of a letter, considers the accusation that David Hume is an atheist and looks at how Hume might have responded to the argument his work displays atheism and his philosophy results in immorality. The bibliography cites 7 sources.
Filename: TEhumeap.wps

Augustine, Luther, and Bonhoeffer: Men of Similar Thought
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A 6 page paper which discusses particular works of Augustine, Luther, and Bonhoeffer, illustrating that while these three men were of different times, different cultures, and different regions, their thoughts and ideas were incredibly similar. The works discussed are The Bondage of The Will by Luther, City of God by Augustine, and Life Together by Bonhoeffer. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAaugluth.wps

Belief in the Existence of God
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A 5 page research paper that examines the various arguments that have been proposed to prove the existence of God. The writer examines ontological, cosmological and teleological arguments. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: khexgod.rtf

Benedict Spinoza: "Ethics" and the Concept of One Substance
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A 5 page paper which discusses the work "Ethics" by Benedict Spinoza and addresses his particular concept of one substance. Spinoza's philosophies of one substance were primarily based on the fact that everything was linked back to that substance, which is God. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAsubstnc.wps

Benjamin's Argument Against Descartes
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5 pages in length. Doubt, God's existence and the knowledge of matter might well comprise the entire philosophical realm for Descartes, whose approach to these three elements of human existence is, according to Benjamin, somewhat skewed in their individual application. While Descartes bases his fundamental theories upon the very essence of man's reality, Benjamin points out certain aspects of his approach that fail to quantify. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TLCBenjaDesc.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

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

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

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 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

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

Chinese Humanism Regarding Heaven
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This 7 page paper argues that the approaches to Heaven are seen as being varied among the ancient Chinese philosophers, however, they shared a viewpoint based on humanistic principles similar to those proposed by Western philosophers of note. The basic form of understanding toward Heaven and a priori intervention is first presented by Confucius and then expanded or negated by philosophers who followed, specifically Xunzi, Zhuang Zi and Mo Zi. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: KTheaven.wps

Christian Responsibility – Abortion
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A 10 page paper that discusses the issue of abortion and Christian responsibility and most specifically, the stance of the Catholic Church on abortion. The writer begins with the number of abortions reported in the year 2000. One of the major points of controversy in civil life regarding abortion is 'viability' – at what age can the fetus live outside the womb. Legally, this is the moment the infant achieves status as a human being but what does the church say about this issue. It may surprise some to know the Catholic/Christian Church addressed this topic in the first century and has addressed it numerous times since. These documents are cited. Within the discussion of abortion, the writer discusses what conscience is, the formation of conscience, the moral life, and what happens when there is a conflict between one's conscience and the authority of the Church. bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: PGabrcth.rtf

Comparative Philosophy / Blatchford vs. Stace & Hempel vs. Pierce
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4 pages worth of philosophical essays comparing the theories of Blatchford with those of Stace on various issues concerning freewill, existence, determination, etc; Theories of Hempel and Pierce are discussed as well. No Bibliography.
Filename: Philosop.wps

Comparing and Contrasting Aristotle and Confucius:
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This 12 page paper examines the similarities and differences between the philosophies of Aristotle and Confucius. Specifically, this paper highlights their ideas on virtue and reason, which in both instances exist outside of a theological paradigm. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: GSArtCof.rtf

Comparing and Contrasting Descartes and Hume:
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This 5 page paper examines the similarities and differences between the way Descartes and Hume viewed our knowledge of the world. This paper theorizes what each would have said about the views of the other, in addition to the detailed analysis of each philosophers own perspectives. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: GSDeHume.rtf

Comparing and Contrasting Philosophers:
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This 6 page paper compares and contrasts the major theories of Kant, Descartes, Hume, Hegel and Hobbes. This paper cites many examples from their works as a basis for comparing these men and their ideas. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: GSKantHu.rtf

Comparing and Contrasting Plato and Hobbes Regarding Justice:
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This 8 page paper compares and contrasts the ideas of Hobbes and Plato in regards to justice. These two philosophers had extremely different views on this matter as evidenced in the "Leviathan" and "The Republic". Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: GSPlaJus.rtf

Comparing Augustinianism and Thomism in Facing a Moral Dilemma
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5 pages in length. Gives an example case of a moral dilemma and examines it using both the theology of Augustinianism and that of Thomism. In the moral dilemma examined here, these two theologies will help determine whether we are doing the right or wrong thing, whether we might be tempted to ‘play God’ and if that is the case, whether it is a right or wrong action to take based on the example theology. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: JGAmachvwps

Comparing Buddhism and Shinto in Japan
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This 7 page report discusses the fact that there are approximately 311 million Buddhists in the world and approximately four million people who define Shinto as their primary belief system. The point is made that, in Japan, many millions more participate in Shinto ceremonies or celebrations than those who profess it as a religion. Understanding that fact is an important aspect of understanding the differences and similarities between Shinto and Buddhism in contemporary Japan. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWshinbd.rtf

Comparison of Feminist Theories on Motherhood and the Concept of the Goddess
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This is a 5 page paper discussing different feminist theories on motherhood and the Goddess. Within feminist theories are different aspects regarding concepts of motherhood and the Goddess among other historical and cultural issues. Some feminists such as Sarah Ruddick see motherhood as an empowerment of women to gain a new perspective on the theories of practicality over those of military violence and through their nurturing and training of their children can aid in the peace making process. Other feminists however such as Jeffner Allen see motherhood as yet another example of men’s oppression by restricting women to domestic duties. The concept of the Goddess is also considered by Mary Daly and Carol Christ. Research on the concept of the Goddess has found that the Goddess is an extension of women’s inner self and is not seen necessarily as an omnipotent and suppressive being but one which advocates change, flexibility and nature. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: TJSRudd1.rtf

Concepts and Insights from Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil
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This 6 page paper examines Nietzsche's classic work. Concepts such as transvaluation and will to power are explored and defined. Some quotes are included. The philosophy of Karl Marx is compared and contrasted to the philosopher's. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: SA542N.rtf

Concepts in Philosophy
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This 7 page paper addresses various issues in philosophy such as freedom versus determinism, knowledge, and the existence of God. Theorists explored are Descartes, Kant, Hume and Leibniz. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Filename: SA217ph.rtf

Conscience and Duty according to Kant
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A five page paper which looks at Kant's definition of conscience and duty in Religion Within the Boundaries of Mere Reason, particularly in terms of the way conscience and organised religion may come into conflict.
Filename: JLconsc.rtf

Consequences of Locke’s Argument on Descartes Mind-Body Dualism
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This 5 page report discusses John Locke’s argument that there is not the capability of the human intellect to hold innate knowledge which then means that Rene Descartes’ foundationalist assumptions have to be re-evaluated. How the two ideas then relate to Leibniz’s philosophy is then presented. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: BWminbod.rtf

Cosmological Argument/Existence of God
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A 10 page research paper on the cosmological arguments for the existence of God as formulated by Thomas Aquinas. The writer discusses Aquinas first three proofs of God's existence and then briefly summarizes Hume's skeptic argument against the classical proofs, before offering a personal take on cosmology and how it fits with modern science. Bibliography lists 12 sources.
Filename: khcosgod.rtf

Dark Night of the Soul and Interior Castles
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An 8 page paper which examines the perspective of the “dark night of the spirit” as seen in St. John of the Cross’ Dark Night of the Soul and St. Teresa of Avila’s Interior Castle. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAskct.rtf

David Hume
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In 5 pages the author counters David Hume's claim that God does not exist. "The conclusive evidence that exists all around proves that God does indeed exist. Hume has examined the evidence of God and has turned a blind eye to it. He has made up his mind that God does not exist. He has become prejudice against the evidence of God, and dismissed it simply because he chose not to believe in it." Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: Dhume.wps

David Hume on God
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A 5 page paper which examines whether true knowledge of God is possible. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TGhumgod.rtf

David Hume on Miracles
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A 6 page discussion of David Hume's argument concerning the validity of miracles. Details his argument against inductive reasoning and his contentions that absolute skepticism is correct, that science had no authority, and that miracles are a violation of the laws of nature. Emphasizes that while Hume's critique of miraculous claims comprises a skeptical rationalism which formed a major challenge to the religious beliefs of his time period, it is a critique which has many faults in its own. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: PPhume.wps