Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy
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A paper which gives an overview of Descartes' Meditiations, with particular reference to his distinction between objective and formal reality, and the way in which he proves the existence of God. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: JLfirstphil.rtf

Descartes's Meditations and His View of God
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This 5 page paper examines Descartes's mediations and looks at his definition of God, and specifically why God cannot be a deceiver. The philosopher's argument is examined for logic and validity. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: SA239Des.rtf

Descartes's Proof of God's Existence
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This 6 page paper focuses on Descartes's proof, but addresses other related issues. Possible motives for Descartes's desire to prove that God exists are a part of the discussion. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: SA109Des.wps

Descartes/Meditation III
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A 3 page essay that discusses Rene Descartes' arguments on the existence of God as outlined in his Meditation III from Meditations on First Philosophy. Drawing on what he intuits to be true of his own mind and perception, Descartes arrives at the conclusion that God's existence is undeniable. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: khdegod2.rtf

Descartes/Third Meditation & Existence of God
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A 5 page research paper that discusses the argument for the existence of God presented in Renes Descartes in his third mediation from his work Meditations on First Philosophy. The writer also discusses the differences between ontological and cosmological arguments. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: khdesgod.rtf

Descartes: The Cogito and Communication With Other Minds and Corporealities of Extension
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A 4 page overview of Descartes’ presentation of the cogito or “thinking thing” and the duality of mind and body which results. Details Descartes’ justification of the cogito and his explanation as to how it, separated from the world and its other beings, might nevertheless communicate reasonably with other minds and meaningfully relate to these and other corporealities of “extension”. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: PPdesca4.rtf

Descartes’ Cogito Argument
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This is a 4 page paper discussing the interpretations of Descartes’ cogito argument. Philosopher Rene Descartes (1596-1650) wrote his Mediations de prima philosophia in 1641 in an attempt to find the basic absolute truths in our beliefs, more specifically into a “belief he can be certain is true, even if he is believing, or God or an evil demon is trying to deceive him as fully as possible”. In Mediation II (1642), Descartes writes that “So after considering everything very thoroughly, I must finally conclude that this proposition, I am, I exist, is necessarily true whenever it is put forward by me or conceived in my mind”. There are several interpretations which have arisen from Descartes’ Mediation II, the most common being the idea “Cogito ergo sum” or “I am thinking, therefore I exist”. The two main interpretations of Descartes’ Mediation II involve the emphasis of the “I” within “I am, I exist” and the emphasis of the concept “think” within “I am thinking, therefore I exist”. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TJcogit1.rtf

Descartes’ Deductive Reasoning, Definitions and Principles Used to Argue the Existence of God
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This is a 5 page paper discussing Descartes’ deductive reasoning, definitions and principles used in proving the existence of God. In Rene Descartes’ Meditation III, he proposes a logical argument to prove the existence of God. To do this, he presents an internally consistent argument through deductive reasoning and in addition provides further clarification for the reader in terms of definitions of formal and objective reality and principles for reality which help clarify his argument. Even without the further definitions and explanations of the principles however, upon accepting the initial premises that “nothing comes from nothing”, “the cause of the effect must have as much reality as its effect”, and “the cause of the idea must have as much reality as the idea itself”, then the introduction of the idea of God, and the cause of this idea is logical in its conclusion that since only God has infinite reality then only God is the cause of the idea of God (also infinite reality) and therefore God exists. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: TJDesca1.rtf

Desiderius Erasmus and Martin Luther On Free Will
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This 7 page paper presents the positions of Desiderius Erasmus and Martin Luther on the subject of free will. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: KTeralut.wps

Destiny or Circumstance?: Are Human Beings in Charge of Their Destiny?
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A 5 page discussion of destiny as it relates to the actional and nonactional theories. Associates the theory of biological determinism with the nonactional theory but observes other areas of research which indicate numerous factors, particularly parental involvement in our childhood, affect the way we live our lives. Concludes that there is some validity to the Actional Theory, the theory that it is us that determine our destiny. What becomes clear, however, is that our destinies are determined not only by factors which are under our control but also be predetermined factors such as our genes. Destiny therefore is predetermined in some instances but entirely under our control in others. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: PPdestin.wps

Destiny, Doubt & Delusion - The Eternal Question of Existence:
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An 8-page paper that explores man's obsession with his origin, the reason for his existence and his ultimate destiny following death. Included is a discussion of the philosophy of absolute doubt and absolute certainty as developed by Rene Descartes as well as a discussion of man's destiny as outlined in the Holy Bible. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: LCExist.doc

Did Descartes Contradict Himself in the Meditations?
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This 3 page paper asks this compelling question and answers with a resounding no. The dreaming argument is the focus of this paper. Other meditations are discussed and Descartes' proof of God's existence is explored as well. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: SA325Des.rtf

Discussions of the Cosmological, Ontological and Teleological Arguments and Criticisms on the Existence of God by Descartes, Kant and Hume
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This is a 9 page paper discussing the cosmological, ontological and teleological arguments and criticisms in regards to the existence of God by Descartes, Kant and Hume. Rene Descartes, Immanuel Kant and David Hume among many others have arguments in regards to the existence of God. Descartes offered cosmological and ontological arguments for the existence of God. Descartes’ cosmological argument is causal in its format as it is based on the premise that the idea of infinite perfection could only originate from the real existence of an infinite being. From an ontological perspective, Descartes offers a more simple presupposition in that whatever he clearly can perceive is true and if he can perceive the idea of God, then God exists. Kant argues primarily against the use of presuppositions in Descartes arguments as he notes that “existence is not a property or predicate” but merely a “positing of a thing”. Hume, on the other hand criticizes the arguments on the basis that “matter of fact” can only be based on experience. In addition, “whatever we conceive as existent, we can also conceive as non-existent”. Hume also argues against the analogies used in the teleological arguments for the existence of God because they too can never settle a factual question and to assume that one can know a cause of an action without experiencing it is a faulty and misleading assumption as events or actions can be caused by multiple purposes and no one cause can be assumed. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Filename: TJcosmo1.rtf

Divine Reality?
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This 6 page paper provides an unbeliever's understanding of the Divine Reality, looks at why organized religion is not to be followed and offers an alternative belief system in naturalism and transcendentalism. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: KTrealty.wps

Does God Exist
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This 4 page paper presents an argument for God's existence. This brief paper comments on matter and energy, how evil can exist in the same universe as God and St. Thomas Aquinas' argument regarding cause and effect. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: PGexist.rtf

Does God Exist ?
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Approximately 80 pages (available in much smaller sections or chapters) containing thorough analyses and assessments of arguments for and against the existence of God. Excellent for studies in religion, philosophy etc; Please send e-mail for more details. Bibliographic references are available.
Filename: Exist.rtf

Does God Exist?
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This 5 page paper explores the question, using Descartes argument as a springboard for discussion. Lack of scientific evidence of God's existence is discussed. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: SA148God.rtf

Does God Exist?: A Dialogue
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A 6 page paper which examines a dialogue between two people arguing about God’s existence. The paper finds weaknesses in one side of the argument. No sources cited.
Filename: RAgodxst.rtf

Dostoyevsky, Ibsen, Nietzsche, and Freud: Differing Views of Morality and Religion
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An 8 page discussion of the influence of factors like religion and belief in God, as opposed to factors such as greed, lust, jealousy, and regret in the characters presented in Dostoyevsky’s “Demons” and Ibsen’s “Enemy of the People”. Contrasts these author’s ideologies with those of Freud and Nietzsche. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: PPdostoy.wps

Dworkin And Boxill: Abortion And Justice
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Bernard Boxill's book, Blacks And Social Justice is concerned with the issues of bringing the social system (including the justice system) into balance. Ronald Dworkin, in his book, Life's Dominions, has set down the elements of debate on the right to abortion and euthanasia. This 10 page paper explores the opinions of these two authors, specific to the subject of abortion (Dworkin) and justice (Boxill). Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: KTboxdwk.wps

Edward Taylor and Benjamin Franklin: Man and Religion
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A 5 page paper which discusses how Edward Taylor, in his Meditation 8, and Benjamin Franklin, in his autobiography, see man's relationship to religion and the world. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAbenfrk.wps

Egoism and The Golden Rule
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This 6 page paper evaluates morality. What is personal morality versus universal morality? These ideas are discussed in light of views from two theorists in opposition. Is hedonism man's highest good, or something more? Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: SA337ego.rtf

Enlightenment's Effect on Theology
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A 10 page paper discussing the role of the Enlightenment and the philosophy of Immanuel Kant in the shaping of modern theology. Kant observed, "If we are asked, 'Do we now live in an enlightened age?' the answer is, 'No, but we do live in an age of enlightenment.'" Kant provided a framework within which individuals are able to hold to faith in God and grow in autonomy and personal responsibility while yet relying on God to direct their lives. Pre-Enlightenment theology kept the individual from the throne in the same way that the curtain separated individuals from the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle. The Enlightenment – aided by Kant's philosophy – tore away the curtain that men had replaced long after Jesus' death. Modern theology can make the way clear, but it is still left to individuals to choose to travel the path. Bibliography lists 15 sources in 25 footnotes.
Filename: KSrelPhilTheo.rtf

Epicurean Ethics
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A 5 page paper discussing the Epicurean view of good and evil (i.e., pleasure and pain) and the part that knowledge plays in bringing the happiness that should be the goal of every individual. Epicurus (342-270 B.C.) maintained that the pursuit of pleasure was not that which could be procured through physical enjoyments, but rather through contemplation. Therefore knowledge can only contribute to the happy life, for increased knowledge can bring increased assurance that the Epicurean way is the true one. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: KSepicure.rtf

Epistemology and the Theory of Knowledge
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This 5 page paper relates the central beliefs of Robert Audi, in his book Epistemology: A Contemporary Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge. Audi considered the question of justification and the premise that justification is commonly the basis for understanding and believing something. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: MHEpiKno.rtf

Essays on the Philosophy of Nietzsche
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This 6 page paper examines Nietzsche's ideas about God, and the good-bad paradigm versus the good- evil debate, in two separate essays. Kant's ideas on God are discussed as well. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: SA221N.rtf

Eternal Life
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It is understood that the death and rebirth phenomenon is representative of a spiritual transformation. This 7 page paper explores the issues of death, resurrection and eternal life as presented by Kenneth Kramer in The Sacred Art Of Dying and Hans Kung's Eternal Life? : Life After Death As a Medical, Philosophical, and Theological Problem. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: KTetrlfe.wps

Ethics And Faith
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5 pages in length. Kierkegaard took issue with Hegel's theory of faith and ethics, which proved to spark one of the most profound of history's philosophical debates. In exact opposition to this theory, Kierkegaard attacks Hegel's presumptuous attitude that humanity can, in fact, consider itself a superior entity over that of God's existence. Perhaps Kierkegaard was more astounded by Hegel's sheer audacity to assert that God's superiority was only as significant as when it existed in the concept of faith, as opposed to the outright condemnation of such a theory. Regardless of his motivation, Kierkegaard regarded Hegel's philosophy of faith and ethics to be truly erroneous, which he unabashedly addressed in his book entitled "Fear and Trembling." No additional sources cited.
Filename: TLCfaith.wps

Evil in a World Created by God, Who is Good
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A 3 page discussion of how evil can exist in a world created by a God who is good. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: RAevilww.rtf

Existentialism
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A 2 page paper discussing the existentialist philosophy of Sartre, Nietzsche and Kierkegaard, followed by a brief discussion of Sartre’s “No Exit” and personal reflection. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: KSphiloExist.rtf

Existentialism, Postmodernism, and Ideological Perspectives
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This 5 page paper provides an overview of the work of a number of philosophers, with views of existentialism, postmodernism and ideological perspectives. Friedrich Nietzche, Jean-Paul Sartre and Vladimir Dostoevsky all related elements of the existentialism in their writings, while Michel Foucault provided an interesting postmodernist perspective. In fact, it has readily been recognized that these authors are some of the most substantial theorists regarding existentialism and postmodernism and their perspective can best be understood through a comparative view of their writings. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: MHExiPo1.rtf

Faith
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A 5 page paper which examines personal aspects and perspectives concerning faith. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: RAfai.rtf

Faith, Religious Experience And Mysticism
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This 14 page paper discusses the relationships between and among faith, religious experience and mysticism. The essay begins by defining and describing each concept and at one point proposes that an individual must have faith to have faith. The writer then points to the relationships, explaining how each relates to the other. Bibliography lists 12 sources.
Filename: PGfthmsy.rtf

Fallibilist Foundationalism: Valid Epistemological Point Of View
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7 pages in length. The philosophical quest to determine how and why man understands himself and the world around him has been explored from myriad perspectives, with two primary components serving as common denominators for any potentially unified answer: Man's beliefs are either perceptional or inferential in nature. When examining the extent to which fallibilist foundationalism can be considered a valid epistemological point of view, one can readily attribute the element of perception to its validity. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: TLCFallFound.rtf

FATE AND FICTION
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This paper discusses the concept of fate and free will in literature and examines it through two books, The Alchemist and Dreaming with Einstein. After defining and exploring the concept of fate, the paper concludes that fate is something that helps drive a plot and provide color to characterization. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: MTfates.rtf

Fate in The Alchemist
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An analysis of the concept of Fate as used by Coelho in The Alchemist, and the way in which predestination and free will are treated in the course of the narrative. Bibliography lists one source.
Filename: JLalchem.rtf

Feurbach's Concept of Alienation:
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This 4 page paper examines Feurbach's concept of alienation and his solution to the problem. Furthermore, this paper examines why Marx believed that Feuerbach's answer contradicts his own analysis. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: GSFeurba.rtf

Fictional, Phil. Conversation Between A Materialist & Me
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A 6 page philosophical running dialogue between two individuals, one taking the viewpoint that nothing exists except that which can be proven by the senses, and the other taking the viewpoint that the essence of humanity is its relationship to God. No sources.
Filename: Material.wps

Formal and objective reality
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A paper which looks at Descartes' distinctions between formal and objective reality, the nature of sensory impression and intuition, and the way in which he uses these arguments to prove the existence of God. This paper has 4 sources listed in the bibliography.
Filename: JLobjreal.rtf

FRANKL, CONCENTRATION CAMPS AND FREE WILL
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This 3-page paper, examining Frank's work "Man's Search for Meaning" discusses the implication that concentration camp victims did have free will, or choice. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: MTfracon.rtf

FRANKL’S MEANING OF LIFE
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This 3 page paper discusses the discovery of concentration camp survivor, Victor Frankl. This paper concerns itself with the 'meaning of life' which he explores in his work: Man's Search for Meaning. Quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: MBfrnkl.rtf

Free Will and Determinism
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A 4 page paper which examines free will and determinism. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: RAfre3.rtf

Free Will and Sin
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This 4 page paper contemplates these topics through the eyes of Jean Paul Sartre. Kant as well as St. Augustine's ideas are also discussed. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: SA319sin.rtf

Free Will and Soul Making: The Views of Hicks, Plantinga and Johnson
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This 12 page paper provides an overview of the views of Hicks, Plantinga and Johnson regarding the nature of free will and soul-making. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: MHFreeW3.rtf

Free Will Or Determinism? Absolving Responsibility
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7 pages in length. Taking responsibility for one's actions is not considered to be one of man's most admirable traits, a reality clearly illustrated by the preponderance of frivolous law suits clogging up the justice system. The extent to which responsibility comes from a place of moral accountability is both grand and far-reaching; that humanity has long attempted to impugn determinism as the sole reason why people behave as they do speaks to a species whose capacity for higher-thinking fails to accept the fact that people are governed by free will and fully culpable for their actions. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TLCFrWillDet.rtf