David Hume/Dialogues
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A 5 page research paper that examines eighteenth century philosopher David Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion. The writer gives an overall view of the work, discussing the main points of Hume's thesis and the structure of the work. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: khhumed.wps

David Hume/Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion
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A 5 page essay that addresses the basic premise set forth by eighteenth century philosopher David Hume in his Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion. The writer discusses Hume's objections to the argument that the complexity of the Universe implies a divine "Designer." Hume argued against this a posteriori argument. No additional sources cited.
Filename: khhume.wps

David Hume/On the Immortality of the Soul
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A 4 page analysis of Hume's essay "On the Immortality of the Soul." In this essay, Hume expressed skepticism regarding all of the arguments prevalent at that time that presented the soul as immortal and argued that belief in the soul's immortality cannot be proven, but must be accepted on faith and divine revelation. No additional sources cited.
Filename: khdhsoul.rtf

David Tracy’s Understanding of Hermeneutics and Its Application to Theology
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This is a 12 page paper discussing David Tracy’s understanding of hermeneutics and its application to theology. As a representative of the Chicago School of theology, David Tracy along with his colleagues has challenged the traditional approach to theology with one which is considered more “correlational”. In other words, the Scriptures along with all classic texts cannot be interpreted without taking into account their contextual influences. Correlational theology studies not only the classical theological interpretation of religious texts but also depends a great deal upon the cooperation between “other interpreters of the human condition” including anthropologists, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists and literary scholars among many others (Jeanrond, 1998). This approach also reflects some of the basic concepts of nonfoundationalism as proposed by Thiel (1994) which has fundamental problems with the traditional Christian assumptions which are readily accepted in the interpretation of the Scriptures and also advocates the inclusion of contextual influences on theological study. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: TJTracy1.rtf

Defining the Good Life: Plato Verses Thucydides
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A 4 page discussion of the distinctive approaches taken by Plato and Thucydides in defining the good life. The author contends that Thucydides approached such definitions from the empirics of history while Plato approached them from a more normative, esoteric angle. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: PPethThu.rtf

Descartes and Hume
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This 5 pager paper considers Descartes idea of existence, thought and the interconnectedness of mind ands matter. The writer then considers Hume and the way that he sees the proof for existence f the immortal soul. The bibliography cites 5 sources.
Filename: TEdescat.rtf

Descartes Proof For The Existence Of God
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A 5 page paper. Descartes' arguments for proving the existence of God are found in his Medication III. Like most of his arguments, they are circular in nature. This essay presents his major propositions leading to the conclusion that God exists. The writer then discusses how Aristotle might respond to Descartes argument by discussing Aristotle's conclusion that God exists. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: PGdesgd.rtf

Descartes' "Meditations On First Philosophy": Cultivating A Sense Of Wonder About The World
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5 pages in length. The writer chooses Meditation III -- Of God: that He exists -- to illustrate how Descartes cultivates a sense of wonder about the world. No additional sources cited.
Filename: TLCdesca.wps

Descartes' Meditation III
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A 5 page paper which presents the arguments, and then discusses the arguments, in Descartes' Meditation 3. No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAdescmed.wps

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’ 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

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

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

EPICTETUS AND NIETZSCHE: VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE
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This 3-page paper compares various philosophies of Greek Stoic Epectetus and German philosopher Nietzsche. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: MTepicniet.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