Rene Descartes and John Locke on Knowledge and God’s Rule in the World
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This 5 page report discusses the relationship that exists between God, nature, and human knowledge in the thinking of Rene Descartes (1596-1650) and John Locke (1632-1704). Both have influenced the thinking and formation of society for the better part of the past three centuries. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWgodrol.rtf

Rene Descartes and the "Evil Demon" Argument
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This 3 page paper discusses Descartes' argument that our existence may be a trick perpetuated by an "Evil Demon," and how in spite of that, he goes on to prove the existence of God. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: HVEvlDem.rtf

Rene Descartes and the Existence of God
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This 5 page report discusses Rene Descartes’ “Meditations” (published in 1641) and emphasizing his work on the First Philosophy. Descartes considers the problems of the sources and nature of knowledge; the validity of truth; the nature and destiny of man; the existence of God, as well as the creation of the universe. His systematic doubt along with the presupposition of a powerful, evil, and most importantly, deceiving spirit, are revealed by Descartes in his “First Meditation.” No other sources.
Filename: BWdesgod.wps

Rene Descartes/Meditation III
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A 6 page essay that examines the argument that Rene Descartes presents in Meditation III, from Meditations on First Philosophy, on the existence of God. The writer first presents a discussion of the points that Descartes makes in this Meditations and then offers comments that argue that Descartes' argument fails to prove that God exists. No additional sources cited.
Filename: khmediii.wps

Rene Descartes/Proofs of God in Meditations
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A 7 page research paper that examines the basic arguments presented by Rene Descartes in his Meditations on First Philosophy. The writer first discusses the idea of an evil demon deceiving Descartes' senses and then on the proofs of God's existence formulated by the famous philosopher. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: khdesgd2.rtf

Rene Descartes/Proving God Exists
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A 3 page essay that summarizes the arguments (proofs) that Descartes argues in Meditation III in his Meditations on First Philosophy. No additional sources cited.
Filename: khrdprg.rtf

Responsibility
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Responsibility is defined in this 5 page paper. Three types of responsibility are discussed : causal, legal and moral. Other ways of looking at responsibility are addressed. Was Paris Hilton responsible for her fate? This is just one example used in the context of this interesting look at a simple concept. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: SA723res.rtf

Romantic philosophers
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A paper which compares and contrasts several of the thinkers of the Romantic movement, such as Hegel, Rousseau and Schopenhauer, and considers the similarities and differences between their views of perceptions of reality and the relationship between the individual, society and the collective unconscious. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: JLrom.rtf

Rousseau and the Theme of Freedom
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This 5 page paper uses the film Deliverance as a springboard to discuss freedom. The man against nature theme is explored. Rousseau's Social Contract is discussed as well. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: SA312Dlv.rtf

Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
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A 24 page paper that begins with a biography of Thomas Aquinas. The paper then discusses Aquinas' proofs for the existence of God found in his Summa Theologica. The writer comments on the Orthodox Church's dismissal of Aquinas' work. The paper concludes with a discussion of the influence of Aquinas' work then and now. Footnotes and an Annotated Bibliography of 20 sources is included in the page count.
Filename: PGaqun06.rtf

Sartre's Vision Of The Human Condition
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5 pages in length. Sartre's (1989) understanding of the human condition compels him to bring forth a component many people find troublesome to uphold: responsibility. This aspect in and of itself reflects a considerable sum of man's overall character in that, according to Sartre, it serves as the defining factor of a moral fiber that is all too often unraveled by evasion. Sartre (1989) is none too afraid to speak his mind exactly as he interprets the human condition to be by pointing out a primary three-prong approach: 1) man's need to assume responsibility for his actions; 2) the innate belief in and connection to God; and 3) free will guides all of man's existence. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: TLCSartreHC.rtf

Sartre, Descartes and The Matrix
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A five page paper which looks at the concepts of existence, determinism and free-will in Sartre's Existentialism is a Humanism, Descartes' Meditations and the film The Matrix. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: JLmatrix.rtf

Sartre: We Are Condemned To Be Free
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3 pages in length. From the moment man realized his separation from the rest of the animal kingdom, he has sought to shift responsibility for his actions on to other entities, both tangible and inanimate. Humanity's constant quest to shed any accountability has long been the result of what Sartre considers a tremendous excuse for avoiding a harsh reality: People are fully capable of making choices through free will despite the perpetual attempt to define their existence as being driven by determinism. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: TLCSartreFree.rtf

Scientific Determinism: Undermines Basic Principles?
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4 pages in length. The nature of scientific determinism is such that people all follow the same path of existence no matter how they are or where they live; their lives are governed solely by the forces of universal law. As such, each individual life is predisposed to the causes that compel him to behave a certain way and make the choices he ultimately does, a finite reality that serves to surrender the fundamental components of a principled existence. Challenging the notion of free will, scientific determinism has been accused of relinquishing man from his inherent moral responsibility as well as placing any reality of the afterlife in serious question. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TLCsciendeter.rtf

Semiological Analysis of a Television Show -- “Touched by an Angel”
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This 5 page report discusses the semiologic aspects of the prime-time television show “Touched by an Angel.” In contemporary popular culture, television serves as one of the best possible representations of how it is possible to understand larger realities about society and social beliefs via the stories told and symbols presented. The popular prime-time show “Touched by an Angel” illustrates such a process. The show is almost an ancient morality play in which the players learn greater truths about themselves and the world in which they live. The symbols and signals presented as a common denominator in each episode fit into a number of the assumptions made by Western humanity regarding “seeing the light” and personal redemption. Bibliography lists one source.
Filename: BWsemitv.wps

Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Aristotle’s “Poetics”
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A 5 page paper which discusses the similarities and differences between “Hamlet” and “Poetics.” No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAhamari.rtf

Shunryu Suzuki’s “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”
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This 3 page report discusses Shunryu Suzuki (1905-1971) who was a direct spiritual descendant of the great thirteenth-century Zen Master, Dogen. Excerpts from his lectures form the basis form the basis of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. Bibliography lists only the primary source.
Filename: BWzenbeg.rtf

Sigmund Freud: The Future of an Illusion
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5 pages. In Freud's book The Future of an Illusion, Freud points out that there are definite arguments between science and religion and that the two could never complement one another. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: JGAfreu.rtf

Skepticism: Hume and Peirce
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A paper which compares the philosophies of Hume and Peirce, with specific reference to the scientific method, empiricism, determinism, and human enquiry into natural phenomena. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: JLempskep.rtf

Songs of Timelessness - The Poetry of Walt Whitman
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A 3-page paper that examines the transcendentalist ideas of infinity and timelessness that are conveyed through the works of Walt Whitman. Included is a discussion of Crossing Brooklyn Ferry and Song of Myself, both of which are included in Whitman's Leaves of Grass and both of which express the central idea of an ongoing cycle of life and death. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: LCSongs.doc

Soul/Body Duality
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A 3 page essay that considers the problem of mind or soul and body duality. The writer argues that the body/soul duality that runs throughout the course of Western cultural tradition is an erroneous concept that can be traced to male anxiety over his position in the natural scheme of things. The desire to separate from their mothers is a primary psychological task for males. Furthermore, they feel compelled by their sex drive to have dominion over women. This creates numerous contradictory yet compelling drives that war in the male mind. The division of the identity--mind or soul versus body--divorces the male psyche from this entire boondoggle of confusion and affords the illusion that the urges of the body are not really him, that is, that his true identity rests solely in the mind. This point is argued. No sources are cited/no bibliography is provided.
Filename: khmbdual.rtf

Space, Time And Relations
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8 pages in length. Martin Buber's concept of relation maintains three specific spheres in which relation takes place: I, Thou and It. Abraham Joshua Heschel's theory of the worlds of time and space holds a special meaning in man's existence with regard to perception. Noting how the world of time is exhibited by the interaction between people and the world of space is one where people interact with nature and other nonhuman entities, one can readily understand the impact such holistic theory has upon the way in which both worlds operate in today's society. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: TLCSpaceTime.rtf

Spinoza's Account of Mind & Body Interaction
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An 11 page research paper that discusses how Baruch Spinoza (late seventeenth century philosopher) addressed the relationship between the mind and body. An examination of Spinoza's philosophy as expressed in his Ethics Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect demonstrates the value of Spinoza's position, which addresses the classic "mind-body" problem. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: khspinmb.rtf

Spinoza's Treatment of Religion Compared to that of the Medievals:
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This 4 page paper refers to Spinoza's Theological-Political Treatise in order to compare and contrast the similiarities and differences between the treatment of religion by Spinoza and that of the medieval philosophers. This paper highlights the naturalistic influence of the medievals upon Spinoza as well as many of their specific differences. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: GSSpinza.rtf

Spirituality
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A 20 page research paper that investigates the topic of spirituality. The philosophical perspective of postmodernism has left people feeling adrift and rudderless in a world that has no meaning or purpose. In answer to this situation, many people, including scholars, have turned to the topic of spirituality and religion as a means for charting a new and purposeful course into the future. Examining this sociological trend reveals that it has evolved organically out of Western culture's history and also relates to specific features that are characteristic of human religious expression as a whole, that is, encompassing Eastern religious orientations. This examination attempts to find common threads between the thrust of Western spirituality, which is primarily Christian spirituality, and how this aspect of religiosity relates to theology, mysticism and fits within the legacy of postmodernism. Bibliography lists 15 sources.
Filename: khsprmys.rtf

Spirituality and Ralph Waldo Emerson
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A 3 page discussion of Emerson's philosophies and accomplishments. The author of this paper emphasizes that while Emerson is perhaps remembered most for his nature writings and back-to-the land philosophy, he should equally be remembered for his spirituality. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: PPemersn.rtf

St. Augustine And Free Will
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This 5 page paper presents a discussion of Augustine's thoughts about free will. The paper discusses this specific premise: "The creature who sins with free will is more excellent than the creature who does not sin because he has no free will." The writer then incorporates these questions in the discussion: Why does Augustine make this kind of statement? What are his underlying assumptions? Are the assumptions always true? What problems emanate from assumptions and how would Augustine respond to the problems? Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: PGaugswl.rtf

St. Augustine And The Existence Of God
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This 4 page paper briefly explains Augustine's a priori and an a posteriori arguments to prove the existence of God. The essay also outlines Augustine's seven statements to demonstrate there is just one God. The writer also comments on how Augustine approached the issue of evil. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: PGaugus.rtf

St. Augustine and the Trinity
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A 14 page paper which discusses Augustine’s theology and philosophy concerning the Doctrine of the Trinity. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Filename: TGaugtrin.rtf

St. Thomas Aquinas
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In this 3 page paper, the author overviews St. Thomas' thoughts on politics, power and law. The author also comments on who influenced Aquinas and why specific writings are compared to a gothic cathedral. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: PGaqun.rtf

St. Thomas Aquinas On Autonomy And Freedom
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A 6 page paper that discusses whether or not Aquinas successfully argued for the existence of man's autonomy and freedom. The essay discusses mostly Proof Three, Questions 3, 14 and 19. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: PGaqfrd.RTF

St. Thomas Aquinas on Natural Law:
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This 5 page paper discusses the contributions of St. Thomas Aquinas in terms of Natural Law doctrine. Description of Natural Law is included as well as other Aquinas philosophies and background. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: GSAquina.rtf

Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali
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A 6 page critical review of the story by D.T. Niane. Briefly relates this age-old story from Western Africa. Emphasizes that this brief story manages to incorporate many critical aspects of culture, of conflict, and even of sorcery and magic. It is a story of friendship, of interpersonal relationships and a story of destiny. It is also a story, however, which provides an interesting basis for the question of whether an individual is responsible for their own destiny. In "Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali" we have a situation in which oral tradition proves to be a ready target for a contemporary theoretic approach to the subject of destiny. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: PPsundia.wps

Swinburne/Existence of God
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A 4 page essay that examines Swinburne's text and argument, which the writer argues is basically the cosmological argument for the existence of God. However, while Swinburne's argument is impressive in its detail and overall logic structure, it still suffers from the classic flaws that can be found in all standard cosmological arguments. This examination of Swinburne's text presents a brief summary of his argument and then offers rebuttal to his basic premise, which does necessarily mean that God does not exist. No additional sources cited.
Filename: khswineg.rtf

Teleological and Mechanistic World Views
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A 5 page paper which discusses the teleological and mechanistic world views and discusses how the define, or involve, God and/or purpose in life. They are discussed briefly as they involve ontological arguments, and then presented in relationship to how three separate philosophers fit in to one particular view or another. The philosophers are Frankl, Descartes, and Nietzsche. The works discussed are, respectively, "Man's Search for Meaning," "Meditations," and "The Antichrist." No additional sources cited.
Filename: RAteleolog.wps

The "Argument from Design" Position
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This 5 page paper presents Hume's views on God as well as an exploration into his works where he looks at both sides of the argument. His Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion is the focus of the paper. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: SA046Hme.wps

The Absence of Proof in the Arguments of Thomas Aquinas
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This 5 page paper looks at the structure and format of the five arguments that are put forward by St Thomas Aquinas for proof of the existence of God. The writer then goes on to examine his second argument, discussing the flaws and potential errors in the logical of Aquinas due to his assumptions and omissions. The bibliography cites 3 sources.
Filename: TEaquin1.wps

The Afterlife: Possibilities of Life After Death
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A 5 page discussion of the religious belief of an afterlife, the existence of consciousness and human experience past the point of physiological death. This paper uses logical analysis to demonstrate the validity of the concept of an afterlife. Dissects the theorem into several basic postulates or axioms which are self evident and self-proving. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: PPaftrlf.rtf

The Battle Between Freewill & Determinism / Arguing In Favor Of Freewill
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In 7 pages the author discusses the age long battle between the doctrines of freewill and determinism. The writer posits that mankind does, indeed, have freewill. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: Battlefd.wps

The Compatibility of Evolution and Christianity:
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This 3 page paper examines whether or not Christianity is compatible with the theory of evolution. This paper conludes that with the exception of fundamentalist Christian groups, the theory of evolution is indeed compatible with Christianity. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: GSScievo.rtf

The Concept of Evil
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A 6 page examination of evil as it relates to an all-powerful God. This paper explains evil using Richard Swineburg’s writings and extensively references the Bible itself. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: PPrlgEvilGodAllPowerful.rtf

The Concept of Hierarchy in the World View of Thomas Aquinas
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A five page paper which considers the way in which Thomas Aquinas’ hierarchical cosmology was reflected in the social order and academic disciplines of the medieval era, and the consequent inter-relationship of religious and secular law and methodologies. Bibliography lists 4 sources
Filename: JLaquin.wps

The Convergence of the Systematic, the Biblical, and the Pastoral in a Unified Christian Belief
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This 6 page report discusses The Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) and its call for unity. The Council and its outcomes resulted in major changes in the Church and the ways in which the Church was understood as well as the Church’s own definitions and recognition of the fundamental theological constructs. Three such constructs or unique areas of theology considered are the systematic, the biblical, and the pastoral and the ways in which such areas must converge in order to attain the goal of unity. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: BWsecvat.wps

The Cosmological Argument
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This 4 page paper examines two of the forms the cosmological argument takes; it follows the premise-objection-rebuttal format. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: HVCosArg.rtf

The Design Argument For The Existence Of God
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An 8 page paper. Does the design argument prove the existence of God? The writer uses William Paley's Statement of the Argument to present the design argument and then, cites Hume's criticisms of the argument. The writer brings St. Thomas Aquinas' argument about the designer into the discussion and concludes the design argument can prove the existence of God. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: PGhumpl.rtf