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RATIONALISM  

Plato's Republic, Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Aquinas' Summa Theologica, Kant's Metaphysics of Morals, Burke's Reflections on the Revolution, Mill's Utilitarianism, Hardin's Tragedy of the Commons, Scruton's Sexual Desire and Mappes' Sexual Morality.

A discussion of concepts and objects and the nature of being. Can we obtain a knowledge about truth in the world by reason alone?

Mr. Stolyarov explains how praxeology, the foundation of Austrian economics, bridges reason and observation and allows man to obtain certain, accurate knowledge about the nature of existence.

The third piece in my "Inquiry into Morality," this essay illustrates another approach to the denial of metaphysics and its overall uselessness, and introduces epistemological skepticism.

This essay describes the early life of the 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant as well as some of his basic ideas on human perception, knowledge, and intuition.

Immanuel Kant separates the scientific realm (which describes what is) from the moral realm (which explains what ought to be), but he considers these two realms to go hand-in-hand -- ultimately advocating putting the scientific realm in service to moral one.

This essay isolates a key objection to the Kantian Categorial Imperative and considers possible avenues of defense.

An individual's personal ethics philosophy should endure an ideology of caring and righteousness and constantly be contingent to assessment and evaluation.

The disciplines of philosophy and science are both rational pursuits. Each, however, goes about pursuing knowledge in totally different ways.

The Ethics of Star Trek is a serious examination of ethical concerns and considerations that take specific Star Trek episodes as its starting point.

Dialogue between a moral skeptic and moral rationalist/realist to better illustrate the nature that exists between the two schools of thought as it relates to 1)epistemology and 2) metaphysics of morality.

Soren Kierkegaard was a believer in the Christian concept of God who not only acknowledged the unbeliever's claims that Christianity is a paradox, irrational and completely improvable, he accepted these claims and even argued for them!

An analysis of ethics from the perspectives of politics (Machiavelli), humanism (Kurtz), and christian morality (Aquinas).

Immanuel Kant tried to merge the two positions into one.

An analysis of the philosophical merit of Immanual Kant and Sir Isaac Newton's metaphysical understandings as pertaining to an application of said understanding to Halley's comet.

High school students' these days like to take easy electives in their junior and senior year. I am somewhat guitly of it myself. But learn inside why any junior/senior in high school should consider taking Philosophy.

explains how philosophy and religion are related

When a choice is made, often the question is asked: "was it the right decision?". For thousands of years, humans have struggled with the idea of the morality of their actions.

In order to fully understand the nature and origins of piety and righteousness, one must understand the complexities of the "Euthyphro problem" and its implications on morality.

Analysis and discussion of contemporary vs. Humean philosophical theories regarding a posteriori propositions.

In this article I describe four ways in which philosophers have described how experience is possible. These include sensing, thinking, feeling, and intuition.

There is too much uncertainty in Hume's moral theory. While impractical, Locke's epistemology leaves much less room for doubt.

In the late 1980s, the "mainstream" Objectivist movement featured a rising star, David Kelley, who was cruelly ostracized by Ayn Rand's "official heir," Leonard Peikoff, for thinking that different ideas and their proponents ought to be tolerated and treated civilly.

The curriculum I have designed is written for a college/adult level church history class.

This article shows that how continental philosophy works and how it deals with existenilism

We've put the best philosophers of all time together in the ring for no-holds-barred philosophy grudge match of all time. Who will come out on top to be crowned Philosopher King?

Is there any basis for a metaphysics of morality? Can we ascribe to ourselves that which we can never know - a free-will?

Turn on the lights, feel what it feels like to truly think again.

While Thomas Hobbes presents a rather grim perspective of human nature, his sound, supported accusations about the actions of Earth's inhabitants are far more realistic than those of his fellow writer, Immanuel Kant.

This article contains an overview of Kant's criticisms of previous theories, his formulation of the categorical imperative, and an explanation of how the categorical imperative provides for autonomous ethical choice.

The perspectives of German Philosopher, Immanuel Kant applied to the Terry Schiavo case in post-modern terms.

What is the categorical imperative and what is the difference between perfect and imperfect duties according to Immanuel Kant.

Ethical theories are a dime a dozen, but many of these theories flow right back to the originality and uniqueness of one of the greatest, most influential European thinkers of the late eighteenth century, Immanuel Kant.

In the Critique of practical Reason, Kant argues the incentives to abide by the moral law as the subjective determining grounds of the will...

The view of self largely depends on a person's metaphysical beliefs. Some people believe that the body is the one true self, while others believe that the body is composed of different aspects, such as the soul, spirit, and physical body.

I read Torrey Meeks' article about science trumping religion, and I couldn't help but wonder what might spawn such righteous indignation.

Science and religion can be combined together to better understand the surrounding environment and to improve the quality of human existence.

In today's PC world, an overabundance of sympathy has led to hypocrisy that needs to be exposed for what it is. Today's topic: Science.

The creative tension between science and religion is a good thing because it generates communication. However, scientists should speak from the laboratory, not the bully pulpit.

Epistemology and the basic philosophy of empiricism are the topics of dicsussion. I will explain where Greek philosophy began and who the main contributors were to ancient philosophy and what their contributions were.

Science and religion have always caught the fancy of the common man for being so pervasive and being so delusively steadfast. The short writing here is an objective investigation into the two contrasting faces of human existence.

Rationalism advocates that reason is the most important aspect to analyze anything and is an important school of philosophy...

Mr. Stolyarov argues that morality is not the exclusive domain of religion, and that it is possible for a moral person to be entirely non-religious. Furthermore, Mr. Stolyarov contends that morality is entirely dependent on conduct, not thought.

Art and philosophy, in both their origin and their practice, serve as the tools of religion.

Skepticism has always been one of the most important aspects of philosophy. This article examines it as a part of philosophy...

This article gives an oppinion of the creation of the world. It does so by combining science with religion. It also gives both sides of the coin a fair shake.

An analysis of the philosophy of knowledge and the search for truth, under the names religion, philosophy, and art.

In the view of 18th-century German philosopher Immanuel Kant, all individuals possess a "rational free will," which implies that they must be held morally responsible for all the acts they commit and creates guidelines for a proper criminal justice system.

A brief look at the value of literature, religion, and philosophy in shaping understanding of human nature.

The role of the FDA is vital, however, it may be up to some debate as to whether or not certain practices are ethical. This article examines the FDA with regards to how different ethics can be applied to the organization and it's practices.

Epistemology. The word brings shudders to one and all alike. OK, maybe it doesn't. But perhaps it should.

Book Review of Family Guy and Philosophy. It won't look nice on your coffee table and will just smell funny if left in your bathroom, but it's a lot like picking your nose.

an examination of the distinct and opposite views of morality in the philosophies of Kant and Nietzsche

The four philosophers, Socrates, Immanuel Kant, John Dewey, and Thomas Hobbes have been identified as innovative ethical philosophers.

A person using Kantian ethics would be against physician-assisted suicide in all situations.

In this essay I will discuss some of the work done by Immanuel Kant. I will explain Kant's general criticism of Bentham and Baumgarten ethical theories.

In the secular context of contemporary Western society, science and religion play roles of almost complete opposition. During the Renaissance, the dual categories of 'Science' and 'Religion' coexisted as a homogenous entity used to pursue theological investigation.

If a metaphysical explanation for the possibility of morality is neither necessary nor useful, what then, can we base our moral experiences in? Part II of my "Inquiry into Morality."

This article describes the views of each side of the cloning argument and also gives a personal opinion on the subject.

Review of Mary Roarch's 2005 bestseller, Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife. Outlines pros and cons of Roach's methodology and style.

This article discusses the origins and important functions of philosophy in our daily lives...

Is there really a place in politics for morality, and if so, whose morals?

What crucial role do simple ideas play in Locke's account of knowledge? How simple are simple ideas? And how firmly do simple ideas ground knowledge in reality?

Describes several branches to the discipline of philosophy to whose who want to know about philosophy before taking a class in it.

Thomas Kuhn's conception of physical reality, Karl Popper's 'Genuine Science', 'Prototype Models' and Credibility of 'Scientific Knowledge'

The author considers arguments for and against teaching philosophy in public schools. The author argues in favor of this proposal and replies to several objections to the proposal to include philosophical education in a public school education.

This essay explores the role of religious beliefs in wide reflective equilibrium (WRE), a popular view of normative philosophy of science.

India is a country known for its rich culture and civilization, has contributed a great deal to the world in terms of philosophy...

Religions originally served to bring some order into primitive societies. However, In the course of history they have been the reason for much bloodshed. They have to evolve and open out if they are to be relevant to today's world.

The Philosophy and Pop Culture series of books from Open Court press prove to be entertaining and educational for both fans of philosophy and pop culture.

In the modern democratic system, the slow process of public enlightenment of which Kant writes is entirely impossible.

The historical development of Continental philosophy's existentialism and phenomenology as a response to Hegelian idealism.

The evolution of mankind has lead to the more common occurrences of crises of faith. How do you deal with one when it comes along? Read and find out.

To note the format of this preliminary textbook, I would like to comment that it is set up in a very reader-friendly way. I would also like to thank you for not having to pay for yet another textbook.

Discusses Kuhn's theories on scientific progress, providing arguments aimed to support and/or refute Kuhn's claims. Explains Kuhn's view that science is furthered in leaps and bounds, not slowly and deliberately.

It is difficult for the modern reader not to draw psychological inferences in a study of the early life of the young Rousseau and his later accomplishments and this essay seeks to explore his influences as they relate to his texts.

Christianity implicit gain answers about being of our world and Universe, about philosophical being, and about possibility of existence of unseenable World of Heaven...

The Romantic Movement, dated from roughly 1780 to 1830, was a time when the intellectual movement throughout Europe changed from a scientific, empirical world to one full of feeling and imagination.

A review on a book on the history of Philosophy

Examines the philosophical differences and contrasts with regards to the now famous case of Wisconsin v. Yoder. The intrusiveness of community/state values into individual situations and choices is also examined.

Are the Bible's two stories of creation a science text, or just a poem, or more? What can we learn from them?

A review and philisophical analysis of author, Daniel Callahan's book, "False Hopes: Why America's Quest for Perfect Health Is a Recipe for Failure."

This paper researches the multiple areas of influence and accomplishments of William Blake.

A review of Karen Armstrong's brilliant examination of the 4,000 year old history of the convergence of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

To understand the unique semantic content of music, we must first understand what language is and how it works in people, and consider music in the context of our discoveries about language.

People today tend to base their values and ethics on what they think and feel. The more deeply they feel a certain way, the more certain they are that the convictions they hold represent the truth. But is this rationale?

Coleridge was one of England's three Lake District poets, and the writer of Kubla Khan. He dreamt up idyllic scenery for his poems, although his own life was anything but idyllic.

Useful links on philosophy and ethics cited in APA format with an introduction to each.

Discussion that asserts the lack of rights supposedly held by animals and why it is ethically legitimate to include them in biomedical research experiments for the greater good of human beings.

I think that it is safe to say that anyone who witnessed the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 will always remember it. From the sheer horror of it, to the days following as rescue workers pull out yet another body.

Its a narrative on beauty and beauty tips. Let me share with you, certain easy-to-do beauty tips I developed and practise...

My response to Leena Ingegneri's Why Sex Should Be Saved for Marriage and "Mr Absolute's" Open Response.

Silber's tenure as B.U. President proved highly controversial as he attempted to curtail the power of faculty and students. Silber was successful in boosting standards and raising money but alienated B.U.'s core constiuencies of faculty and alumni.

There are the obvious reasons for lying - to get out of trouble, to get something you want, to protect yourself, to make yourself look good.

I recently tried my hand at cutting meat out of my diet, and the results have only been positive. Considering the ethical implications of eating meat, I don't see going back as an option.

A comparison of the general realist and liberal views regarding the nature of the international system, including views on how (and whether) this system can be improved. Examination of the system using the principal realist and liberal theorists.

Exploring the Justifications of Human Cloning from a Philosophical Perspective, Including Both Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism

Any time the subject of masturbaion comes up, there is a twinge of anxiety that runs through my mind, and I can't for the life of me imagine why I should have to endure it.

Do we as a society join or separate ethical behavior and media practices? Here is an in depth look at what some prominent philosophers would say about a particular instance in today's media.