Brian Rice

How does the internal affair of Tibet and the People's Republic of China become all the more complex when the United States is involved? Is it a move for political destabilization for the benefit of A...

When starting a new relationship with someone with bi-polar, there are some things that may prove helpful to the growth and development of your relationship. Here are some examples and tips of what I'...

Overview of the scientific socialist model of Marxism-Leninism compared to the social-democratic and ultra-left concepts of socialism, and why only the Marxist-Leninist model can truly succeed in acco...

A brief alternative perspective on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, better known as North Korea to westerners.

What's keeping state and federal legislatures from allocating more funds towards the construction of easy, accessible, and efficient mass transit when it provides obvious benefits to some of this coun...

Overview of the situation regarding NATO's expansion into the traditional Russian sphere of influence.

Brief overview of some of the best online resources available for better understanding and the study of Marxism-Leninism, socialism, communism, and all other relevant topics.

Some insight into the historical events of the 1930's purges in the Soviet Union.

Look into the ideological and political reasoning behind limiting or restricting religious expression in socialist societies.

Historical look at socialist realism (especially in the USSR), as well as an overview of the guiding philosophy behind it.

Overview and introduction to philosophical materialism: the view that the known universe is composed of the single substance of physical matter.

The infamous skeptical hypothesis argument regarding a "brain in the vat," raises certain doubts about our perceptions and the reality of experience.

Overview and discussion of the DSM-IV classification, Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Includes overview of symptoms, pathology, and prognosis.

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

Stalinism has developed to incorporate a number of meanings that basically symbolize a repressive, brutal, and totalitarian regime. However this ignores some key facts about Stalin and his rule throug...

Discussion regarding how important our own moral convictions are in everyday life. How truly serious do we take our own moral ideals when it comes to real-life situations?

Includes an introduction to schizophrenia and in-depth discussion on the possibility of a genetic basis for the mental disorder.

Discusses and introduces some of the ethical concerns of electroconvulsive therapy, also known as electro-shock therapy or ECT.

Discusses the nature and development (and essentials) of a communist society.

Three commonly held misconceptions about capitalism debunked.

Did Marx's writings include moral qualms, in this article I discuss Marx's attempt to convey an amoral attitude towards capitalism and communism in his attempt to create an objective and scientific in...

Further in-depth analysis of Marxist socialism and its characteristics.

A brief introduction to anxiety disorders, the five major ones, and treatment.

Some concerns regarding the remote possibility of objectivity in general, but especially as it relates to the field of epistemology and philosophy of mind.

What is Anti-Revisionism, and what role does it play in contemporary Marxist thought?

More common misconceptions about communism dispelled - this time dealing with more of the historical misconceptions about socialism in practice and clarifying some of the more popular myths particular...

Describes the Kantian notion of 'good' and 'evil.' Rather than these objects determining morality, Kant believes the moral law determines what is good, and what is evil.

Kant says its impossible to 'deduce' the objective validity of the moral law; however, he argues that another means of determining its universal validity as existing is possible.

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

Brief overview of the options of available defenses attorneys employ on behalf of their clients in criminal cases.

Every political movement is based on the construction of a given community. This article exposes, analyzes, and details the implications of this procedure as seen through the EZLN of Chiapas, Mexico.

Voltairine de Cleyre, feminist, anarchist author of the early 20th century made a famous argument regarding the individual power of one's own will. My objective here is to refute this claim, and show ...

Analysis and critique of the argument that we have moral obligations towards future people (especially in regards to the environment) based on 'moral rights.'

Taking two different theories of well-being (mental state and objective), here's an argument against and for policies restricting our consumption to lessen our impact on the environment.

In his famous piece, The Death of Ivan Illych, Tolstoy believes there are certain objective standards for which individuals must develop and satisfy in order to live a "good life." This critique can b...

Want to be successful in life, whatever that means for you? Then it requires the skill of detaching oneself from the emotional ties that serve as obstacles in any pursuit of a valuable ends.

What is the scientific method, and what is its position amongst the continuum of classical epistemological theories?

Reality on a continuum, and all its associated problems. Examines some of the deeper questions of our reality and our perception. Ultimately, our limited minds make such inquiries unknowable and frust...

More refutations of popular misconceptions regarding communism. This article deals with the "human nature" argument, the "all socialists are communists" misconception, and the belief that "the failure...

Does class-struggle end with the beginning of socialism, or does it intensify? How does this relate to the concept of the instrumental use of the state in general?

Examines and explains five basic misconceptions about communist theory.

Offers a brief introduction to fatalism, and illustrates the basic Aristotelian logical argument for fatalism, but updated with more relevant examples for the purpose of demonstration.

Drugs are often seen as not only a health problem, but a moral problem as well. One of the arguments against drug use and a possible solution from the utilitarian school of moral philosophy.

The Environmentalist movement, even when addressing the issues from the perspective of nature's intrinsic worth, is wholeheartedly anthropocentric and to a great degree, human arrogance.

Sums up the relevant conclusions based on the premises regarding morality from some of my previous articles, and moves in the direction of a non-philosophical account of morality solely dependent upon...

Evaluation of claims regarding human nature as it relates to forms of government; a response to Mr. Richard Carriero's "Is Democracy Natural?"

Offers a potential meta-ethical description of the good, and a subsequent normative ethical system for Marxist-Leninism.

Brief and simple introduction to the concept of the two predominant classes in bourgeois society: capitalist (bourgeoisie) and laborer (proletariat).

What is the cult of the individual? A look into the replication and characteristics of individualism.

Explaining morality through experience; taking the amoral position and rejecting objective moral truths.

Discusses taking a skeptical approach to life, and the benefit and (need) for the justification of beliefs to proportion to empirical evidence as our only defense against a complicated world of varyin...

Some friendly, helpful advice to the American people who stand for anti-imperialism.

Article examines the circular problem for Kant - involving moral experience, freedom of the will, and autonomy. Assesses the success of his solution and other problems that might arise.

Introduces some of the basic ethical concerns surrounding reproductive cloning.

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 mora...

This article (the fifth installment into my general inquiry into morality) tries to defend the account of morality as argued by David Hume and addresses the problems raised by contemporary moral ratio...

Demonstration of how duty, as necessitated through reason by the Categorical Imperative, makes any maxim justifying lying an impermissible (and irrational) one.

Is it possible to be free, when in fact human beings are phenomena subject to the same natural laws of the physical world as anything else? An introduction to this important question.

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.

Tips and pointers to strengthen your writing of philosophical arguments or arguments in general.

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."

Our ability to reason - what is it? What does it do for us?

An analysis and argument for the skeptical response to the question, "Can you know God?"

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

Examines the legal ramifications of two very important cases in the development of racial attitudes and legal precedents in the United States judicial system.

Review of the controversial book Blowing Up Russia by Aleksandr Litvinenko and Yuri Felshtinsky.

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 al...

My personal reflections of the USSR, both from experience living in the late German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and growing up in the United States.

Metaphysics is an intriguing branch of philosophy that can be extraordinarily difficult to grasp. I've put together a comprehensive list of books in order to give even the most amateur philosopher a s...

Is committing certain acts of violence justifiable if the ends are worthwhile and noble? This article begs the question and poses a possible answer.

A look into Hobbes' philosophy and view of human nature, as well as his ideas outlined in his book Leviathan, and an overall introduction to contractarianism.

Offers a series of philosophical considerations in the realm of politics, including the nature of government and to what end such an entity should exist within society.

Looks at some of the key political, social, economic, scientific events of the 1940's.

Analysis and study of fascist ideology, what it is, and whether or not there is any fascistic trend in mainstream America.

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.

Examines the ethical considerations of euthanasia, whether active or passive is irrelevent to the ethical conclusions, as they are both

Takes a look into the socialization process undertaken in society, and its essential use. Also examines the acceptance of political norms in society; also includes observations from the works of Freed...

In regards to esthetic judgments, the question typically boils down to one of a methodological nature.

This essay attempts to analyze and dissect the rapid transition and reverse of the vast reforms put in place in post-war Japan and how they situated themselves in Japanese society.

Compares the transitioning attitudes of the Japanese people in regards to the relationship between the state and relgion, and historical implications of the Yasukuni Shrine.

There were many considerations undertaken by the Japanese High Command at the end of the war, this essay examines the reasons and these considerations in regards to the delay of the inevitable surrend...

Analysis of the problem of sex offenders in the local community (Binghamton, NY), the current state/local legislation, and proposed solutions to this societal ill.

Takes a look into the psychological implications of authority figures and their power over the individual and society. Uses the Stanley Milgram experiment as a guideline while contemplating typologica...

Discusses the "paternalism" of physicians revealing crucial genetic information to patients regarding abnormalities or undesired traits. Uses utilitarian ethics to argue why physicians have an obligat...

Outlines a new problem in labor relations that has places unnecessary burdens on the working class.

Analysis of the left-wing tradition in America in modern times, and the current condition of any real movement for progress.

Takes a look at the open nature of the United States media and the role in which it plays it contemporary politics.

A brief and interesting look into the history of one of the most common house-hold items today; the aluminum can. From its conception to its modern uses, this piece illustrates the important role alum...

Attempts to take an ethical stance on whether "terrorism" can be justified, and what are the concluding ethical principles in differentiating terrorism from fighting a just political cause...

Historical/political biography of one of the founding fathers of the Black Panther movement. Includes the development and history of one of America's most profound revolutionaries and inspirational Bl...

Defining marriage in the contemporary material sense, while addressing the ideal elements of marriage, concluding in a social, legal, and philosophical definition of the institution of marriage.

Does the realm of the ideal have any place in socialist thought? This article looks to examine this question and reconsider the possible accommodations for both the material and the ideal.

Historical review of Abraham Lincoln, attempts to disseminate fact from fiction and convey a true image to Abraham Lincoln.

Describes the classical formula for constructing a speech, including choosing a topic, structure, rhetoric, etc.

In-depth philosophical look into the ethical problems, consequences, and conditions represented by prostitution.

Uses ethical philosophies to construct a code of conditions for which human involvement in medical research should be applied.

Takes a contemporary look at Japanese dipomacy and foreign relations during the Meiji era. A detailed look into the goals and assumptions of Japanese diplomats; recurring themes, and how the general p...

Detailed look into the educational process of the Emperor Hirohito and the curriculum destined to make him an active political figure in contemporary Japanese times.

This paper takes a look at who forest fires effect, what the effects are, and if forest fires should indeed be prevented. . It looks at both the natural and prescribed results of fires, and what impac...

What is the overlying factor that contradicts political attitudes and political behaviors? Mere economics!

The sensitive nature of war makes it a difficult issue to assess with ethical value. An argument is posed justifying war only in the most extreme measures, as justified through act utilitarianism.

A look at the controversial issue of capital punishment. Includes an argument for the death penalty, using rule utilitarian principles.

Reviews statistics and controversial nature of abortion, while attempting to make an ethical argument via utilitarian ethical principles.

This paper takes a look at Bipolar disorder to assess what it is, how it affects the human brain and behavioral systems, who it affects, what causes it, and how to treat it.

The purpose of this paper is to outline the history/background, ecological and geological features of the park, and why it should be deemed a National Park by the NPS.

In depth look at some of the immediate policy implications initiated by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik party upon the Revolution of 1917.

Insight and critical analysis on the question of applied governance in a socialist state; specifically referring to the works outline by Lenin, Marx, and Engels. Offers a contemporary Marxist-Leninist...

Analyzes and compares the varying arguments as to possible solutions for the health care crisis in the United States. Uses various sources of high credibility, while also offering personal opinions an...

Takes a physiological, biological, and psychological approach to dreams, answering the questions, "where do dreams come from?" and "what do they mean?"

Brief yet concise look at Plato's "Allegory of the Cave." Includes both a summary and analysis with solid understanding and interpretation of the most recent translations of the classic Platonic work.

Compares the ideology and historical context of each document and it's premier role in shaping the outcome of the United States as a governing body and society from a contemporary outlook; and its app...

Analyzes the role of written law and its place amongst patriarchal society.