The Daode Jing: Manual for Cosmic Living

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «The Daode Jing is a manual, attributed to Laozi, suggesting that non-action (wu-wei) is a way by which one may exist in accord with the cosmic principle of Dao and thus ensure a virtuous self and society. By cultivating the individual body, the...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The principle of non action . Daode Jing as a socio political text. The progression from cultivated self to cultivated society . Practicing self improvement without the intention of working towards a sagely kingdom....»

Ideology and War: Pacifism and Eschatological Militarism in Foreign Policy

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   Presentation   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   9 pages
Document abstract : «War is a situation that embodies the principle of duality: one side is pitted against another in an "an act of violence intended to compel an opponent to fulfill our will ." That will, whatever it may be, "has its root in a political object " that...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Militarism: The drive towards war between two groups. Pacifism and eschatological militarism . The history of pacifism . Examining an ideology in general. Considering pacifisms in terms of a foreign policy . The perspective of the just...»

Personal and Societal Alchemy in Early Daoist Scriptures

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   5 pages
Document abstract : «The principle of interconnectedness pervades the worldviews of the Daoist and Buddhist religions originating from India and China. It is fitting that the traditions themselves are historically and textually interconnected in a way that finds...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Stephen Bokenkamp and the Celestial Masters of the Song dynasty . The Upper Scripture of Purple Texts' treatment of salvation. The Sage Lord of the Purple Texts as an example of the perfected man . The Sage Lord's role in the Purple...»

A Discussion of Panpsychism: The Metaphysics of Consciousness

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «Panpsychism describes a world in which "everything has a mind (Chalmers 298)," and everything- animal, botanical, even mineral- is conscious. In order to determine whether or not all things are indeed conscious, two problems must be addressed. A...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Intrinsic properties of the components . David Chalmers' discussion on panpsychism . The distinction between cognition and consciousness . The citta matra (mind only) tradition of Buddhism . Conclusion. Works cited....»

Sufi Love: Submission to the Beautiful

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   2 pages
Document abstract : «The practical and esoteric dimensions of Islam intertwine in the Sufi tradition to forge a non-dual relationship between the worshipper and God. Sufis augment their adherence to the Q'uranic doctrine of submission to God (Islam) with a passionate...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The annihilation of ego . Distinguishing between dualistic misperception and unitized understanding of God. The Sufi metaphor for God . The Sufi poet Jami and God's mystery . Conclusion....»

Embodying Emptiness: (Anti-) Aesthetics of the Prajnaparamita-Hrdaya Sutra

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   6 pages
Document abstract : «The Prajna-paramita Hrdaya Sutra, the 'heart' of the Mahayana tradition, represents the Buddhist anti-aesthetic of complete enlightenment in which the perception of any dualistic reality is a view of the deluded mind. The Heart Sutra is...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Upaya of the Bodhisattva . Chant as Mahayana Praxis. The Heart Sutra . The Mahayana chants of Chinese Buddhism. Mimesis of emptiness in the Heart Sutra. The Heart Sutra as a story. The Heart Sutra's expression of emptiness to specific...»

Religion as Means for Social Mechanization in Dystopia

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   4 pages
Document abstract : «Dystopian literature describes societies in which Government seizes total control over its citizens by eliminating their sense of individual self, and in turn, efficiently regulating their personal desires. Only with deviant selfishness can a member...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The dystopian novel WE . The yoke of unfreedom. The character of the Buddha . Insignificant actions and sanctified rituals . The mending apparatus . Conclusion....»

Arguing Their Way to Salvation: Eschatology in Jewish-Christian Polemics of the Middle Ages

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   4 pages
Document abstract : «This essay will investigate how issues of Jewish messianism and eschatology were used as polemical devices in medieval disputations between Jews and their Christian interlocutors. Eschatology, the system of religious beliefs about the end of time,...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The use of eschatology in Jewish-Christian medieval discourse . The Vikuah of Nahmanides. The mythology of redemption and the medieval Jew. The psychology of eschatology . The 'Thirteen Principles of the Jewish Faith'. The Rabbi's...»

Utopian Thought: Political Perfection Built Upon Human Imperfection

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/02/2007   |   .doc   |   4 pages
Document abstract : «Utopian fiction, a genre originated by Sir Thomas More in 1516, attempts to expound political theory under the guise of fiction. The narration of these works is essential to the communication of political ideas, as the integrity of the political...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The character of Hythlodae. Lazy and unproductive. Hythlodae as a well dressed gentleman. The moment Pines realizes his position . The political significance of Neville's Isle of Pines. William's father's reaction to his un Christian...»

The Relationship of Being and Perception in Enlightenment Philosophy

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   Term papers   |   10/03/2007   |   .doc   |   5 pages
Document abstract : «The philosophical efforts of the Enlightenment thinkers were based on the relationship between metaphysics and epistemology. Descartes, Leibniz and Berkeley progress in their understandings of being by refining the means by which they are able to...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Berkeley's metaphysical idealism . Descartes' establishment of the essence of material things . The philosophical adventures of Descartes and Berkeley . Berkeley's empiricist epistemology . Berkeley's criticism of rationalism's...»

The Form and Function of Sufi Mystical Visions

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   Term papers   |   10/03/2007   |   .doc   |   5 pages
Document abstract : «Experience of direct union with God is most often reported to be of an ineffable nature that transcends any means of description. Mystical visions, however, afford the subject of such experiences the ability to interpret, through the hermeneutics of...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The Sufi path . Constituting the unitized experience. The universe of instruments . A veritable manifestation/theophany . The field of dream interpretation . The solitary retreat . The guidelines determined by al Sha'rani regarding his...»

KEEPING THE FAITH

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   4 pages
Document abstract : «Organized religion epitomizes man's need to give order and meaning to his life. Philosophy represents his effort to rationalize the principles of his faith and conduct. Acceptance of God or an all-powerful supreme being who governs the universe...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Emotions that defy the doctrines . Feeling superior to others. Arkady's fascination with nihilism. Nikolai realization that his son's arrogance will widen the generation gap. Bazarov's unyielding passion for nihilism . Con...»

Reality Blights

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   2 pages
Document abstract : «No matter how hard a person tries, he cannot escape a world exploding with discrimination, violence, and blind hatred. The smell of death permeates the streets as wars rage and the taste of man's inhumanity lingers in the air. An idealistic...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Man's capacity for evil. Leper's passive nature. Gene's last attempt to exorcise Finny's demons. Conclusion....»

The Cunning Edge

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «Each individual develops his own vision of the universe. A naïve person looks up to the sky to see the moon and strains to glimpse a shooting star, or perhaps, a distant planet. Euphoric about what appears in the distance, he becomes oblivious to...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. A person who misjudges his audience's thinking patterns. Marc Anthony's understanding the Romans'. An innocent person who lacks the capability to understand exactly what he must do to achieve his goal. Conclusion....»

"What's Love Got to Do with It"

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   4 pages
Document abstract : «The Beatles echo popular sentiment with their hit tune from the 60's, "Can't buy me love." The lyrics profess that love holds more value than money or materialistic cravings. Certainly, a romantic relationship can yield substantial benefits to both...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The ulterior motives in Pride and Prejudice. Miss Bingley and the convenience of circumstance . Charlotte's discarding of love as an unnecessary aspect of a relationship. The potential for a social gain. Compromising in order to look...»

Manipulating God

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   4 pages
Document abstract : «William Faulkner's novel, As I Lay Dying portrays confused characters who attempt to assuage their instabilities by deferring to a higher force. Typically, people look to religion to reconcile haunting ambiguities and fill the voids in their lives....»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The element of mystery surrounding God . Substituting a brother for a supernatural entity. Anse's expectation of a guaranteed gratifying afterlife . Jewel's spiritual beliefs . Conclusion....»

Hamlet

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   2 pages
Document abstract : «In William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Hamlet meets his demise with acceptance as he has reached a matured, highly introspective level of self-awareness. His state of satisfaction derives from a rigorous course of transformation. Throughout the play, he...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Hamlet's establishment of his religious beliefs . Hamlet's recognition of the innate, limitless capacity for knowledge. Conclusion: Hamlet's gradual metamorphosis ....»

"Physiognomy in The Jungle, The Rise of Silas Lapham, The Marrow of Tradition and The Portrait of a Lady"

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «A red colored complexion signifies a fiery temperament. A yellow or green hue of the skin may hint at sickness. A square jaw means the epitome of masculinity. Authors such as Upton Sinclair, Henry James, Charles W. Chesnutt and William Dean Howells...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The ideal of the couple Jurgis and Ona in Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. Continuing in the vein of 'stereotypes' . Captain Mc Bane in The Marrow of Tradition . Conclusion....»

Irrational Underground Man

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   4 pages
Document abstract : «"I am a sick man" are the opening words to Fyodor Dostoevsky's novella Notes from Underground. For the narrator, the Underground Man is both figuratively and literally sick - his liver hurts but he will not receive treatment from doctors. Indeed,...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The numerous ways of interpreting Notes from Underground. The Oxford English Dictionary's definition of arbitrary. The Underground Man choosing against his best interest. The Underground Man's allusion to Napoleon . Determinism and...»

"Guilty Bloom: Hallucination Technique Reveals Leopold Bloom's Unconscious in Ulysses"

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/05/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «A hallucination typically connotes a bad meaning for the character who admits to having one; either the person is mentally unstable or he experiences a hallucination from the consumption of illicit drugs. However, in James Joyce's novel Ulysses...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Bloom hallucination about Mary Driscoll, Mrs. Yelverton Barry and Mrs. Bellingham. The hallucination about the whore mistress Bella Cohen transforming into a man. Joyce's schematic for the novel. The hallucination technique in the...»

Gandhi's Experiments with Truth

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/08/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «The concept of truth is the central aspect of religion. What is truth? How is it attained? These questions have been the focal points of theological discussion throughout history. Gandhi suggested that truth can be found in his concepts of...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Understanding Gandhi himself. The Hindu goal of losing attachment to worldly desires. His disdain for the practice of the caste system and untouchability. The appeal of The New Testament for Gandhi. Conclusion....»

The Ethics of Cheating: A Look into the Decision of Harry Potter

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/08/2007   |   .doc   |   2 pages
Document abstract : «In an attempt to test the Aristotelian method discussed in Nicomachean Ethics, I have chosen to discuss the dilemma of cheating. I have chosen this topic in an attempt to be as impartial as possible while discussing at and I have a thorough...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Establishing if Harry is making this decisions voluntarily or not. The conflicts of virtues that arise from the choice with which Harry must deal. Conclusion....»

Gentiles and Gnomes: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien and the Apostle Paul

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/08/2007   |   .doc   |   2 pages
Document abstract : «The letters of Paul are the first written communication following the crucifixion of Christ. Paul's letters at first appear to be more written commands rather than correspondences. The letters of Paul are usually interpreted as laws given by Paul to...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Tolkien's letters and the philosophy behind the books. Paul's failure in trying to convey a personal relationship. Conclusion....»

Religious Skepticism: "Oedipus Tyrannus"

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/08/2007   |   .doc   |   2 pages
Document abstract : «The ancient heroes and rulers all had many great qualities that allowed them to rise to such as level, but all were aware that the gods could take it all away in an instant. Therefore, these great men prayed and sacrificed to the divinities and...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Establishing Oedipus' superiority . Oedipus's first outburst . His attempt to place the blame on everyone but himself. Conclusion....»

On the Education of Edgar

Philosophy & literature   |   Humanities/philosophy   |   School essay   |   10/08/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «"For doubting pleases me no less than knowing." This quote by Dante which Montaigne uses in his essays strikes at the heart of his ideas about education. He believes that the ancient ways of Aristotle, where one learns through the text of learned...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. The beginning of the play . Edgar's realization that he is being hunted. The education of Edgar and the final scene. Conclusion....»

The True Horrors "The Prophetic Voice"

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/08/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «When Steven King releases a new novel it is bound to be one of the scariest works of literature around. King's books, filled with images of deformed dolls and haunted houses, strike fear in the hearts of his readers. King's writing appeals to our...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Kurtz's proclaimation: 'The horror, the horror!' . Can science ultimately triumph over nature?. Shelly's Frankenstein. Conclusion....»

Don Quixote: Chivalry Then and Now

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/08/2007   |   .doc   |   2 pages
Document abstract : «"A manifestation of any of these qualities: bravery, courtesy, honor." This is the definition of the world chivalry as found in the dictionary. Though it was first coined during the Medieval Age, the idea still hold true today. One of the greatest...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Don Quixote: A man of considerable wealth. Highlighting key point in the novel through two adventures. Simple courtesy in todays world. Conclusion....»

"The Advantages of the Setting of the Country-House in Detective-Stories"

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/09/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «The author of either a novel or a short story has one main purpose: to dazzle the reader. However, dazzling the reader is a difficult process because we don't all have the same attention spans, or have the same interests, or even enjoy the same...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Isolation as one of the advantages a detective story writer gains. Loyalty and faithfulness to the household . Lucid descriptions and Sir Henry Baskerville's death. Conclusion. Bibliography....»

"Richard Cory's Lost Suicide Letter"

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   School essay   |   10/09/2007   |   .doc   |   2 pages
Document abstract : «Paul Laurence Dunbar and Edwin Arlington Robinson created "We Wear the Mask" and "Richard Cory" during the literary renaissance after World War I. Society was targeted and critiqued by authors who wanted to describe the "spiritual problems and...»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Subtle and personal alienation . The different texts about alienation . The subtle emotional estrangement . Conclusion....»

"Gender Bending Androgynous Sexuality in Baz Luhrmann's William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet"

Philosophy & literature   |   Literature   |   Presentation   |   10/09/2007   |   .doc   |   3 pages
Document abstract : «Gender and sexuality are very difficult concepts to define in our post-modern age. To begin with, the term is outdated to fit the social norms of today: attraction lies anywhere and is not confined to 'heterosexual love' between a man and a woman....»

Synopsis abstract : «Introduction. Examining the heterosexual aspects of Luhrmann's film. Juliet and feminine chastity. Leonardo DiCaprio's depiction of Romeo as a 'universal attraction'. The Capulet party. Conclusion. Cited sources....»

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