...From book one of the Republic of Plato we find various renditions of what specifically justice is. Socrates begins the conversation of justice with an elder statesman by the name of Cephalus and furthers the discussion with the son of Cephalus, Polemarchus. Socrates is seemingly “toying” with or having fun at the disposal of Polemarchus by challenging his argument and every point and he identifies various inconsistencies in the stories of both men regarding justice. By now the story turns to Thrasymachus which is where this paper begins. I will attempt to dissect Thrasymachus’ s argument and demonstrate where Socrates finds his argument lacking. During the course of book we hear various meanings from various characters regarding the true meaning of justice; Thrasymachus seems to take the view of a pessimist regarding the topic. Both Cephalus and Polemarchus are rather defeated in their arguments with Socrates and are unable to adequately provide Socrates with a satisfactory answer regarding what justice is. Thrasymachus enters the conversation and is seemingly annoyed or upset about the discourse between Socrates and Polemarchus. Moreover, Thrasymachus reverses the question to Socrates by demanding to know what his version of justice is. Thrasymachus seems to be frustrated with the audacity of Socrates of questioning everyone without providing and real answers himself. Thrasymachus then asserts his view of justice and in so doing, questions...
Words: 1505 - Pages: 7
...Texts and Ideas: Antiquity and Enlightenment Dr. Jeffrey Rubenstein Paper #1 Outline and Rough draft due in recitation sections on October 2-3 and will be returned Oct 8-10. Final Papers due October 15. No late submissions will be accepted without prior approval. Papers should be emailed to NYU classes AND a hardcopy turned in. Directions: * Select one out of the following three questions. Write an essay of approximately and no more than 1200 –1500 words. (Use the “word count” function in your word processor). * Quoting: you should quote from the text. Make sure that the quotes do not take up too large a part of your paper and only supplement (rather than substitute) your own words. Whenever you quote, you MUST provide a citation in parentheses. Here are some examples: (Symposium, 175E), (Exodus 22:1). Quotes should not stand on their own. They should be attached to some part of a non-quoted sentence (it can be as short as: For example, “……..” or Sophocles states, “…………”). * How to begin your paper: Jump straight to answering the question. Do not summarize the text, but rather write with a reader who is familiar with the text in mind. Also avoid general sayings such as “In human history, women have always been subordinated” or “Leaders tend to be very interesting figures.” One way to start your paper is with a question you will be answering. But don’t use the same wording – try to rephrase it, paraphrase it, or break it up. * Make sure you have a thesis...
Words: 1575 - Pages: 7
...Research Paper on a Philosopher Plato Valerie Jenter Centenary College April 24, 2012 Abstract Many Philosophers made a difference in society but Plato is perhaps recognized as the most famous. His writings have had a profound effect on people, politics, and the philosophy throughout the centuries. He was a public figure and he made major contributions to society. Plato helped to lay the philosophical foundations of modern culture through his ideas and writings. One of the most philosophical thinkers of Western civilization, Plato is the only author from ancient Greek times whose writings survive intact. His collection consists of thirty-five dialogues and thirteen letters, though the authorship of some is contested. Plato was born in Athens, into a prosperous aristocratic family. His Father’s name was Ariston and his Mother’s name was Perictione. His relative named Glaucon was one of the best-known members of the Athenian nobility. Plato's name was Aristocles, his nickname Plato originates from wrestling circles, Plato means broad, and it probably refers either to his physical appearance or his wrestling style. “Plato is, by any reckoning, one of the most dazzling writers in the Western literary tradition and one of the most penetrating, wide-ranging, and influential authors in the history of philosophy,” (Kraut, 2009). Plato was born during the Golden Age of Athens’s...
Words: 1881 - Pages: 8
...Responsibility of Wal-Mart’s Response to Sex Discrimination and Pay Lawsuits Nova Southeastern University MGT5015_Legal, Ethical, Social Value Business September 9, 2012 We certify that we are the author of this paper and that any assistance received in its preparation is fully acknowledged and disclosed in the paper. We have also cited any sources from which were used data, ideas of words, whether quoted or paraphrased. I also certify that this paper was prepared by us specifically for this course. Table of Contents Abstract (Natalie Rondon) 3 Introduction ( Natalie Rondon) 4 Legal Section (Franciso Amado) 5 Ethic Section Utilitarian Ethical Analysis (Kyle Lozito) 8 Kantian Ethical Analysis (Christian Varillas) 14 Additional Ethical Analysis (Natalie Rondon). 18 Social Responsibility Section (Shirley Simmonds). 20 Conclusion (Natalie Rondon). 25 References. 26 Abstract This is a library research paper on the integrating values of Wal-Marts to sex discrimination and pay lawsuits that Wal-Mart has encountered over the years. The paper will discuss the legality of the situation and how Wal-Mart might be able to fix the issues that they are having. The paper will also discuss Utilitarian ethical analysis, Kantian ethical analysis and Socrates and the Socratic method. It will go into detail if Wal-Mart as a company has acted ethical or moral against its employees based on the ethical analysis just listed. Social Responsibility will also be discussed...
Words: 7018 - Pages: 29
...Critical Thinking Application Paper Critical Thinking Application Paper University of Phoenix – Online Daisy Keys August 2, 2010 Instructor: Courtney Wilson Critical thinking is an important form of thinking in problem-solving and decision-making. An individual’s thought process has to be broken down from the natural thinking to begin thinking critically to determine the best non-bias solution within a situation or conflict. However, when thinking critically, one thinks about thinking while controlling emotions. In critical thinking we are looking for a reasonable and logical truth base solution toward any decision affecting us and the people around us. Critical thinking and decision-making is a process to discover the truth, and an important aspect of thinking is the process that relies on the ability to structure and coordinate ideas to make sense. However, teaching the mind to use the critical thinking process helps to understand information better. In this paper I will explain the nature of critical thinking, the irrational disposition, the role of emotions in critical thinking, and the benefits of critical thinking. The Nature of Critical Thinking The intellectual root of critical thinking is as ancient as its etymology, ultimately, traceable, to the vision and teaching practice of Socrates some 2,500 years ago who discovered by a method of exploring questions that people could not rationally justify sure claims to knowledge...
Words: 1192 - Pages: 5
...have their own way of narratives, symbols, traditions, sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to explain the origin of life or the universe. Religion is a faith or belief and it there is a tendency that certain idea of morality, ethics, and sacredness is followed. But what stirs my mind is the idea of not believing in a God? These set of non-believers of God have been termed as Atheist. Atheism is characterized by an absence of belief in the existence of gods. This absence of belief generally comes about either through deliberate choice, or from an inherent inability to believe religious teachings which seem literally incredible. It is not a lack of belief born out of simple ignorance of religious teachings. Some atheists go beyond a mere absence of belief in gods: they actively believe that particular gods, or all gods, do not exist. Just lacking belief in Gods is often referred to as the "weak atheist" position; whereas believing that Gods do not (or cannot) exist is known as "strong atheism." It a grand debate no doubt and forces me to think if atheism is the new religion? From the primitive times, people have had speculations on unusual natural phenomena or the supernatural or as a belief system that places man in relation to spiritual beings or divinity. No study of religion is complete without reading The Elementary Forms of Religious Life by the famous French sociologist Emile Durkheim where he has extensively presented a theory of religion, comparing...
Words: 601 - Pages: 3
...In my research paper, I am going to use Descartes’ Discourse on Method and Plato’s “Phaedo” from the Five Dialogues to support my argument. I’m going to argue that while Descartes uses a geometric method to obtain knowledge and Plato’s method tended to be more spiritual, underneath these differences the two methods are similar in some interesting way. Descartes claims that the true method to obtain knowledge is to turn within to study the self. He uses reasoning, logic, and the scientific method to prove a clear reason for his beliefs and tries not to leave anything to doubt. An example of when Descartes uses the geometric method is when he uses doubt to prove that something is certain. His method instructs to take our beliefs and subject them...
Words: 362 - Pages: 2
...History and Systems of Psychology History and Systems of Psychology The beginnings of Psychology seem to be up for debate. This is because it started off as as a totally different discipline. Philosophy is the true origin of Pyschology. In this paper these origins will be discussed along with the ideas, and systems that were put into play to allow Psychology to become its very own discipline. Psychology seems to be one of the oldest fields of science, and at the same time one of the youngest. This is because the main study of Psychology which is the mind, can be linked all the way back to Greek Philosophers of the 5th century B.C. People who view Psychology from this view see it as ancient. At the same time with the emergence of modern science, Psychologist began to use these new tools in Physical and Natural Sciences to take a more in depth and practical look at human behavior. People who take the latter into account view it as a very, very modern science. The first to delve into Psychology were the Ancient Greek Philosophers. These philosophers of the Old World stated that everything should be questioned. Socrates believed that the only thing he knows, is that he knows nothing. Being one of the first of the early philosophers to question everything including himself. He also believes what many Psychologist do today, that many people do bad things out of ignorance of knowing the bad that they are doing. Plato believed that humans are a body, which is material and mortal...
Words: 852 - Pages: 4
...Philosophy, ever since its beginning has been used as a tool to answer, and to help better understand complex questions regarding logic, knowledge, truth, and even human existence itself. It can be defined as love of wisdom. Philosophy goes beyond facts, measurements, and scientific findings and it depends on judgment, reflection, and intuition, by this definition we can gather that philosophy is, essentially, the pursuit of knowledge or understanding on a much higher level than usual. In this paper I will present my views on philosophy as a whole by reviewing and evaluating myself as a philosopher during the duration of this course and how I believe this course has affected the way I think, as well as how I benefited from it. This was my first major introduction into the study of philosophy, and I can honestly say that it has had a major impact on my belief system. Many of my views have changed and my overall view on life is much different than it was before I started this class. I come from a culture where I was taught never to ask questions, and to always believe whatever I was told, especially if someone much older said it, but taking this course has expanded my thinking capacity, and just like Descartes, who was a rationalist, someone who believed that true knowledge is produced by logical and critical thinking, I have upgrade my thinking to a whole new level. This course has helped me to view situations in a subjective manner where I don’t have to use data to determine...
Words: 1607 - Pages: 7
...Utilitarianism ENG300 Information Literacy Assessment [Type the author name] This paper will discuss utilitarianism, its origins and how we can apply it to our lives today. I will show what would happen if everyone adopted this code of ethics and reasoning, and why I chose it. Utilitarianism What is Utilitarianism? According to our textbooks, utilitarianism is the ethical system which believes that which is ethical is what will bring the greatest good or happiness to the greatest number of people (Turner, 2006). In a direct quote from the American Heritage Dictionary, utilitarianism is the ethical theory proposed by Jeremy Bentham and James Mill that all action should be directed toward achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language). Though there are many varieties of the view discussed, utilitarianism is generally held to be the view that the morally right action is the action that produces the most good. There are many ways to spell out this general claim. One thing to note is that the theory is a form of consequentialism: the right action is understood entirely in terms of consequences produced. What distinguishes utilitarianism from egoism has to do with the scope of the relevant consequences. On the utilitarian view one ought to maximize the overall good — that is, consider the good of others as well as one's own good (Driver, 2009).A well-known dialogue by Leonard...
Words: 865 - Pages: 4
...Introduction The purpose of this paper is to discuss the topic of euthanasia with the intention of shedding some light on this issue should you ever have to make this choice. There are many reasons for and against euthanasia and this article will explore some of those reasons. Specifically this paper includes a review of the following topics; Background which will include; What is euthanasia and where does it come from, Canadian law in regards to euthanasia, Euthanasia in other countries, What does our society say today? Then I will be looking at the pro euthanasia which will include; Can euthanasia be dignified where I will be looking at the Kantian and the Healthy Soul Theories, and Personnel choice. The last part will be looking at against euthanasia which will include; Who decided when to die which will include the Divine command theory and the Ethical Dilemma and I will end with a Conclusion. Thereafter, an analysis will be completed on the a fore mentioned that will include a discussion analysis of what is taken from within an existing body of research with final recommendations which will be presented based on the research. Background What is Euthanasia and where does it come from? The meaning of the word euthanasia comes from a combination of Greek words eu meaning good and athantos meaning death (Corbett, 2009). Therefore one would say that euthanasia is a good death and by saying this we are then saying “to die with dignity” (Corbett, 2009). Euthanasia...
Words: 3469 - Pages: 14
...THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATION THEORIES: A Critique Paper Since the inception of communication as a discipline of knowledge, scholars have come up with many theories related to its components. In fact, the encyclopaedia of communication theories (Littlejohn, 2009) has identified more than 300 relevant theories, a testament that the field is already making a big wave in the academic arena. It has been a product of many minds converging into one vision – to enrich the communication field. However, it was not an easy road for these intellectual minds as they are confronted with issues that still need to be resolved. In this paper I will try to present first the rich beginning of communication theories and in light with this development context follows my presentation on the varied problems confronted the field of communication theories as well my personal views on the matter. Historical Beginning There are two insights into how communication theory came into being – the religious view and the philosophical aspect. Although most of communication theories book do not include the religious view, I find it necessary to take into account the dogmatic view to present the variations of its origin. The religious view is demonstrated in the Holy Bible especially in Genesis when God communicated with man and man had the ability to communicate with Him and with each other. It is no wonder then that other writers of Bible theorize about communication. Notably, the Old Testament portrays...
Words: 2609 - Pages: 11
... Title: Phaedo The Last Hours Of Socrates Author: Plato Translator: Benjamin Jowett Release Date: October 29, 2008 [EBook #1658] Last Updated: January 15, 2013 Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PHAEDO *** Produced by Sue Asscher, and David Widger PHAEDO By Plato Translated by Benjamin Jowett Contents INTRODUCTION.PHAEDO | INTRODUCTION. After an interval of some months or years, and at Phlius, a town of Peloponnesus, the tale of the last hours of Socrates is narrated to Echecrates and other Phliasians by Phaedo the 'beloved disciple.' The Dialogue necessarily takes the form of a narrative, because Socrates has to be described acting as well as speaking. The minutest particulars of the event are interesting to distant friends, and the narrator has an equal interest in them. During the voyage of the sacred ship to and from Delos, which has occupied thirty days, the execution of Socrates has been deferred. (Compare Xen. Mem.) The time has been passed by him in...
Words: 46205 - Pages: 185
...mTELECOURSE STUDY GUIDE FOR The Examined Life FOURTH EDITION author J. P. White Chair, Department of Philosophy Santa Barbara City College contributing author Manuel Velasquez Professor of Philosophy Santa Clara University This Telecourse Study Guide for The Examined Life is part of a collegelevel introduction to philosophy telecourse developed in conjunction with the video series The Examined Life, and the text Philosophy: A Text with Readings, tenth edition, by Manuel Velasquez, The Charles Dirksen Professor, Santa Clara University. The television series The Examined Life was designed and produced by INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications, Netherlands Educational Broadcasting Corporation (TELEAC/NOT), and Swedish Educational Broadcasting Company (UR) Copyright © 2007, 2005, 2002, 1999 by INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications, 150 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 300, Pasadena, California 91105-1937. ISBN: 0-495-10302-0 Contents Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Lesson One — What is Philosophy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
Words: 78103 - Pages: 313
...Wisdom Research Paper Wisdom can greatly benefit us in all aspects of life, especially in our personal or professional lives. For example, if you are at work and one of your co-workers suggests that you pull a prank on your boss to be facetious, you could be wise and decide against doing something which could very well cost you your job. Secondly, if you turn eighteen and decide that one day you want to try smoking just because you are old enough and it is legal, you could decide not to do it after learning of all of the thousands of numerous chemicals and poisons contained within cigarettes. People have been attempting to ascertain the definition of wisdom for countless centuries. According to philosopher Aristotle, "All men by nature desire knowledge". Tim. “Aristotle Quotes.” Philosophy & Philosophers, 25 Apr. 2012, www.the-philosophy.com/aristotle-quotes. This is perfectly reasonable. As human beings, we have always been inquisitive. We have always questioned everything, from the existence of God and how the universe came into being, how the universe...
Words: 616 - Pages: 3
