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Philosophy of Education, 2008.
A discussion on progressivism, social reconstructionism and existentialism versus essentialism and perennialism.
1,546 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
The paper presents a discusson on progressivism, social reconstructionism and existentialism (student-centered philosophies) versus essentialism and perennialism (teacher-centered philosophies) and states that teacher-centered philosophies do not benefit students as much as student-centered philosophies, which put the students needs first. The paper contends that teacher-centered philosophies are outdated and of little use in today's modern world. The paper concludes that schools need to realize that teacher-centered philosophies that are authoritarian and conservative do not benefit students as well as student-centered philosophies that focus on the individual needs of the students.
Outline:
Philosophy of Education
Teacher-centered philosophies
Essentialism
Perennialism
Student-centered Philosophies
Progressivism, Social Reconstructive Existentialism
The Failings of Essentialism and Perennialism
High Standards and Standardized Testing
Core Beliefs of Teacher-centered Philosophies
The Benefits of Student-centered Philosophies
Benefits of Progressivism
Benefits of Social Reconstructionism
Benefits of Existentialism
From the Paper
"These philosophies teach at the student rather than inclusively to the student thereby forcing the student to rely mainly on rote behaviors that have been proven mediocre at best for true learning and integrating information in a useful and meaningful way. "There are, of course, those kids, who can slide away from the hassles of daily life and can "mentally process" the rote material forced on them, thus achieving "high marks." Those are not the average kids. They are the minority." (Kemper, 2007, pg.2) It is true that essentialist adhere to high academic standards. How do they achieve these goals? Standardized testing is a component of this philosophy and we have all witnessed its failings in the American educational system today"
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American Dream, 2008.
A review about the "American Dream", a dream about financial freedom and independence.
1,484 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the "American Dream", the opportunity to achieve greater material prosperity than was possible in ones country of origin.
The paper discusses the fact that the notion of the 'American Dream' is now changing and explains why. The paper continues and relates that the new economy is changing the American dream. Money is still central to the American dream but independence and freedom are equally as important. The American dream is available to all: It is a model for an ideal society. The paper concludes that to preserve that ideal, America needs to promote social justice, income equity, and an economy based on creativity and innovation.
From the Paper
"Another problem with the state of the American Dream is that it has changed into the American Entitlement. A sense of entitlement undermines the American Dream because it reduces the importance of a solid work ethic. A solid work ethic can help stimulate creativity. Work ethic does not entail laboring for long hours in deplorable working conditions. A healthy work ethic means that Americans work hard because they love what they do and take pride in it. Warshauer shows how the "get rich quick" ideal has permeated American society, replacing what was once a healthy work ethic with an unhealthy arrogance. Liu also refers to what he has perceived to be a "culture of entitlement" in which individuals feel they deserve to be rich without having to work. The American Dream was never about winning the lottery."
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Ethics of Animal Exploitation, 2008.
This paper discusses Peter Singer's philosophy on the ethics of animal welfare.
2,023 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Peter Singer's beliefs that while we may exploit animals for food or clothing, we need to be certain that we take the interests of the animals into consideration. The paper paints a picture of the often cruel treatment of animals by humans where there is no ethical consideration of the animal's interests whatsoever. The paper stresses that while the idea of producing mass quantities of low-cost food is not in itself evil, innocent animals deserve ethically defensible treatment.
From the Paper
"Peter Singer is acknowledged as the father of the animal rights movement. His book Practical Ethics (1979) actually does not argue for animal rights, but rather for animal welfare. Singer's philosophy is utilitarian. His utilitarian approach is to judge right and wrong behavior on the basis of the behavior's consequences. The right act is the one that maximizes positive or beneficial consequences for all parties involved. The good or bad effects an action produces provide the basis for judgment of the action itself. The consequences of the individual specific act are what matter--and not what would happen if everybody acted the same way. This view is called act-utilitarianism."
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Ethical Treatment of Animals, 2008.
A strong argument against the practice of animal testing.
1,649 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that animal testing cannot provide firm evidence that a new product is safe because of the differences between humans' and animals' body structures. The paper reveals that products which do not produce any problem in animals can cause side effects in humans. The paper contends that the testing methods used are immoral and violate an animal's rights and asserts that only alternative testing methods should be used.
From the Paper
"Most animals living with their owners will be able to spend their lives happily because they will always get love from their owners. Meanwhile, there are many other animals living in terrifying circumstances inside a laboratory. They are living in a small cage and they can only expect to be used as a test subject for new substances in the future. Experimentation on live animals began as early as the 17th century and the practice of testing cosmetics on animals began in 1933 ("History of Animal Testing"). Today, there are many varieties of animals used for experiments, and the number is enormous."
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Nichiren Buddhism, 2008.
An outline of Buddhism as adapted to the American culture with specific reference to the sect known as Nichiren Buddhism.
1,098 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the American version of Nichiren Buddhism which continues to evolve and to adapt to the American context. The paper states that the success of Buddhism worldwide is attributed to its ability to adapt to different cultures and different requirements without losing its central moral system. The goal remains enlightenment, though how this is defined may differ, and how it is achieved is a matter for argument. The paper concludes that the movement survives in spite of the division into two different organizations and in spite of battles between the priesthood and the laity, and in some parts of the country the movement not only survives but thrives.
From the Paper
"Ordination in the Buddhist context means initiation into the Buddhist Order, or Sangha, which occurs in the presence of witnesses, or members of the Sangha. There are two kinds of Buddhist Order. The first is the lower, or pabbajj, by which a man becomes a smanera or novice; the second is the higher, or upasampad, by which a novice becomes a monk, or bhikku. The ceremony by which the novice becomes a monk varies from country to country and may vary according to whether the novice had the intention of remaining in Order for several months or years or for a few days only, as for the three to seven day period on the occasion of a relative's cremation. The ceremony for the admission of a novice who intends to become a monk is formal. The candidate is brought before a chapter of at least ten monks, headed by an abbot of senior monk of at least ten years standing. The candidate takes part in the set form for ordaining novices and monks. The ceremony is held in the sanctuary (vihra). The candidate kneels, asks for admission as a novice, and hands two yellow robes to the abbot. "
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Student Centered Teaching, 2008.
A research paper supporting the hypothesis that student centered philosophies benefit the student more than teacher centered philosophies.
6,269 words (approx. 25.1 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 146.95
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Abstract
The paper states that the face of the American educational system has been changing dramatically over the past several decades. Since the inception of standardized education in the US, the fabric of society itself has undergone dramatic changes. The paper continues by detailing that the educational system continues to promote the paradigms that prevailed since the system's very beginning. The paper reports that it can be argued that the system is in need of some dramatic changes if we are to compete in a world where globalization means coping with increasing competition. The paper explores teacher centered and student centered philosophies and expresses the opinion that that student centered philosophies benefit the student more than teacher centered philosophies.
Outline:
introduction
Teaching Philosophies and the Changing Society
Special Education and Diversity
The Role of Student Centered Education
Conclusion
From the Paper
"There are also those that feel standardized testing leads to higher drop out rates among minorities due to social and cultural inequalities in the tests . They also feel that standardized tests lead to higher levels of cheating and a narrower curriculum than student centered philosophies . Standardized test create pressure as students and teachers allow the tests to become the primary force in their lives and the curriculum. Students depend on the tests to graduate and the pressure to pass can be devastating. Standardized testing narrows the curriculum as it becomes necessary to focus on the achievement of high scores on the exams. This can result in a reduction in learning in all areas of the curriculum. Essentialism provides few opportunities to adjust the curriculum or to adjust the methods of teaching to the needs of the child. Essentialism is based on unchangeable methods and rigid formats. Essentialism can be called antiquated in the age of the computer. This is because essentialism begins with the learning of facts. However, with the ease of data transfer now available, it is no longer necessary to carry all of the information in one's head. The emphasis has transformed from learning facts to knowing how to use the information that is at one's fingertips."
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Moral Theology, 2008.
This paper explores a definition for the nature of good virtue.
1,128 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the ideas of three contemporary theorists, Carol Gilligan, James Fowler and James T. Brotzke regarding the meaning of virtue. The paper shows how each of these three theorists bring a unique and often conflicting perspective onto what it means to be moral and thus have good virtues. The paper concludes that there is no answer to the question of what is good virtue since too many independent and personal factors go into determining what one person considers to be virtuous.
From the Paper
"The fundamental moral question of human existence is what is the nature of good virtues? Although virtues by its very nature means good, or the opposite of vice, this does not make the answer to the question any simpler. Every individual has a different idea of what virtues are, meaning that to one person a virtue may be a virtue but to another the virtue is perceived as a vice. The result is that there is no definition as to what is virtuous, therefore leading to the ongoing question of "what is the nature of good virtue?""
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Aristotle and Plato: A Comparison, 2008.
In this paper both the four causes of Aristotle and the making of the cosmos that Plato discusses in the Timaeus are discussed.
2,588 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer shows how Aristotle's four causes and Plato's making of the cosmos were both alike and different in many ways. The writer explains that Aristotle wrote much about his four causes, and he was very intent on the fact that these four causes constituted much of what life was about and much of what people needed to understand in order for them to make sense of the world around them. The writer then notes that Plato, on the other hand, used the Timaeus as his discussion point for the creation of the cosmos that he speaks of, which is very similar to Aristotle's causes in many ways, and yet is not the same. The writer compares and contrasts the works, so that it becomes obvious how similar they are and yet how different they are in many ways. The writer concludes that there is much significance in what Aristotle and Plato write about and how they address some of the things that humanity must deal with on a daily basis.
Outline:
Introduction
Artistotle's Four Causes
Plato's Timaeus
Comparison and Contrast
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The third cause, the efficient cause, relates to the actual creation of the object in question. How the object is created and by whom affects the object when it is being created and also when it is finished. There must be some sort of initiating person or thing that starts the object on its way to creation, and this could be almost anything. Aristotle's argument was not that some specific thing or type of thing had to be the efficient cause, only that there must be something to start the creation of the object.
"In the final cause, Aristotle is referring to the reason for which something is done at all. People go to school to receive degrees and get certain jobs, for example, or they exercise to keep themselves in good health. These reasons are final causes. They are the end results and the ultimate reasons that people do things or create things, and they are often the most important reasons that human beings have when they decide that they must do something or make something. The final cause is often the most serious one of the four causes, but according to Aristotle all are important and have significance."
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'Spirit of Fire': Ursula King, 2008.
A review of the book "Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin" by Ursula King, a biography of a religious and controversial figure.
977 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the work "Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin" by Ursula King. The paper summarizes the book, discussing how faith and science complement one another. The paper states that King's biography of the scholar Teilhard de Chardin illustrates how science and faith can indeed complement and support one another.
From the Paper
"Banned from discussing his theories by the Catholic Church during his career, Teilhard de Chardin did become discouraged, but he refused to stop believing science and faith could balance each other. In the late 1930s he wrote, "[G]ood is ... everything that brings a spiritual growth to the world" (King 166). Thus, he explains his ability to balance science and faith. Science, at least in his mind, brings a spiritual growth to the world by explaining how systems work and live together, and how they have evolved. Science has made broad achievements in the world, from halting illness to discovering life-changing global problems that must be solved to ensure the survival of humankind. Thus, science brings knowledge, but also brings spiritual growth, and in that, it cannot be bad."
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A Philosophy of Leisure, 2008.
This paper explores the thoughts of several philosophers on leisure and a discussion on the writer's own philosophy of leisure.
1,585 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and explains the thoughts about leisure of many great philosophers, including Aristotle, Jeremy Bentham, and Immanuel Kant. The writer then discusses his own personal philosophy of leisure and concludes that, so long as pleasure does not impinge upon the lives and productivity of native inhabitants, or the pleasures of others, varied quests in the pursuit of leisure are all honorable.
From the Paper
"A philosopher such as Aristotle might find the more mentally industrious forms of leisure more beneficial. Watching television and eating foods that please the palate but do not nourish the body may provide pleasure, but do not facilitate happiness. For Aristotle, "the happiest life, the greatest human good, is the fulfillment of the philosopher" is a philosophical life of seeking happiness, but not necessarily a life of seeking or enjoying pleasure. Happiness is achieved through contemplation, but not a contemplation done out of compulsion."
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