...SERIES A Brief Guide to Writing the Philosophy Paper The Challenges of Philosophical Writing The aim of the assignments in your philosophy classes is to get you doing philosophy. But what is philosophy, and how is it to be done? The answer is complicated. Philosophers are often motivated by one or more of what we might call the “Big Questions,” such as: How should we live? Is there free will? How do we know anything? or, What is truth? While philosophers do not agree among themselves on either the range of proper philosophical questions or the proper methods of answering them, they do agree that merely expressing one’s personal opinions on controversial topics like these is not doing philosophy. Rather, philosophers insist on the method of first attaining clarity about the exact question being asked, and then providing answers supported by clear, logically structured arguments. An ideal philosophical argument should lead the reader in undeniable logical steps from obviously true premises to an unobvious conclusion. A negative argument is an objection that tries to show that a claim, theory, or argument is mistaken; if it does so successfully, we say that it refutes it. A positive argument tries to support a claim or theory, for example, the view that there is genuine free will, or the view that we should never eat animals. Positive philosophical arguments about the Big Questions that are ideal are extremely hard to construct, and philosophers interested in formulating or criticizing...
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...Humanity & Social Sciences Journal 3 (1): 57-64, 2008 ISSN 1818-4960 © IDOSI Publications, 2008 On Defining African Philosophy: History, Challenges and Perspectives Olatunji A. Oyeshile Department of Philosophy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria INTRODUCTION The definition of philosophy has remained a perennial philosophical problem and there is little agreement as to what it is. Rather, what many seem to agree on is the descriptions of philosophy, that is, what it encompasses which will provide the basis for our definition. In the same vein, it has been difficult to define what African philosophy is, rather most philosophers have contented themselves in describing what African philosophy is. According to Sogolo, “the controversy over what constitutes an African philosophy tends to dominate sometimes so much that it forms almost the entire content of the course” [1]. In this paper, the attempt is to say what African philosophy is, inspite of the seeming unending polemics in the sphere and practice of African philosophy. In doing this, we shall start by attempting to describe and possibly define what philosophy is. Subsequently we shall be in a position to define African philosophy by looking at the origin of the debate on African philosophy which was as a result of the charge of irrationality leveled against the Africans. Let us recall that many European scholars mostly anthropologists and sociologists in the like of E. Durkheim, Auguste Comte, James Frazer, Sigmund Freud...
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...Re-thinking the relevance of philosophy of education for educational policy making Morwenna Griffiths MORAY HOUSE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH Abstract The overall question, ‘What kind of ‘philosophy of education’ is relevant to educational policy makers?’ is addressed by focussing on the following four themes: What meanings are attached to the term philosophy (of education) by philosophers themselves? What meanings are attached to the term philosophy (of education) by policy makers? What difference does place and time make to these meanings? How do these different meanings affect the possibility of philosophy (of education) influencing policy? The question is addressed using both philosophical methods and also some empirical evidence from conversations and conversational interviews with some philosophers of education and other educational researchers. The argument begins with an investigation of different ways of understanding philosophy and philosophy of education in relation to education and educational policy. It then examines first the current policy context and secondly some evidence about the practices of policy makers in relation to ideas and to research. It goes on to present some of the findings from the conversational evidence. The paper is drawn together in the penultimate section where I make some suggestions about possible fruitful relationships between philosophy and policy making. Finally, in the concluding section, I point out some further...
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...ETHICS IN ARISTOTLE’S PHILOSOPHY Kaplan University AC504-01 Professor Sandra Gates Introduction In this paper I am going to discuss the philosopher Aristotle. I will also talk about Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics philosophy, why it is important, and how it potentially connects to accounting and business. Aristotle was born in Stagiros, Macedon, in 384 B.C. He was educated by a guardian after his father had died. At the age of seventeen his guardian sent him to the centre of intellectual and artistic life in Athens. While he was there “he entered Plato’s Academy where he stayed for about twenty years as a student and then later as a teacher” (no author, n.d, page 1, paragraph 1). After teaching for a number of years, Aristotle sailed for Assos in Asia Minor; he lived there for three years while he gained interest in biology, anatomy, and began work on his book the Politics. Aristotle was a tireless scholar, whose scientific explorations were as wide ranging as his philosophical speculations were profound; a teacher who inspired and who continues to inspire generations of students; a controversial public figure who lived a turbulent life in a turbulent world. He bestrode antiquity like an intellectual colossus. No man before him had contributed so much to learning. Aristotle offers a business ethic intent on advancing the attainment of personal happiness. He defines happiness in the universalistic terms, and insists upon the priority of exercising...
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...develop successively a philosophy of mathematics, a philosophy of physics, a philosophy of chemistry and a philosophy of biology, makes him the first philosopher of science in the modern sense, and his constant attention to the social dimension of science resonates in many respects with current points of view.”(Bourdeau). The question is, what is Sociology? “Sociology is the study of societies and the social worlds that individuals inhabit within”(TheSociologyProject). Auguste Comte was born in Montpellier on January 20, 1798. Comte was a very intelligent man. “Having displayed his brilliance in school, he was ranked fourth on the admissions list of the Ecole Poltechnique in Paris in 1814.”(Bourdeau). Throughout his life, he wrote a good amount of texts. “Comte’s most important works are (1) the Course on Positive Philosophy (1830-1842, six volumes, translated and condensed by Harriet Martineau as The Positive Philosophy of Auguste Comte); (2) the System of Positive Polity, or Treatise on Sociology, Instituting the Religion of Humanity, (1851-1854, four volumes); and (3) the Early Writings (1820-1829), here one can see the influence of Saint-Simon, for whom Comte served as secretary from 1817 to 1824.”(Bourdeau). These three books are considered to be the most important works of Comte, not to say that his other texts are not important. These are just considered to be the most important. I believe that if someone wanted to learn extensively about this philosopher, they should...
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...that Utilitarianism provides the foundation for Justice and why does Rawls reject it? Introduction The concept of utilitarianism is one that has engulfed the philosophical arena with an obscene number of arguments that support and/or criticize it. Generally, utilitarianism is a theory in normative ethics that defines an action as one that ensures maximum utility. Other schools of thought would like to put it as the concept of “maximizing happiness while reducing suffering” (Mills 3).In as much as utilitarianism has continued to receive applause from people and the political scene, other divergent scholars has come up with other theories that seek to compromise the philosophies under which the concept of utilitarianism operates. As a result, utilitarianism has become subject to contradictions from other theories in the field of ethics. The thinking class in other fields of utilitarianism characterizes in as a quantitative yet reductionist approach to ethics (Mills 3). Over time, the concept of utilitarianism has received ideological threats from; deontological ethics which does not assign moral worth to an action based on its consequences, virtue ethics that solely deals with action and habits that results to happiness, pragmatic ethics and other forms of ethics that backs the idea of consequentialism. In a nut shell, the concept of utilitarianism as defined by political philosophers and in relation to justice is becoming a “battlefield” where the philosophical bigwigs...
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... Sammy Hoag Philosophy 202 Dr. Ryan Murphy December 2015 What is evil? This ‘problem of evil’ and the existence of evil have plagued the minds of people throughout the centuries. It has been one on the most sought after inquiries and one of the most vexing challenges to Christianity, in explaining the existence of God. Many philosophers and thinkers, both secular and Christian, have endeavored to solve this problem. One of the most notable of whom is Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430). He is perhaps one of the most influential philosophers in the history of the Christian Church. Augustine spent much of his life trying to solve this ‘problem of evil’ and it proved to be quite an undertaking. This paper will explore the problem of evil and argue how Saint Augustine solidified the ways in which philosophy and religion, specifically Christianity, coincide through his work on the concepts of the problem of and the origin of evil. Understanding the problem of evil is essential to everyone because it affects the manner in which life is lived. Whether defending a belief in God or trying to share those beliefs with others everyone will encounter the problem of evil at some point. According to Ed Miller and Jon Jensen, authors of Questions that Matter: An Invitation to Philosophy, “The presence in the world of evil, both natural and moral, is surely the biggest stumbling block...
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...Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................... 1 The Origin of the Skeptical Philosophy in Ancient Greece ............... 1 Academic Skepticism ............................................................................ 3 3.1 Arcesilaus .......................................................................................... 3 3.2 Carneades .......................................................................................... 4 Pyrrhonian Skepticism ......................................................................... 4 4.1 Pyrrho and Timon.............................................................................. 5 4.2 Aenesidemus ..................................................................................... 5 Critical Evaluation of Ancient Skepticism.......................................... 6 List of references ...................................................................................ii Ancient Skepticism i  1 Introduction Ancient skepticism is a wide and important topic in the ancient Greek philosophical schools of thought and has been further developed in contemporary philosophy. It describes the attitude to be doubtful about any claim of knowledge and certainty. The term derives from the Greek skepsis meaning "enquiry", and hence already alludes to the situation in which individuals should question their own beliefs of knowledge claims. Even if knowledge...
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...Ethics in Aristotle’s Philosophy Ruth Geter AC 504 Ethical Issues in Business and Accounting Unit 2 Assignment July 19, 2016 Aristotle Philosophy Introduction I have chosen Aristotle as my philosopher. “He was the first to argue that equals should be treated equally, and unequal’s should be treated unequally in proportion to their relevant differences” (Brooks and Dunn, 2014). In today’s society people sometimes lose sight of being ethical and often know what is right but chooses to not do the right thing. Most of the time it is out of greed or selfish reasons. His ethical theory is about being happy. “Of all the classical theories considered here, his is the farthest from an ethics of self-interest” (P.I.E,2006). Included in this paper will be philosophy, history of Aristotle, his theories, ethical practices in accounting and business in general and the connection between me and Aristotle. Philosophy “Philosophy is the fundamental study of ideas about knowledge, truth, reality, and the meaning of life” (free dictionary, 2015). According to the dictionary a philosopher is someone who offers theories or opinions in relation to profound questions in terms of ethics, logic, metaphysics, and other related fields” (free dictionary, 2015). Ethics help society in everyday situation whether personal or business related. Ethics help guide us to solutions where the answer is not right or wrong. It is important to weigh the decision based on who may benefit from the outcome...
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...Emerging Philosophy and Teaching Strategies Crystal Carpenter ECE 101 Instructor Newcomb August 20, 2012 Emerging Philosophy and Teaching Strategies People are learning every day, whether we are aware of it or not, it is in our nature. It is important for us to be learning and growing constantly, and it is especially true for children. Philosophers dated back to the 1600’s have been studying early childhood education and teaching young children. Each philosopher has his own beliefs about how best children learn. However, there is one thing they all have in common, children do learn, and are learning every moment of every day. Although I am not yet a teacher, I do have beliefs of my own that stem from some of these philosophers, and I will use these beliefs in my future classroom. Up first of my current beliefs comes from John Locke (1632-1714). Locke believed that careful instruction with some time for recess was appropriate education (Estes, Krogh, 2012). In my future classroom, I will have a carefully planned out schedule and curriculum to teach my students by, allowing them well needed recess throughout the day. Recess is just as important as instruction and gives time for children to loosen up and play also letting out some energy built up from being in the classroom. My second and third beliefs tie in together, as they fall along the same lines. Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827) believed that children who use a manipulative(s) that stimulate...
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...Unit 2: Research Paper Jeremy Bentham Kaplan University Denise Manning AC504-01: Ethical Issues in Business and Accounting Professor Sandra Gates May 8, 2012 I will discuss Jeremy Bentham, who is considered the founding father of utilitarianism. He was an English philosopher and a political radical. Jeremy was born on February 15, 1748 in Houndsditch, London and died June 6, 1832. Jeremy Bentham came from a family of attorneys and lived during a time period of major social, political and economic change. In 1760 He went to the Queen’s College, Oxford and graduated in 1764. He also studied law at Lincoln’s Inn. Even though he was qualified to practice law, he never did. Jeremy decided to devote his life to writing on matters of legal reform. Some days he would write for eight to 12 hours. His best known works were on theoretical questions about law. Although, he did not make much of an effort to have his writings published. Jeremy’s most important work is the “Introduction to the principles of Morals and Legislation (1789)”, where his moral theory reflected “the greatest happiness principle” is described and developed. Upon his death on June 6, 1832, he left thousands of manuscript pages, all of which he hoped would eventually be prepared and published. The basis of Bentham’s moral and political philosophy is the greatest happiness principle, universal egoism and the artificial identification of...
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...of the paper, follow MLA or APA format from the beginning to the end. Be consistent. Don’t start with one format and end with the other . Below is a template/ sample of a philosophical answer Philosophy Essay Template/General Outline for Critical Answers You do not need a formal “Introduction”. You can just immediately say what you are going to do in the paper. The Basic Structure [Paragraph 1] [First one or two sentence(s) restating the question as your thesis] [Section 1: Summary] [Say what you are going to do in this section of your paper.] *Now state each step in the philosopher’s argument in your own words.+ [Assert the reasons the philosopher gives in the text for his/her conclusion.] [Back up that assertion with a quotation or two.] [Explain why the quotation(s) you used are important.] [If you have done the above for each of the philosopher’s premises in the argument, you can now restate the conclusion of the argument.] [Section 2: Critical analysis/critique of the argument] [Analyze each premise of the argument you summarized.] [Explanation] [Is the premise true or false?] [Explain why you think so.] [Give an example to support this.] [Explain your example.] [Clarify your explanation.] [Consider possible objections the philosopher could have to particular criticisms you made above.] [Conclude with a sentence asserting that you have proved your thesis.] Detailed Explanation and Examples 1. [Paragraph 1] Explain the purpose of your paper. [This means...
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...achievable, the human race is composed of intrinsically good beings, and that these intrinsically good beings are and should be autonomous in nature, is an idea that made an incredible resurgence during the English enlightenment. As the belief of Liberalism gained popularity with the public it also developed an enormous following among European philosophers. John Locke, the individual responsible for the idea of natural rights as well as the social compact, helped mold this idea of Liberalism into its own unique philosophical tradition. Because of these great contributions, John Locke is considered as father of modern liberalism. Born August 29, 1632 at Wrington in Somerset, John Locke was the son of a lawyer and the oldest child of his Puritan household (Locke, Berkeley, Hume). While Locke was a child, his father closely monitored and guided his education. An incredibly educated individual, Locke first received a formal education at Westminster School eventually graduating to Christ Church, Oxford (Collinson). After receiving his bachelors of arts in 1656, Locke stayed at Oxford to earn his master’s degree. Locke became the censor of moral philosophy in 1664 and in 1675 when the Earl of Shaftesbury fell from power; Locke exiled himself to France to restore his health (Locke, Berkeley, Hume). After four years away, Locke returned to England and less than four years later he would once again seek refuge in a foreign country. In 1683 Locke fled England this time for Holland. Once in Holland...
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...Research Paper on John Rawls Roy Love Pol 462-01 Dr. Rose Tuesday, April 17, 2012 INTRODUCTION The philosopher and political thinker that I am doing my research paper on is John Rawls. John Rawls is world renowned as an American philosopher and a leading figure in moral and political philosophy. He was a student, professor, and an icon that achieved kleos apthiton to the highest regard. Mr. Rawls worked on many projects and wrote many books that we still use and reference today. Some of his works include: Justice as Fairness (2001), A Theory of Justice (1971), Political Liberalism (1993), and The Law of Peoples (1999). The most famous and influential work was the Theory of Justice, which was one of his first pieces of work; many say that book was his masterpiece. His work was so famous with the millions that read his work, that his work was nicknamed ‘Rawlsianism’. His work has been echoed through the ages and is quoted without people knowing who they are quoting. For example, the term veil of ignorance is used to describe the morality of an issue, like slavery. I have heard professors and others use that term without ever knowing where it came from. John Rawls has been the receipted of many awards, and according to the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, he helped a whole generation of learned Americans revive their faith in democracy itself (B. Clinton 1999). One of his famous students, Samuel Freeman, wrote a book in 2007 that will show some insight on...
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...Meaning and Existentialism in My Life - Existentialism is a phiosophy which revolves around the central belief that we create ourselves. External factors are not important. It is the way that we let external factors affect us that determines who we are. As individuals we all have the freedom to choose our own path and that is what life is all about. Along with the freedom of choice comes the responsibilty of one's actions which can make some people anxious but give others meaning to their lives. To overcome this anxiousness and accept responsibilty is to meet the challenges of life and to truly live it.... [tags: Existentialism, ] 675 words (1.9 pages) $14.95 [preview] Understanding Existentialism - Do we matter. Do we seek personal happiness in life. These are questions from existentialism. The dictionary defines existentialism as an individual’s experience filled with isolation in a hostile universe where a human being attempts to find true self and the meaning of life through free will, choice, and personal responsibility. Hamlet is an existentialist character who believes that he is forced to avenge his father’s death and the hatred builds in his heart because of the many betrayals which direct him towards a senseless life and constant thoughts about suicide; this ultimately leads to his demise and he is left with naught.... [tags: Existentialism] 872 words (2.5 pages) $14.95 [preview] Life Value vs. Existentialism in Grendel - A main theme in John Gardner’s Grendel...
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