Changes in Approaches to Epistemology
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A 10 page essay on the viability of epistemology as a theory. Known as the ‘theory of knowledge,' epistemology is discussed in philosophical circles as something that may or may not be alive and functioning: its critics say that the changes in the approaches from the traditional to the analytic has destroyed its practice. Those critics, however, fail to take into account the rapidity and drama of the changes in the world today, and that cultural biases now also must be accounted for in any study of knowledge. The theory is argued to be viable and functioning, even by groups that may be unaware of its formal name. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: Epistem.wps

Logic of Scientific Inquiry
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Epistemology, or the basic logic and assumptions that underlie systematic, scientific inquiry is based on the fact that scientific knowledge as 'responding construction' is dependent on cognitive relations to reality other than those generated through the senses and through theoretical reflection, which includes the experience of judgment rooted in the self-awareness of the subject. Another approach to analysis of the practices of knowing is critical scrutiny of the sociohistorical context of research programs. The socio-cognitive perspective purports that ideas about reality are constructed through interactions that are processes of meaning creation. This 20 page paper examines different knowledge systems, the purpose of research, the processes of deductive and inductive reasoning, nomothetic and idiosyncratic approaches and normal as compared to revolutionary science. It looks at many of the elements of scientific method such as causality, correlation, necessary and sufficient conditions and types of theories. Bibliography lists 24 sources.
Filename: KTinquire.wps

Zagzebski's 'Virtues of Mind'
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A 6 page paper on Linda Zagzebski's 'Virtues of the Mind: An Inquiry into the Nature of Virtue and the Ethical Foundations of Knowledge,' which argues that Zagzebski's theory is valid and based on an inclusive study of why people act on knowledge, and where knowledge is based. The paper posulates that her intent is to not seek to rewrite the current theories, but to combine them. Theories used for the basis of her thesis include: epistemology (virtue), and philosophical and psychological bases of knowledge. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: Zagzebsk.rtf

'Justice' As Seen In The Koran, The Old Testament, & Plato's 'Republic
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A 5 page paper discussing the foundation of justice as it applies in Islam ('The Koran'), Judaism ('The Old Testament of the Bible'), and according to Plato ('The Republic'). A dialog has been imagined between Mohammed, Moses, and Plato regarding the topic of justice. Bibliography lists five sources.
Filename: Justapp.wps

Happiness in the Eyes of Some Philosophers
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5 pages in length. While it is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the same can be said about happiness. There is no one way to define happiness, although many have tried. What gives one person joy may not elicit the same response in another. By studying the words of some of the great philosophers, however, one can get an overall realization of what might bring happiness in the world in which we live. This paper considers the writings of Plato, Marx, Hegel and Sartre to determine what each of them felt defined happiness. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: JGAhappy.wps

Jean Paul Sartre, Plato, & Hobbes / Comparative Philosophy
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7 pages worth of essays comparing the philosophies of Sartre with those of Plato and anticipating how one would criticize the other's reasoning. Sartre is regarded as more of a humanist than Plato and another philosopher -- Hobbes is also brought into the discussion as the writer makes relevant comparison between 'The Republic' and 'Leviathan.' No Bibliography.
Filename: Sartrevp.wps

Justice & Its Role In The Functioning Of Society
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A 5 page paper that considers the issue of justice and its role in society. This paper looks at the perspectives of both Kant and Plato in evaluating this role. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Justrole.wps

Plato Vs. Hobbes
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A 10 page, critical comparison of views presented by Plato in 'The Republic' and by Hobbes in 'Leviathan' as they relate to evaluative assessments of various governmental forms & political theory. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Filename: Hobbplat.wps

Plato vs. Hobbes # 2
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A 6 page analytical comparison of views on Democracy and the state as argued by Plato in his 'Republic' and Hobbes in 'Leviathan.' No additional bibliographic references.
Filename: Hobbpla2.wps