Morality And God
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5 pages in length. Morality is possible only if there's a God, inasmuch as there exists no objectivity in the concept of morality; rather, it is merely a matter of opinion or feeling. Sure, people can reach consensus about empirical, scientific matters of fact. But moral matters aren't matters of fact. Indeed, people are bound to disagree with one another when it comes to issues of right and wrong, which ultimately avails only two options: one can either believe in God and know objective truth about morality, or one can abandon all belief in God as a means by which to allow the world to plummet straight into moral chaos. Can any individual truly want to live in a world in which morals are completely relative and anything is permissible? Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: TLC_God.wps

James Baldwin: His Life and Works
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6 pages. Explores the works of James Baldwin. James Baldwin was an American novelist, essayist, and dramatist who is recognized as one of the most important twentieth-century American writers. Baldwin’s influence in many of his works were the racial and sexual polarization in American society and they often served to challenge readers to confront their feelings about these subjects, thus helping them to resolve these differences. Bibliography lists 6 sources. JGAjbald.wps
Filename: JGAjbald.wps

The Concept of a 'Just War'
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18 pages on the concept of Just War and its relevant theory as explained and argued by St. Augustine and later by St. Aquinas. The writer also discusses some foundations of this theory in the works of Classic Greek and Roman philosophers as well. Just War during the Roman Empire is compared extensively to Just War during the Middle Ages. The writer concludes with a thoughtful opinion on the injustices of war in general-- except when used as a last resort in the manner specified by Aquinas. Augustine is denounced for his support of a justifiable 'unconditional' war and for doctrines which were clearly influenced by the State. No Bibliography.
Filename: Justwar.wps

Comparison Of Rousseau's & St. Augustine's Views On Human Nature
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In 5 pages, the writer compares the views on human nature of Saint Augustine in his 'Confessions', with Jean-Jacques Rousseau's views of nature in his 'Second Discourse'.
Filename: Hnature.wps

A Definition of Philosophy
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A 5 page paper discussing several points discussed by Stephen Clark, including discovering what philosophy is, definitions of reality and truth as they are used in philosophical discussions, how people tend to be alike whether drawn to philosophy or not and which of the ancient philosophers may have been closest to discovering truth. Bibliography lists 1 source.
Filename: Phildefi.wps

Friedrich Nietzsche -- “Art raises its head when religions relax their hold”
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This 12 page report discusses the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) who was fully convinced that one of the most destructive characteristic of Western culture is the self-deception caused by religion. One of Nietszche's fundamental contentions was that traditional values (represented primarily by Christianity) had lost their power in the lives of individuals. Art cannot flourish in such a situation and can only flow forth freely in the absence of religious constraints. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Filename: BWartrel.wps

Immanuel Kant's Doctrines and Their Relation to Religion
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A 12 page paper outlining the basic doctrines of Immanuel Kant. The writer examines his beliefs about goodness and people's responsibility to be good people, and relates that to Utilitarianism and Catholicism. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: Kantps.wps

Locke, Berkeley, & Hume / Material Substance
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A 5 page paper discussing the varying views of Hume, Locke, and Berkeley in relationship to the concept of material substance. All three of these philosophers were theorists of knowledge but each also had a slightly different opinion in regards to the issue of material matter. Also discussed is the validity of their reasoning, which is actually quite valid in its context. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Lbhmat.wps

Conversation Concerning a Table: With Berkeley, Leibniz and Locke
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9 pages in length. Concerns an imaginary conversation between the three philosophers John Locke, George Berkeley, and Gottfreid Leibniz about a piece of furniture. This is an excellent example paper showing the differences and similarities of the philosophies of these three men. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: JGAtable.wps

George Berkeley & Perception
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A 5 page paper that explores Berkeley's theory that nothing can exist outside of perception. This paper demonstrates that Berkeley's contention is based in his understanding of perception as the only means by which a person can determine the characteristics of an object. Because perception is the only means for determining an object, then perception must also be the only way to determine existence. One primary source cited.
Filename: Berkeley.wps

George Berkeley / To Be Is To Be Perceived
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A 4 page paper that address the progression of George Berkeley's arguments towards 'esse est percipi' -- to be is to be perceived. His arguments of Hylas and Philanous support the basic argument in his Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Understanding. Berkeley would contend that the only way an object can be acknowledged is through man's perception of it. The primary source is cited.
Filename: Berk2.wps

George Berkeley and David Hume - Similarities and Differences
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This 5 page report discusses the philosophies of George Berkeley (1685-1753) and David Hume (1711-1176) and compares their similarities and differences. Both held unique and views on the actual existence of any given item and the relationship of the thing to the person who perceives it.
Filename: Berkhm.wps