Essays and Research Papers on Classic Greek Philosophy

A 5 page paper which examines Plato and Aristotle’s criticism as it applies to Andrew Marvell’s poem “The Garden.” Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A paper which looks at the different perspectives of love which are given in the course of the discussion in Plato's Symposium, and the conclusions regarding love and philosophy which are drawn by Diotima. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 4 page essay that takes the form of an imaginary dialogue between Socrates and Senator Jesse Helms, who recently retired from public life and was a staunch foe of the National Endowment for the Arts during the 1990s because he did not consider that what the NEA funded was "art." In 1997, Helms ...

This 5 page paper examines the philosophies of Plato and Hobbes on issues of knowledge, nature, politics and justice. This paper explores the inherent rationalist nature of Plato while also exploring the inherent empiracist nature of Hobbes. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page paper discusses and explains Plato's metaphor of the ship of state. Opinion and discussion on the metaphors given. Quotes cited from the text. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 4 page paper compares the play Oedipus Rex to the tragedian form of Aristotle. Examples given, quotes cited from texts. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 6 page paper discusses the issue of the nation-state, censorship and rulers. Examples and quotes inlcuded. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 4 page essay that analyzes Socrates' argument concerning recollection and the theory of forms in Plato's Phaedo. This discussion largely concerns the topic of the immortality of the soul, however, in broaching this topic, Plato shows Socrates as leading the conversation into a discussion of his theory of forms. In so doing, Plato offers ...

This 3 page paper discusses Socrates' ideas on self-examination. Quotes cited from the texts. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page paper discusses the literary and narrative technique that Plato employs in his work, The Symposium. Examples and quotes cited from the text. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 8 page paper discusses the difference between the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle, and answers the question of Platonic ideas. Quotes cited from many sources. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines instances of divine justice from Plato’s Symposium and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. No additional sources cited.

This 6 page paper looks at Nicomachean Ethics. The concept of evil is discussed in a general sense and many examples are provided. Nietzsche's ideas are touched on and utilitarianism is also mentioned in the course of the discussion. Several quotes from Aristotle's original work are used. No additional sources cited.

A 6 page paper which considers the validity of Socrates’ argument that just punishment benefits those upon whom it is imposed because it ‘cures’ them of their wickedness. Specifically considered is if punishment should be directed toward curing criminals or if it should have some other aim such as a deterrent or exacting retribution ...

9 pages in length. Socrates' life was steeped in deep thought; as one of history's most prolific philosophers, he established himself as a man whose mission was to encourage people to pursue the quest for knowledge and stand by one's convictions of righteousness even when faced with overwhelming opposition. However, Socrates did not ...

This 15 page paper provides an overview of the pre-Socratic philosopher Parmenides’ Poem, divided into the two parts The Way of Truth and The Way of Mortal Opinions. This paper relates the fact that this has been the cause of a variety of different interpretations over the centuries. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

6 pages in length. Throughout Plato's dialogues one can readily notice a series of shifts and turns that help to shape the underlying themes within his text. The Republic illustrates this use of narrative structure and dramatic detail that offer hints and clues to the philosophical meaning of the dialogue. Bibliography lists ...

A 6 page paper which compares and contrasts the views of Singer and Plato. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 12 page paper examines the similarities and differences between the philosophies of Aristotle and Confucius. Specifically, this paper highlights their ideas on virtue and reason, which in both instances exist outside of a theological paradigm. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 3 page paper discusses the main theme of Josef Pieper's In Defense of Philosphy as exampled in the Phaedo by Plato. Quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 2.5 page paper which examines the notions discussed in Book I of Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics,” how they compare/contrast with the Epicurean/Skeptic ideas of freedom from disturbance, along with a serious criticism of one of these views and how adherents of this view might defend it against criticism. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 2.5 page paper which examines Aristotle’s concepts of voluntary, involuntary and non-voluntary as detailed in Book 3 of “Nicomachean Ethics;” the role the notion of the swerve place in the Epicurean concept of freedom; Epictetus’s view of what is up to us and what isn’t; and whether or not the Stoic belief in fate ...

This 6 page paper uses original works by Thucydides, Plato and Aristotle to discuss the topic. The paper holds that there are both benefits and deficiencies of democracy. Democracy is explored in ancient times as well as in the modern sense. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 4-page paper provides a brief overview of Socrates, his ideologies and philosophies. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

4 pages in length. The faculties Aristotle ascribes to the mind include the nature of perception, thought, the intellect and the intrinsic association between body and soul. Taking the stance that one's body is merely a requisite occurrence – more like an afterthought – derived from one's soul has been disputed time and ...