Essays and Research Papers on God's Existence & Freewill

7 pages. In this hypothetical scenario we have one lifeboat left with room for only seven people, but there are eleven to be saved. Among the eleven are a former prostitute, an obese person, a homosexual, a person of mixed heritage, and other interesting individuals. The lifeboat may be able to reach ...

This 5 page report very briefly discusses some of the basic ideas presented by Kierkegaard and Wittgenstein. The author of this paper primarily focuses on one person’s attempt to explain his/her belief, in first-person language, their personal reasons for believing in God to a good friend who is also an atheist. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page paper assesses Spinoza's position as it explores different ideas about God. Descartes and Leibniz are also discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 5 page paper which analyzes St. Augustine's 'Confessions.' Also discussed is the relevancy of his work today as it relates to modern life and Christianity. Bibliography lists 4 additional sources.

This 5 page paper looks at the way in which this book, a basis of the Taoist path, perceives nature and mans place within nature. All the points raised are supported with quoted from the book. The bibliography cites one source.

This 5 page report discusses Scottish philosopher David Hume’s idea that morality is based on the concept of sympathy, which he views as the basis of interaction between people and the wellspring of human happiness. He then defines morality as the qualities that are approved in whomever they happen to appear and by virtually everybody else. Hume also ...

This 7 page paper delves into problems, presented by a student, concerning St. Thomas Aquinas's position on a variety of subjects. Kant plays a major role in the discussion. Other philosophers are mentioned and subjects broached include creationism, evolution, and man's reasoning abilities and limitations. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses how some of the great minds in history have addressed the aspect of a meaningful life. Those discussed in these terms are Viktor Frankl, Plato, Nietzsche, and Albert Camus. The aspect of a meaningful life is examined in how the great minds look at life, addressing if it has a purpose, and who ...

A 5 page paper which discusses the teleological and mechanistic world views and discusses how the define, or involve, God and/or purpose in life. They are discussed briefly as they involve ontological arguments, and then presented in relationship to how three separate philosophers fit in to one particular view or another. The philosophers are Frankl, Descartes, and Nietzsche. The works ...

A 3-page paper that examines first the primary transcendentalist thoughts expressed in the work of Henry David Thoreau and secondly the similarities and contrasts between the work of Thoreau and that of Walt Whitman. Works discussed are Thoreau's Economy and Solitude from Walden and Whitman's Song of Myself from Leaves of Grass. Bibliography ...

A 3-page paper that examines the transcendentalist ideas of infinity and timelessness that are conveyed through the works of Walt Whitman. Included is a discussion of Crossing Brooklyn Ferry and Song of Myself, both of which are included in Whitman's Leaves of Grass and both of which express the central idea of an ongoing ...

This nine page paper is in two parts. The first looks at the contradictions between philosophy, myth and religion to examine whether these contradictions are real or just common misconceptions. The second part of the paper looks to the early philosophers and considers the way in which they consider the contradictions in philosophy such ...

7 pages in length. Is one's life determined or is it the result of free will? In establishing the answer to this question, it is essential that one understand the difference between the two representations. When one is cast forward by way of determinism, it is as though one has absolutely no ...

This 5 page report discusses the ideas of two contemporary philosophical writers regarding the interdependence of beliefs and how it is applicable to the debate that rages on regarding creationism versus evolution. Belief is repeatedly shown to be based on various constructs such as faith and hope where there is no ostensibly “logical” proof for holding that belief. However, the same ...

A 6 page paper which discusses particular works of Augustine, Luther, and Bonhoeffer, illustrating that while these three men were of different times, different cultures, and different regions, their thoughts and ideas were incredibly similar. The works discussed are The Bondage of The Will by Luther, City of God by Augustine, and Life Together by Bonhoeffer. No additional sources cited. ...

A 6 page discussion of the process and concept of justification. Contends that justification is in essence the presentation of evidence or facts which support our views or beliefs. This "evidence" or "fact" varies considerably, however, according to what arena it is presented in. Justification, when used in the more regulated areas of ...

This 5 page report discusses the semiologic aspects of the prime-time television show “Touched by an Angel.” In contemporary popular culture, television serves as one of the best possible representations of how it is possible to understand larger realities about society and social beliefs via the stories told and symbols presented. The popular prime-time show “Touched by an Angel” illustrates ...

A 5 page discussion of destiny as it relates to the actional and nonactional theories. Associates the theory of biological determinism with the nonactional theory but observes other areas of research which indicate numerous factors, particularly parental involvement in our childhood, affect the way we live our lives. Concludes that there is some ...

This 5 page paper explores the philosophical argument concerning the existence of God made by Mortimer Adler in his book, How to Think about God: A Guide for the 20th-Century Pagan. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 5 page paper presents Hume's views on God as well as an exploration into his works where he looks at both sides of the argument. His Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion is the focus of the paper. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

5 pages in length. Kierkegaard took issue with Hegel's theory of faith and ethics, which proved to spark one of the most profound of history's philosophical debates. In exact opposition to this theory, Kierkegaard attacks Hegel's presumptuous attitude that humanity can, in fact, consider itself a superior entity over that of God's existence. ...

This 10 page paper considers the nature of the Plat's metaphysical tradition and applies it to the views of A. J. Ayer and Nietzsche. This paper integrates the views presented in Plato's The Sophist, as well as his other works, and the implications in the development of Ayer's Language, Truth and Logic, and Nietzsche's ...

A 5 page paper which discusses the attitudes and beliefs of James Cagney, in relationship to his life. Cagney did not take credit for his success nor for his apparent happiness, claiming that it was perhaps determined. His attitudes and beliefs are discussed in relationship to three philosophers who addressed the conditions of free will and determinism. The philosophers ...

This 7 page paper argues that the approaches to Heaven are seen as being varied among the ancient Chinese philosophers, however, they shared a viewpoint based on humanistic principles similar to those proposed by Western philosophers of note. The basic form of understanding toward Heaven and a priori intervention is first presented by Confucius and then expanded or negated ...

This 6 page paper provides an unbeliever's understanding of the Divine Reality, looks at why organized religion is not to be followed and offers an alternative belief system in naturalism and transcendentalism. Bibliography lists 5 sources.