Essays and Research Papers on Philosophy Of Religion

This 5 page research paper examines the school of philosophy known as determinism. Specifically discussed are the teachings of Baruch Spinoza, B.F. Skinner and Walter T. Stace to ascertain if determinism is true and if a belief in determinism implies that man does not have to be held morally responsible for his actions. ...

In 7 pages the author discusses the age long battle between the doctrines of freewill and determinism. The writer posits that mankind does, indeed, have freewill. Bibliography lists 1 source.

A 3 page analysis of Kierkegaard's philosophy that we reason from existence and not towards existence and therefore God must exist. The writer is extremely critical of Kierkegaard's argument and makes a number of strong points to counter the philosopher's reasoning. No Bibliography.

A 4 page critique of Gottfield Wilheml Leibniz's Monad theory which attempts to describe a harmonious universe made up of an infinite number of monads, or units, arranged in a hierarchy and originating in the Supreme Monad, which is God. The writer feels that Leibniz's theory is both vague and overstated-- leaving room open for ...

Similar to Leibniz.wps, this 2 page essay looks at some of the reasons for Leibniz's creation of a Monad theory in light of the works of Newton & others. In the writer's opinion, the Monad theory was used to fill some unseen 'gap' created by unclear ideas such as gravity.

A 7 page paper that considers the concept of ontology as it relates to philosophy, with specific concern for the works of Heidegger, Aristotle and St. Anselm. This paper first presents a basic overview of the ontological, and then considers the significance of the ontological argument within the realm of philosophy. Bibliography lists ...

9 pages analytically assessing the concept of 'First Cause.' Citing the work and theories of such historical thinkers as Sartre, Hume, and Kant-- the writer presents both sides of the argument and concludes the analysis by determining that the First Cause argument falls short of proving God's existence (note : writer does not attempt to ...

3 pages in length. A short, yet insightful critique of Paley's 'watchmaker' argument for the existence of God. The writer briefly presents Paley's logic, discusses the merit of his reasoning, and then proceeds to debate the incompleteness of the philosopher's proposition. While we can say that a person created a clock or a watch, ...

A 9 page paper which evaluates 'On the Eternity of the World' by St. Thomas of Aquinas. This particular work of Aquinas's is described from the beginning in such a way that illustrates the many different notions that one may obtain in regards to the apparently simple statements that Aquinas makes. As the ...

This 3 page essay discusses whether or not dreams are meaningful. The writer draws heavily upon the thought of Thomas Aquinas to demonstrate that they are meaningful in terms of how their symbology relates to 'real life.' Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 12 page research paper examines the conception of happiness in human terms, according to Catholic theologian and philosopher, Thomas Aquinas. Specifically discussed are Aquinas' views on how what constituted happiness and how man could happily live life. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

A 6 page philosophical running dialogue between two individuals, one taking the viewpoint that nothing exists except that which can be proven by the senses, and the other taking the viewpoint that the essence of humanity is its relationship to God. No sources.

6 pages in length. Characteristic of humanity's constant quest for the concept of meaning, the journey of understanding has come to represent myriad things to myriad people, ultimately rendering any universal explanation virtually impossible. The problem with meaning is attempting to successfully pinpoint a single yet comprehensive connotation to its concept; however, this ...

This 5 page report discusses three of the world’s great spiritual and philosophical classics. The ancient Hindu tradition, the philosophy of Confucius, and the dialogue of Socrates share a number of common features – most notably are those that agree upon what does and does not constitute a “superior” person. No secondary sources.

This 6 page paper looks ate the reasons and theories put forward by Thomas Aquinas (St. Thomas) for the existence of God. The paper concentrate on the Causality argument but also includes Contingency theory. The bibliography cites 5 sources.

A 4 page paper which contrasts the philosophy of determinism, advocated by Baron d'Holbach (Paul Henri Thiry) with William James' freedom of the will. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

5 pages. Critics have long questioned the theory of free will, arguing that it is difficult to realistically determine if people exhibit certain behaviors out of fear of consequence or because they have the power to take control of their own lives. On the other hand, determinism contends that all of our acts ...

This 6 page paper compares the two philosophers in terms of their ideas. There is a focus on morality and the existence of God. Similarities found between the two is the focus of this paper. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 5 page paper which discusses the work "Ethics" by Benedict Spinoza and addresses his particular concept of one substance. Spinoza's philosophies of one substance were primarily based on the fact that everything was linked back to that substance, which is God. No additional sources cited.

This five page paper presents a discussion on some of the teachings of the Krishna followers. It compares and contrasts some basic beliefs about action, intention and spiritual growth. Bibliography lists one source.

A 5 page paper which examines how Thomas Aquinas justifies the assertion, 'Existence in the sense of the true.' Specifically considered are metaphysical proponents of existence, including change, real change and Cambridge change. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

5 pages in length. From the teleological perspective, nature is a representation of God; therefore, God must intrinsically exist as He, too, is a product of His own creation. David Hume was one of many philosophers who fully supported this argument in support of God's existence, contending that the external world is the ...

This 9 page paper compare the views of Plato, Aristotle and Aquinas as they relate to man's pursuit of the best life, the contrast between good and evil and the pursuit of knowledge of the divine. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

7 pages in length. St. Thomas Aquinas espoused his propensity towards good will, justice and virtue as being the primary components of one's journey on this earth. He cited myriad reasons why this is to be so, as well as postulated that those who do not follow such a patch of righteousness were ...

This 5 page paper provides an overview of the central elements of Kant's categorical imperative and then compares them to the moral arguments in both African philosophy and Feminist theory. Bibliography lists 4 sources.