Enlightenment Argumentative Essays Samples For Students

Introduction

Benevolent despot refers to an authoritarian rule which is characterized by kindness and generosity. It also refers to enlightened absolutism which is a situation when rulers are influenced by enlightenment. Enlightened monarchs tended to allow religious toleration, freedom of speech and the press and right to hold private property. Most of them fostered arts, sciences and education.

Fredrick II, The Great had ideas of the French enlightenment in his youth and maintained the ideas throughout his life. Fredrick declined to endorse the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713. This was an idea which was very common with the enlightened monarchs and absolutists ...

The enlightenment refers to the sprawling of intellectual, social, philosophical, and cultural movement that spread through France, England, German, and other parts of Europe during the 1700s. Enlightenment thinkers advocated for self-autonomy in thinking, free of the limitations of traditional authority. The process of “modernity” traces its origin to this movement, as an heir, with seeds implanted in this period. Evidently, the process began with a vision of an autonomous free individual, but later contributed to the instrumental means-end thinking that has shaped modernity. The writers of the enlightenment mastered everything they regarded as worth learning, ranging from science to ...

According to Hume what “dangerous consequences” follow from the use of the teleological

Hume is a philosopher who holds a distinct position in the literary world on grounds of his intellectual contribution in the spectrum of philosophy of religion. He in his famous Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, formulates his argument with the analysis that the world in its design is analogical to the human intelligent productions, possibly because of the inherent trait from the creator of human being. Hume in his analysis objects over the faulty analogies that may lead to serious consequences. He highlighted the Fallacy of Composition-erroneous argument from a property of a part of the whole to a property of the whole. In his ...

1) Anyone with vision knows that it is the most pervasive of all the senses. To find the truth in this is that one someone hears something, like something falling off the table, one looks to confirm if what one has heard is what it sounded like. But when someone has seen something it is already convincing enough. Vision does not appeal to the other senses for confirmation but the other senses appeal to vision in this way. While it may be the most convincing of all of the five sense. Descartes did not believe that it should be ...

Humankind has long asked itself how to live correctly. Since Aristotle, philosophers have examined what it means to do good and act correctly. As such, many different theories have tried to conceptualize about these controversial subjects, providing guidance as how to determine what choices one should take when presented with an ethical problem. While many times these theories regard the same course of action as correct, even if they do not share the same reasoning to reach this conclusion, sometimes their principles lead them to differ with respects to what doing good would imply. This is the case of a ...

“We thought we knew what we meant by the expression “Being” but now we are perplexed.” Heidegger quotes from Sophist by Plato;
Despite the strong synonymy of the term Dasein with Martin Heidegger, this fundamental concept in existential philosophy was used by several philosophers before his treatment. Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel notably assigned the meaning of “existence” or “presence” to it. However, Heidegger’s interpretation has attracted more relevance, as a way of ones involvement with and caring for the immediate world that frames his life; whilst remaining alive to the contingent element of that involvement, the priority of the ...

Rousseau and Wollstonecraft conquered the world with their philosophical words and arguments back in the years. Rousseau is one of the most influential thinkers who were re-known in Europe for some of his major arguments. He did philosophical works such as A Disclosure on the Sciences and Arts back in the 1750’s. Rousseau discusses education at a very high level where he argued against traditional views of religion that led to much criticism (Spielvogel). This paper will analyze the views of these two great philosophers by comparing and contrasting their views on some of the issues such women rights ...

The death penalty is absolutely one of the most hotly debated issues in criminal law, and in national politics. The issue becomes one of whether or not the death penalty is successful as a deterrent, or if it merely kills inmates, some of whom may be innocent. There are those who believe that the death penalty, being the ultimate punishment for an offender, is a threat that can successfully discourage people from performing wrong doing (and therefore foregoing that fate). Philosopher Immanuel Kant is one of the loudest philosophical voices to advocate for the death penalty; his notions of Ethics involve ...

I intend to discuss the ethical implications of euthanasia throughout the course of this essay. Firstly I will be touching on the German philosopher Kant regarding his theories on personhood and consciousness in terms of people in vegetative states such as Terri Schiavo. I then will be moving on to broader issues of euthanasia such as the right to die and the legality of assisted suicide refusal of treatment the utilitarian perspective and the Nicomachean ethics of Aristotle. The purpose of which is to determine whether or not euthanasia is an ethical approach to incurable illnesses or disabilities which ...

Isaac Newton

As a scientist, he possessed great qualities. Isaac Newton presented himself as a self-taught and self-educated individual. Through hard work, dedication, single-mindedness, he was able to pursue a self-discovery life that made possible the discovery of several inventions as well as formulations of a number of scientific laws (Westfall p.187).
Isaac newton was able to develop and advance his ideas through experimentation. Through his experimentation techniques, he was able to come up with brilliant ideas that are even used today especially in the invention of various mechanical models. One of the wonderful practice that Isaac Newton had and which contributed towards his ...

The debate over abortion has been raging for quite some time in our culture. In recent times, one observes that abortions have become commonplace. Most supporters primarily argue with respect to autonomy and women’s rights with respect to abortion. On the other hand, the pro-life supporters argue with the fact that the act of abortion results in the killing of a fetus. Since the act of killing is morally and ethically despicable, pro-life supporters use this argument as a foundation. On a moral basis too, Kantian ethics renders abortion as an immoral act for a number of different reasons. The primary reason, ...

1. Where do you find that Machiavelli and Hobbes coincide, and where do you find that they differ, in their accounts of human nature?

Hobbes’ and Machiavelli’s views often overlap on their understanding of human nature. One relevant fact to that is this essay questions inquires about the differences of the two thinkers. Both of them had views of human nature that agreed on some points but disagreed on others. Hobbes had one many characterize as a negative view on human nature, that the natural state of affairs for a person is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.” In comparison, Machiavelli was perhaps advocating for such an individual in order to ursurp political power.

Hobbe’s Leviathan is named after a sea monster in ...

I am writing about the question of the possibility of knowledge. In order to do this, I will use works by Rene Descartes and David Hume. Descartes believed that knowledge is possible due to the thinking mind. Hume believed that knowledge is possible from sensory experiences that are impressed upon the mind. I will be arguing for Hume over Descartes

Descartes’s theory of knowledge is essentially based ...

The question of morality has been discussed throughout the history of philosophy. These questions cannot be solved through simple logic due to the philosophic difficulty that they present. This is important because in the modern world there are still major issues that challenge the capacity for rational decision making. This is especially true in regards to medical ethics, in which these decisions can often result in the difference between life and death. Should doctors be given the right to end patients lives in cases in which they are going through extreme suffering and are given consent? This brings up ...

1. Introduction
Western philosophy has long been preoccupied with justifying the manner in which one should lead one’s life. In order to do this, they have logically often recurred to reason in order to explain why they believe that this particular way is the manner in which one should lead one’s life. Therefore, reason has played a central role in developing ethical theories almost since the inception of philosophy. Nevertheless, different authors have offered varied accounts of what reason means to them. Two of the most important of these thinkers were Aristotle and Kant, who understood this ...

Moral character and virtue were requirements of a good life according to the philosophy of Aristotle as well as his mentor Plato and as expressed by Socrates. The idea has a firm grounding in ancient wisdom and philosophy. The most important virtues and elements of a sound moral character in Aristotle’s opinion were justice, courage, and temperance. All of these virtues can be acquired by regular men without training in metaphysics. The idea that regular men could practice habits that constitute a high moral character and are virtuous was of great importance to Aristotle in making his philosophies accessible and relevant (Stanford ...

Intuitionism should be the most interesting phenomenon in modern philosophy. Intuitionism is a view, according to which the knowledge can be directly given to reason, as an inspiration insight, which is more comprehensive than a rational or sensual experience. In ethics it implies a point of view that the basic moral principles understood intuitively rather than through other cognitive processes.

Misconception of Kantian implied idealism that separating the mind from the appreciation of living, sensual contemplation, but also the metaphysical way of thinking, absolutizes distinction between direct and indirect knowledge and unable to find a valid way of development of knowledge.

Kant developed ...

Euthanasia has been one of the most controversial issues discussed in philosophy and medical fields. The term euthanasia refers to the deliberate actions of medical practitioners to end one’s life for benevolent reasons such a relief from suffering and pain (peter Odianosen on Immanuel Kant’s Moral Theory). Therefore, the controversy arising is the right to die at one’s own choice. There several ways through which euthanasia is performed. Voluntary euthanasia involves termination of a patient’s life at the patient’s instructions to the person other than the patient. It thus involves the termination of a terminally ill person, ...

Other

In his essay, ‘Discourse on the Origin of Inequality,’ Rousseau considers how man seeks freedom in the discourse and the social contract. However, the realization of liberty is hindered by supremacy of inequality and property, characteristic of capitalism as expressed by Karl Marx in the Communist Manifesto. The freedom expressed by Rousseau is not entirely political but also freedom from the need and psychological. In the novel, Their Eyes were Watching God, by Zara, the character Janie is in the journey to achieve freedom from male domination, true love and self-independence in a world of racism and female subordination. The ...

Are ethical actions valued by their natural aspect without qualification? Are ethical actions said to ethical, simply because they are morally accepted because of the results of actions? There are many ethical theories which have attempted to explain what actually is moral and what is amoral in the society.
This rule requires one to act in accordance to ones expected, if the action was directed to the actor. Therefore humans based on their ability to empathize, determines the ethical system has to be followed. But Immanuel Kant claims good will, is good regardless of the results of its ...

Does the concept of invisible hand play an important role in science?

Science is an explanation of human life by giving evidence of natural phenomena, and human causes in the earth we live in. Sciences are of two types, there are the human sciences and the natural sciences. Human or social sciences focus mainly on human behavior, how they react in different situations and their general lifestyles examples of this include sociology, psychology and law. Natural sciences deals with explaining the existence of nature that is beyond human creation, for example physics, and chemistry.
Science is based on explaining the universe by use of testable explanations and predictions (Feyerabend, Paul ( ...

In the summer of 1884, four English sailors, Thomas Dudley, Edward Stephens, Brooks and Richard Parker who was a cabin boy were cast away in a storm in the Atlantic Ocean and were forced to put into an open boat from which they were stranded. Inside the boat, they had only two tins of turnips. They lacked supply of water and food for three days. Fortunately, on the fourth day they caught a turtle on which they fed till the twelfth day when it was entirely consumed. The depended on the sporadic rain for the supply of fresh water. ...

Argumentative Essay

Philosophy is one discipline that has been used pervasively by great thinkers and scholars to pass moral lesson to the society. This field uses parables, fiction, and symbolism to communicate to the society. The three books, Myth of the cave, Abolition of Man and The Inquisitor pursue human various human values. A collection of these literary works gives a comprehensive teaching on human life. Education and enlightenment is the major theme running across the three publications. Moral values, education, religion, and freedom of choice are interwoven to address the dimensions of human life exhaustively. This essay aims at exploring an ...

Tartuffe is the most famous play written by Moliere. In the view of many contemporary literary critics, Moliere qualifies as one of the world’s greatest comic playwright (Kasparek, 1977). The other famous play by Moliere is called The Misathrope. The two comprise of Moliere’s greatest pieces. Tartuffe’s plot revolves around wealthy bourgeois Orgon religious piety that almost destroys him but luckily, the pretender Tartuffe is discovered before he completely takes advantage of Orgon. Moliere’s Tartuffe has been a subject of controversy since its writing. The play generated a great deal of discussion owing to its perceived mockery ...

Argumentative Essay: Capital Punishment

Introduction
Capital punishment is one of the most controversial topics pertaining to criminal punishment. For many years, this issue has been debated, yet until today, no conclusive position has been reached especially in the United States. Discussing the issue of capital punishment is important primarily because people are divided on whether capital punishment should be imposed or abolished. Furthermore, capital punishment raises an ethical dilemma that needs to be resolved since it is crucial in achieving a just justice system. This paper would like to argue that capital punishment is a just form of punishment.

The arguments that support ...

Wars around the world can be traced back to a form of religion or religious expressions of difference. As the evolution of mankind has progressed, so too have the unique interpretations of religious elements that each population carries into the world. This study will produce evidence that supports the argument that each military engagement across the face of international civilization has been at the core, a result of religious ideals and the manner in which these philosophical differences are expressed.
Wilson (16) argues that the human race needs a means to explain and control the unexpected, which in turn creates religion. ...

Philosophy and psychology are two disciplines and principles in our day to day living that have sought to understand and explain the various aspects in our day to day living that directly and indirectly affect our day to day living. However, it is necessary to note that the two, independent disciplines have constantly differed in their opinions towards various topics and subjects. This is, mainly, due to the fact that both have different approaches to these two fields. Consequently, the different perceptions from which they view the common topic lead to differences in their opinions and conclusions, which in ...

AIG: Between Legally Right and Ethically Wrong

The AIG bailout is one case study that shows that things could be legally right but ethically wrong. It is a case that seem to violate many principles of ethical systems yet the actions of the company were upheld by law. It is ironic because law are supposed to reflect the highest of ethical standards (Ming, 1908).
AIG has been one of those companies that are being blamed for worldwide financial crisis that started in 2008. Its officers mismanaged its investments and led to the collapse of the company and many of its investors. Since AIG is such a big ...

People continually make decisions and judgments in everything they do. The only way they can make the right decision and judgment is only if they know the truth and possess the right knowledge. Any business that sells goods or services to any individual must provide adequate and truthful information about their products. Manufacturers and marketers of products with GMO (genetically modified organism) are not exempted from providing such information. On the contrary, they should be required to do because GMOs is a fairly new science and technology that could affect the health and well-being of consumers. As companies involved in ...

Introduction

Theatre performance is an art, where a story, a mythological character, an important historical event etc. are displayed by an “actor” where he pretends to be someone else, for the enjoyment and edification of the viewers. The concept seems to be very much normal in the first place, however involves very deep theories of psychology in itself as the person enacting a certain character needs to control his emotions and basically displays the emotions of the character that he is playing. By the end of the 19th century Stanislavski and one of the other Moscow producer-author Nemirovich Danchenko merged their acting companies ...

Introduction

This argumentative essay will examine different thoughts regarding religion. This analysis has been carried out with the help of specific epistemology. Some of the most important discussions are carried out in order argue critically about the practices of religion, ethics and science.
1.Ethics
A
Ethical system based on humanity and equality is essential for making a balanced society. Any kind of ethical system, which is backed by the factors of humanity and equality, will surely give benefits to the people living in any part of the world. It is no denying the fact that every ethical system ...

OUTLINE

Introduction

An employer should have the rights to test its employees for drug use.
This is informed by the fact that the market is a free enterprise which entails a willing employee-willing employee concept, otherwise, called the laissez faire.

Body

It is instructive to appreciate the two ethical theories that inform the argument in this paper.
These are the Deontological and the Virtue Ethics theories.
According to the theories, employers have the right to demand certain conditions of their employees.
Conclusion
A conducive environment for working remains a prerequisite for competitive performance.
Drug use remains a hindrance to ...

The world is a very different place than it was when people first came out of medieval times. If a person from that period were to step into today’s world, they would surely die from fright. Many people do not go to church and democracy has long since replaced the monarchies of that time. However, if they were to read popular literature and watch popular television shows and films, that individual would find themselves right at home. Conversely, a person who time travelled from the edge of reason might find this world to be a cultivation of their ideals. People are all ...

Philosophy

The field related to artificial intelligence and cognitive robotics is called artificial consciousness or machine consciousness or even synthetic consciousness. This field was formed with the purpose to "define that which would have to be synthesized were consciousness to be found in an engineered artifact". When different parts of the brains, which are named neural correlates of consciousness of the NCC, interoperate then they generate consciousness, as defined by the hypothesis of neuroscientists. There exist various supporters of artificial consciousness who are of the belief that the possibility of constructing machines, for instance computer systems, which follow the interoperation ...

Human beings, many philosophers such as Kant and Locke have argued, have certain unalienable rights and freedoms. It must be noted in any study of the philosophy of human rights that there have existed cultures where some or many human beings were not granted those rights. Obvious examples is the slavery the permeated Western civilizations concurrently with the drafting of documents like the US Constitution. From this, we can arrive at the viewpoint that just because a being deserves protection under a well-developed morality, does not mean that these persons are being protected. Indeed, history is filled with instances when people ...

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) and John Locke (1632-1704) lived during the Pre-Enlightenment period. However, their philosophies influence and in fact introduced the Enlightenment period. This refers to a period of reason in which man was to think logically in arriving at a decision. The two philosophers influenced the thought process especially in the field of law. This paper shall compare and contrast the ideologies of the two Englishmen. It is essential to appreciate at this point that Thomas Hobbes preceded John Locke and that the two had the same leanings in thought save for the few deviations which shall be discussed in ...

Introduction

For a long period, Christians and atheists continue to maintain conflicting perceptive about the existence of God. Consequently, this issue triggers unending debates. The argument about the existence of God does not simply entail sensory proof. This is because universal perception is a determinant of what will be accepted as proof in the first place. In order to be certain in either side of argument, there is need for evidence. Theorists provide conflicting perspectives in support of atheism and existence of God. Christians derive their source of proof from biblical writings. However, these sources receive disqualification from atheists as mere theoretical ...

Introduction

Moral philosophy or ethics is a philosophy branch, which involves systematizing, protecting, and recommending the concepts of wrong and right conduct. Thus, ethics are the standards or rules that govern the conduct by which we live our lives and make socially accepted decisions. Philosophers frequently wonder why individuals act ethically. Since ethical behavior appears to be the societies’ norm they speculate that there must be specific reason for it. There have been a number of theories that have been formulated to demonstrate ethical behavior as being rational or being motivated by some natural grasp of the universal goodness or by self-interest. ...

I intend to discuss the use of the death penalty as a deterrent and the moral and societal implications that may have. Is the death penalty a deterrent and if so what can be learned from death?
Socrates was famously executed by the state for corrupting the youth and although he had the opportunity to escape his fate he chose to stay because he felt that he owed his life to his government.
He may have felt that way because in those times the Grecian government basically fed and clothed you, so it stands to reason you might owe a ...

Since as far back as society dates, the death penalty has been used as a means to punish severe crimes. Many societies have determined that taking a life unjustly of another should lead to the forfeit of one’s own life. In the 18th century BC, The Code of King Hammurabi of Babylon employed the death penalty for the punishment of twenty-five crimes. The first death sentence recorded was in 16th century BC Egypt. Christian Old Testament law, based of an “eye for an eye” based law required one committing a crime to make amends. Under that, murder could only be made ...

In religious study, the line between priest and prophet can often become somewhat blurred. It can be quite difficult to discern exactly what constitutes a priest or prophet, and what ultimate role they have in the fellowship and service of the church. From the days of Israel, prophets have been said and seen to bring people the word of God through direct communication with Him, while priests have to interpret his word, bring people to God, and advise them through the careful study and scholarship that they have endured. Priests and prophets alike have very unique and specific roles to ...

26th April 2011

Introduction

Siddhartha is a novel written by Hermann Hesse. It deals with Siddhartha’s (a boy) journey in search of knowledge. The word Siddhartha is a combination of two Sanskrit words: Siddha (“achieved”) and artha (“meaning or wealth’). Siddhartha in whole means “the one who has found meaning/wealth…”
Siddartha sets out, with his friend Govinda, to search for knowledge. He leaves asceticism and goes to a down-to-earth life and back to asceticism again in his effort to attain enlightenment and experience.
Hermann uses experience here to refer to the sum of the conscious happenings/events as experienced by a person in ...