Students will complete a major paper detailing his/her views ✓ Solved

Students will complete a major paper detailing his/her views related to the central disciplines of philosophy. The paper will display the student’s ability to articulate the central issues in each discipline of philosophy, and present their own views related to each topic. Every student in this course is a philosopher, and this paper is a chance for the student to detail his/her philosophic worldview.

The paper must be a minimum of 8 pages (excluding cover page and bibliography), double spaced, written in 12pt Times New Roman font, with standard 1-inch borders. The paper must use proper APA formatting and reference at least 4 academic sources (scholarly books, articles, presentations, etc.) beyond course texts. Popular sources such as blogs, Wikipedia, and the like are not acceptable.

The paper will include sections on the following:

  • Metaphysics

  • Epistemology

  • Philosophy of Religion or Aesthetics (pick one)

  • Ethics or Political Philosophy (pick one)

In each section, students will:

  • Describe the central question(s) of each branch of philosophy.

  • Engage the thought of at least 2 philosophers discussed in class.

  • Enumerate their own answers to these questions.

Each paper should have a brief introduction and conclusion (1 short paragraph).

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: A Philosophical Exploration of Central Disciplines

The world of philosophy encompasses various disciplines, each addressing profound questions about existence, knowledge, aesthetics, morality, and governance. This paper aims to explore the central themes within four key areas of philosophy: metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of religion, and ethics. By articulating my perspectives on these subjects and engaging with significant philosophical thinkers, I seek to develop a cohesive philosophical worldview.

Metaphysics

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that delves into the fundamental nature of reality. It seeks to answer questions concerning what exists and the relationships between entities. Central questions in metaphysics include: What is the nature of objects? Do abstract concepts like numbers exist? Are there multiple dimensions beyond human perception?

Philosopher Immanuel Kant argues that space and time are not inherent features of the world but rather frameworks within which humans perceive reality (Kant, 1781). In contrast, Parmenides posits that change is an illusion and that reality is static and unchanging (Graham, 2004). Engaging with these perspectives, I lean towards a more dynamic interpretation of reality, influenced by process philosophy, which acknowledges change and development as fundamental aspects of existence.

My stance is that while there are stable elements in reality, such as laws of nature, these elements coexist with continual change. Thus, metaphysics must account for both permanence and change, providing a more nuanced understanding of existence.

Epistemology

Epistemology, the theory of knowledge, is concerned with questions about belief, justification, and truth. Key inquiries include: What is knowledge? How do we acquire it? Are our beliefs justified?

René Descartes famously asserts, "I think, therefore I am," emphasizing doubt and rationality as foundational to knowledge (Descartes, 1641). On the other hand, empiricist philosophers like David Hume contend that knowledge arises primarily through sensory experience (Hume, 1748). I find merit in both positions, asserting that knowledge encompasses both rational thought and empirical evidence.

Personally, I believe knowledge is a synthesis of prior beliefs and experiences. This means that for a belief to be deemed knowledge, it must be supported by rational justification and empirical observation. This dual foundation for epistemic justification provides resilience against skepticism while promoting a flexible understanding of learning.

Philosophy of Religion

The philosophy of religion examines the nature of religion, including the examination of religious experience, the essence of faith, and the existence of deities. Central questions in this area include: Does God exist? What is the nature of faith? How do we resolve the problem of evil?

St. Thomas Aquinas presents classical arguments for the existence of God, such as the cosmological argument, which postulates that everything that exists is contingent upon some necessary being (Aquinas, 1265-1274). In contrast, Friedrich Nietzsche famously declares the "death of God," positing that the absence of a divine being has implications for morality and meaning (Nietzsche, 1882). I resonate with Aquinas's arguments but also confront the challenge of evil as a significant counterpoint to the idea of an omnipotent deity.

In my philosophical exploration, I argue that faith can coexist with doubt and that the complexities of human experience contribute to a more enriched understanding of spirituality. Rather than perceiving faith as absolute certainty, I advocate for a perspective that embraces questioning and evolving beliefs.

Ethics

Ethics, the study of moral principles, grapples with questions such as: What is the right action? Are moral values universal or cultural? How do we balance individual rights against the common good?

Utilitarianism, articulated by philosophers like John Stuart Mill, posits that the moral value of an action is determined by its consequences— specifically, its ability to maximize happiness (Mill, 1863). Conversely, Immanuel Kant emphasizes duty and categorical imperatives—actions must adhere to universal moral laws irrespective of their outcomes (Kant, 1785). I find both theories valuable, yet I propose a hybrid ethical framework that balances consequentialism with deontological elements.

In my ethical framework, decisions should be made by considering outcomes while also adhering to fundamental moral principles. This approach fosters a more compassionate society by encouraging actions that promote welfare while respecting individual rights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my exploration of metaphysics, epistemology, the philosophy of religion, and ethics underscores a commitment to understanding complex philosophical ideas while forming coherent personal views. Engaging with classic philosophers while articulating my perspective enables a richer dialogue on these profound topics. Philosophy is not merely an academic discipline; it is an ongoing journey towards deeper understanding and meaning.

References

  • Aquinas, T. (1265-1274). Summa Theologica.

  • Descartes, R. (1641). Meditations on First Philosophy.

  • Graham, D. W. (2004). "Parmenides." In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

  • Hume, D. (1748). An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding.

  • Kant, I. (1781). Critique of Pure Reason.

  • Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.

  • Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism.

  • Nietzsche, F. (1882). The Gay Science.

  • Russell, B. (1945). A History of Western Philosophy.

  • Wittgenstein, L. (1953). Philosophical Investigations.