Students Will Complete A Major Paper Detailing Hisher Views

Students Will Complete A Major Paper Detailing Hisher Views Related T

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. The paper requirements are as follows: 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.

The paper must reference at least 4 academic sources (scholarly books, articles, presentations, etc.) beyond course texts in the paper. 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 instruction

The task of this philosophical paper is to critically explore and articulate the core issues within the main branches of philosophy, integrating personal viewpoints and scholarly engagement. This comprehensive assignment aims to demonstrate the student's understanding of foundational philosophical questions, their ability to analyze different philosophical perspectives, and to develop their own reasoned positions.

Introduction

Philosophy, as an inquiry into the fundamental nature of reality, knowledge, morality, and existence, encompasses a diverse spectrum of disciplines. This paper seeks to explore four major areas: metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of religion or aesthetics, and ethics or political philosophy, based on student choice. Through the examination of central questions and insights from influential philosophers, the paper endeavors to articulate personal positions and critical understanding of each field.

Metaphysics

Metaphysics investigates the nature of reality and existence, addressing questions such as "What is there?" and "What is it like?" The central question revolves around the nature of being and the structure of reality. One influential philosopher, Aristotle, posited that substances constitute the fundamental entities of reality, emphasizing their essential properties. Conversely, David Lewis, a 20th-century philosopher, championed modal realism, asserting that all possible worlds are as real as the actual world, thus expanding our understanding of existence. From my perspective, the metaphysical view should incorporate both the tangible and the possible, acknowledging that reality comprises not only what is but also what could be, shaping a broad ontological framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of actual and potential states.

Epistemology

Epistemology explores the nature and scope of knowledge, raising questions like "What can we know?" and "How do we know it?" Descartes famously questioned the reliability of sensory experience, advocating for rationalism—knowledge derived primarily through reason. In contrast, David Hume argued that human understanding is limited to sensory impressions and that inductive reasoning cannot be justified rationally. I align more closely with a synthesis of these views, believing that while sensory experience provides foundational evidence, reason is essential for organizing and validating knowledge. This hybrid approach supports a pragmatic epistemology that values empirical evidence but recognizes the role of rational analysis in constructing a coherent worldview.

Philosophy of Religion or Aesthetics

Choosing philosophy of religion, the central question concerns the existence and nature of the divine, as well as religious experience and belief systems. Philosophers like Thomas Aquinas proposed arguments for God's existence, including the cosmological argument, which asserts that a necessary being is the cause of the universe. Immanuel Kant challenged traditional proofs, suggesting that belief in God involves practical necessity rather than empirical proof. Personally, I believe that faith and reason coexist, with religious beliefs serving as meaningful commitments that shape ethical behavior and life purpose. This view respects rational inquiry while honoring the experiential and spiritual dimensions of religion.

Ethics or Political Philosophy

Focusing on ethics, the key questions revolve around moral principles, right and wrong, and how individuals ought to behave. Immanuel Kant’s deontological ethics emphasizes duty and universal moral laws, emphasizing that actions are morally right if performed out of duty. On the other hand, John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism asserts that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number. I find that an integrated approach, considering both duty-based principles and consequences, provides a balanced ethical framework. Morality should guide actions through respect for persons and the promotion of overall well-being, recognizing the complex factors that influence ethical decision-making in diverse situations.

Conclusion

This exploration of core philosophical disciplines highlights the diversity of questions and perspectives that shape philosophical inquiry. By engaging with prominent philosophers and forming personalized responses, this paper demonstrates a nuanced understanding of metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of religion, and ethics. Philosophy remains an ongoing pursuit of understanding the profound questions that define human existence, and my worldview seeks to integrate reason, experience, and ethical commitment in addressing these enduring issues.

References

• Aquinas, T. (1981). Summa Theologica. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province.
• Descartes, R. (1996). Meditations on First Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Kant, I. (1998). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge University Press.
• Lewis, D. (1986). On the Plurality of Worlds. Oxford University Press.
• Mill, J. S. (2002). Utilitarianism. Hackett Publishing Company.
• Hume, D. (2007). An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding. Oxford University Press.
• Rorty, R. (1982). Consequences of Pragmatism. University of Minnesota Press.
• Searle, J. (2004). The Construction of Social Reality. Free Press.
• Williamson, T. (2000). Knowledge and Its Limits. Oxford University Press.
• Woodward, J. (2003). Making Things Public: Atmospheres of Democracy. MIT Press.