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Philosophical Theories Essay Examples

Philosophical Theories - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Philosophical theories are different frameworks or concepts that attempt to provide an explanation for various deep questions about the world, humanity and our reality. These theories can range from metaphysical ideas about the nature of existence, to epistemological claims about knowledge and truth, to ethical theories regarding human conduct and morality. They often require some level of critical analysis and contemplation to understand and gain insights from, and can be both historical and contemporary in nature. Some of the major philosophical theories include existentialism, utilitarianism, objectivism, relativism, and phenomenology. Each theory offers a unique perspective on various aspects of the human experience, and can contribute to a greater understanding of the world around us.

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  1. 1
    A Comparison Of Confucianism,Taoism And Shintoism
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    In religion, there are certain key terms that are crucial to know and to understand. For some, it is about finding their true self, and for others it’s about having a god to rely on – to help people and to be a figure of hope. In this case, Confucianism and Taoism in the Chinese religion follow some of the same principles, as well as Shintoism in the Japanese religion. In this paper, we are going to explore the specific…
    Confucianism
  2. 2
    Image of Woman in Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen
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    In the 19th century, common people were considered inferior in society and they were not wealth to be part of literature except for Kings. In "Hedda Gabler" by Henrik Ibsen paint a realistic picture of gender, power, battle between rich and poor, where the Hedda's action represent the social determinism in society. Although Hedda Gabler was written in the 19th century, nevertheless it portrays the reality of an average person in 21st century fight for freedom. Ibsen's usage of social…
    DeterminismFamous Person
  3. 3
    Naturalism in “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane
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    Stephen Crane remains one of the most influential naturalist writers in the United States. Scholars credit him for the establishment of modern U.S. naturalism. The author uses the book to recount a real-life story, when one of the ships he was travelling in went afloat in high seas and left everyone stranded. The naturalism concept argues that literary works should detach themselves from scientific objectivity when defining society and humanity. Naturalist writers consider the significance of family, environment, and socio-economic…
    Naturalism
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  4. 4
    Transcendentalism in Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Idea of The Divinity of Humanity
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    Transcendentalism asserts the inherent goodness of man for "to the good, (and) to the perfect, he is born" (Divinity School Address 10). His origin is divine and so is his destiny. As he goes through life, he progresses the ladder of divinity. As man continues to make choices to remain virtuous, and beautiful, his nature tends toward transcendental divinity. This transcendentalist tenet goes contrary to Calvinistic doctrine, which posits man's innate evil and proclivity to sin. Ralph Waldo Emerson's work…
    SpiritualityTranscendentalism
  5. 5
    A Social Theory of Marxism Showing in The Great Gatsby
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    Considering the Marxist theory, the novel can be considered a scathing critique on the flawd aspects of American Society, particularly relating to class dissonance. F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of The Great Gatsby, lived a short time after Karl Marx. To what effect Fitzgerald’s examination plays a role in maintaining values and beliefs of the ruling classes of 1920s American society can be successfully determined, by exploring both the features of the text, as well as the historical background in…
    MarxismMoney
  6. 6
    Existentialism In The Book Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka As The Individual Existence, Freedom and Choice
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    Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. The uniqueness and isolation of personal experiences in hostile or indifferent worlds. The book 'Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka is based on existentialism. One of the main perspective is alienation, which is be demonstrated by the relationship between Gregor and his family, his life before and after metamorphosis. In pervert, this abitrary change makes us evaluate Gregor's role as a symbol of the Existential hero. Having been written from an…
    Existentialism
  7. 7
    Comparison Of Confucius And Lao Tzu
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    Confucius and Lao Tzu are widely regarded as two of the most praised and well known Chinese philosophers. The Analects of Confucius is often compared with one of Lao Tzu’s great works, Tao the Ching. They both have unique standpoints, some similar but most differentiating. the main difference between the two is the is Confucius emphasizes the importance of loving and respecting others, along with improving knowledge. While Lao Tau stresses the significance of finding peace within yourself and gaining…
    Confucianism
  8. 8
    Transcendentalism in Walt Whitman’s And Ralph Emerson’s Works
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    Transcendentalism Paper The Puritans of New England called their home, “A city upon a hill”. They put themselves on a pedestal, and this depicts Puritan values and characteristics. If someone lives “upon a hill”, they are watching everyone around them. In Puritan society, people were aware they were constantly being watched and judged. They valued having a perfect and upstanding image in the eyes of society. This value system was common but was fundamentally different from the dogma that succeeded…
    Transcendentalism
  9. 9
    How Materialism and Spirituality Play a Part in The Great Gatsby, a Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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    The Great Gatsby: An Analysis In the 1920s many Americans began using credit, and buying and becoming very materialistic, and losing their spirit and identity. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby the characters are all engulfed in the world of materialism, and believe that that is what makes them happy. Materialism is defined as the devotion to material wealth and possessions at the cost of spiritual or intellectual principles. Spirituality is sensitivity or attachment to religious values. And identity…
    Materialism
  10. 10
    The Theories of Karl Marx on Capitalism and Communism
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    Karl Marx (1818– 1883) is best unbelievable not as a mastermind but rather as a progressive, whose works influenced the motivation of the various socialist routines inside the 20th century. It's laborious to consider numerous who have had the most amount impact inside the making of the chic world. Prepared as a scholar, Marx diverted standoffish from rationality in his twenties, towards science and legislative issues. In any case, to boot to his too philosophical early work, his later compositions…
    CapitalismCommunismMarxism
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  11. 11
    Using The Ideas Of Existentialism and Essentialism in Education
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    The purpose of education should be to create well-rounded students who become productive members of society through a balanced curriculum. Schools should focus on both the academic skills that students need to be successful in life and personal growth through self-exploration and character development. This purpose of education uses ideas from two areas of philosophy, essentialism and existentialism. Essentialism focuses on the essential academic subjects that students will need to be able to function in society and become productive adults…
    Existentialism
  12. 12
    Jean Paul Sartre VS Albert Camus
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    The two most influential philosophers and gleaming icons of post-world war 2 era were Jean Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. They both worked on an intellectual level to fight for injustice, to raise the conditions of proletariat and for that they knew a new political system had to be constructed. Camus believed that freedom must have limits, that justice and freedom required constant rebalancing and political moderation. Whereas Sartre believed that justice and freedom could be achieved under communism. They…
    Existentialism
  13. 13
    Transcendental Fealtures in Into the Wild’s By Chris McCandless
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    Emancipation The Influence of Transcendentalism on Into the Wild’s Chris McCandless Society is founded on monotony and security, and it is nearly impossible for its innocent youth not to be drawn into its façade. As they journey into the world, young adults seek solace in the confines of conformity and are soon drowning in superficiality. The recognition of value is stripped from their minds and replaced with the predisposition to “carelessness, ignorance [and] wastefulness” (Eighner 150). While Lars Eighner’s On…
    Transcendentalism
  14. 14
    Henrik Ibsen’s Play a Doll’s House: How Naturalism Has Been Used to Show The Real Life in The Society
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    Ibsen’s use of Naturalist techniques to expose social reality in A Doll’s House Naturalism was a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century and “was inspired by adaptation of the principles and methods of natural science, especially the Darwinian view of nature, to literature and art” (Britannica). It was a more detailed form of Realism and focused on factors of social determinism such as the “effects of heredity and environment, outside forces, on humanity” as opposed to “internal…
    Naturalism
  15. 15
    Marxist Criticism In Les Miserables
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    Les Misérables is a French historical novel published in 1862 by Victor Hugo. The novel has a musical drama film directed by Tom Hooper released in 2012. It is about an ex-convict, Jean Valjean, who was prisoned to jail for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread for his dying sister. He was hiding his true identity because he just escaped from the jail and he was being chased after by Javert, a police chief who dedicated his life…
    Les MisérablesMarxism
  16. 16
    The Modern Usage Of Social Darwinism To Support The Rich
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    We can see that Darwinism was used significantly to encourage human competition to oppose intervention in the natural human order and was the idea that humans compete for the struggle of existence Charles Darwin came up with the theory of natural selection called survival of the fittest the main idea of social Darwinism is that the status and privileges enjoyed by the wealthy and powerful members of society are the results of their personal characteristics and traits evolving through natural…
    Charles DarwinSocial Darwinism
  17. 17
    The Attributes of Boxer’s Entrepreneurship as Described in Animal Farm by George Orwell
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    Boxer… The Proletariat Communism. What comes to mind when you hear the word, communism? Do you think about malevolent leaders, or do you think about a thriving society? In The Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx pushed forward his ideas of Communism and discredited the Capitalist system by depicting the constant struggle between the Bourgeoisie, the upper middle class, and the Proletariat, the working class. Marx constantly informs the reader that the Bourgeoisie had changed people of previous professions into “paid wage-laborers,”…
    Communism
  18. 18
    The Advantages and Disadvantages of Capitalism and Communism
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    Capitalism or Communism, which side you are on? It is either black or white, you cannot choose both nor you can be in the middle. Pick your side. Well, I will try to help you with your answer. An answer to such question will require stepping in the shoes of the other side and making the argument a such. It is not America versus the Soviet Union; it is a school of thought. Adam Smith or Karl Marx? In the…
    CapitalismCommunismMarxism
  19. 19
    Tabula Rasa a Blank Slate in Behaviourism
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    Several psychological theories try to give reasons for human behaviour, but this essay aims to give a brief outline of the key concepts of the psychodynamic theory and the behavioural theory. Also looking at an individual’s health and behaviour in this case, phobias. (NHS, 2018) Phobias are divided in to two different types: Specific or simple phobias and complex phobias. Common specific or simple phobias include phobias to: animals, environmental, situation, bodily or sexual phobias. The two most common complex…
    Tabula Rasa
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    Summary: To What Extent Was Giotto Constrained By The Patronage Of Enrico Scrovegni When He Painted The Arena Chapel
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    The painter behind The Arena Chapel, Padua (The Scrovegni Chapel) frescoes was limited by its Patron. Enrico Scrovegni whom built the chapel c.1305. The painter commissioned was Giotto di Bondone. Although Giotto gained inspiration from Scrovegni, on what to depict. It would be inaccurate to say that Giotto was completely constrained by this. Due the many other artist aspects of the paintings, that Scrovegni would have had no input.Enrico Scrovegni was a wealthy Paduan money-leader. The wealth had been cultivated…
    NaturalismPainting
  21. 21
    Summary: The Key Differences and Similarities Between Naturalistic and Epic Performances
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    A well-known practitioner, born in Russia, Konstantin Stanislavski, considered performances that were as realistic as possible. ’’Remember: there are no small parts, only small actors’’. Naturalistic plays are used within theatrical performances to simulate real life. Essentially, the stage time reflects real time by making the set as realistic as possible, using props that are relevant to that time of the performance. Naturalistic writers were influenced by the new discoveries made in sciences, steaming from the Darwin’s theory of evolution.…
    NaturalismRealism
  22. 22
    Summary: The Core Similarities and Differences Between Expressionism and Realism As Theatre Styles
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    Expressionism is a movement first formed in Germany in the early 20th century, it started off as art but later went into theatre. Initially expressionism was different to realism and naturalism in theatre so much so that it later influenced practitioners Bertolt Brecht and Erwin piscator.Expressionism is a play (or film, or painting,) that can project a character’s interior mental landscape that is then accessible to the viewer. It is the opposite of realism in the sense that in expressionism…
    NaturalismRealismTheatre
  23. 23
    Summary: Marxist Theory and Social Class Theory Through The Hamlet Play
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    In Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, He is the Prince of Denmark but does not act entirely like a superior to those around him. Hamlet’s best friend, Horatio, is not directly referred to having any position and while his love interest, Ophelia, a daughter of a lord, is still distinctly lower class to Hamlet. Despite the class difference, Hamlet sees these people as peers rather than talking down to them. The idea of preying on a lower class, wanting to be treated…
    Marxism
  24. 24
    Summary: Naturalism Throughout ‘Olympia’ By Edouard Manet
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    Edouard Manet’s ‘Olympia’ is an oil painting created in 1863 and first displayed in 1865 in the renowned Salon in Paris . At first glance, particularly in a modern-day context, it may seem as though ‘Olympia’ is a typical portrait painting of a nude model in a fairly typical realism style. However, when this work was first accepted and displayed in the Salon, it sparked controversy of great proportions throughout the art world. This essay aims to analyse the painting…
    NaturalismPainting
  25. 25
    Strengths and Weaknesses of the Marxism Theory
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    A German philosopher, sociologist, economist, and journalist, born on May 5th, 1818, Karl Marx was one of the nine sons of a man named Heinrich Marx and a woman named Henriette Presburg Marx.Heinrich Marx who was a successful lawyer wanted Karl to follow in his footsteps to become a lawyer. Karl studied at the University of Bonn in October of 1835 and later transferred to the University of Berlin. This was where he discovered that his passion and interests lay…
    CommunismMarxism
  26. 26
    Marxist Reading Of “The Grapes Of Wrath” By John Steinbeck
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    "The Grapes of Wrath" is still of the classics of American literature. This work remains banned in many school libraries across the nation because some critics said it contains full of lies of American life in that period and highly pro-communist. It is because Steinbeck created the work because of showing difficulties of many Americans who had The Great Depression and The Dust Owl. Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" can be discussed by many critical theories but Marxist criticism which…
    Marxism
  27. 27
    Humanistic And Existential Theory In Psychology
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    According to McLeod (2015) in psychology the term of humanism, humanist and humanistic pertains to the approach of dealing with the wholistic aspect and uniqueness of an individual. The humanistic approach is also known as the “third force” following psychoanalysis and behaviorism in the field of psychology. It was known that humanism disapproved the studies of favoring the behaviorist and psychodynamic approach, wherein the behaviorist perspective based on the result from the reinforcement of stimulus-response and animal research, while the…
    Existentialism
  28. 28
    The Illusory Utopia: Unraveling the Challenges of Communism
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    In the annals of socio-political ideologies, communism has always stood out as a beacon of egalitarian ideals, promising a utopian society where wealth is shared equally, and all individuals enjoy the fruits of collective labor. However, despite its compelling theoretical foundation, the practical implementation of communism has been marred by numerous challenges, leading to its ultimate failure in achieving the promised utopia. Communism, as envisioned by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, is predicated on the abolition of private property, class…
    BureaucracyCommunism
  29. 29
    Ephemeral Odyssey: Navigating the Mysteries of Life After Death
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    The journey beyond life's threshold, into the mysterious realm awaiting us after death, has intrigued and confounded humanity throughout the ages. It's a perplexing narrative that weaves its way through the fabric of cultures and philosophies, offering diverse interpretations of the enigma that shrouds our existence beyond mortality. For many, the solace of religious doctrines provides a comforting narrative of an afterlife governed by divine justice and recompense. These beliefs propose that death is not the termination but the commencement…
    DeathExistentialism
  30. 30
    Exploring Feminist Critique in Chopin’s ‘Story of an Hour’
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    Introduction "Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, a brief yet profound narrative, was penned in 1894, a time when the feminist movement was still in its infancy. At its core, this story is a nuanced critique of the 19th-century marital dynamics and the societal constraints imposed on women. Through a feminist lens, we see how Chopin boldly challenges the status quo, making her piece not just a story but a statement. This essay aims to dissect "The Story of…
    Feminist criticism
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  31. 31
    Neo-Liberalism and Cryptocurrency
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    AbstractAs of late, majority of us have noticed this trend, that more business organizations are accepting bitcoin as a mode of payment. Some governments are planning to come up with their own regularized forms of cryptocurrency such as Venezuela’s Petrodollar. This demonstrates the rising prevalence of cryptocurrency; an internet based virtual monetary standards which were nonexistent until a decade ago. Cryptocurrencies are seen as a new way to store the value and are alternatives to traditional money. This essay will…
    CryptocurrencyLiberalism
  32. 32
    Unveiling Power Dynamics: The Communist Manifesto’s Impact
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    Introduction The omnipresent force of power has the capacity to mold both individuals and entire societies, triggering profound transformations and unsettling imbalances in its wake. This essay embarks on a comprehensive exploration of this intricate theme, drawing profound insights from three seminal articles. At the heart of our examination is "The Communist Manifesto" by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, a foundational text that elucidates the power dynamics between the Bourgeois and the Proletarians. This manifesto not only serves as a…
    Communist manifesto
  33. 33
    Navigating the Ethical Crossroads: Consequentialism and Deontology
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    In the grand theater of moral philosophy, few debates are as captivating as the one between consequentialism and deontology. These two broad ethical theories, each with its champions and detractors, offer contrasting views on how we should determine the rightness or wrongness of actions. While both theories aim to guide our moral compass, they do so through distinct lenses. Imagine you're faced with a challenging decision, one with significant moral implications. How would you decide on the best course of…
    Philosophical Theories
  34. 34
    Riding the Wave of Transcendentalism: A Philosophy Rooted in the Infinite
    Words • 549
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    Transcendentalism might sound like a hefty term, reserved for philosophical debates in ivory towers. Yet, it's a movement that has subtly impacted American culture, resonating with many people's sense of self and place in the universe. Emerging in the early to mid-19th century, primarily in New England, Transcendentalism has left its mark on literature, politics, and everyday life. At its core, it's a philosophy that celebrates the individual, the wonders of nature, and the boundless possibilities of human spirit. So,…
    Transcendentalism
  35. 35
    Unraveling the Pages of “Fahrenheit 451”: A Dystopian Tale of Knowledge and Ignorance
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    A Glimpse into the Dystopian World Published in 1953, "Fahrenheit 451" presents a future where books are outlawed, and the job of "firemen" is not to put out fires, but to burn any books discovered. The protagonist, Guy Montag, is a fireman who initially embraces the society's values. He joins in the burning of books without question, as the government promotes a culture of instant gratification, shallow entertainment, and avoidance of uncomfortable truths. The world depicted in the novel is…
    Philosophical Theories
  36. 36
    A Comparative Analysis of Adam Smith and Karl Marx
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    Introduction The realm of economics has been shaped by the ideas of numerous influential thinkers throughout history. Two such prominent figures are Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Both Smith and Marx revolutionized economic thought during their respective times, offering distinct perspectives on the functioning of economies and societies. This essay aims to delve into the fundamental principles and beliefs held by these two seminal economists, highlighting their key differences and similarities in an effort to gain a comprehensive understanding of…
    Marxism
  37. 37
    Social Darwinism in the Gilded Age: A Justification for Inequality
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    The Gilded Age in the late 19th century was a period of rapid industrialization and economic growth in the United States. It was characterized by extreme wealth accumulation among a few industrialists, while the majority of the population faced harsh working conditions and poverty. During this time, the concept of Social Darwinism emerged, serving as a philosophical justification for the stark inequality prevalent in society. Social Darwinism, influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, posited that the wealthy and…
    Social Darwinism
  38. 38
    The Rise and Fall of Social Darwinism: Exploring Its Controversial Beliefs and Lasting Impact on Society
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    The belief system of social Darwinism traces its foundations back to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection and gained popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It aimed to incorporate evolutionary principles into human social and economic life, asserting that success and progress in society were outcomes of the survival of the fittest, mirroring the natural world. Although some find it intriguing as an explanation for social hierarchies and economic disparities, social Darwinism has faced severe criticism due…
    Social Darwinism
  39. 39
    Transcendentalism: Illuminating the Soul’s Boundaries
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    The 19th-century philosophical and literary movement known as transcendentalism aimed to liberate people from the confines of conventional institutions and ideas by focusing on people's innate goodness and connection to nature. By addressing themes of independence, intuition, and the profound connection between people and nature, poets played a vital role in defining the fundamental ideas of transcendentalism. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman were three major transcendentalist poets who each made a distinctive contribution to the movement's…
    Transcendentalism
  40. 40
    A Dive into the Realm of the Metaphysical
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    As we navigate the vast ocean of philosophical terminology, the word 'metaphysical' may often surface, provoking a sense of curiosity. Stemming from the Greek root 'meta', meaning 'beyond', and 'physika', translating to 'physical', the term 'metaphysical' moves beyond the material world that we perceive through our senses, transcending into a realm of abstract thought and concepts. At its core, 'metaphysical' delves into understanding and questioning aspects of reality that are beyond the physical world. It doesn't concern itself with what…
    Metaphysics
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