If We Are Social Animals, Then Whose Perspective Do We Adopt / John Rawls' or Robert Nozick's?
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A 10 page paper that explores the difference between the theories of justice espoused by these two prominent Harvard philosophers, focusing particularly on concepts of cooperation for mutually beneficial goals, and alternative concepts for the just distribution of the primary benefits of society. The position is taken that both theories can be critiqued from the perspective of their assumptions that human beings operate as separate individuals who make rational choices out of a place of self-interest. The question is whether either social contract or entitlement theory can fully explain the reasons why humans cooperate for mutual well-being. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: Rawnov.wps

John Rawls' Difference Principle and Original Position
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John Rawls has been described as the foremost political philosopher of the twentieth century. His philosophy is aligned with Kant and addresses both the ethical forms of political systems and economic theories. This 6 page paper addresses Rawls' concepts of Original Position and Difference Principle in terms of comparison with Libertarianism, Marxist principles and programs appropriate to the United States. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: KTjrawls.wps

John Rawls' Original Position
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This 8 page paper discusses John Rawls theory of fairness and justice. Specifically, the essay addresses Rawls' principles concerning inequality in society, when they are just and when they are not just. This discussion inherently must include a description of the maximin rule and what Rawls called the original position. Bibliography lists 5 sources. PGrawls.msw
Filename: PGrawls.msw

Rawls' Theory of Justice
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A 5 page paper on John Rawls' 'Theory of Justice' in reference to how some individuals believe his theories are too individualistic and others believe them to not be individualistic enough. A brief illustration of Rawls' theory is presented, followed by examples of the theories being too individualistic and not being individualistic enough. Bibliography lists 3 additional sources.
Filename: RArawls.wps

Was Socrates Truly 'Guilty' ?
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In this 8 page critical paper, the writer debates the guilt or innocence of Socrates in terms relative to his society, his political realm and himself. The writer argues that by the definitions put forth by the Athenian democracy, Socrates was rightfully charged and convicted of the crimes of heresy and immorality. But it must be noted that in Socrates terms, terms that defined him as a political and social teacher, Socrates was not guilty of any crime and was unjustly tried. The writer cites sources from Plato to Taylor, in an attempt to debate both sides of this issue. In determining guilt or innocence, the author presents the argument that Socrates may not have faced a just jury trial. Bibliography lists 8 sources.
Filename: Guiltsoc.wps

How Kant and Hume Would React To Plato's 'Euthyphro'
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A 6 page paper that discusses the possible reactions of Immanuel Kant and David Hume on Plato's 'Euthyphro.' Of major consideration is the reactions of Kant and Hume to the concepts of piety, love and family duty as presented within the story of the dialogue between Euthyphro and Socrates. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Filename: Euthyphr.wps

Confucius and Socrates: Rule of Propriety
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A 5 page exploration of Confucius' concepts of the 'rule of propriety' and 'man of humanity'. Defines these concepts and uses the work of Socrates to reiterate Confucius' contention that social well-being requires adherence to the rules of propriety. No additional sources are listed.
Filename: PPconfuP.wps

A New Version of Plato's 'Apology' -- Defense of His 'Republic'
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A 15 page paper which poses a new version of Plato's Apology, in which he, and not Socrates, stands accused, this time, of political treason and religious subversion, and for using his writings to explain and justify the necessity for total revolution. Plato serves as his own defense attorney, while Aristotle acts as prosecutor and charges are based upon the evidence provided in Plato's The Republic, in which authoritarian rule and loss of independence are justified. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Filename: TGplapol.rtf

Aristotle & The Democratic Government
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A 7 page paper that explores the Athenian Constitution, Aristotle's 'Politics,' and other writings. The writer analyzes Aristotle's 'natural' state as a growth out of the family ideal, and posits that Aristotle's views of democracy miror today's views of same. The paper presents Aristototle's arguments against Socrates' recommended form of government, and comments that, although democracy is a valid form of governance, contrary to Aristotle's 'order' and perfectability of the state, the good of it is that 'order' under democracy has not been achieved in 3000 years. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Aripo.wps

Comparison Between Socrates’ View of Love in Plato’s 'Symposium' With Contemporary Idea of Love
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A 6 page paper which compares Socrates’ view of love, as interpreted by Plato in 'Symposium,' with the contemporary concept of love. After critical evaluation, the two viewpoints are then integrated into an example of an ideal of love, which is probed through supporting and opposing arguments. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
Filename: TGsoclov.rtf

Conception of Life and Death According to Socrates, Aristotle & Plato Analyzed
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This 6 page research paper examines how the concept of death fits in with the meaning of life in light of the classical Greek philosophers Socrates, Aristotle and Plato. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Filename: Lifedie.wps

Fictitious Report From A Juror On The Trial Of Socrates
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A 5 page paper discussing the trial of Socrates from the perspective of one of the Athenian jurors in his trial. The imaginary 'Spirulinus' discusses his view of the trial and his role in deciding the fate of Socrates. Bibliography lists three sources.
Filename: Spirol.wps