B.R.

Too much metaphysics will make one melancholy.
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Displaying Results 1 - 112 (of 112) for Yahoo! Voices
  • Does Tibetan Resistance to China Feed U.S. Imperialism?
    How does the internal affair of Tibet and the People's Republic of China become all the more complex when the United States is involved? Is it a move for political destabilization for the benefit of American imperialism?
  • Bipolar Disorder and New Relationships
    When starting a new relationship with someone with bi-polar, there are some things that may prove helpful to the growth and development of your relationship. Here are some examples and tips of what I've learned through my personal experience.
  • Scientific Vs. Utopian Socialism
    Overview of the scientific socialist model of Marxism-Leninism compared to the social-democratic and ultra-left concepts of socialism, and why only the Marxist-Leninist model can truly succeed in accomplishing a communist society.
  • The Ideology and Politics of North Korea, the DPRK
    A brief alternative perspective on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, better known as North Korea to westerners.
  • Priority Spending and Mass Transit
    What's keeping state and federal legislatures from allocating more funds towards the construction of easy, accessible, and efficient mass transit when it provides obvious benefits to some of this country's most glaring problems of gasoline/automobile dependency?
  • NATO Expansion
    Overview of the situation regarding NATO's expansion into the traditional Russian sphere of influence.
  • Online References for Marxist-Leninist Studies: Part 1
    Brief overview of some of the best online resources available for better understanding and the study of Marxism-Leninism, socialism, communism, and all other relevant topics.
  • Perspectives on the Great Purge
    Some insight into the historical events of the 1930's purges in the Soviet Union.
  • Religious Expression Under Socialism
    Look into the ideological and political reasoning behind limiting or restricting religious expression in socialist societies.
  • Socialist Realism: Proletarian Aesthetics
    Historical look at socialist realism (especially in the USSR), as well as an overview of the guiding philosophy behind it.
  • Philosophy 101: Materialism
    Overview and introduction to philosophical materialism: the view that the known universe is composed of the single substance of physical matter.
  • Philosophy 101: Skeptical Hypothesis
    The infamous skeptical hypothesis argument regarding a "brain in the vat," raises certain doubts about our perceptions and the reality of experience.
  • The Narcissistic Personality
    Overview and discussion of the DSM-IV classification, Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Includes overview of symptoms, pathology, and prognosis.
  • Philosophy 101: Four Ways of Having Experience
    In this article I describe four ways in which philosophers have described how experience is possible. These include sensing, thinking, feeling, and intuition.
  • Rethinking "Stalinism"
    Stalinism has developed to incorporate a number of meanings that basically symbolize a repressive, brutal, and totalitarian regime. However this ignores some key facts about Stalin and his rule throughout the USSR.
  • Moral Convictions and Behavior: Theory and Practice
    Discussion regarding how important our own moral convictions are in everyday life. How truly serious do we take our own moral ideals when it comes to real-life situations?
  • Schizophrenia and Genetics
    Includes an introduction to schizophrenia and in-depth discussion on the possibility of a genetic basis for the mental disorder.
  • Ethical Concerns of Electroconvulsive Therapy
    Discusses and introduces some of the ethical concerns of electroconvulsive therapy, also known as electro-shock therapy or ECT.
  • Marxism 101: What is Communism?
    Discusses the nature and development (and essentials) of a communist society.
  • Misconceptions About Capitalism, Part I
    Three commonly held misconceptions about capitalism debunked.
  • Marx's Morals
    Did Marx's writings include moral qualms, in this article I discuss Marx's attempt to convey an amoral attitude towards capitalism and communism in his attempt to create an objective and scientific inquiry into economic relations.
  • Marxism 101: What is Socialism?
    Further in-depth analysis of Marxist socialism and its characteristics.
  • Understanding Anxiety Disorders
    A brief introduction to anxiety disorders, the five major ones, and treatment.
  • Concerns Regarding Objectivity
    Some concerns regarding the remote possibility of objectivity in general, but especially as it relates to the field of epistemology and philosophy of mind.
  • Anti-Revisionist Communism: A Brief Introduction
    What is Anti-Revisionism, and what role does it play in contemporary Marxist thought?
  • Misconceptions About Communism, Pt. III
    More common misconceptions about communism dispelled - this time dealing with more of the historical misconceptions about socialism in practice and clarifying some of the more popular myths particular to American anti-communism.
  • Good and Evil, According to Kant
    Describes the Kantian notion of 'good' and 'evil.' Rather than these objects determining morality, Kant believes the moral law determines what is good, and what is evil.
  • The Categorical Imperative and Deduction
    Kant says its impossible to 'deduce' the objective validity of the moral law; however, he argues that another means of determining its universal validity as existing is possible.
  • Kant: Moral Incentives
    In the Critique of practical Reason, Kant argues the incentives to abide by the moral law as the subjective determining grounds of the will...
  • Criminal Defenses: Court Room Primer
    Brief overview of the options of available defenses attorneys employ on behalf of their clients in criminal cases.
  • Community and the EZLN
    Every political movement is based on the construction of a given community. This article exposes, analyzes, and details the implications of this procedure as seen through the EZLN of Chiapas, Mexico.
  • Idealism and Free-Will: Believing the Unbelievable
    Voltairine de Cleyre, feminist, anarchist author of the early 20th century made a famous argument regarding the individual power of one's own will. My objective here is to refute this claim, and show de Cleyre's mistakes.
  • Do Future Generations Have Moral Rights?
    Analysis and critique of the argument that we have moral obligations towards future people (especially in regards to the environment) based on 'moral rights.'
  • Well-Being and Consumption
    Taking two different theories of well-being (mental state and objective), here's an argument against and for policies restricting our consumption to lessen our impact on the environment.
  • Tolstoy and Conspicuous Consumption
    In his famous piece, The Death of Ivan Illych, Tolstoy believes there are certain objective standards for which individuals must develop and satisfy in order to live a "good life." This critique can be interpreted as a criticism of our modern day consumer-based lives.
  • Hypothesis for Success
    Want to be successful in life, whatever that means for you? Then it requires the skill of detaching oneself from the emotional ties that serve as obstacles in any pursuit of a valuable ends.
  • The Scientific Method
    What is the scientific method, and what is its position amongst the continuum of classical epistemological theories?
  • On Reality and Perception
    Reality on a continuum, and all its associated problems. Examines some of the deeper questions of our reality and our perception. Ultimately, our limited minds make such inquiries unknowable and frustrating.
  • Misconceptions About Communism, Part II
    More refutations of popular misconceptions regarding communism. This article deals with the "human nature" argument, the "all socialists are communists" misconception, and the belief that "the failures of the Soviet Union" represent a failure of communism.
  • Aggravation of Class-Struggle Under Socialism
    Does class-struggle end with the beginning of socialism, or does it intensify? How does this relate to the concept of the instrumental use of the state in general?
  • Common Misconceptions About Communism
    Examines and explains five basic misconceptions about communist theory.
  • The Logical Argument for Fatalism
    Offers a brief introduction to fatalism, and illustrates the basic Aristotelian logical argument for fatalism, but updated with more relevant examples for the purpose of demonstration.
  • Utilitarianism and Drugs: The Problem and the Solution
    Drugs are often seen as not only a health problem, but a moral problem as well. One of the arguments against drug use and a possible solution from the utilitarian school of moral philosophy.
  • Environmental Arrogance and Delusion
    The Environmentalist movement, even when addressing the issues from the perspective of nature's intrinsic worth, is wholeheartedly anthropocentric and to a great degree, human arrogance.
  • Conclusions About Morality
    Sums up the relevant conclusions based on the premises regarding morality from some of my previous articles, and moves in the direction of a non-philosophical account of morality solely dependent upon the empirical (not metaphysical).
  • On Human Nature and Government
    Evaluation of claims regarding human nature as it relates to forms of government; a response to Mr. Richard Carriero's "Is Democracy Natural?"
  • Constructing a Socialist Meta-Ethics
    Offers a potential meta-ethical description of the good, and a subsequent normative ethical system for Marxist-Leninism.
  • Marxism / Leninism 101: The Bourgeoisie & Proletariat Classes
    Brief and simple introduction to the concept of the two predominant classes in bourgeois society: capitalist (bourgeoisie) and laborer (proletariat).
  • The Cult of the Individual
    What is the cult of the individual? A look into the replication and characteristics of individualism.
  • The Amoral Explanation of Morality
    Explaining morality through experience; taking the amoral position and rejecting objective moral truths.
  • Being Skeptical: Proportioning One's Belief to Evidence
    Discusses taking a skeptical approach to life, and the benefit and (need) for the justification of beliefs to proportion to empirical evidence as our only defense against a complicated world of varying interests and agendas.
  • Suggestions for the American Anti-Imperialist Movement
    Some friendly, helpful advice to the American people who stand for anti-imperialism.
  • Kant's Solution to His Circular Problem
    Article examines the circular problem for Kant - involving moral experience, freedom of the will, and autonomy. Assesses the success of his solution and other problems that might arise.
  • Ethical Concerns of Reproductive Cloning
    Introduces some of the basic ethical concerns surrounding reproductive cloning.
  • Moral Skepticism Vs. Moral Rationalism
    Dialogue between a moral skeptic and moral rationalist/realist to better illustrate the nature that exists between the two schools of thought as it relates to 1)epistemology and 2) metaphysics of morality.
  • Another Possible Account for Moral Experience?
    This article (the fifth installment into my general inquiry into morality) tries to defend the account of morality as argued by David Hume and addresses the problems raised by contemporary moral rationalists, deontologists, and realists.
  • The Categorical Imperative and Lying
    Demonstration of how duty, as necessitated through reason by the Categorical Imperative, makes any maxim justifying lying an impermissible (and irrational) one.
  • Freedom and Determinism
    Is it possible to be free, when in fact human beings are phenomena subject to the same natural laws of the physical world as anything else? An introduction to this important question.
  • Denying Metaphysics, Questioning Knowledge
    The third piece in my "Inquiry into Morality," this essay illustrates another approach to the denial of metaphysics and its overall uselessness, and introduces epistemological skepticism.
  • Some Helpful Tips for Writing Philosophical Arguments
    Tips and pointers to strengthen your writing of philosophical arguments or arguments in general.
  • The Basis for Moral Experience: A Follow Up to My Previous Article Possibility of a Metaphysics of Morality
    If a metaphysical explanation for the possibility of morality is neither necessary nor useful, what then, can we base our moral experiences in? Part II of my "Inquiry into Morality."
  • Why None of Us Can Know God
    An analysis and argument for the skeptical response to the question, "Can you know God?"
  • What is Rationality? A Brief Summary
    Our ability to reason - what is it? What does it do for us?
  • The Probability of a Metaphysics of Morals
    Is there any basis for a metaphysics of morality? Can we ascribe to ourselves that which we can never know - a free-will?
  • Race and the Law: The Trials of Ossian Sweet and the Scottsboro Boys
    Examines the legal ramifications of two very important cases in the development of racial attitudes and legal precedents in the United States judicial system.
  • Blowing Up Russia by Alexander Litvinenko & Yuri Felshtinsky: A Critical Review
    Review of the controversial book Blowing Up Russia by Aleksandr Litvinenko and Yuri Felshtinsky.
  • Liberalism VS. Communitarianism
    Examines the philosophical differences and contrasts with regards to the now famous case of Wisconsin v. Yoder. The intrusiveness of community/state values into individual situations and choices is also examined.
  • The USSR from an Inside / Outside Perspective: My Impressions
    My personal reflections of the USSR, both from experience living in the late German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and growing up in the United States.
  • Annotated List of Books on Metaphysics
    Metaphysics is an intriguing branch of philosophy that can be extraordinarily difficult to grasp. I've put together a comprehensive list of books in order to give even the most amateur philosopher a solid handle on the subject.
  • The Ethics of Violence
    Is committing certain acts of violence justifiable if the ends are worthwhile and noble? This article begs the question and poses a possible answer.
  • Thomas Hobbes and Contractarianism
    A look into Hobbes' philosophy and view of human nature, as well as his ideas outlined in his book Leviathan, and an overall introduction to contractarianism.
  • The 1940s: A Decade in Review
    Looks at some of the key political, social, economic, scientific events of the 1940's.
  • Philosophy and Politics
    Offers a series of philosophical considerations in the realm of politics, including the nature of government and to what end such an entity should exist within society.
  • Why George W. Bush is Not a Fascist
    Analysis and study of fascist ideology, what it is, and whether or not there is any fascistic trend in mainstream America.
  • An Ethical Assessment of Euthanasia
    Examines the ethical considerations of euthanasia, whether active or passive is irrelevent to the ethical conclusions, as they are both
  • Animals in Biomedical Research
    Discussion that asserts the lack of rights supposedly held by animals and why it is ethically legitimate to include them in biomedical research experiments for the greater good of human beings.
  • Political Socialization and Traditional Norms
    Takes a look into the socialization process undertaken in society, and its essential use. Also examines the acceptance of political norms in society; also includes observations from the works of Freedman, and McClosky, Zaller, and Chong.
  • The Three Major Forms of Objective Esthetics
    In regards to esthetic judgments, the question typically boils down to one of a methodological nature.
  • Post-War Japan and Reformism
    This essay attempts to analyze and dissect the rapid transition and reverse of the vast reforms put in place in post-war Japan and how they situated themselves in Japanese society.
  • The Yasukuni Shrine Issue
    Compares the transitioning attitudes of the Japanese people in regards to the relationship between the state and relgion, and historical implications of the Yasukuni Shrine.
  • Historical Look at the Conclusion of the Asia-Pacific War
    There were many considerations undertaken by the Japanese High Command at the end of the war, this essay examines the reasons and these considerations in regards to the delay of the inevitable surrender of Imperial Japan.
  • Sex Offenders: The Law, the Community, the Solution
    Analysis of the problem of sex offenders in the local community (Binghamton, NY), the current state/local legislation, and proposed solutions to this societal ill.
  • Analysis of the Psychology of Authority and the Milgram Experiment
    Takes a look into the psychological implications of authority figures and their power over the individual and society. Uses the Stanley Milgram experiment as a guideline while contemplating typological considerations of authority.
  • Paternalism and Genetic Testing
    Discusses the "paternalism" of physicians revealing crucial genetic information to patients regarding abnormalities or undesired traits. Uses utilitarian ethics to argue why physicians have an obligation to tell patients, eve if they don't want to know.
  • When is a Custodian NOT a Custodian?
    Outlines a new problem in labor relations that has places unnecessary burdens on the working class.
  • Criticisms of the New Left
    Analysis of the left-wing tradition in America in modern times, and the current condition of any real movement for progress.
  • The Opening of the U.S. Media
    Takes a look at the open nature of the United States media and the role in which it plays it contemporary politics.
  • History of the Aluminum Can
    A brief and interesting look into the history of one of the most common house-hold items today; the aluminum can. From its conception to its modern uses, this piece illustrates the important role aluminum cans play in our daily lives.
  • Ethical Justification for Terrorism
    Attempts to take an ethical stance on whether "terrorism" can be justified, and what are the concluding ethical principles in differentiating terrorism from fighting a just political cause...
  • Huey Newton
    Historical/political biography of one of the founding fathers of the Black Panther movement. Includes the development and history of one of America's most profound revolutionaries and inspirational Black socialist activists.
  • Defining Marriage
    Defining marriage in the contemporary material sense, while addressing the ideal elements of marriage, concluding in a social, legal, and philosophical definition of the institution of marriage.
  • The Material Tradition
    Does the realm of the ideal have any place in socialist thought? This article looks to examine this question and reconsider the possible accommodations for both the material and the ideal.
  • The True Abraham Lincoln
    Historical review of Abraham Lincoln, attempts to disseminate fact from fiction and convey a true image to Abraham Lincoln.
  • The Classical Formula for Writing a Speech
    Describes the classical formula for constructing a speech, including choosing a topic, structure, rhetoric, etc.
  • Prostitution: An Ethical Assessment
    In-depth philosophical look into the ethical problems, consequences, and conditions represented by prostitution.
  • The Ethical Involvement of Human Subjects in Research
    Uses ethical philosophies to construct a code of conditions for which human involvement in medical research should be applied.
  • Japanese Diplomacy in the Meiji Era
    Takes a contemporary look at Japanese dipomacy and foreign relations during the Meiji era. A detailed look into the goals and assumptions of Japanese diplomats; recurring themes, and how the general public came to accept such policies.
  • A Look Into the Educational Process of Emperor Hirohito
    Detailed look into the educational process of the Emperor Hirohito and the curriculum destined to make him an active political figure in contemporary Japanese times.
  • Wildfires
    This paper takes a look at who forest fires effect, what the effects are, and if forest fires should indeed be prevented. . It looks at both the natural and prescribed results of fires, and what impact they have on the natural environment.
  • Social Attitudes vs Social Behaviors
    What is the overlying factor that contradicts political attitudes and political behaviors? Mere economics!
  • War: Is it Ever Justified?
    The sensitive nature of war makes it a difficult issue to assess with ethical value. An argument is posed justifying war only in the most extreme measures, as justified through act utilitarianism.
  • Ethical Justification for Capital Punishment
    A look at the controversial issue of capital punishment. Includes an argument for the death penalty, using rule utilitarian principles.
  • Abortion: Ethical Analysis
    Reviews statistics and controversial nature of abortion, while attempting to make an ethical argument via utilitarian ethical principles.
  • Physiological and Psychological Effects of Bipolar Disorder
    This paper takes a look at Bipolar disorder to assess what it is, how it affects the human brain and behavioral systems, who it affects, what causes it, and how to treat it.
  • The Great Seal State Park in Ohio
    The purpose of this paper is to outline the history/background, ecological and geological features of the park, and why it should be deemed a National Park by the NPS.
  • Vladimir Lenin's Decree: The Necessities of a Revolutionary Government
    In depth look at some of the immediate policy implications initiated by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik party upon the Revolution of 1917.
  • The State and Dictatorship of the Proletariat
    Insight and critical analysis on the question of applied governance in a socialist state; specifically referring to the works outline by Lenin, Marx, and Engels. Offers a contemporary Marxist-Leninist view on the subject - combined with a modern outlook.
  • On the Question of National Healthcare and Insurance in the United States
    Analyzes and compares the varying arguments as to possible solutions for the health care crisis in the United States. Uses various sources of high credibility, while also offering personal opinions and analysis of the health care situation in the U.S.
  • Dreams - What Are They and What Do They Mean?
    Takes a physiological, biological, and psychological approach to dreams, answering the questions, "where do dreams come from?" and "what do they mean?"
  • Plato's Allegory of the Cave: Analysis and Summary
    Brief yet concise look at Plato's "Allegory of the Cave." Includes both a summary and analysis with solid understanding and interpretation of the most recent translations of the classic Platonic work.
  • Declaration of Independence vs the Constitution of the United States of America
    Compares the ideology and historical context of each document and it's premier role in shaping the outcome of the United States as a governing body and society from a contemporary outlook; and its application in today's world.
  • Hammurabi's Code: Did It Enforce Laws Against Women's Rights and Independence?
    Analyzes the role of written law and its place amongst patriarchal society.

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