1,527 words

Empiricism and rationalism in modern epistemology

Empiricism is a theory of knowledge that posits that what we know arises from a series of sensual experiences that are evidentiary and part of observable phenomena.

~8 min read

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2,277 words

The transformation of indentured servitude into racial slavery in colonial America

When the original European colonists arrived in North America, they established a system of indentured servitude to facilitate their economic needs being met.

~12 min read

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1,516 words

Kant's Categorical Imperative and the role of faith in ethics

Metaphysics of Morals, Immanuel Kant argues that all human thought and behavior must be subjected to the dictates of the Categorical Imperative, an ethical paradigm for grounding universal action that he believes sufficient to cover all possible exigencies of human decision-making.

~8 min read

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1,173 words

Gandhi's non-violence philosophy and its practical application to modern conflicts

Gandhi's belief system also inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. To use non-violence as a tactic of resistance against the oppression of African-Americans in the United States. However, just as Gandhi had his critics, so did Martin Luther King.

~6 min read

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2,279 words

The judicial branch and checks and balances system

Government was structured by our American forefathers, who were highly suspicious of power and especially of monarchies or dictatorships.

~12 min read

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1,662 words

Enlightenment ideas and the American Constitution's ratification

Enlightenment represents a stage in Western philosophy and culture which spanned the eighteenth century, and advocated Reason as the primary source of authority.

~9 min read

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2,450 words

Byron's "Churchill's grave": themes of mortality and legacy

One of the most important English poets who can be considered to have brought a relevant contribution to the universal literature is Lord Byron.

~13 min read

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1,013 words

Lily Bart's struggle between love and social pressure in The House of Mirth

In the novel The House of Mirth Lily Bart actually wished to marry someone for love, but she felt pressure from society and was taught by her family to search for and marry a man of wealth. Hence, she was trapped, imprisoned in a way, in a world that was not the real one she hoped for.

~6 min read

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1,607 words

Religion and candidacy in American presidential campaigns

President Barack Obama's inclusion of atheists in his inaugural address spiked discussion, blogs, and even a lengthy talk on NPR. Some were thrilled with the development, while others were shocked and found his acknowledgement of the group offensive.

~9 min read

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1,170 words

Jihad: Islamic struggle versus Western misinterpretation and modern warfare

Jihad by Definition and Implication There is a clear and definable conflict of interest and action which defines the relationship today between the West and the Muslim world.

~6 min read

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