Is Psychology a Science?

In order to answer this question it is important to understand the definitions of both psychology and science. The word ‘psychology’ comes from the Greek ‘psyche’ (or soul) and ‘logos’ (or study), which came to be known as the ‘study of the soul’. The American Heritage Dictionary defines psychology as: 1. the science dealing with … Read more

Bertrand Russells Platonic Universals

The consideration of Platonic universals consequently rouses controversy among philosophers. Thinkers like Bertrand Russell and Thomas Hobbes contribute reflective explanations for the undeniable usage of question-begging ideas in language and thought. While the deliberation of Platonic universals might seem to be fruitless and, at best, obscure to the layperson, it does function as a critical … Read more

Death, Life and the Question of Identity

A classical point of departure in defining Death, seems to be Life itself. Death is perceived either as a cessation of Life – or as a “transit zone”, on the way to a continuation of Life by other means. While the former presents a disjunction, the latter is a continuum, Death being nothing but a … Read more

If We Must Die

Clearly provocative and even chilling, If We Must Die by Claude McKay stirs deep and powerful emotions in any who reads it. A poem inspired by violent race riots, it serves as a motivating anthem representative of an entire culture. Graphic and full of vengeance this poem is demanding action, not telling a story. McKay … Read more

Existentialism

Existentialism is a concept that became popular during the second World War in France, and just after it. French playrights have often used the stage to express their views, and these views came to surface even during a Nazi occupation. Bernard Shaw got his play “Saint Joan” past the German censors because it appeared to … Read more

People v. The State of Illusion

“Our egos take the path of least resistance”, according to one of the interviewees in the documentary People v. The State of Illusion. This hit home for me because I notice myself wanting the easy, instant gratification whenever possible, even though I know that the path of least resistance will not take me to where … Read more

What is groupthink?

What is groupthink? There is a simple definition for it, but is it truly that simple? The term groupthink refers to the inclination of group members to have the same opinions and beliefs; it frequently leads to mistakes. It often occurs without an individual being aware of it. Conflict is considered to be a harmful … Read more

How Do Psychologists Attempt To Explain The Origins Of Prejudice?

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to assume that one’s culture or way of life is superior to all others. Prejudice is a negative attitude toward an entire category of individuals. Discrimination is behaviour that excludes all members of a group from certain rights, opportunities or privileges. A range of international events have recently focused attention on … Read more

After life

The afterlife, in many cases, sounds more magnificent than life as we know it. Beliefs about an afterlife are, in fact, beliefs and not perfectly accurate information. Having specific beliefs about a persons destiny after death is a way for many people to cope with death and have a sense of closure. Ideas about the … Read more

The Effects of Abuse

There are several different types of abuse and each type affects people differently. There is child abuse and spousal abuse, but there is also physcial and mental abuse. This paper will go over each type of abuse, how the abuse affects the person, how people can recover from abuse, and just some general information To … Read more

Identity Crisis (Joy Luck Club)

Every person comes to a point in their life when they begin to search for themselves and their identity. Usually it is a long process and takes a long time with many wrong turns along the way. Family, teachers, and friends all help to develop a person into an individual and adult. Parents play the … Read more

In the Beginning…

“Where did man come from? Where did time begin? Who, or what, created all things? ” These are questions that mankind has sought to answer from the beginning of existence as it is known today. Many stories and fables have been told and passed down from generation to generation, yet two have survived the test … Read more

The Problem with Holden

Holden is a complex person with many conflicting characteristics. He has many ambitions and desires for his life but he is faced with the basic conflict in the story, corruption. This corruption is what drives him and at the same time restricts him Holden’s being surrounded by corruption disgusts him. There are a few main … Read more

Affirmative Action

The state shall not discriminate, or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. The previous statement is the unedited text of the operative part of Proposition 209, the California Civil Rights Initiative … Read more

Harold Bornstein on gender

Although Bornstein argues that gender is entirely socially constructed I find it hard to believe that he is completely correct. I do agree that gender is influenced by the world we are born into. I understand that from birth we are partially programmed by our society to become something, but I do not agree that … Read more

Teenage Suicide

Thesis: I intend to inform those who read my report about the subject teenage suicide. What really is the definition of suicide? Suicide is a Latin word that means self killing. Suicides also means the taking of one’s own life in a deliberate manner. Suicide may be compulsory, usually as an alternative to death at … Read more