Papers by Laurent Bélanger
I hereby declare that the attached piece of written work is my own work and that I have not repro... more I hereby declare that the attached piece of written work is my own work and that I have not reproduced, without acknowledgement, the work of another.
In his 1971 paper "Famine, Affluence, and Morality" Peter Singer argues that if we can prevent so... more In his 1971 paper "Famine, Affluence, and Morality" Peter Singer argues that if we can prevent some moral evil without sacrificing anything of ‘comparable moral importance’ we should do it, no matter the material cost. But is this view reasonable to hold? This paper argues that rather than supplying us with a practical ethical principle, Singer’s rejection of the existing moral code supplies us instead with a moral ideal, too exalted and demanding to be attainable.
Hume's Problem of Induction has perplexed thinkers for centuries, and is commonly assumed to have... more Hume's Problem of Induction has perplexed thinkers for centuries, and is commonly assumed to have no real solution: there is no way to logically justify drawing conclusions based on induction. But is it really irrational to rely on inductive reasoning?
Most modern democratic states limit the power of their government through a written constitution ... more Most modern democratic states limit the power of their government through a written constitution that divides its powers and protects the rights of the citizenry. Jeremy Waldron argues against constitutions on the basis that they undermine people's ability to choose. This paper explores whether people should be allowed to choose, and if they have the capacity to do so.
An exploration of Voltaire's portrayal of women in his 1759 satirical novel, "Candide." Does the ... more An exploration of Voltaire's portrayal of women in his 1759 satirical novel, "Candide." Does the startling strength of Candide's female characters despite their lack of numbers determine Voltaire as one of the only clear feminists of his time?
An exploration of Alasdair MacIntyre's ideas on personal narratives and role-playing as part of t... more An exploration of Alasdair MacIntyre's ideas on personal narratives and role-playing as part of the structure of human existence through the 2004 film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."
Dystopia is a genre often used as a means to comment on diverse sociopolitical issues and to crit... more Dystopia is a genre often used as a means to comment on diverse sociopolitical issues and to criticise existing political systems. One of the many dystopian novels is particularly worth noting, especially for its relevance to modern societal evolution. This essay examines how elements of control in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World are a reflection of social, economic and cultural changes in the early 20th Century.
This essay identifies the most prominent elements of control in the novel, examines how these elements are presented and developed, and analyses the purpose of these elements with reference to the author’s socio-political context. The novel itself is the primary document on which this essay relies, but secondary sources are also used to explore the historical setting of the work.
The analysis asserts in conclusion that Huxley, marked by his study of the sociopolitical trends in 20th Century Europe, twists the expectation we have of controlled dominance into a society in which people are in a state of artificial contentment with the system and with themselves. The author highlights the increasing capabilities of technology and the tendencies towards a disregard for matters of historical or cultural importance, and towards the idealisation of uniformity and orthodoxy. Through the depiction of elements of control regarding information and social development, Huxley warns against the negative effects of Europe’s rapidly industrialising society on its more traditional elements. Among others, he emphasises the abandonment of orthodox social and religious values and the resulting increase in materialism and consumerism. By means of extensive juxtaposition of structure and character, Huxley draws attention to the evolution of culture in modern society, the change of media roles and the loss of privacy, as well as the effects of a social mentality centred on technological progress and efficiency.
Drafts by Laurent Bélanger
An examination of the foreign policy decision-making process and an evaluation of its rationality.
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Papers by Laurent Bélanger
This essay identifies the most prominent elements of control in the novel, examines how these elements are presented and developed, and analyses the purpose of these elements with reference to the author’s socio-political context. The novel itself is the primary document on which this essay relies, but secondary sources are also used to explore the historical setting of the work.
The analysis asserts in conclusion that Huxley, marked by his study of the sociopolitical trends in 20th Century Europe, twists the expectation we have of controlled dominance into a society in which people are in a state of artificial contentment with the system and with themselves. The author highlights the increasing capabilities of technology and the tendencies towards a disregard for matters of historical or cultural importance, and towards the idealisation of uniformity and orthodoxy. Through the depiction of elements of control regarding information and social development, Huxley warns against the negative effects of Europe’s rapidly industrialising society on its more traditional elements. Among others, he emphasises the abandonment of orthodox social and religious values and the resulting increase in materialism and consumerism. By means of extensive juxtaposition of structure and character, Huxley draws attention to the evolution of culture in modern society, the change of media roles and the loss of privacy, as well as the effects of a social mentality centred on technological progress and efficiency.
Drafts by Laurent Bélanger
This essay identifies the most prominent elements of control in the novel, examines how these elements are presented and developed, and analyses the purpose of these elements with reference to the author’s socio-political context. The novel itself is the primary document on which this essay relies, but secondary sources are also used to explore the historical setting of the work.
The analysis asserts in conclusion that Huxley, marked by his study of the sociopolitical trends in 20th Century Europe, twists the expectation we have of controlled dominance into a society in which people are in a state of artificial contentment with the system and with themselves. The author highlights the increasing capabilities of technology and the tendencies towards a disregard for matters of historical or cultural importance, and towards the idealisation of uniformity and orthodoxy. Through the depiction of elements of control regarding information and social development, Huxley warns against the negative effects of Europe’s rapidly industrialising society on its more traditional elements. Among others, he emphasises the abandonment of orthodox social and religious values and the resulting increase in materialism and consumerism. By means of extensive juxtaposition of structure and character, Huxley draws attention to the evolution of culture in modern society, the change of media roles and the loss of privacy, as well as the effects of a social mentality centred on technological progress and efficiency.