Modern philosphy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Modern philosphy - Essay Example Essentially, Descartes was seen as deigning to question the dependability of science based on empiricism since scientific investigation can only be inference from by means of sensory examination. To prove his point, Descartes underwent what is commonly referred to as an intellectual rebirth and to achieve this he had to deconstruct everything he had learnt from birth since he had leant it through his senses and he wanted to prove that they could deceive. To this end, he postulated a few arguments among them the dream theory, suggested that when one dreams of say a fire, they feel warm and experience the selfsame experience they do when they are actually basking in a fire. The same argument can be extended to cover other sensation that people perceive even the absence of stimulating agents or situations. For example, one can dream they are falling and they will wake up with a sense of terror and probably break in to a sweat with fear exactly as they would have if they had actually bei ng falling. Similarly, he makes an argument about whether God actually exists or whether a deceiving demon or evil genius manipulates humans. He argues, can one know that they have no body but they simply exist in the form of a mind in which information is fed and the physical sensations are actually imagined. This concept has been demonstrated in several works of art more so films such as â€Å"inception† where the plot involves a situation in which the characters are able to move and manipulate events in the lives of others by accessing their brain while they dreamt. In the wax example, Descartes further demonstrates the unreliability of the senses by claiming that a piece of wax in its solid form will look, feel and smell very differently from itself if it were melted. Therefore, someone not familiar with wax may see two entirely different things by looking at wax in its different forms although essentially they are the same thing. At the end of the day, Descartes wishes t o invite his audience to abandon their blind, (so to speak) reliance of scientific enquiry and investigate everything from a rational point of view. In the famous cogito argument , he claims I am therefore I exist, to prove this he chooses to doubt everything including his own existence which is after all only aware of by means of sensory powers (Kaufman 12). When he figuratively scraps of all his knowledge, he remains with the only bit that is not based on empiricisms, and the fact that he doubts everything means that not everything might actually exist. Nevertheless, that he is capable of doubting is proof of the existence of his doubt and this translates into this existence since he must be existing to doubt. This argument while seeming farfetched and illogical to the non-critical eyes actually bears a point that almost everyone including his greatest critics would agree. An individual cannot know much about something else than about himself because as proved by Descartes, one do es not need to apply sensory powers to prove their own sense of being (De Marzio 312). Therefore, the most qualified way of understanding one’s self is the one that does not use empirical reasoning, why them, Descartes seems to

Current Events Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Current Events - Assignment Example My previous heads were ethical in their dealings and this culture was propagated to the junior staff members, who also choose to be ethical. The other was through the right checks and balances as far as monitoring of ethical behavior was concerned. This role was majorly delegated to the supervisors of junior and casual staff. An organization that has been faced with numerous allegations of irregularities is FIFA, the football governing body headed by Sepp Blatter. Over the years there have been various questions that have been directed towards how ethical Sepp’s decisions have been. This has tainted the image of FIFA around the world. At this point the company is working to repair this image. One of the ways in which it is doing this is by the appointment of Michael Garcia as the head of its ethics committee (BBC, 2013). The appointment of a lawyer to this post places the company in a position to secure public trust in two ways. One is that a change in the leadership of this body shows commitment towards becoming more ethical. Two is the fact that Michael has shown his commitment to this task by implementing measures that will restore public

Letter to Isle of Wight County Press Essay Example for Free

Letter to Isle of Wight County Press Essay As an adolescent and Islander I can fairly say there are few activities for children to partake in, however due to mass demand a skate park has been recently built in one of the parks in Cowes, my local town. Although this new facility is considered to be very good for local children there has been widespread opposition from local residents and council officials, due to the appearance and conduct of a number of children. There are also acute problems with noise for local residents, who complain it goes on all-day and late at night, especially in the school holidays. Whilst Ive neither visited the skate park, nor plan to do so, I have many constructive and supportive arguments for the retention of the facility, but on the other hand, those negative unsupportive opinions. As an adolescent I can see why so many children are enthusiastic about such a provision, generally as there are few such services on the Island. However I do not support the council in such a controversial decision and feel the money could have been spent more wisely. Similarly I can see why there is such harsh opposition from local people. Moreover, I support the idea that skateboarding is another of the child fashions, and is likely to become out of date soon in the future; subsequently the funds spent on such a package, could be another misuse of taxpayers money. Inevitably, drugs are ubiquitous in the park and there have been criticism from the parents of younger children who use the park, this is the most compelling piece of evidence for the closure of the park. Correspondingly, there is a possibility that drugs could become even more prominent in the local town. In conclusion, I think that however much the provision is used the problem of drugs and violence is unacceptable, consequently in my opinion though much fun is enjoyed at the skate park, such things are deplorable and though this may seem harsh, I believe the skate park should be either disbanded or assisted with adult supervision.

Behaviour Changes towards Conservation Projects

Behaviour Changes towards Conservation Projects Conservation scientists should be interested in social-psychological approaches, such as human behaviour changes that could influence natural-resource management, according to St John et al (2010). In my perspective, some conservation projects must consider population behaviour changes in order to shift management techniques and even policy making, and before expecting behaviour and attitudes to change, education of society has to be considered has a priority. According to Masud et al (2015) societies with higher levels of education are predisposed to positive environmental behaviour, as they are more responsible and competent with knowledge, values, and skills to improve environmental solutions. A great example how education changed community behaviour, is the environmental education projects in the islands of S.Tomà © and Principe regarding turtles conservation. When it started in 2012, turtles were still commercialized and consumed by local community, however after several projects of environmental education, focusing not only children but elders too, nowadays can be considered a success case, considering that during reproduction season, local communities help to protect new-born turtles on their way to the ocean. Taking into account the socio-economic status of communities, education itself might not be enough to change behaviours, since a lower income community will not accept changes that can decrease their welfare. Consequently, education must be linked with gaining of knowledge, so communities could benefit in improving their skills and techniques (Nilsson et al, 2016). It is the case of communities dependent of agriculture, where using fertilizers is almost mandatory, however, lack of knowledge sometimes might result in overuse and consequently pollution of watersheds. Education actions in these communities aiming the technological improvement, regarding the right amount of fertilizers per species, would benefit the environment/water quality as well as the farmers since it would reduce their investment in fertilizers. Nevertheless, to use education as a factor to change behaviours, cultural assessment of communities must be acknowledged so the ways of teaching and presenting knowledge can be adapted to achieve better results. Presenting arguments in a developed country, with educated people is not the same as presenting the same arguments to people without education in a developing country, as their understanding might be limited by lack of background knowledge. I believe cultural and socio-economic factors should be studied in advance, thus the teacher can establish a connection with the audience so they can relate to what is being said. For example, coal prices decreased recently in India, due to increased extraction, being more affordable to poor people, that until now have been using cow dung has combustible. Because coal emits more CO2 than cow dung combustion, environmental institutions are concerned about climate change effects, considering that India has around 1.3 billion of people. Approaching these communities trying to relate them to global warming and potential extreme climates changes in the future, will not be successful considering they struggle to survive comparing to western countries with vast polluting industries that have been causing the problem. In conclusion, my point of view is human behaviour should always be considered in conservation/environmental projects since human communities are inevitably connected with ecosystems. Also, because human behaviour is driven by demographic and socio-economic factors, to have behaviour adjustment, education must be considered. References Masud, M.M., Kari, F.B., (2015), Community attitudes towards environmental conservation behaviour: An empirical investigation within MPAs, Malaysia, Marine Policy 52, 138-144 Nilsson, D., Baxter, G., Butler, J.R.A., McAlpine, C.A., (2016) How do community-based conservation programs in developing countries change human behaviour? A realist synthesis, Biological Conservation 200, 93-103 St John, F.A.V., Edward-Jones, G., Jones, J.P.G., (2010), Conservation and human behaviour: lessons from social psychology, Wildlife Research 37, 658-667

Rites of Passage in Henry IV Essay example -- William Shakespeare

A Rite of Passage Rites of passage mark and celebrate important changes in life. For many, this is the transition between adolescence and adulthood. In the play 1 Henry IV, by William Shakespeare, Prince Henry’s transition to adulthood is indicated when he shows his bravery in battle and proves to be an honorable King. The play shifts between two different views that of the Scottish rebels versus the English royalty and the strain between Prince Henry and his father. Throughout the play, Prince Henry develops from a rascal to a responsible adult and by doing so, earns the respect and acceptance from his father King Henry IV. In act one, Shakespeare introduces the idea that Prince Henry is an inadequate heir to the throne. The play opens with King Henry IV, Prince Henry’s father, speaking to his council of a war with Scotland. Quickly the subject of the discussion turns to Prince Henry, or Harry’s, indifference to the affairs of war. The King then compares Harry to Hotspur, son of the Duke of Northumberland in his dialogue: KING. Yea, there thou mak’st me sad, and mak’st me sin (Harry) In envy that my Lord Nothumberland Should be the father to so blest a son, A son who is the theme of honor’s tounge, Amongst a grove the very straightest plant, Who is sweet fortune’s minion and her pride (Hotspur), Whilst I, by looking on the praise of him, See riot and dishonor stain the brow Of my young Harry. O that it could be proved That some night-tripping fairy had exchanged In cradles clothes our children where they lay, (1.1.78-88) King Henry IV is saddened and ashamed of Harry’s drinking and stealing and wonders if he will ever become a capable leader. King Henry IV even questions if some... ... his soliloquy by proving that he is an admirable leader, and fulfils his solemn oath to kill Hotspur which makes his word honorable. Prince Henry completes his rite of passage after his defeat of Hotspur. Henry entered the battle field as a boy and has formed into a responsible adult and an adequate heir to throne. In 1 Henry IV, Prince Henry’s gradual development was evident throughout the play. A comparison of Harry’s character during the first act against Harry in the fifth act almost seems like two different people. Prince Henry has carried out his plan to prove to people that he will be a worthy King by following his father into battle and killing the leader of the rebel army. Prince Henry’s act of bravery marks the transition between the young Henry and the mature Henry but more importantly, has earned Henry the respect and acceptance from his father. Rites of Passage in Henry IV Essay example -- William Shakespeare A Rite of Passage Rites of passage mark and celebrate important changes in life. For many, this is the transition between adolescence and adulthood. In the play 1 Henry IV, by William Shakespeare, Prince Henry’s transition to adulthood is indicated when he shows his bravery in battle and proves to be an honorable King. The play shifts between two different views that of the Scottish rebels versus the English royalty and the strain between Prince Henry and his father. Throughout the play, Prince Henry develops from a rascal to a responsible adult and by doing so, earns the respect and acceptance from his father King Henry IV. In act one, Shakespeare introduces the idea that Prince Henry is an inadequate heir to the throne. The play opens with King Henry IV, Prince Henry’s father, speaking to his council of a war with Scotland. Quickly the subject of the discussion turns to Prince Henry, or Harry’s, indifference to the affairs of war. The King then compares Harry to Hotspur, son of the Duke of Northumberland in his dialogue: KING. Yea, there thou mak’st me sad, and mak’st me sin (Harry) In envy that my Lord Nothumberland Should be the father to so blest a son, A son who is the theme of honor’s tounge, Amongst a grove the very straightest plant, Who is sweet fortune’s minion and her pride (Hotspur), Whilst I, by looking on the praise of him, See riot and dishonor stain the brow Of my young Harry. O that it could be proved That some night-tripping fairy had exchanged In cradles clothes our children where they lay, (1.1.78-88) King Henry IV is saddened and ashamed of Harry’s drinking and stealing and wonders if he will ever become a capable leader. King Henry IV even questions if some... ... his soliloquy by proving that he is an admirable leader, and fulfils his solemn oath to kill Hotspur which makes his word honorable. Prince Henry completes his rite of passage after his defeat of Hotspur. Henry entered the battle field as a boy and has formed into a responsible adult and an adequate heir to throne. In 1 Henry IV, Prince Henry’s gradual development was evident throughout the play. A comparison of Harry’s character during the first act against Harry in the fifth act almost seems like two different people. Prince Henry has carried out his plan to prove to people that he will be a worthy King by following his father into battle and killing the leader of the rebel army. Prince Henry’s act of bravery marks the transition between the young Henry and the mature Henry but more importantly, has earned Henry the respect and acceptance from his father.

People Like Us :: Literary Analysis, David Brooks

This essay will discuss the intrinsic relationship between diversity conceptualization and social integration presenting a response against David Brooks’ essay entitled â€Å"People Like Us.† In order to do this I will discuss four crucial elements: the influences of different definitions of diversity in cultural unification, Brook’s ideas about social groups working together and social groups coexisting together, the importance of diversity, and the influence of diversity in social changes. I will examine why some people have the perception that our American society ignore or see as unworthy diversity. Thus, I will dispute Brook’s view stating that our society disregards diversity, and Americans just pretend that it is important to them. First, I will discuss the influences of different definitions of diversity in cultural unification. The major problem concerning this issue is that many people differ in the real meaning of the concept and how they view their personal involvement. Brook argues that â€Å"we do not really care about diversity all that much in America, even though we talk about it a great deal† (306). However, they are the general, erroneous interpretations of diversity that are really creating this wrong image of indifference. According to Kira Hudson Banks in her research entitled â€Å"A Qualitative Investigation of Students’ Perceptions of Diversity,† many people defined diversity as race and do not include other types of diversity (153). The real definition of diversity includes different elements of the identity and culture of each person. Diversity involves cultural differences, such as origins, religious or political affiliation, race, and gender, and other more profound differences, such as experiences and personality. As Banks argues in her research, the real definition involves several elements of our identity (149). Therefore, the way in which we define and conceptualize diversity affects the way in which we interact with people of others culture, race, and affiliations. Second, I will discuss Brook’s ideas about social groups working together and social groups coexisting in a specific area. According to Brooks, in the United States we cannot see neighborhoods with different races or cultures because people always try â€Å"to group themselves with people who are basically like themselves† even in their workplaces (306-307). He makes this asseveration giving just an example on how wealthy Democratic and Republican lawyers do not tend to buy expensive houses in the same neighborhoods (307). However, in our country we can see middle class neighborhoods where we have different social groups coexist together, such as Coral Gables in Miami, Fl or Pembroke Pines in Broward, Fl.

Quick Thinking Saves the Day

It was a long day at work and I just could not wait to reach home. I had to walk a short distance to where my friends’ worked first because we decided that we would carpool for the week. Before we even approached the highway we could see the rush hour traffic from a distance, so we decided to take the Old Road to beat the traffic. This road has not been used very often by motorists as there were reports of car thefts, robberies and many other suspicious activities. But I just wanted to reach home quickly because I was exhausted and they had no problem with my idea.Entering a road that I assumed is the Old Road, it looked very mistrustful and mysterious but I still took it. If I was wrong I would just make a U-Turn and return to the major road. I have never used the Old Road before so I was a little afraid of what we might encounter on this journey, so I told everyone to wind up their windows. While making our way up the road, we spotted rusty old car parts, some burned cars an d heaps of garbage along the roadside. Ten minutes later down the road and I was fully convinced that I had taken the wrong road, so did my friends. I made a U-Turn in a side street.On our way back up the road we cud see a man wearing a yellow and orange striped shirt running towards the car. We did not know where he came from but it looked like he appeared from some nearby bushes. He threw a brick through the windscreen and it came caving in. The entire glass chattered and covered the front seat. My friend Abigail whom was sitting in the passenger’s seat got the worst of the fragments of glass. It covered her entire legs and when I looked down there was a lot of blood. Everyone was screaming and panicking and mostly in shock as to what just took place.The man then tried to open the back left passenger door. Luckily my friend Susan, who was sitting there, managed to close it back with speed. As soon as I saw that I knew that something had to be done quickly, so I put the car back in second gear and just drove. We don’t know what his intentions were, but we made a safe getaway, I looked in my rear-view mirror and cud just see him disappearing within the distance. I felt really lucky to be alive because he could have raped us girls or worse yet killed us and even could have taken the car and no-one would have known.We made it out of the â€Å"Old Road† and went to the Police Station to file a report. My friend in the front seat was telling me that she was glad that I was driving because it was my quick thinking that got us out of that situation alive. While in the Police Station my friends praised me for not stopping the vehicle even though they could have seen the shock in my face. I kept good composure and lead my friends away from the danger. I told them that I had to thank my mother for teaching me so well because she always said, â€Å"Never to stop for anything on the side of the road,† which turned out to be advice that saved o ur lives. (582 words) Quick Thinking Saves the Day It was a long day at work and I just could not wait to reach home. I had to walk a short distance to where my friends’ worked first because we decided that we would carpool for the week. Before we even approached the highway we could see the rush hour traffic from a distance, so we decided to take the Old Road to beat the traffic. This road has not been used very often by motorists as there were reports of car thefts, robberies and many other suspicious activities. But I just wanted to reach home quickly because I was exhausted and they had no problem with my idea.Entering a road that I assumed is the Old Road, it looked very mistrustful and mysterious but I still took it. If I was wrong I would just make a U-Turn and return to the major road. I have never used the Old Road before so I was a little afraid of what we might encounter on this journey, so I told everyone to wind up their windows. While making our way up the road, we spotted rusty old car parts, some burned cars an d heaps of garbage along the roadside. Ten minutes later down the road and I was fully convinced that I had taken the wrong road, so did my friends. I made a U-Turn in a side street.On our way back up the road we cud see a man wearing a yellow and orange striped shirt running towards the car. We did not know where he came from but it looked like he appeared from some nearby bushes. He threw a brick through the windscreen and it came caving in. The entire glass chattered and covered the front seat. My friend Abigail whom was sitting in the passenger’s seat got the worst of the fragments of glass. It covered her entire legs and when I looked down there was a lot of blood. Everyone was screaming and panicking and mostly in shock as to what just took place.The man then tried to open the back left passenger door. Luckily my friend Susan, who was sitting there, managed to close it back with speed. As soon as I saw that I knew that something had to be done quickly, so I put the car back in second gear and just drove. We don’t know what his intentions were, but we made a safe getaway, I looked in my rear-view mirror and cud just see him disappearing within the distance. I felt really lucky to be alive because he could have raped us girls or worse yet killed us and even could have taken the car and no-one would have known.We made it out of the â€Å"Old Road† and went to the Police Station to file a report. My friend in the front seat was telling me that she was glad that I was driving because it was my quick thinking that got us out of that situation alive. While in the Police Station my friends praised me for not stopping the vehicle even though they could have seen the shock in my face. I kept good composure and lead my friends away from the danger. I told them that I had to thank my mother for teaching me so well because she always said, â€Å"Never to stop for anything on the side of the road,† which turned out to be advice that saved o ur lives. (582 words)