Review Of The Meditations Essays - Epistemology, Doubt, Skepticism

Review Of The Meditations The Meditations of Rene Descartes In 1916 Rene Descartes wrote What I wish to finish is . . . an absolutely new science enabling one to resolve all questions proposed on any order of continuos or discontinuous quantities. (p8 Methods & Meditations). He made this ambitious statement at the young age of twenty-three. Rene's ambition would take him far but it kept him from becoming the Aristotle of the modern age. The Meditations were an attempt to solve the many questions about life, existence, and God. At the time of their publishing many philosophers did not quit accept his writings. Today however the Meditations are widely read and reviewed throughout the world. In the First Meditation Rene begins by stating that he know doubts his previous views and is forced to take a serious look at what he considers to be true. Rene will go as far to doubt God and whether he is truly good. His First Meditation will end with Descartes seemingly troubled over the nature of God. The meditations continue with his questioning of almost everything important to existence. Rene seemed unable to admit anything as truthful. The mind is something of great weakness and error, Descartes would say. He would continue and urge us not to trust what we see because there is no way of being certain about anything. Methodological doubt was his basis on life claiming that everything is to be doubted. Rene Descartes first begins to come to some kind of belief by the Third Meditation. Rene states . . . I am certain that I am a thinking being; but do I not therefore likewise know what is required to make me certain of something? (p113 Methods & Meditations). He goes on to say th at God could not possibly be deceitful, it would not be his divine nature. This is when things start to come together for Rene. After acknowledging that a divine God could not possibly be evil Rene goes even further to say that he (God) must exist. This equation sounds strange but to this point Rene never really considered if God even existed or if he was simply a part of his imagination. Rene's motto, De omnibus dubitandumest (everything is to be doubted), lead him back to basic proofs. His theory of analytical geometry was the first major contribution to the field of science. This theory helped to offset some of his doubts and in many ways gave him the realization that some qualities in life can be proven. For Descartes rule of everything to be doubted was only part of his philosophical life. While taking this rule very serious he did not recommend it as a way of life. Descartes was only interested in the study of wisdom. He knew that the wisdom learned would be a sort of stepping stone for later generations. Going even further he states, My wish is that prosperity may witness the happy outcome of it, etc. (p187 Methods and Meditations). The Meditations of Rene Descartes in many ways are a very valuable piece of philosophy. He did what many people did not in taking a close look at seemingly everything imaginable and studying its part in this world. He realized that his doubt alone made him an imperfect being. For a perfect being would know all and have nothing to doubt, Descartes would claim. At the time his teachings were not excepted but this did not discourage him too much. The mathematical theories were what made him famous so to speak. They are probably the single most important contribution that he made early on in his life. The idea of a posteriori led him in the study all things he could not prove in his mathematical theories. At first the Meditations seemed random and confusing but after reading them more closely they made sense and even made me think about what we really believe to be true. Bibliography Discours on Method and the Meditations. Rene Descartes Philosophy Essays

Word Essay Example

Word Essay Example Word Essay Word Essay Not everyone is willing to use a bad word as their topic for an article, but Beverly Gross, who is an English professor in college, uses â€Å"Bitch† as a topic for her article. After a class discussion, Gross starts to think about what is the certain meaning of â€Å"bitch†. She wants to find out the specific definition for this derogatory word, she uses a lot of definition from dictionaries and anecdotes. In this article, Gross appeals heavily to logos to prove her argument that there is no certain definition of the word bitch and that the meaning depends on both the time and the context. Gross lists many definitions from different dictionaries to support her claim in a logical way. For example, the main meaning from the Oxford English Dictionary: 1. The female of the dog. 2. Applied opprobriously to a woman; strictly a lewd or sensual woman. Not now in decent use. This English dictionary represents the authority, but for this word, the definition is clearly understandable. Dictionary said bitch is female dog; this is truly a humiliation to women in any contents. Every women would hate people connect dogs to them in the past, now or future. She also lists few definitions from Eugene E. Landy’s The Underground Dictionary: 1. Female who is mean, selfish, cruel, malicious, deceiving, a. k. a. cunt. The words that describe bitch are all derogatory sence. But the definition from this dictionary is not that strong as the Oxford English Dictionary. The meaning of bitch is changing during this time. In this article, gross wrote â€Å"a word used by men who are threatened by women† was one astute response. Threat lurks everywhere: for women the threat is being called bitch. I knew it when I finished read this article. According to Gross â€Å"there is no classifiable thing as a bitch, only a label produced by the act of name-calling† (489). Gross’s point is that there is no certain definition of word bitch, what we learn from the dictionaries is bitch’s meaning is always changing over the time. I found Gross’s article very informative. Although I think women dislike word bitch, I am a girl, I would never call other females bitch. Gross revealed a number of anecdotes to improve her claim. For example, Madonna said that she enjoyed expressing herself, it was not merely the explanation for why Madonna gets called a bitch, but it was the key to defusing the power of bitch to fetter and subdue. Gross makes an important point is that long time ago, women wouldn’t let someone else call her bitch, because it’s a bad word, however, in Twenty-first century, women are not subdued by the word bitch. But in fact, I wouldn’t let someone call me bitch!

Economy in India Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Economy in India - Term Paper Example I, in this paper, discuss the economy of India through exploring the country’s macroeconomic indicators. Economic indicators Macroeconomics defines larger aspects of an economy. The factors are comprehensive and affect overall state of an economy with diversified effects on all stakeholders in the economy. Examples of macroeconomic factors that offer a basis to reviewing the economy of India are domestic gross product, unemployment, inflation, consumer price index, foreign direct investment, and international trade (Dwivedi). Gross domestic product Gross domestic product is the monetary value of the amount of goods and services that a country produces within an economic period, normally a year. It indicates productivity level of an economy and shows derivable benefits from the output. An economy with high gross domestic product can therefore be associated with positive prospects and increasing trend in the value identifies a growing economy that can offer investment opportunit ies and utilities among its citizens (Dwivedi 55). India’s gross domestic product is estimated at about $ 1867 billion, a value that is comparatively high. Prospects in the gross domestic product can however be understood from its trend. ... By April 2013, the country’s gross domestic product was estimated at $ 1867.4 billion, more than twice its value in 2005 and the constant trend predict continued expansion. This means that India’s economy has growth potentials and is therefore a viable economy for investment. The increasing productivity also means availability of commodity for utilities and employment opportunities (Exim Bank, 1). Closer evaluation of the country’s gross domestic product by the economy’s major sectors identifies service industry as the major contributor of the country’s output as it accounts for more than 50 percent of India’s gross domestic product. Industrial sector follows it before the agricultural sector and its associated activities. A time series trend in the sectors over the past eight years also offers significant insight into India’s economy. The percentage contribution by the agricultural sector has been decreasing while percentage contribut ion from the service sector has been increasing with significantly constant percentage contribution from the industrial sector. The agricultural sector and its allied activities generated more than 18 percent of the country’s gross domestic product in the year ended 2006 but the value reduced steadily to record about 14 percent in the year 2013. Contribution from the service industry however increased from less that 54 percent in the year ended 2006 to 58.4 percent in the year ended 2013 and this shows a shifting trend from agricultural activities to the service industry (Exim Bank, 1). Another significant feature of the economy’s gross domestic product is the consumption and its trend. Private sector is the major consumer of the economy’s output and its consumption rate has a steadily increasing trend.

World History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

World History - Essay Example In the 21st century, women now make up 44% of the work force compared to women barely working outside of the home at all in the medieval period (Waite 2002). During Medieval times, Stuard (1993) points out that it was the male that had almost all of the legal say so over the rights of his family, land ownership, and further, even holding a position of dominance in marriage as well. However, many of the social customs of that time era were developed by the roles of women (Stuard 1993). Nevertheless, history does show that men carried the majority of the weight in the basic aspects of life during the medieval period. Furthermore, class and stature played a crucial role in what legal restrictions were placed on an entire family in the medieval period also (Stuard 1993). This of course has changed in the 21st century even though there can still be found different classes of people spread throughout the world. Even so, there is not the heavy emphasis on this as there once was. The many is sues of equality, family values, and economic concerns for the family as a whole, are what are predominant in today's period. To confirm this point it is found that the idea of social work is most profound to guarantee that family's have some level of equality in society.

Technology In Education Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Technology In Education - Research Paper Example From the discussion it is clear that  students are growing up with ideas of how to play educational games and also how to connect with the world beyond the classroom through popular social media sites. In the process of learning and reading, students are taught concepts like online privacy. Consequently, technology impacts on education at its foundation. Therefore, when the children get older, their time spent on computers significantly increases. To this end, they spend a great amount of time socializing with friends and online gaming.This paper stresses that learners are already skilled in using social media, therefore, the education system is trying to make education curriculum interesting by incorporating the social media savvy demographic. Consequently, some tutors are suggesting a controversial approach in which the school     curriculum adopts social media programs which will create relevancy for education to learners.  Educators communicate directly with leaders in th eir field and are able to compare educational techniques and curriculum through social media. Moreover, they use social sites to engage in innovative concepts as well as blogs to inform each other on new ideas globally. Teachers and professors are able to spread out a conversation to social media sites to create a global audience. To this end, it is evident that the impact of social media in education is creating an educational revolution.

Effect of Government Policies on Pricing Strategies

Effect of Government Policies on Pricing Strategies Long-Term Investment Decisions April Barnes Dr. Bernadette West Abstract In this paper I will outline a plan that managers in the low-calorie microwaveable food company could follow when selecting pricing strategies for making their products as inelastic as possible. I will then examine the major effects that government policies have on production and employment. I will predict the potential effects that government policies could have on the company. Afterwards, I will determine whether or not government regulation to ensure fairness in the low-calorie microwavable food industry is needed and cite the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. After I will examine the major complexities that would arise under expansion via capital projects and propose key actions that the company could take in order to prevent or address these complexities. Lastly, I will suggest the substantive manner in which the company could create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers and indicate the most likely impact to profitability o f such a convergence. Outline a plan that managers in the low-calorie microwaveable food company could follow when selecting pricing strategies for making their products as inelastic as possible. Provide a rationale for your response. The price elasticity of demand affects a company’s pricing strategies by determining the optimal profit margin. Price elasticity of demand defines the degree of change of demand in relation to the change in price of a product. The higher the elasticity, the higher the demand fluctuates in response to price. In general, most companies would like for their products to be inelastic. When a product is inelastic, the price of the good may increase, while the supply and demand of the product are unaffected. In other words, if the price of a product were to go up, consumers would still buy the product, as well as if the product price were to go down, consumers would still buy the product (Investopedia Inelastic, 2014). When considering the inelasticity of a product it is important to select the proper pricing strategy. When it comes to selecting the best pricing strategy, it is best to first understand what consumers are willing to spend on a product. This can be done by conducting m arket research and surveys. Managers can also select the pricing strategy by making reasonable assumptions based on historic purchases and patterns. Then managers should consider the competition and the quality of their products. If the competitor sells a product with high quality at a certain price, it is not feasible to sell a similar product with lower quality at a higher price point. The managers should first plan to sell each unit or product at the lowest price possible while still being able to break even and pay for all of the company’s expenses. When it comes to price strategizing, there is no potential for price discrimination. Price discrimination occurs when a seller sells a product for the highest price the consumer is willing to pay for (Investopedia Price Discrimination, 2014). When it comes to a microwaveable food company, there is no reason to sell products at different prices for each customer as it is also illegal. Examine the major effects that government policies have on production and employment. Predict the potential effects that government policies could have on your company. Government regulations and policies can have a positive as well as a negative impact on production and employment. when imposed on businesses substantially increase production and operating costs of the business which could result in reduced operating and economic profit, earning per share, earning stream, dividend and eventually market equity value for shareholders. The United States regulatory stringency has contributed to loss of U.S. manufacturing firms’ competitiveness in the international markets. This loss of competitiveness is believed to be reflected in declining exports, increasing imports and a long-term movement of manufacturing capacity from United States to other countries. As mentioned, government policies can have a positive impact as well, for example; the food safety regulations. The food safety regulations are standards and procedures that companies must follow to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for employees as well as for the consumers who purchas e the products (Food Safety Program, 2014). Food safety consists of regulating prepping, handling, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illness and other sicknesses. If these rules were not in place, companies would manage food in any way they please and could potentially get consumers sick and face numerous lawsuits. Determine whether or not government regulation to ensure fairness in the low-calorie microwavable food industry is needed. Cite the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Provide two (2) examples of government involvement in a similar market economy to support your response. Government regulation is needed to ensure fairness in the low-calorie microwavable food industry. Government involvement is needed in a market economy to maintain social efficiency and equity. Social efficiency is attained at the mark where the marginal benefits to consumers for either production or consumption are equivalent to the marginal costs of either consumption or production. Matters of equity are challenging to evaluate due to the subjective assessment of what is and isn’t a fair sharing of resources (Pearson Education, 2010). As similar to the automotive industry, the government regulates many aspects. The government regulates auto manufacturing, repair, maintenance, recycling, sales and dealerships. The government also has policies regarding environmental, safety, and import regulations and standards (SBA, 2014). Examine the major complexities that would arise under expansion via capital projects. Propose key actions that the company could take in order to prevent or address these complexities. Capital expansion is generally an investment in a major company that wishes to expand or restructure operations without losing control of the business. Some disadvantages that may be faced when undergoing capital expansion would be business owners potentially losing a percentage of the company, investors wanting to be a part of day to day discussions and decisions as well as company secrets revealed (G. Segal, 2013). In order to address these complexities, the company can set up regulations or contracts with the investors or equity partners stating the conditions and ownership of the company. Suggest the substantive manner in which the company could create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. Indicate the most likely impact to profitability of such a convergence. Provide two (2) examples of instances that support your response. One recommendation would be that the stockholders become very careful and adamant about the company’s expenses and cash flow. By creating share owners out of management, executive management will take action in its greatest interest as a shareowner, in which will be of an advantage to all equity investors (M. Anson, 2004). Creating share owners out of management would likely survive a merger or capital expansion because this gives the opportunity for the owners and investors to work together and make decisions that are best for the company. References DOH (2014) â€Å"Food Safety Rules and Regulations† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Food/FoodWorkerandIndustry/FoodSafetyRules.aspx G. Segal (2013) â€Å"WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF USING EQUITY CAPITAL?† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://chironthebusinessdoctor.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-equity-capital/ Investopedia (2014) â€Å"Inelastic† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/inelastic.asp Investopedia (2014) â€Å"Price Discrimination† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/price_discrimination.asp M. Anson (2004) â€Å"ALIGNING THE INTERESTS OF AGENTS AND OWNERS: AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://iveybusinessjournal.com/topics/governance/aligning-the-interests-of-agents-and-owners-an-empirical-examination-of-executive-compensation#.Uxuyo_ldUuc Pearson Education (2010) â€Å"Reasons for Government Intervention in the Market† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_sloman_econbus_3/18/4748/1215583.cw/ SBA (2014) â€Å"Automotive† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://www.sba.gov/content/automotive 1

Children with Autism :: Autism Brain Disorder Essays

Children with Autism Abstract By identifying autism, many other facts are then discovered including the different effects of autism and the way it can be treated. Children with autism will mostly always experience language problems, restricted interests and activities, as well as sensory and intellectual problems. This occurs because of a brain disorder that influences the way the brain uses the information. Although some children with autism do not speak at all, that doesn’t mean that none of the patients speak. Some may repeat words or mimic sentences or phrases they have observed from someone else. As of yet there is no cure for autism, but there is a great amount of different medications that work very well at reducing the symptoms. Thesis Occurring in all races and social backgrounds around the world, autism is found four times more often in boys and usually the first-born (Autism Society Manitoba, 2001). According to Edition 5 of Mosby’s Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary, autism is a mental disorder characterized by extreme withdrawal and an abnormal absorption in fantasy, accompanied by delusion, hallucination, and inability to communicate verbally or otherwise relate to people. It is a lifelong disorder that obstructs ones capability to comprehend what is seen, heard, and touched. This causes profound problems in personal behavior and in the ability to relate to others. One with autism must learn how to communicate appropriately and to relate to people, objects and events. Even though a lot of patients that undergo autism have a lot of similar indications, they do not all suffer from the same degree of impairment. There is a full spectrum of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe (NA AR, 2002). Autism occurs in as many as one or two per one thousand people. Of those people, approximately fifty percent will never speak. By identifying autism many other facts are then discovered including the different effects of autism and the way it can be treated. Autism is a brain disorder that influences the way the brain uses and transmits information. Studies have found abnormalities in several parts of the brain that almost certainly occurred during fetal development. The problem may be centered in the parts of the brain responsible for processing language and information from the senses. One with autism will have language problems, restricted interests and activities, as well as sensory and intellectual problems (Cohen, 1987).