Epistemology and Skepticism Essay Example for Free

Epistemology and Skepticism Essay * Epistemology and Skepticism: How does The Matrix illustrate the challenge of skepticism about the external world? Explain, discuss, and critically evaluate the hallucination argument for complete epistemological skepticism. Be sure your essay includes a discussion of either Hospers or Crumley IIs criticism of complete epistemological skepticism. Is complete epistemological skepticism a logically coherent theory? Support your answer with a well-reasoned argument free of any major errors of fact, fallacy or logical contradiction. I. Introduction * The matrix questions the nature of reality * How can we know for certain that the world is how we perceive it and not just a veil over our eyes? * Explain movie- trapped in virtual world believing they are in 21st century * Explanation proposes question, what is real? II. Main Points. * Main Character Morpheus: â€Å"What is ‘real’? How do you define ‘real’? If real is simply what you can feel, smell, taste and see, then ‘real’ is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain.† * Consequently, â€Å"How can we be sure our brain isn’t being tricked by some simulation to believe things are real, when they aren’t? This is how matrix proposes the challenge of epistemological skepticism. * Hallucination argument: Modus Tollens, question soundness (valid) 1. If we posses knowledge (K) we must be able to rule out the possibility of systematic hallucination (S). K S 2. ~S (the matrix hypothesis.) (MT 1) 3. ~ K ( MT 1 2) * One arguer against skepticism: John Hospers * Merely verbal * Skeptics take strong sense of the word knowledge, must have proof at all times * Others use weak sense, meaning we only need proof or evidence only when someone is proving otherwise. * Doubt is an empty word * Basic point: once a test has been done to remove doubt we have a good reason to believe it is true, thus we have knowledge. III. Conclusion * Skeptics believe knowledge is unobtainable, in this case the hallucination argument proves the premises are true through Modus Tollens. Although the argument is sound, it is self-defeating because skeptics believe they know that they don’t really â€Å"know† anything. Moreover, complete epistemological skepticism is not a logically coherent view because the argument being claimed would require the person to have knowledge to conduct such argument.

Masculinity in Oliver Stones Nixon :: Film Movie American History President Essays

Masculinity in Oliver Stone's Nixon I. Introduction When President Nixon was leaving the White House, Henry Kissinger comforted him by saying, "History will treat you kindly," to which Nixon replied, "That depends on who writes the history" (Hamburg xiv). [1] Watching Oliver Stone’s Nixon (1995) and the director’s earlier film JFK (1991), it is difficult to have kind thoughts about Richard Nixon. Stone’s investment in the figure of the president manifests itself in two ways: first, in the director’s fixation on Nixon as a symbol of the corrupt political landscape after President John Kennedy’s assassination, and, second, his fixation on Nixon as a symbol of a failed patriarch or an ineffective father figure who led the country into further turmoil. Stone has argued that he hoped to elicit sympathy for Nixon, but I will show that the director’s emphasis on Nixon as an epic tragedy, especially in conjunction with the Beast thesis, does not allow for sympathy or understanding of the man or his politics. [2] My analysis primarily focuses on Stone’s film Nixon, but it is noteworthy to mention JFK, since both films were embroiled in heated debates regarding historical authenticity and artistic license. In JFK, Stone pieces together several conspiracy theories as to who was responsible for President Kennedy’s assassination from â€Å"real† primary texts, news footage, ear and eye witnesses, and the Zapruder film, among others. In Nixon, Stone uses similar techniques to posit equally troubling theses: the first that Nixon, while Vice President, was involved in a plot to assassinate Fidel Castro, and, second, that Nixon was directly or inadvertently responsible for the deaths of John and Robert Kennedy. Stone elects to create scenes and embellish information but defends his mixing of fact and speculation: â€Å"Of course, there’s license and speculation, but they are based on reasonable assumptions which we’ve discussed with highly reliable techn ical advisers who lived through the history we’re recounting in the film† (Monsel 206). [3] Regardless of historical inaccuracies, it is valuable to analyze how Stone constructs Nixon’s personae, as well as the epic thesis of the â€Å"Beast† in American politics, because, through both, Stone deconstructs the American ideology of the ideal man, as well as the â€Å"American dream† of success. II. American Capitalist Ideology and Marketing of Nixon and JFK. [4] The marketable nature of Stone’s controversy is elaborated in the ideologies he chooses to emphasize and the â€Å"whitewashing† of particular historical facts that are shown in Nixon.

Bros before hoe’s in masculinity Essay

Although there are some men that break the mold, the majority of men will never fully endorse women’s equality. This is not because most men are pigs looking to degrade women, it is because of the concept of the paradox of men’s power. Men as a social group are powerful and yet so many men feel weak, especially in relationships with women. Women seem to have the power to put a leash on men. Many men feel in control when they have the support of their fraternity of brothers. Most men are not willing to let their brothers down by siding with pro-feminists. Siding with pro-feminists, as a male, could be seen as trying to escape from the box that is hegemonic masculinity. There has been a destabilization of hegemonic masculinity with the movement of civil rights groups, namely the women’s rights movement. There are many arguments in favor of equality amongst men and women. In the past women were seen as the homemakers, that there was no need to educate them and there was clearly no place in the workforce for their sex. â€Å"The time when girls needed no education, because all they had to do was to pick one of a troop of suitors, marry him, keep house for him, and live on his wages, is gone forever, for the very simple reason that no woman can consistently live on a man’s wages any more (Kimmel and Mosmiller, 1992: 178-179).† Early in this nations history, men were viewed as the breadwinners; it was very seldom that one would see a woman in the workplace. As the years have progressed however, there has been a steady shift towards a society where just as many women are working as men. It has also become more common to see stay at home dads. By 1999, the percentage of women in the workforce was nearly sixty percent and men had fallen to about seventy-five percent according to the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America’s (UAW) website. R.W. Connell states that there are many reasons why equality in the workplace would benefit men in his article â€Å"Change among the Gatekeepers.† â€Å"For instance, very large numbers of men are fathers, and about half of their children are girls (Connell, 2005: 617).† Men with daughters will clearly want their children to succeed and have the same opportunities as other children, regardless of gender. Connell also states that the role of breadwinner is a burden that many men feel compelled to fill. Over the years this has led to health concerns as a result of stress and work related  illness and injury. With more women in the workplace the number of men with these problems should significantly decrease. Recently there has been a surge of women in the political realm. Hillary Clinton running for president and Sarah Palin being picked, by a man, to be his vice presidential running mate shows that times have changed immensely. If a woman were to run for a position such as this early in America’s history, she would have been laughed at. The idea of a female president still is not completely accepted by everyone, but Clinton did have her share of male supporters. Connell states that men would be subject to less violence if more women were in the workplace and if they held high power positions such as governor and president (Connell, 2005: 615). People in high power positions are often targeted for acts of violence, for instance John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, and Robert Kennedy, just to name a few. It is not often that one turns on the news to hear of a female being assassinated. Men’s violence towards women will also be decreased(Kimmel and Mosmiller, 1992). â€Å"Many pro-feminist men have embraced a feminist analysis male violence against women, particularly battery and rape (Kimmel and Mosmiller, 1992: 371).† The idea is that if equality is reached in society, men and women will have more meaningful relationships thus increasing understanding of one another and decreasing hostility and aggression. â€Å"In our society, caring (for children, sick people, the elderly etc.) is viewed as a ‘woman’s business’. The ‘art of caring’ appears almost as a natural condition of being a woman: ‘Being a woman means being good at caring for people.’ However, in many parts of the world, we are seeing more men carrying out tasks associated with child care, either inside the home or in institutions (Lyra, 2004: 3).† Although many believe that women should have equal rights, there is still a sense that a woman’s place is in the household. These beliefs have been proliferated for centuries from the establishment of the United States. In the beginning this was how society was organized, a somewhat caste-like system. Now there has been a shift, but the ideas still remain. For example when Hillary Clinton ran for president if these issues did not still exist then the fact that she is a woman would never have been as big a talking point as it proved to be. Many men and women for that matter refused to support her simply because she was in fact  a female running for president. The problem with universal equality is that one group will always be looking for an advantage over another group. â€Å"An essential question for any pro-feminist man must be whether or not it is possible for men to act against their own collective material interests (Douglas, 1994: 33).† As Michael Kaufman states in his idea of the paradox of men’s power, men as a group are powerful. For as long as this country has been in existence, men have had the certain privileges over women. This may not seem fair and to be honest it isn’t, but it would be interesting to turn the tables and see how women would act then. Would they be as fiercely in favor of equal rights, or would they do as many men do and just leave the system alone? This is a clear question that could easily cross the mind of any male pondering gender equality. The answer is not so cut and dry, this is why it will be difficult, even after many years, to get all men on board with the women’s rights movement. â€Å"The pro-feminist men’s movement starts from the acknowledgement that men have power and privilege in a male-dominated society (Kaufman, 1994: 156).† This idea is a problem for many men, so much so that there are even Men’s rights activists. Not all men are willing to admit that males have an advantage over women in society. â€Å"Men’s rights activists fight perceived men’s oppression, including selective service registration, unfair legal decrees of alimony and child support, and domestic violence against men (Fox, 2004: 104).† A common argument that I’ve heard is that women are looking for equal rights, but everyone on that side of the fence seems to be perfectly content with only allowing men to be drafted for wars. I don’t wish to sound like a hostile sexist because I am most definitely in favor of women’s rights, I just don’t see it as a reality for any time in the near future. The fact of the matter is that you cant have it both ways. In order for full equality, the feminists need to take the good with the bad, otherwise it is not equality that feminists are looking for, but instead to gain the upper hand on men. I feel that many men recognize this fact and it is for this reason they shy away from supporting the feminist movement. Most of this issue lies on the idea of equality in the workplace. â€Å"Let the ablest of the sex be called to the lecture room, to the temperance rostrum, and whenever a post office falls vacant and a deserving woman is competent to fill and willingly take it, let her be appointed (Greely, 1852: 167).† If I am the candidate for a job and I am up against a woman, I am not going to step aside and say ‘you take this position because women have been oppressed for quite some time.’ I, like Horace Greely, believe that the most qualified person should get the job. I know that I’ve seen many women, who are clearly in favor of equal treatment, bat their eyelashes, show some cleavage, and flirt with police officers to get out of a ticket. The same thing occurs in the workplace with interviews, some women will cast aside their beliefs in order to flirt their way into a job. As an on-looking male, I must make note that these women are playing on the very stereotypes that they seek to eliminate. This makes it even more difficult for men to take up the fight for pro-feminism; if women cannot take their fight seriously, how can men be expected to join? Most men are all for women fighting for equality and many will not be completely opposed to those men who do choose to fight on the pro-feminist side. There is a sense that these men are leaving the brotherhood. Some might say that it is almost an oxymoron to be a pro-feminist man. If a complete level of equality among genders were to be reached, which I don’t see anytime in the near future, it would be as a result of the lowering of men’s rights in order to level the playing field. Many men hold this view and this is why men who choose to fight for women can be viewed as traitors in a sense. A lot of men can feel constricted by women who often use tools like sex to get what they want. It is in these times that men usually turn to their ‘brothers in arms’ to loosen the collar that women impose as a means of control. As bad as it may sound, a lot of men will be in favor of women’s rights, but do nothing about it. Honestly what group with power is looking to relinquish their supremacy? The way society progresses is through competition. Most people, men and women alike, will always be looking for the upper hand. It is for this reason that full equality among genders is not a realistic goal. View as multi-pages

How People Grow Reflection Paper by Cloud and Townsend

REFLECTION PAPER OF HOW PEOPLE GROW BOOK BY CLOUD AND TOWNSENDVillatoro-Ramirez Counseling Department Denver Seminary Monte Hasz Psy. D. Elisabeth A. Nesbit, Ph. D. CO 631 01 Career Development and Assessment October 8, 2012 Reading How People Grow (Cloud and Townsend, 2001) has been an interesting experience because the author of this paper’s knowledge about counseling has been transformed in different ways. This reading has forced me to evaluate my own approach to counseling and my spiritual life has been impacted through the reflection about grace and law as well.I appreciate that this book has already been translated to Spanish language, which has given me the opportunity to read faster and better understanding of some ideas because Spanish is my first language. I have already included this book as a required reading to the course of Pastoral Care, which is taught at Denver Seminary’s Hispanic Initiatives because in my personal opinion this book is useful for all pe ople in Christian ministry who wants to know how people grow. Thus, through this paper I will explain my understanding on how people grow according to Cloud and Townsend.In addition, I will critique the book comparing it with two of the systems of integration presented in class by Drs. Nesbit and Hasz. To accomplishing it this paper has been divided in three areas. The first explains my personal understanding about what Cloud and Townsend (2001) say about how people grow. The second area compares this book with two systems of integration, which are Biblical counseling and the Integration approach. Finally, the rest of the paper focuses on reflection and application as a resource for clients.First, I think Cloud and Townsend (2001) use the concept of Christian counseling and discipleship or personal growth in the same way. For them there is not difference between spiritual life and real life (21). The heart of their book presents the idea of working on relational and emotional issues back into the mainstream of spiritual growth (21). It can be seen in the chapter the Paradise lost where Cloud started to describe that at the time that he began his ministry there were four models of how people grow (16).He was clear saying that he saw value in these four models practicing all of them in some degree even though he was inclined for the model of truth which held that the truth would the person free. If the person was not free or some area of life was not working it must be because lacked truth in the life of this person (16). However, and even though Cloud (2001) saw people improve, and prayer, learning Scripture, and repentance were very powerful elements in healing many clinical conditions he realized that something was missing in all these elements (18).He realized that all these spiritual methods did not resolve some problems (18). People were helped but not cured (18). Thus, Cloud (2001) became disillusioned and went for further training and has experience with sincere Christian people who had been very diligent about spiritual growth but without success (19). However, he continued to work in Christian counseling for a few years more when he started to see processes that actually changed people’s lives (19). These processes were not the traditional Christian way to grow that he had learned.These processes involved deep transformations of the soul and there was the spiritual life, where we learned about God and grew in our relationship to him, and then there was the emotional and relational life, where we learned how to solve real-life problems (19). In other words, both Cloud and Townsend (2001) believe that the issues why people come for counseling are not growth issues or counseling issues, but spiritual growth issues (21). In addition, Cloud and Townsend (2001) emphasis that spiritual growth should affect relationship problems, emotional problems, and all other problems of life (22).For them there is no difference between spirit ual life and real life because it is all one. They go through the major categories of Christian doctrine and talk about how each doctrine applies to personal growth (23). Second, about the comparison of this book with two systems of integration, I think in some point Cloud and Townsend (2010) are part of the biblical counseling approach which focus is on the sufficiency of the Scripture for counseling needs.A definite strength for Cloud and Townsend’s book is their use of the Bible and appeal to its authority as well. Contrary to Scott’s presentation of Biblical counseling, Cloud and Townsend (2010) are not directive and sermonic. They are more practical and enlighten the process of how people grow through the emotional and relational life, where they share practical ideas about how to solve real-life problems. In this sense, there is not way to use their method out of the church or Christian environments, which I think it is a weakness of their method.In other words, following this methodology a counselor would not seek the governmental endorsement of a professional license and cannot work in secular counseling settings as a rule. Because Cloud and Townsend (2001) at the beginning of their book expressed through some examples of Christian people facing mental problems in a hospital, I thought that they may lean toward the integration approach looking to secular models for treatment techniques. However, in the rest of their book they did not mention about a different way of treatment more than practical counseling application of the Bible.In addition to this point I can say that it seems to me that Cloud and Townsend (2001) use group therapy as a source of help people even though they say that working in group is an external spiritual source that God has given us to grow. I think to working in a Christian environment, this idea of groups to help people to grow is powerful. However, it seems to me that Cloud and Townsend (2001) did not want to be related to the four methods that were at that time they began to work on counseling.However, this book ends doing almost the same thing that biblical counseling in the sense that does not giving space for secular techniques as a source of help other than the Bible. Cloud and Townsend (2001) differentiate internal and external sources that God has given us to grow (126). For them internal sources are Bible, prayer, and Holy Spirit and external sources are all help that others can gives us as a way of help. In this sense, they talk widely about the work in groups, which I think it may be a secular technique however they did not recognize that.It seems to me that they are ambiguous not telling that they are combining some secular techniques in their work at Christian environments. Finally, because Cloud and Townsend (2001) were clear to say that their desire that their book be practical, and help the reader (I think Christian reader) to understand how the growth process is theological. I agree that in my life they accomplish that desire because there are some areas of application that I can mention that would like to implement in my ministry. First thing that I learned in the reading of â€Å"How people grow† Cloud and Townsend, 2001) was the concept of grace and law. I think in our Christian world we have misunderstood the concept of grace and that is why we live under the idea of a God who is ready to punish us. At least it is what I discovered on my own life through this reading. I like how Cloud and Townsend (2001) explained that grace is something that we cannot give ourselves because it comes from outside of us, as unmerited favor; and we can not do anything to obtain grace (127). It was powerful to me learning that grace is an external source of healing that we can give and receive through the body of Jesus, the church.I appreciate that Cloud and Townsend (2001) remind us that God created us to be in relationship with others so it is through others that people can grow as well. I love this concept because it is contrary with what our individualistic culture says. In addition, this concept is contrary with some teachings that say that people do not need other people at all because Christ alone is sufficient or that his Word or prayer is enough. These teachings actively and directly lead others to not depend on people at all because they think it is wrong.I like how Cloud and Townsend (2001) explained that the Bible teaches that all these things are part of the process, including other people (121). Through the book both of them Cloud and Townsend (2001) emphasized loudly the role of the body in the process of how people grow. In sum, how people grow (Cloud and Townsend, 2001) is a great tool for counselors who work in Christian environments because offers practical ideas about based on the Scripture. Differently to the Biblical counseling approach, Cloud and Townsend (2001) focus on the grace instead of the law.In addition, Clo ud and Townsend (2001) emphasize the role of the body of Jesus as a source of growth in the life of the believer. Cloud and Townsend (2001) is not recommended for counselors who work in a secular settings even though the principles that come directly from the Bible must be applicable in the personal life that any Christian counselor no matter where his or her job’s place be. References Cloud, H. , and Townsend, J. (2001). How people grow: What the Bible reveals about personal growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan

Introducing Yourself in English

Introducing Yourself in English Learning how to introduce yourself is an essential  part of learning how to converse in English. Introductions are also an important part of making  small talk  at parties or other social events. Introductory phrases are different than the ones we use to  greet friends, but theyre often used together as parts of the broader conversation, as youll see. Introducing Yourself In this example, Peter and Jane are meeting for the first time at a social event. After greeting each other, they begin by asking simple personal questions.  Working with a friend or classmate, take turns  practicing this role-play. Peter:  Hello. Jane:  Hi! Peter:  My name is Peter. Whats your name? Jane:  My name is Jane. Nice to meet you. Peter:  Its a pleasure. This is a great party! Jane:  Yes, it is. Where are you from? Peter:  Im from Amsterdam. Jane:  Amsterdam? Are you German? Peter:  No, Im not German. Im Dutch. Jane:  Oh, youre Dutch. Sorry about that. Peter:  Thats OK. Where are you from? Jane:  Im from London, but Im not British. Peter:  No, what are you? Jane:  Well, my parents were Spanish, so Im Spanish, too. Peter:  Thats very interesting. Spain is a beautiful country. Jane:  Thank you. It is a wonderful place. Key Vocabulary In the previous example, Peter and Jane are introducing themselves. Several important phrases that they use in this exchange are: My name is...Where are you from?Im from... (city, state, or country)Are you... (Spanish, American, German, etc.) Introducing Other People Introductions in Formal Situations Introductions can occur between more than two people, for example at a party or at a business meeting. When you meet someone for the first time, it is common to greet them by saying, Its a pleasure to meet you, or Pleased to meet you. It is polite to respond by repeating the statement back at them, as Mary does in this example: Ken: Peter, Id like you to meet Mary. Peter: Its a pleasure to meet you. Mary: Its a pleasure to meet you too! Ken: Mary works for... Introductions in Informal Situations In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also made simply saying, This is (name). It is also common to just say Hi or Hello as a response in this informal setting. Ken: Peter, this is Mary. Peter: Hi. How are you? Mary: Hello! Pleased to meet you. Ken: Mary works for... Common Introductory Phrases As you can see in the previous examples, there are a number of different phrases that are commonly used to introduce  strangers: (name), I dont think youve met (name).I dont think you know (name)May I introduce you to (name)(name), do you know (name)?(name), Id like you to meet (name) Saying Hello and Goodbye Many people begin and end conversations by saying hello and goodbye to each other. Doing so is considered good manners in many parts of the English-speaking world, and its also a simple way to express friendly interest in whoever youre chatting with. A simple greeting followed by asking about the other person is all that is needed to begin an introduction. In this brief scenario, two people have just met: Jane: Hello, Peter. How are you? Peter: Fine, thanks. How are you? Jane: Im fine, thank you. Once youre finished speaking with someone, its customary to say goodbye as you both part, as in this example: Peter: Goodbye, Jane. See you tomorrow! Jane: Bye bye, Peter. Have a nice evening. Peter: Thanks, you too! Key Vocabulary Key phrases to remember include: Hello... How are you?Im fine, thank youGoodbyeSee you... (tomorrow, this weekend, next week, etc.)Have a nice... (day, evening, week, etc.) More Beginning Dialogues Once youre mastered introducing yourself, you can practice your English skills with more exercises, including telling time, shopping at a store, traveling at an airport, asking for directions, staying at a hotel, and eating at a restaurant. Work with a friend or classmate to practice these role-playing dialogues, just as you did for these exercises.

Exercises in the ambulance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Exercises in the ambulance - Essay Example I would need to be thoroughly and constantly motivated in order to best deal with these situations, particularly considering that an emergency demands that I be in top form. Organization. Organization is important for a paramedic. When you are organized then you can treat patients more quickly. For example: When arriving at the accident spot where 2 people have been involved in an accident, I am first on the spot therefore need to quickly assess the situation and what I can best do to help. I need to determine whom is the most hurt and in which places in order to know who to treat first and who gets treated last. Organization helps keep me and others (my patients or assistant) calm, as well as helping me focus on the most important tasks. Using support: A person’s injuries might sometimes be life threatening. I might not have time to transport him or her to hospital, making it necessary that I conduct the required life-interventions on the spot. This might be traumatic for me, or the person might die despite my greatest efforts. These and other instances would make it easier for me to have a supervisor and/ or teacher that would assist me (someone whom I can talk cases over with) and family and friends whom I can share the pain with. Realistic expectations – Since I am the ‘doctor on the go’ and perhaps the only one in the situation, I must be prepared to deal with any possible situation. This could involve: CPR, assisting with childbirth, or using EKGs or X-ray devices. Reflect on their experience. Experience helps me become more confident and relaxed about my work. On the other hand, if I become too confident I might become too smug and make mistakes, therefore, it would help me to always reflect on situations that have occurred and ask myself where I did well and how I can do better. Strategic thinking. This means that I need to

Qatar Exchange Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Qatar Exchange - Term Paper Example This sector currently has a total of eighteen firms listed in the Qatari stock exchange thus presenting it as one of the most successful sectors in the Qatar market. The consistent growth of this sector has always been attributed to the higher lending associated with higher scale of infrastructural projects. The slated 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar has also stimulated a high growth in the investment projects making the sector the best performing at the moment (Qatar, 2014). The Insurance sector: this sector has 12 firms listed on the stock exchange market and is rated as one of the best performing sectors in the Qatar’s economy. This sector has been receiving annual growth rate of at least 11.3% from the year 2008 outlining how well the sector is performing. Due to the weakening demands on major expensive claims such as personal accident claims and health insurance, the growth has maintained a steady rise making the sector among the very best performing (Qatar 2010 Phase 1). The services sector: this is another very well performing sector in the Qatar’s stock market with a total of 15 firms listed in the stock exchange market. The net profit realized by this sector grew to 21.0% in the first quarter of 2014. The single largest contributor to this was the Qatar fuel company posting a 12.3% rise in their own net profit. The industry and Hotel sector: this sector has 17 firms listed in the Qatar stock market. Even though the profits from this sector reduced by 7.3% in the first quarter of 2014, it is still able to contribute 27.2% of the of the Qatar’s total market profit. This drop is mainly attributed to the extended planned closing, the general increasing costs and the product price deflation (Qatar 2010 Phase 1). The individuals of firms that are interested in trading in the Qatar Exchange in form of buying and selling of the shares listed must first of all follow the laid down