Ways Of Knowing More Likely To Lead Truth Philosophy Essay

Ways Of Knowing More Likely To Lead Truth Philosophy Essay Truth is a term that is multifaceted, and has been a popular topic of discussion by scholars and philosophers for thousands of years. Yet some fundamental basics for something to considered true have arisen after all the discussions and theories: it must be a fact, is justified in a way that that it corresponds to a fact that exists in the world, matches with ones overall sets of belief and/or it is useful and works in practice. A justified true belief is what is knowledge is composed of. Sense perception, reason, language and emotions are the four Ways of Knowing, each one a powerful tool that enables us to reach closer the truth. Sense perception is the active selective and interpretative process of recording or becoming conscious of the external world; reasoning is using logical, critical thinking to establish knowledge; emotion is the experience of a bodily reaction to an event where we are aware and involved; lastly, language is a tool for communication and a system of persuasio n and implication through the use of conventionalized signs, sound gestures or marks having understood meaning. However these four ways of approaching the truth vary in that one may help yield more precise answers and is more reliable than others, depending on the their strengths and weaknesses. I believe that sense perception and reason creates a dominant combination, carrying a high degree of certainty, in discovering global truths, compared to emotion and language, which are also vital but have greater limitations that provide challenges in finding the truth. Buddha once said, Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by manyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ But after observation and analysis, when you find anything that agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. This quote claims that perception, which is then supported by reason, is the ways most likely to lead to the truth, and I definitely agree. We experience the world and obtain direct, immediate, constant data through our senses: sight, hear, smell, touch, taste, movement, balance and huger/thirst etc. The brain then processes these stimuli to create meaning to them and organize these sense data into schemas in our brain, reassembling reality to become organized, meaningful patterns, so that most of the time our world will be rational, steady and predictable. Hence we rely heavily on sense perception as our primary source of data collection of our surroundings. In biology, for example, I did a lab testing the effects of caffeine and adrenaline on the heart rate of transparent water fleas, called Daphnia. After exposing a daphnia in an adrenalin or caffeine solution, I relied solely on my sight to observe the thumping action of their heart beat and then count it. The heart beat dramatically increased from a 25 beats per second in controlled water fleas to around 44 in adrenaline and caffeine solution. By direct observation, my brain then gives meaning to this data input; resulting in me, knowing the immediate effects of what consuming these chemicals does to a Daphnias heart. However sensory perception has a handful of limitations, the major ones including our biological and physiological limitation such a incapability of seeing wavelengths outside the visible light spectrum; our cognitive apparatus and processes cant distinguish perception from illusion; who we are as a knower, our built-in assumptions and prejudices alters the expectations and interpretations of situations- causing bia s, subjective views; sensory input is relative, hence data from is s not always valid alone; sensory input is also discontinuous and outdated. Conversely the invention of digital video, computer technology and modern technology helps fix these problems or even eliminate it all altogether. For instance, when watching the figure skating world championships on TV, both Mao Asada and Kim-Yuna skated perfectly, executing all their elements. My individuality- the fact that I favor and adore Maos skating style over Yunas, and my pity towards Mao for always winning silver- contributed to my perception of the competition as being unfair when Yuna won gold. But when clips of the performances were previewed side by side, it illustrates how Mao did not fully finish her rotations on her triple jumps and thus was deducted points- ultimately justifying that Kim Yuna did deserve gold and performed a cleaner program than Mao. This example proves technology can overcome major limitations such as filt ers and seeing what we want opposed to the reality, by justifying what we see with more scrutiny through technology since technology can record the world around us, provide instant replay and allow unbiased evaluation. On the other hand reason, is most advantageous due to its outcome of valid and coherent information- information with such a high degree of certainty that no other ways of knowing can reach. Reason assesses arguments, and provides support for claims and statements established through all the different experiments, studies etc. It is especially vital for areas with an empirical basis like science, history and math; these areas have been so developed and consist of such reliable, coherent and corresponding theories due to reason. Judgments and errors plague the certainty of truth for other ways of knowing; such as sense perception can be distorted; language is too vague and ambiguous leading to multiple interpretations, and emotion is the least reason-based due to its unpredictable, instinctive nature. Logic controls the outcome of rigid conclusions with evidence. Yet reason has its flaws as well such as the range of informal fallacies and when premises that construct the arguments mig ht be valid the truthfulness is still questionable, hence other ways of knowing is required to justify it such as the case of euthanasia where the argument Taking a life is morally wrong, euthanasia is the act of taking away a life, hence euthanasia is wrong. Is perfectly valid but the truthfulness must be enhanced through the use scientific observations like using technology to see if the persons brain is responding to stimuli. The use of sense perception and reason together complements each other to provide even sturdier, valid, reasoned-based knowledge with sufficient verification. The fact that global warming is occurring is derived from both reason and perception. According to NASA 80% of ice field have been lost in the last century as see through satellite pictures, hence we can use deductive reasoning to conclude that if Drastic climate change and melting ice caps indicate global warming, NASA claims that 80% of ice field have melted , and United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that 11 of the past 12 years are among the dozen warmest since 1850, hence global warming is occurring Emotions and Language has principal problems that override its benefits, and hence is less likely to lead to the truth. Although language is central in communication; performing many functions such as conveying emotions (expressive), express creativity, used for social and representational purposes, it is deceptive and treacherous due to its vagueness and ambiguity.( Not so much for math and science, since language is controlled, neutral and rigid in these areas but in the other AOKs. Take Stalin for example, he used language as propaganda to establish a personal dictatorship, attack enemies and disguise the reign of terror and purges as well. Putting up slogans like Peasants can live like human beings filled with emotionally-arousing words, appealing connotations and glittering generalities manipulated the peasants into believing Stalin will bring back the glory days in Russia just like before World War I. Similarly emotion reinforces problems such as blurring reason, bias our perce ptions and color our language; humans are helpless in controlling emotions- it is irrational and occurs at fluctuating, urgent impulses. For example when my friend and I watched Valentines Day, she had just broken up with her boyfriend so was feeling distressed and gloomy, whereas I was joyous and excited to see Ashton Kutcher in it. By the end of the movie, her emotions has shaped a negative perception of the movie, thinking it was cheesy and gay, and divert from rational thinking to blame me for wasting her time watching it. On the contrary sometimes our reasoning is based on emotion; for example during a mandarin test, I had a cheat sheet ready in my pocket, but I decided not to cheat because of the guilt and fear I will feel. Suggesting that emotion mustnt be totally ignored since without emotion, the world will be dull, cause the uniformity of values and everything will pass unnoticed. So emotions can help humans acquire knowledge and enhance the search for knowledge, but the voice of reason is more rational. All the areas of knowledge are interconnected, one fails to work alone, and one effects the other, whether it is to enhance or limit the quest for truth. The advantageous combination of sense perception and reasoning creating highly valid, justified truths, with solvable limitations, whereas others, like emotions and language are overshadowed by its limitations. Citations: Buddha Buddhism Reality. On Truth and Reality. Web. Apr. 2010. . Mount Kilimanjaro Vanishing Icecaps. Scientific Visualizing Studio. 02 June 2002. Web. 30 Apr. 2010. . Global Warming Fast Facts. Daily Nature and Science News and Headlines | National Geographic News. Web. 03 May 2010. . Alchin, Nicholas. The Theory of Knowledge. Heinemann, blue book Powerpoints up on Moodle

Machiavelli in Relation to Macbeth

Throughout history many have oversimplified and extorted Machiavellian idea s about power and adhering in an attempt to create empires and rule almost always at the expo ensue of the people they rule. Throughout the play Macbeth exhibits the ambition of a Machiavellian chart term, but often lacks the the form or any kind of rigidity that would land him firmly ammo nag Machiavellian clear cut classifications for power figures. Still it is clear based on the plot and details of Macbeth that Shakespeare was influenced by Machiavelli in writing his famous s â€Å"Scottish play†.As we read Macbeth we see the story of a man, Macbeth, filled with ambition who even begins the story in a mindset similar to that of a Machiavellian prince. In his most famous work Machiavelli cites a man named Stagecoaches â€Å"Stagecoaches, the Sicilian, became King of Syracuse, not only from a private position but from a low and abject one. This man, the son of a potter, through all the changes in his fortunes, always led an infamous life, nevertheless, he accompany ended his Wassermann 2 infamies with such great ability of mind and body, that, having devoting whims elf to the military profession, he rose through its ranks to be Praetor of Syracuse. (Mac heavily 4950) Macbeth is a ruler of what Machiavelli would have called a principality obtained through wickedness† (Machiavelli 49) Machiavelli belie Veda that â€Å"All states, all powers, that have held and hold rule over men have been an d are either republics or principalities. Principalities are either hereditary, in which the family has been long establish deed; or they are new. The new are either entirely new, as was Milan to Francesco Sports, or they are it were, members annexed to the hereditary state of the prince who has acacia red them, as was the kingdom of Naples to that of the King of Spain.Such dominions thus acquired are either accustomed to live under a prince, o to live in freedom; and are acquired eith er by the arms Of the prince himself, or of others, or else by fortune or by ability. † (Machiavelli 1) Under Machiavellian classifications, Macbeth is a grey area. His principality coo old potentially be considered hereditary because, although he had to murder Du NCAA he did technically inherit the throne, although, Macbeth is not a relative of Duncan s o the principality could be considered new. In her Tyranny in Shakespeare, Mary Ann McGill w rites that â€Å"[Macbeth] asks what is a tyrant?Or, what does a tyrant do that sets him apart from others Of great political ambition? † (McGill 21) Wassermann 3 When Machiavelli discusses â€Å"principalities obtained by arms† (Machiavelli 30) he states that â€Å"states which rise rapidly, like all other things that arise and grow rapidly in an true, cannot leave† This would lead one to believe that Macbeth is not Machiavellian in nature. Pee reaps not overall, yet Machete's reign of Scotland does still exhibit Machiavellian properties. For example where Machiavelli says: â€Å"Upon this a question arises: whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved?It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to be fear d than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. Because this is t o be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer y their blood, property, life, and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you.

Has Globalization Helped Haiti in Handling?

Has globalization helped Haiti in handling the devastation of the earthquake? Haiti's worst earthquake in two centuries hit south of the capital Port-au-Prince in 12 January 2010. Hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed, millions were relocated, thousands died. The BBC documental video â€Å"Surviving Haiti† showed how lives changed after the earthquake, how government was handling the situation and what measures were taken to help. As Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, the inhabitants of Port-au-Prince would not be able to handle the devastation of the earthquake on their own.So, the question is, has globalization helped Haiti to recover losses after the devastating earthquake? The global response to the earthquake in port-au-Prince has been generous and quite fast. United States mobilized its soldiers to help suffering Haitians, the EU allocated large amount of money, Canada, Brazil, Italy and Cuba sent over 1,000 military and disaster relief personn el each, Turkey sent searching troops, Germany and China sent officers of technical assistance, aircraft carriers arrived from Russia, Israeli medical staff came, Iran allocated tents for families that lost their homes.Even such countries as Guyana, Estonia and Liberia have sent money. It would seem that the sum these countries sent was ridiculous, but for a small country, it is a kind gesture. The total sum of donations worldwide equals about 2, 5 billion US dollars. Apart from financial aid, human compassion made miracles. Families from France didn’t give up the adoption processes; they came to see their potential children, to meet their parents and to solve bureaucratic problems.Sympathetic corporations, non-governmental organizations, private persons and celebrities responded to the Haiti pledges. In the most difficult moment of their lives survived children and their parents got a flash of hope for better future. People all over the world are not indifferent to the suffe rings of their „planet† neighbors. So, the film shows that life of earthquake survivors is very hard, but hope still exists.In this particular case of Haiti, when globalization impact was also a question of humanity, not just of economy, the process itself helped Haiti to recover more or less after the devastating earthquake and to save as many Haitians as possible. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. guardian. co. uk, Haiti earthquake aid pledged by country http://www. guardian. co. uk/news/datablog/2010/jan/14/haiti-quake-aid-pledges-country-donations

The Abolition Movement Timeline 1820 - 1829

The 1830s may have marked the transformation of the abolition movement but the 1820s definitely laid the groundwork for the next decade. During this decade, schools were established to educate young African-American children. At the same time, the American Colonization Society helped African-Americans emigrate to present-day Liberia and Sierra Leone. In addition,  several antislavery societies were formed. These organizations began using slave narratives and newspapers to publicize the horrors of enslavement.   1820 The Missouri Compromise  allows Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a slave state. The Compromise also bans slavery in territory west of Missouri.African-Americans in New York organize and emigrate from Africa to Sierra Leone. The emigration was organized by the American Colonization Society, an association established to send freed African-Americans back to Africa. 1821 The first American antislavery newspaper, The Genius of Universal Emancipation is published in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio  by Benjamin Lundy. Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison helps to edit and publish the newspaper. 1822 A freed African-American, Denmark Vessey organizes a slave uprising in Charleston.Segregated public schools are established in Philadelphia for African-American children. 1823 The Anti Slavery Society is established in Great Britain. 1824 Liberia is founded by freed African-Americans. Founded by the American Colonization Society, the land was originally known as Monrovia.Elizabeth Hyrick publishes the pamphlet, Immediate not Gradual Emancipation 1825 The slave narrative,  A Narrative of Some Remarkable Incidents in the Life of Solomon Bayley, Formerly a Slave, in the State of Delawar, North America: Written by Himself  is published in London.  The slave narrative,  Narrative of the Enslavement of Ottobah Cugoano, a Native of Africa: Published by HImself on the Year 1787  is included in  The Negros Memorial; or Abolitionists Catechism, by an Abolitionist  is published in London by Thomas Fisher.  Former slave, William B. Grimes publishes  Life of William Grimes, the Runaway Slave. 1826 Sojourner Truth, feminist and abolitionist, escapes slavery with her infant daughter, Sophia. 1827 Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm  publish the first African-American newspaper, Freedoms Journal. The publication is circulated in eleven states, Haiti, Europe, and Canada.Sarah Mapps Douglass establishes a school for African-American children in Philadelphia. 1829 Abolitionist David Walker  publishes his pamphlet, Walkers Appeal in Four Articles. David Walkers Appeal is considered the most radical antislavery publications when it was published because of its emphasis on promoting rebellion and opposition to colonization.The slave narrative,  Ã‚  Life and Adventures of Robert, the Hermit of Massachusetts, Who Has Lived 14 Years in a Cave, Secluded from Human Society. Comprising, an Account of His Birth, Parentage, Sufferings, and Providential Escape from Unjust and Cruel Bondage in Early Life and His Reasons for Becoming a Recluse: Taken from His Own Mouth, and Published for His Benefit,  is told to abolitionist Henry Trumbull by Robert Voorhis.