Knowledge and reality Essay

The quest for knowledge remains a perplexing problem in the field of philosophy. Even nowadays mankind continue to seek to understand himself and the world around him he is thirst to know were exactly our knowledge comes from. The question of knowledge appears to be a battle between the empirisists who believed that knowledge is acquired through sense experience and the rationalists who believed that knowledge can only be required through reasoning. Although there are a lot of people who abides with these groups in my essay in my essay I will only deal with John locke who in this case argues that knowledge is acquired throughsense experience thereby representing the empirisists group and Rene Descartes who argues that knowledge comes fronm reasoning thereby representing the rationalists. Diffrent scholars have also shown their appreciation to the work which was done by the two groups. Rene Descartes who is the rationalist have claimed that the ultimate starting point for knowledge is is not the senses but reason. According to Cottingham,Descartes argues that knowledge of a particular subject matter is underwritten by intuition or rational insight and deductive reasoning rather than experience of that subject matter(1984). Descartes in this case is of the opinion that the only way one can acquire knowledge is through deductive reasoning ,reasoning that aims at exactitude. In one way or other that exactitude is the one which we can now call knowledge Descartes maintain that without prior categories and principles supplied by reason wen could not organise and interrupt one’s sense experience in any way (Kenny:1986). In this case one would be faced with just one huge ,undifferentiated,kaleidospic whirl of sensation ,signifying nothing(Kenny:1986). Rationalism in its purest form goes so far as to hold that al our rational beliefs and the entirety of human knowledge consists in human principles and innate concepts. According to Russel Descartes believes that men are born with innate ideas or ideas that we are born with (1946:548). He argues that those innate ideas are generated and certified by reason along with anything logically deducable these first principles. Furthermore on innate ideas ,a number of mankind still how can reason supply ay mental category or first principle at all? The question is a bit easy for such people like Descartes who claimed that we are born with several fundamental concepts or categories in our minds ready for use(Stitch:1975). Descartes went own to argue that this gives us innate knowledge . This might be through certain categories of space ,time,cause and effect. In one way or other Descartes argues that people thinks in terms of cause and effect and this helps one’s experience of the world(Stitch:1975). A ccording to Stitch Descartes argues that people think of themselves as seing some things causing other things to happen,but in terms of our raw sense experience ,one sees certain things happen before other thing happen and remember having seen such before and after the sequences at earlier times (1975). One can come up with an example like ,a rock hits the window and then the window breaks. We don’t see the third thing called causation but we believe it has happened. The rock hitting the window caused it to break but this is not experienced like the fight of the rock or the shattering of the glass. Descartes argues that experience does not seem to force the concept of causation on us. On this case Descartes bis denying the fact that knowledge comes fron sense experience but reasoning. Descartes also claimed that the foundations of our knowledge are propositions that are self-evidently true. A self-evident proposition has the strange property of being such that ,on merely understanding what it says and without any further checking or special evidence of any kind. One can just intellectually see that it is true(Caruthers:1992). If A is greater than B the B is greater than C and therefore A is greater than C. In this example the claim is that once these statements are understood ,it takes no further sense experience whatsoever to see that they are true . Descartes was athinker who used sceptical doubt as a prelude to constructing a retionalist philosophy. He was convinced that all our beliefs that are founded on the experience of the external senses could be called into doubt ,but that with certain beliefs like ‘I am thinking’,there is n o room for creating and sustaining a reasonable doubt(Pojman:1991:72). Descartes then tried to find enough other first principles with immune to rational doubt that he could provide an indubitable ,rational basis for all other legitimate beliefs. According to Pojman Descartes thought that mathematics gave a paradigm or model of certain knowledge or of attaining such knowledge (1991:73). He argued that mathematical knowledge is based on self evident axioms ,or first principles. In this case those principles are clear and distinctly persued as self-evident and in other words they are indubitable that is to say it is hard to doubt them. They are intrinsically valid on self-certifying . Dscartes argues that once we have such self-evident truths ,then with the rules of reasoning or logic ,theories can be validly deduced from them (Spinoza:1905). Descartes wanted to apply the method of philosophy as he argued that in mathematics ther is no appeal to sense experience . Human reasoning is the sole source of mathematical knowledge (Spinoza:1905). In this case Descartes claimed that by poor reasoning one can achieve knowledge. It was this method of doubt that Descartes used to get at the indubitable starting point which will be unshakable foundation of the edifice of knowledge hence to doubt means to think and think means to be(Pojman:1991). On the other hand we have the empirialists who in this case are being represented by John Locke. Locke is of the view that knowledge is acquired through sense experience. Locke was actually influenced by Descartes writings in which Descartes was arguing that knowledge comes from reasoning and the issue of innate ideas. According to Pojman Locke believes that the senses we maintain ,gives us all our raw data about the world and without this raw material their would be no knowledge at all(Pojman:1991:83). To Locke perception starts a process and from this process come all our beliefs . In its purest form ,Locke and his collegues believes that sense experience alone gave birth to all our knowledge. Locke was influenced by Descartes writings because what Descartes believes was the opposite of what Locke and his collegues believed mostly on the issue of innate ideas hence he decided to put on his suggestion on were exactly our knowledge comes from. Locke argues that innate ideas are suppose to be inborn ideas and they are their in the human mind since birth (Locke:1894). He argues that these ideas are neither created by us nor derived from our experiences. Locke argues that the human mind is a ‘tabula rasa’ meaning to say it is blank and it looks like a white sheet of paper without any content or ideas. According to Pojman there are no inborn ideas in the human mind(Pojman:1991). Ideas denote the content of human mind and consciousness. This then supports the idea that all ideas spring from experiences. According to Spinoza ,Locke argues that all knowledge is formed as and ultimately derived from sensational or inner reflection(1905) To add more the empirisists argue thatideas acquired through sensation and reflection are simple ideas. According Russel Locke argues that the mind has the power to reject ,compare and combine them to then form complex ideas(1946:551) . The simple ideas are the materials of the mind or consciousness. The mind elaborates them in defferent ways and this knowledge is developed(Russel:1946:551)Simple ideaas in this case are thus produced in the mind by the outer things through external experiences and simple ideas posseses valididty. The two theories presents different ideas on were exactly we get knowledge but I think I am convinced with the theory of Descartes which says knowledge is acquired through reason. Although the theory was mainly meant for the mathmaticians I think it is good for me because a men ought to reason so as to find knowledge. To me reasoning shows that someone really is thinking deeper so as to find whatever he wants . The method of doubt which he uses convince me also because I think through doubting you will be able to find knowledge. The Christians might want to say Thomas was wrong but in one way or other Thomas made Christians to know that realy the man they saw was Jesus and Christians were made to believe that really there is resurrection and this was through doubting Thomas. I cant just believe what I have not see without doubting because nowadays people tend to lie so as to get whatever they want in their lives . Therefore the theory of Descartes to me is good one on how we aquire knowledge . ? BIBLIOGRAPHY Carruthers. P.(1992)Human knowledge and human nature,Oxford: Oxford University Press’ Cottingham. J. (1984)Rationalism,London:Palada books. Fieser. P. (1991) Introduction to Philosophy. Oxford:Oxiford University Press Kenny. A. (ed). (1986)Rationalism,Empiricism and Idealism ,Oxiford:Oxiford University Press Locke. J. (1690)An essay on human understanding. (ed)R. Woolhouse. (1997). London:Panguin Books Louis. P. (2007)The theory of knowledge ,classical and temporary readings. Belment CA:Wadsworth Stitch. S. (ed)(1975)Innate ideas ,Berkely CA:Carlifonia University Press Russell. B. (1912)History of Western Philosophy . Oxiford:Oxiford University Press.

Relationship Between Private and Public Police

Relationship between Private and Public Police G00fydad CJS/250 March 10, 2013 John Doe Relationship between Private and Public Police The police in our society carry with them a deep sense of tradition and honor that stems from generations of serving and protecting the public. This pride can, at times, lead some police to believe that they are the last line of defense with the public they serve and any other entity that appears to be encroaching on that territory should be mistrusted.This attitude does not mix well with others attempting to perform the same job function such as private security. Thankfully this is not the consensus of all public police officers. Most public police understand that they require the assistance of the private sector and will welcome the help where it is offered. The public police also understand that that private security entities are often times the first to respond at many of the incidents that later involve the public police.It has been estimated tha t nearly 85 percent of the country’s critical infrastructure is protected by private security (Ohlhausen, 2004). When the private security firms handle such a large majority of the policing duties it is essential that the relationship between the private and public police forces relate well to one another and cooperate whenever possible. One of the largest issues with the relationship between the public and private police stems from the general population’s opinion.The public police are looked upon as the legitimate police force and the private security departments are looked upon with very little respect by the community at large. This can be seen at most shopping malls when someone is committing a crime. When the security officer intervenes that situation may only deescalate slightly and the participants still look upon the security officer with little respect. However, when a public police officer arrives the situation is typically handled swiftly and all parties in volved take things far more serious.This image of private security officers and the relationship they hold with the public police is often exacerbated by the media in television and movies. They portray the security officers as lazy, bumbling, and not very smart. Of course these are the media’s vision of private security, but this is the general public consensus about the private security firms. This attitude and lack clear role definition of the private security field is a major roadblock in path of cooperation between the public and private sectors.According to a report issued by the Private Security Advisory Council, the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, and the U. S. Department Of Justice the major causes for the role conflict problems is a lack of mutual respect, lack of communication, lack of cooperation, lack of law enforcement’s knowledge of private security, perceived competition, lack of standards, and perceived corruption (1977). This separation of the public and private police is becoming less noticeable these days thanks to the education of both sides.The public and private police understand that they require the help and cooperation of each other. For example, with regard to public and private space, the public police must have probable cause or a warrant issued by a judge in order to search a location. The private security officer does not require any such warrant. The private security officer only needs to conduct the search within the confines of his or her allowable space, or the area in which they normally operate.For instance, a public police officer may not be allowed to come into an office building and search the office for narcotics without a warrant, but the company’s security officer is fully allowed to search the premises and turn over any evidence found. This definition between public and private space can be an advantage to public police. However, if the private security does not feel obliged to coopera te then the public police will need to work through other, longer, channels to get their job completed.This can happen if the private security feels that they would rather handle an incident of criminal activity internally and will not allow the public police to intervene in the process. The private security entities make this decision from time to time for a variety of reasons including the mistrust of the court system to fully sanction the offender and the feeling that the current court system is a â€Å"revolving door† situation. It is situations such as these that prevent our public police and private security from having a truly unifying system.According to Boston Massachusetts Transit Police Chief Joseph C. Carter, since September 11, 2001 law enforcement agencies have been under tremendous pressure to conduct their traditional crime prevention and response activities and perform an immense amount of homeland security work, in a time of tight city, county, tribal, and s tate budgets (2007). In a time of financial crisis for all areas of the government we must rely on the private security development and ensure that the public police and the private security entities work together to keep things safe.In order for the public police and private security to truly work together government rules and regulations need to be enacted and the private sector would have to fall under the umbrella of government oversight. The private security entities would have to answer for the actions they take, and they would have to adhere to the same rules and regulations as public police. However, if this were to happen then the entire rules of search and seizure would have to change as well as many other law enforcement policies.Once this change takes place within the government the public and private police will be able to interact with little interference and issue making the ability to deal with crimes far easier. This will have the added benefit of improving not only the image of private security in the community’s eyes, but also the relationship between public and private police agencies. While the relationship between the public and private police agencies can be strained at times, and relaxed at others the cooperation between both is very important and should be encouraged by all involved.The public image of private security must also change and the officers within the realm of private security should be afforded the same respect and courtesy that public police already experience. This new attitude by the general populace coupled with government involvement and support will only serve to improve the relationship between public and private police. References Ohlhausen, P. (2004). In T Seamon (Chair). Building private security/public policing partnerships to prevent and respond to terrorism and public disorder. National policy summit.Retrieved from http://cops. usdoj. gov/files/RIC/Publications/national_policy_summit. pdf Bilek, A. (197 7, June). In A. Bilek (Chair). Law enforcement and private security sources and areas of conflict and strategies for conflict resolution. Retrieved from https://www. ncjrs. gov/pdffiles1/Digitization/44783NCJRS. pdf Carter, J. (2007). Public-private partnerships: Vital resources for law enforcement. Retrieved from http://www. policechiefmagazine. org/magazine/index. cfm? fuseaction=display_arch&article_id=1257&issue_id=92007

Marijuana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Marijuana - Essay Example The usefulness of marijuana cannot be denied its due right however as it is present within a number of medicines and in healing maladies and diseases. Therefore the negativities can easily be canceled out with the positives that surround marijuana in essence. The healing perspective is all the more necessary to state because it lists the main aspects that are present within marijuana. The perception related with marijuana needs to be altered in order to have a better viewpoint of the same within the society. The right side of marijuana must be propagated more than the drawbacks, because it is the need of the hour (Engs 1997). Moving on, the body effects of marijuana comprise of the redness within eyes, the decrease in intra-ocular pressure as well as the dryness within mouth. There is also the sensation of heat and cold within the skin with the addition of heart rate becoming faster and muscles becoming relaxed due to the intake of marijuana. Its usage develops anxiety and leads to d epression and psychosis. The causal mechanism has not been able to establish as of present times. There has been evidence available at certain places where heavy usage of marijuana has led to heart attacks as well (Graves 2005). More often it has been seen that marijuana users have reported certain abnormalities which have comprised of the likes of amygdale and hippocampus regions which are located within the human brain. A research by Dr. Sontineni demonstrated how chronic marijuana’s usage led to a form of compulsive bathing behavior by the patient. Furthermore, the benefits attached with marijuana include the fact that it has been able to assist patients with regards to their nausea and vomiting issues. It has addressed the issues that have come under the ranks of anorexia as well as weight loss. The individuals with movement disorders, asthma, spasticity, glaucoma and other painful conditions are facilitated with the usage of marijuana, as has been indicated through prope r research and evidence over the years. The benefits and good points related with marijuana seem to be hidden from all and sundry due to a number of different reasons. It indeed is a shame because this drug has a number of positives with regards to the entire society. People should have a soft corner for marijuana because it delivers help and assistance upon them (Cohen 2006). However the smoking of marijuana has eventually been a problem for quite a long while now and thus it resurfaces every now and so often. Researchers have shown through different studies on marijuana that its crude form has more than 400 chemicals that call for its usefulness. When smoked, the 400 chemicals break up into a number of chemicals which are varied in form and size. Much research has been based on the crude form of marijuana and indeed marijuana in essence, which depicts its usefulness in entirety. The medicinal role immediately ends when marijuana is smoked, thereby representing the fact that its us efulness has been at its lowest ebb (Kreit 2003). The social risks linked with marijuana are apparent nonetheless. The accidents that have been reported in media have more or less been blamed due to excessive usage of marijuana and its smoked form. It has played a very negative role at taking away the sheen from the usefulness of marijuana in its truest sense. People have generally blamed marijuana because of the different problems which come attached with it. The benefits have simply been ignored for all the wrong reasons. The role of

The Character of Physical Law Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Character of Physical Law - Coursework Example For instance, the moon still shines even when it is invisible. Einstein proved the relationship between conservation and locality principle in his special theory of relativity. According to Feynman, charge represent charged sub-atomic particle (electron or proton), hence a thing. On the other hand, energy is a behavior of objects, which can only be explained through abstract mathematical formulas. Charge obeys the principle of conservation, has the baryon number, and is relativistic invariance (Louisa, 2008). The three properties make charge more of a thing than a behavior. On the other hand, energy obeys the conservation principle but does have baryon number. The photon polarization experiment attempts to explain polarized sinusoidal plane electromagnetic wave. The experiment can be set in a linear or a circular format to achieve either circular or linear polarization. To determine the relationship between polarization and wave motion the experiment applies quantum mathematical vari ables such as vectors, unitary operators, and probability. The experiment investigates infinitesimal transformations of classical polarization state of a wave. The experiment can be conducted using a pair of Polaroid sunglasses. According to Bell's Theorem, the two values are localized. Thus, their action goes beyond their presence. In this experiment, the speed of light is a universal constant that represent the upper bound (limit) of any variable. According to Goodman ‘grue’ is the appearance of an object relative to a time interval t. Thus, an object is grue if it is green before time t elapses and blue afterwards. However, the original definition asserts that an object is green irrespective of the time it is observed. Grue is used to make conclusions on scientific induction problems. For example, the problem of green and grue emeralds can be concluded through induction. Obviously all emeralds examined so far are green; therefore, we are compelled to conclude that al l emeralds discovered in future will be green. It is unrealistic to conclude that emeralds discovered after time t will be grue. The statements; â€Å"all emeralds are green" and all emeralds are grue" are classical induction problems (Ragep, 2001). Such problems cannot be concluded using the principle of grue due to the invariance of form. In addition, ‘grue’ is an inherently time-indexed concept. The concept is not well defined due to variation of language and definitions. Therefore, the term ‘grue’ should not be incorporated in induction. Galileo principle of inertia asserts that a body moving on a level surface will continue to move in the same direction, unless disturbed. This principle is related to Newton’s first law of motion, which states that relate the resultant force to mass and acceleration. The force of gravity provides an answer to questions of â€Å"what keeps planets on their orbits.† Newton concluded that the force of gravit y is universal and is dependent on masses of objects and the distance separating them. These insights are equivalent to the Kepler's planetary motion law, which states, â€Å"An imaginary line drawn from the center of the sun to the center of the planet will sweep out equal areas in equal intervals of time.† On page 21, Feynman discusses how Newton tested an idea of his and concludes: This was a dramatic test that everything is all right." Feynman argued that Kepler’

Double reacation essay about David Cole interviews Dr. Francizek Piper

Double reacation about David Cole interviews Dr. Francizek Piper + David Cole on the Phil Donahue Show - Essay Example Buildings in Auschwitz and in other camps which are the alleged gas chambers of the holocaust were able to hold 700 to 800 people and openings in the roof allowed chemicals to reach those within the chamber who were told they were going to be showered or treated for lice or scabies infections. The designs allowed the doors to be airtight and bricks were used to cover windows. Disinfection signs were in place in order to keep prisoners calm. Those with no ventilation system installed took much longer for ventilation, and false showers were installed to keep with the propagation that these chambers located in the crematoriums were used for bathing and disinfection (The Seven Gas Chambers at Auschwitz). One of the chambers was able to contain around 2500 people; gas was released which would take 10-15 minutes to suffocate those inside and ventilation time was allowed before the chambers were able to be reopened. Many survivors who were indeed showered in such chambers found it miraculous to know that other chambers were used to disperse gas. Some youth in these chambers survived somehow, watching those around them die of suffocation (Weber). The Donahue interview I found somewhat shocking considering the massive amount of testimony and evidence of the holocaust. The Bergen-Belsen articles written by Mark Weber seem much more likely to be true and accurately represent facts as they were known by many. David Cole has examined actual sites, conducting forensic testing’s and viewing these ‘alleged gas chamber.’ Cole states his studies are based on his own observations yet he also shows a supposed video which he suggests provides definitive evidence that indeed there were delousing and disinfestation chambers with evidence differentiating between the two. Much of the arguments presented in the Donahue show seem to belittle the horrific fact that millions of Jews died as a result of the Holocaust regardless of the final cause of

Annotated Bibliography-Sheila Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Annotated Bibliography-Sheila - Coursework Example Previous studies offered archivists as to the benefits of the cycle by the use of computers. Literature review consisted of other studies and archival theories that provide in-depth analysis to the study. Principal methods of research included case studies and observations that were common to other researchers. It is important to realize how advanced technology has changed the world of archives making records accurate. Duranti, L. (2010). Concepts and principles for the management of electronic records, or records management theory is archival diplomatics. Records Management Journal, 20(1), 78-95. doi:10.1108/09565691011039852 The article is published by Emerald Publishing group limited. It tries to examine the problems that are posed by electronic records as their authenticity is not guaranteed. The data recorded might not be consistent to provide analysis hence promoting further learning. The literature is not in consensus to the study since research proves otherwise given that electronic records cannot be trusted. However, it provides a complete analysis of the topic that provides good understanding of the reading. The methods of research was by use of studies from different fields to establish the reliability of electronic records which has been used by previous studies. It is significant though that technology is developed to be efficient which, in this case, proves otherwise. This is a book by Frank that was published by Chicago. It provides for the holistically cycles of the health records such as networks, emails and whatever technology that suits data records. The provisions contained does not recommend for other studies. The reviews nonetheless did not exist on the paper; hence no in-depth analysis could be established. The gaps conversely existed as to what records could be applied to the health facilities. The methods of research were samples of various data tools and their relevance to the health systems. It also used case studies

Public Relations Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Public Relations Plan - Essay Example The College height is to create a competitive private sector, which accommodates the diverse academic fields that the world can offer. Our institution boasts of lodging seven schools in its park. The present faculties are growing to put up with the blissful near future our college is set to thrive in it. As an institution, we believe we are growing from the nugget of a small private college that was to a multi-national academic footprint. The history of this park, where the vast buildings of this college sit; have an olden times of a long tradition of education, and magnificent achievement. The institution will grow from the well re-known London Zoo it harbors to a better academic institution with distinction (Duhe, 2007:21). The presidential visit provides us with a ripe time to highlight what the institution boasts of and what it can offer. Like every other Educational Institution, this possibility of a stately visit lays our grounds to grow in the eyes of the world. The few minute s of grace and honor presented to us by the president calls for proper channeling for the benefit of the entire Regent College. It is an opportunity that opens us to the international focus. Regent’s College, which has grown into a multi-disciplinary campus community, will rise up to the pinnacle of the seven world-renowned schools if we utilize the president’s visit amicably. This public relation plan efforts divines the event goals: the presidential visit to serve as a friendraiser for the institution. As an academic community, we would like to harvest as many beneficiaries globally to our institution as possible. This in return will increase the scholars’ attendance, inform new global audience, in better way educate, and inform our public. Planning and programming Audience Having drawn seven successful colleges in its Villa Park grounds, the presidential visit should attract not only the internal scholars but also the international community. The president wi ll address a range of audience who will substantially benefit. Regent’s fraternity is bound to witness a tumult of internal audience. From this view, we will have full attendance of the internal scholars, parents and guardians, kids and teaching staff (Watson, 2007:12). Every faculty will also parade its staff and the personnel’s owing to its success. The speech is destined to address the uncommon path of its success and the possible reason for its unmatched itinerary. The internal audience will keenly want to hear their stake in comparison to the other international academic community. The College has preserved enough space as well for the external audience. The presidential speech will be a reason for the general public, volunteer groups and charity organizations. All this, being put into place; is to highlight the expansiveness of the historical park and its viability to develop still further. The potential and existing founders and commissioners, service users, pol itical and professional stakeholders expected to gather at Regent’s College will form part of the multitude the president will address. They will be all in not to listen to eloquent American president, but also to listen a powerful person speak of their own Regent College. Key messages The presidents speak will be key to the public. His messages must communicate in order to reach the