Descartes vs. Locke - 1175 Words

Philosophy Essay (Descartes vs. Locke) Socrates once said, â€Å"As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.† Several philosophers contradicted Socrates’ outlook and believed that true knowledge was in fact attainable. This epistemological view however had several stances to it, as philosophers held different beliefs in regards to the derivation of true knowledge. Rationalists believed that the mind was the source of true knowledge, while in Empiricism, true knowledge derived from the senses. Rene Descartes, a rationalist, and John Locke, an empiricist, were prime examples of epistemologists who were seen to differentiate greatly within each of their philosophies. However, although Descartes and Locke’s ideas did contrast in that sense,†¦show more content†¦Like Descartes, Locke also believed in an external world. As an empiricist, Locke relied heavily on the senses to provide true knowledge (Moore 2002). He shared Aristotle’s belief that the mind is a blank slate, also known as tab ula rasa, at birth (Paquette 211). Our sense experiences thereafter provide us with knowledge to fill in those slates (Paquette 211). In Locke’s â€Å"Representative Theory of Perception,† also known as Epistemological Dualism, he stated that material objects exist and are separate entities from human beings (Paquette 227). However, he also believed that objects exist in the mind as psychological entities (Paquette 227). Locke concluded that people can taste, smell, touch, and see the external world which, in turn, becomes impressions in our minds (Paquette 227). Descartes and Locke are thus seen to be similar in the sense that they both believed in an external world. Descartes and Locke both had a process for understanding knowledge as well. As a rationalist, Descartes believed in innate ideas; that all humans were born with some knowledge (Paquette 206). This differentiates from the empirical view that the mind is a blank slate at birth (Paquette 211). Descartes also used intuition and deduction to establish truth (Kaplan 2008). He believed that intuition is direct knowledge which can be known without ever sensing or experiencing it (Paquette 206). Deduction however, is where you start with a premise, or a statement youShow MoreRelatedDescartes vs Locke Essay1191 Words   |  5 PagesPhilosophy Essay (Descartes vs. Locke) Socrates once said, â€Å"As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.† Several philosophers contradicted Socrates’ outlook and believed that true knowledge was in fact attainable. This epistemological view however had several stances to it, as philosophers held different beliefs in regards to the derivation of true knowledge. Rationalists believed that the mind was the source of true knowledge, while in Empiricism, true knowledge derived from the senses. ReneRead MoreEssay on Descartes vs Locke1257 Words   |  6 Pagesby experience, observation, and sensory perception. Renà © Descartes and John Locke, both seventeenth century philosophers, are often seen as two of the first early modern philosophers. Both Descartes and Locke attempt to find answers to the same questions in metaphysics and epistemology; among these: What is knowledge? Is there certainty in knowledge? What roles do the mind and body play in the acquisition of knowledge? Descartes and Locke do not provide the same answers to these questions. In thisRead MoreCartesian Rationalism Vs. Locke s Empiricism Essay1632 Words   |  7 PagesINTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY Cartesian rationalism vs. Locke’s empiricism Rene Descartes was a rationalist who believed that knowledge of the world can be gained by the exercise of pure reason, while empiricist like Locke believed that knowledge of the world came through senses. Descartes from his meditations deduced from intuitive first principles the existence of self, of God, of the mind as a thinking substance and the extended body as a material substance whereas Locke, asserts that knowledge is acquired throughRead MoreEssay about Rationalism and Empiricism1486 Words   |  6 Pagesare most likely the two most famous and intriguing schools of philosophy. The two schools deal specifically with epistemology, or, the origin of knowledge. Although not completely opposite, they are often considered so, and are seen as the Jordan vs. Bird of the philosophy world. The origins of rationalism and empiricism can be traced back to the 17th century, when many important advancements were made in scientific fields such as astronomy and mechanics. These advance ments were most likelyRead MoreEssay about Child Development, Nature vs Nurture801 Words   |  4 Pagespsychology. The debate centers on the relative contributions ofgenetic inheritance  and  environmental factors  to human development. Some philosophers such as Plato and Descartes suggested that certain things are inborn, or that they simply occur naturally regardless of environmental influences. Other well-known thinkers such as John Locke believed in what is known as  tabula rasa, which suggests that the mind begins as a blank slate. According to this notion, everything that we are and all of our knowledgeRead MoreLocke’s Qualities vs. Berkeley’s Idealism754 Words   |  4 PagesLocke’s Qualities vs. Berkeley’s Idealism In the modern period of philosophy, around the 16th and 17th century, after the fall of Rome and the rise of the dark years, three major events had occurred. The first began with the scientific revolution, where many philosophers were becoming scientist, such as the philosopher of science Francis Bacon. The next event was the resurgence of skepticism, where one questions everything until they discover the truth. For instance, the philosopher famous forRead MoreNature Vs Nurture Essay882 Words   |  4 PagesNature vs Nurture The discussion about nature and nurture can be considered one of the oldest problems in psychology, the main question of which is: Are human traits present at birth or are they developing through experience? (Meyers, 2013). The natural side of the discussion asserts that the facial features and the way of their development strictly through DNA and genetics are transmitted by parents and grandparents. The nurture side of the debate argues that we are born with a clean list andRead MoreThe Principles Of Empiricism And The Spirit Behind It2295 Words   |  10 Pagesand the problems it gave rise to. Locke, John, An Essay concerning human understanding, Everyman, 1961: Book 1, of Innate ideas, Book 2, chapter 1, of ideas in general and their original, Berkeley, George, A treatise concerning the principles of human knowledge. Empiricists endorse the idea that we have no source of knowledge in S or for the concepts we use in S other than sense experience. This radical way of thinking began in the 17th century, with John Locke often regarded as the â€Å"father of BritishRead MoreCritically Compare How the Nature-Nurture Debate Has Been Addressed by Three Different Researchers or Schools or Thought in Psychology and/or Philosophy. at Least One of the Researchers/Schools Must Have Been Active Before the 20th Century.2285 Words   |  10 Pagesbehaviour is a result of life experiences that mould and change through one’s life such as how one is reared by their parents, what one is educated in school and one’s culture. The nature vs. nurture debate can be traced all the way to 13th century France and to a manuscript, Silence. 17th century philosopher Descartes was also a major influence on nature and nurture debate and argued that we do not come into the world completely void of any conceptions about it. On the other spectrum to his line ofRead MoreThe Republicn and a Brief History of Philosphy1763 Words   |  7 PagesSecondary to that there is truth, this idea is one that the main character struggles with the most throughout the film. As the film opens we are introduced to each character and their current spouse. All seems to be well other than the normal husband vs. in law rivalry, some may say that portrayal of life seems reasonable. What we find out as the film progresses is that the problems within these couples goes deeper than the traditional family feud. The main character Judah is having an affair with

Relationship Between China and Hong Kong - 4329 Words

Introduction to Sociology and Political Sciences Mid-term paper Name: TO MAN FEI Student ID: 81200158 Word count: 4337 words Topic Discuss the relationship between Hong Kong and mainland using concepts introduced in this course. Introduction Hong Kong, located at the southern coastal of China, fully shows the diversification of culture, with a mix characteristics of different backgrounds. Hong Kong is currently under the rule of the PRC as a special administrative region, with the practice of ‘One country, two system’. Hong Kong exercises capitalism under the rule of the British government and thus continues its practice after the handover. Hong Kong is closely located to mainland, showing her essential role in the economic†¦show more content†¦In mid 2002, the Vice Premier of the State Council expressed Beijing’s desire for Hong Kong to pass the proposals as soon as possible. Then, the Tung Chee-hwa, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong began the drafting of the article, and passed it to the legislative council. Since then, there were lots of conspiracy theory occurred, saying that Tung acted in request of the Central government, which he was forced to do so, as Tung’s family was running a shipping conglomerate Orient Oversea, which owes about US$110 million debt to the PRC in the 1980s. And Tung’s family business was still greatly affected by the decision of the central government. Since Tung has proposed his draft, there was a huge controversy over his proposal, which raised the public concerns. It was worried that the article violates The Johannesburg Principles on National Security, Freedom of Expression andShow MoreRelatedThe British And Hong Kong1237 Words   |  5 Pagesoutset, the British foundation has complicated the Hong Kong residents’ identity and relationship to the rest of China. The Communist Party allowed a one-country, two-system created an empire-like association of Hong Kong natives to the state of China. The Hong Kong demonstrators want â€Å"a free and direct election of the chief executive in 2017† (Wong 2014). Yet, many critics think that Hong Kong citizens already have a lot of freedoms. While Hong Kong strives for a more democratic rule, critics formRead MoreHong Kong, By Wong Kar Wai1003 Words   |  5 Pages Hong Kong occupies a unique place in history; it exists as a city with an expiration date. In his films, Wong Kar-wai is known for exploring the idea of deja desparu—the already disappeared. In the Mood for Love was his first film following the 1997 transition, when the city changed from being a colony of Great Britain to the Special Administrative Region of China. The film explores the post-1997 mood and experiences a true sense of nostalgia, not for the past, but for that which could have beenRead MoreEconomic Development Of Hong Kong931 Words   |  4 Pagescolonialism within the broader globalization processes of industrialization and deindustrialization in Hong Kong? Globalization is manifesting itself as a result of colonial processes. The effects of Hong Kong’s colonial history are still present as it is not its own independent city-state and currently has semi-autonomous rule under mainland China. After giving a brief history on colonial Hong Kong, I will be f ocusing on the Sino-British Agreement of 1984 and its subsequent effects on the city’s decolonizationRead MoreChina Sea And Pearl River Delta1432 Words   |  6 PagesBACKGROUND Hong Kong, is located on the southeast coast of China, the diplomatic location of Hong Kong on the South China Sea and Pearl River Delta helps it to become one of the world growing and worldly cities (Hong Kong Tourism Board, 2015). Before 18th century, Hong Kong was still an agricultural and manufacturing industries. In early 80’s to late 90’s, Hong Kong lost the comparative advantage in manufacturing as the opening up and reformation of the Mainland China, but the comparative advantageRead MoreEmbracing Dream And Identity Of Hong Kong1532 Words   |  7 Pageshappened between China and Hong Kong. Without questioning, one of the most influential incidents happened during this period of time was Hong Kong’s reunion with China in July 1997; it transformed Hong Kong from a colonial dependent territory to a Chinese administration region. The local Hong Kong people felt disoriented of their futures and many of them came to the question of their national identities; it is because the different political and educational system between Hong Kong and China makes theRead MoreMusic And Political Conflict Between Hong Kong And China1283 Words   |  6 PagesThe Sociology of music has become a hot-button field of study in worldwide in recent years. The purpose of this research essay is to explore the connections between music and political conflict between Hong Kong and China. Through understanding the current conflict circumstance arose in Hong Kong and China, I intend to demonstrate the penetrating power of music, as a social transmitter of messages, within the society. Besides, it is also important to understand the perspective of different actorsRead MoreThe Career Future Of The Hong Kong1495 Words   |  6 PagesFuture of the Mainland Talents in Hong Kong Introduction After 1997, the relationship of Hong Kong and Mainland China is closer than before. Education freedom make Hong Kong be one of the links, which let the Mainland China communicate with the world (Tong, 2014). From 1998 to 2013, the number of mainland students who study in Hong Kong increases of ten times (Hong Kong Chinese University, 2014). After graduated, some mainland students want to find a good job in Hong Kong. However, they face the ratRead MoreChinese Policing Essay853 Words   |  4 Pagesrule, China resumed power over Hong Kong, on Tuesday July 1, 1997 * Hong Kong was put into a communist ruled environment but they wanted to push for a democratic one * Shortly after the hand over a list of Hong Kong’s civil rights were constrained, including the right to protest, and any form of speech representing the independence of Taiwan or Tibet * China promised that Hong Kong would â€Å"enjoy a high degree of autonomy† and â€Å"the current social and economic systems in Hong KongRead MoreThe Wretched Of The Earth1261 Words   |  6 Pagescolonials commanded Hong Kong people to maintain where colonialism has assigned them, Hong Kong resisted instead of following the order. There were two symbolic movements that reflected Hong Kongers’ discontent with British and Chinese governments’ policies. The movement that conveyed Hong Kong people’s discontent with the British colonial government is the Hong Kong Leftist riots in 1967. After the breakout of the Cultural Revolution in China, pro-communist leftists in Hong Kong actively found opportunitiesRead MoreChinese Management Style and Western Style1169 Words   |  5 Pagesdifference because of different cultures, values and different levels of technology development. China attended the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2005 resulting in the frequent transaction and communication with other countries. It is said that China is blending its own management styles with Western styles (Frankt.G, 2008). So it is meaningful to discover the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western countries in management styles to investigate the different cultures influence

Expanding Views on Death From Daylight to Darkness Essay Example For Students

Expanding Views on Death: From Daylight to Darkness Essay Expanding Views on Death: From Daylight to Darkness Donald Barthelmes short story Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby dissects the concept of planning a death and fleshes out its many facets; specifically highlighting its less dark side. The brief plot revolves around a meeting among ten friends, Colby and the narrator included, who are planning to hang Colby because he has gone too far. It gives the reader a new outlook on death, citing how the concept is not wholly dark or sad because it can be proof of love and concern. Likewise the lot exhibits how a planned death can bare a relationship and display the presence of true friendship. It also exposes how the loss of a loved one allows friends to effectively communicate their feelings and ideas. Barthelmes characters and narative structure clearly show both the common and less acknowledged aspect of the planning of a death. The story proves that death can be positive in the sense that it can mirror how one is valued by others. This is seen through the characters of Colbys friends and how they spare no expense in ensuring that the ceremony of his eath will be the best it can be. They make an effort to make the event meaningful and execute their plans well. In the beginning of the story Colby worries about the expenditures, but his friends reassure him that the expense doesnt matter. Since he is going to die, they insist that the event be done with a little bit of eclat. They want to send him off with some style and go out of their way to do so; covering each part of the hanging. They hire musicians, buy drinks, make invitations, provide transportation for all workers and guests, and consider the location. The entire discussion proves that Colby is truly loved, valued, and cared about because his friends want to give him the best, nothing less, even until death. What is more, Barthelme shows his readers that a planned death exposes a friendship. Colbys friends rely solely on him to make the event a complete success. This is because there is a standing chance that Colby will back out at the last minute and not follow through with the hanging, embarrassing all his friends and puting their efforts to waste. However, because Colby adheres to their preparations and cooperates with he entire process, the event is carried out smoothly. Colbys friends place an awful lot of the responsibility for the success of the affair on Colby himself portraying that until death there is trust between him and his friends, and that there is a strong belief that they will not let each other down. This is evidence that a planned death bares a relationship naked and strips it down to its purest form. Aside from showing that death is proof of love and friendship, Barthelme depicts how planning a death can develop skills and is a platform that enables people to practice some important ompetencies. These are communication and collaboration, which are useful and significant skills in life. These abilities are evident when each friend makes a contribution to the event of the hanging and gives insights as well. For example, Howard takes charge of the music and Pete questions the need of a hangman. limousines from his car-and-truck-rental business, while Hank suggests the use of wire instead of rope. The meeting proves that death can bring out the best in people. They are pushed to think, exchange ideas, present possible issues, work as a team, nd practice people skills. .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc , .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .postImageUrl , .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc , .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc:hover , .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc:visited , .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc:active { border:0!important; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc:active , .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uaf12344eb3e21b20ef857e3e151c9bbc:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: 12 Angry Men EssayIn addition, they are motivated to share their talents and treasures. (Howards conducting skills, Harrys car-and truck-rental business, Tomass knowledge on architecture, etc. ) Colbys friends meticulous planning of his death and consideration of every detail of the event clearly embodies this. More than collaboration and communication, the planning of Colbys death also promotes critical thinking. His friends view all options such as whether Colby should be hung by a gibbet or traditionally, by a tree, and whether he should be hung or executed by firing squad instead. Moreover, they even take in account all possible slip-ups that may occur, and come up with contingency plans. The question of whether a hangman is necessary or not is brought up. The friends talk about the difficulty of finding a professional, and the issue of possibly hiring a desperate money-hungry amateur who might bungle up the Job. This idea that poses as a probable problem is solved when Colby chooses to be hung by a tree. His decision also solves the problem of the large expense of a gibbet. Thorough analysis and critical thinking were all practiced ecause of the meeting regarding Colbys hanging. Stepping away from the positive aspects, Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby also encapsulates the general points of planning a death and death itself through various elements of fiction. Barthelme gives the reader an idea of how death can be experienced around the world. The story is devoid of a concrete place or time. His use of an open ended setting embodies how death is universal and the planning of such can occur in any part of the globe, during any era, among any group of friends. This technique is imilar to one used by Shirley Jackson in her short story The Lottery. Throughout the text there is also no dialogue; the narrator is simply sharing the exchange of words in the meeting with the reader. The lack of this element can be Barthelmes way of helping readers fully understand that death and the planning of such is still difficult to discuss, despite its positive aspects. In relation to this, the author also uses a contrasting of tones. Colbys friends are very casual in talking about killing him, but their language is formal because of direct and clear words, no slang hatsoever. This is not only an entertainment factor, but also acts as a way to portray that death is treated seriously†hence the formal tone†but not directly. This is where the casual tone comes in, including the use of idioms†passed away, kicked the bucket, Joined his maker, etc†or unclear language, which in this case is seen through the phrase gone too far. Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby by Donald Barthelme displays a a general overview of death that can be related to by all people. It also zooms in certain positive aspects of the planning of such, specifically the evidence of love, value for a person, friendship, trust, and promotion of people and thinking skills. These are all portrayed through Barhelmes crafting of characters, the flow of the plot, setting, (in the lack of) dialogue, and the tone. Works Cited n. p. n. d. Web. 21 . Aug. 2013. Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby Summary and Interpretation AmericanLiteratureStudent. n. p. 8 May 2011. Web. 21 Aug. 2013. The Lottery Setting Shmoop. n. p. n. d. Web. 10 Sept. 2013.

Troubled World Essay Example For Students

Troubled World Essay Dark clouds drew closer to Paddington square. Thick drops of rain broke as they hit the ground. A frozen sculpture of an eagle standing on the world, beneath the winter moon, stared at John with its little stony eyes. John felt an instant moment of remorse, standing, soaked, at the front door of his house. In his hand spools of suffering as the thunder roars. A moment of intense lightening. John shivered in the cold, as he dared not meet the eye of the eagle. He noticed a figure run in the distance out of the corner of his eye. John saw a figure get in a car and drive off. Standing scared of his own shadow, John lifted his left hand, agony in his wet pocket, as rain drips from the end of his nose, shattering on the welcome sign at the door. We will write a custom essay on Troubled World specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In his darkroom he was finally alone with the spools of suffering now set out in ordered rows. The only light was red, tenderly glowing as though he was in a church: John the priest preparing the mass. Solutions lie now in trays beneath his hands. Tension mounted in him as the photo processed. John waited anxiously, with a Mr Kipling cake in his right hand. His hands trembled. Features faintly started to twist before his eyes, a half formed ghost. John saw his life end in front of him. He found it hard to breath, as if his lungs were bare. The feeling of being alone was no longer their, John felt as though he was being squeezed around his neck. The cold crept into his body through the surface of his skin. The beat of his heart was fading. He saw only one shadow, his own, as he looked round the room tortured. Then his neck was let loose. Air was now his obsession as John gasped in relief. John looked again at the trays as twisting features slowly formed a figure of a person. Reluctantly he recognised this person. It is his Sarah. She lay before him on the floor, in the kitchen by the cupboard, pleading for her life as John held a razor-sharp knife, standing over her, his bear like shadow across her. She tries to fight back and strikes his left hand with her sharp red nails. He punches her fiercely, full force as tears of blood came down the face of Sarah. John was in control. Joyfully watching his wifes agony as he laughed. Water vapour comes out of the surface of his skin, blood rushes through his body as he can feel and hear his heart thump against his chest in the deafening silence. John had struck his wife with a knife several times. Blood spattered everywhere in the kitchen. He could see the blood flow down the head of Sarah like a river making its way to the sea. He starts to cut the body of Sarah as though he is a surgeon, precisely, reaching into her  chest for the heart of Sarah. The beating of the heart faded away in the palm of his hand. John squeezes the heart in his hand as the blood poured on the kitchen tiles through the arteries and veins. John sighed. Sarah is no longer there. He falls on his knees, sorry I didnt want to do this. He looked at him self in the mirror, a wobbling photo of grief. A door opened at a snails pace. Someone else. John stays in the darkroom apprehensive. He was lost in the circumstances. There was a sound. Someone was calling John. A familiar call. John crept out of the dark room like he was an intruder in the house. He walked slowly towards the kitchen. A figure was standing by the cupboard.