Granting Time Its Passage :: Endurantism Philosophy Papers

Granting Time Its Passage Many philosophers who support a four-dimensionalist metaphysics of things also conceive of experience as a state of a mind having temporal extension or existing as a momentary feature of the dimension of time. This essay shows that such a strict four-dimensionalism — suggested in works by D. M. Armstrong, Mark Heller, and David Lewis — cannot be correct, since it cannot allow for the passing of time that is essential to awareness. The argument demonstrates that the positing of any temporal process at all must compromise the strict four-dimensionalist view of the temporality of experience. This is not to say that the traditional endurantist view is left wholeheartedly endorsed. As I point out, this traditional view makes several questionable claims of its own that must be carefully scrutinized. Still, the criticism of the strict four-dimensionalist ontology indicates a direction to be followed in developing a successful metaphysics of experience. This essay presents a critique of what I call strict four-dimensionalism, a metaphysical view supported by David Armstrong, Mark Heller, and David Lewis.(1) Strict four-dimensionalism includes "things experiential" in the group of things that are temporal only insofar as they either have temporal extension or exist at some point upon the axis of time. I argue that experience cannot exist in this way. Its temporality must be of a different order. For experience must involve the passing of time,(2) and this is something that strict four-dimensionalism must exclude. This does not, however, disprove that ontology in toto. It does not venture beyond the theme of experience's temporal nature. What is at stake here is simply the securing of experience's temporality from a misleading metaphysical interpretation. The issue is simply the metaphysics of the seemingly non-thing-like entity of temporal experience. Four-dimensionalism maintains that, strictly speaking, physical objects existing for more than an instant so exist only by being extended along the axis of time, just as common objects existing at more than one point in space exist in this way only by being extended along the three spatial axes.(3) As Lewis puts it: "Enduring things are timelike streaks" laid out across the fourth dimension, "wholes composed of temporal parts, or stages, located at various times and places" (Lewis 1976, 145). For a thing that lasts from one time to another, say from t1 to t2, it is thus not the case that the same thing once existing entirely at t1 exists later entirely at t2.

Polar Concepts :: essays research papers

<a href="http://www.geocities.com/vaksam/">Sam Vaknin's Psychology, Philosophy, Economics and Foreign Affairs Web Sites The British philosopher Ryle attacked the sceptical point of view regarding right and wrong (=being in error). He said that if the concept of error is made use of – surely, there must be times that we are right. To him, it was impossible to conceive of the one without the other. He regarded â€Å"right† and â€Å"wrong† as polar concepts. One could not be understood without understanding the other. As it were, Ryle barked up the wrong sceptic tree. All the sceptics said was that one cannot know (or prove) that one is in the right or when one is in the right. They, largely, did not dispute the very existence of right and erroneous decisions, acts and facts. But this disputation ignored a more basic question. Can we really not understand or know the right – without as intimately understanding and knowing the wrong? To know a good object – must we contrast it with an evil one? Is the action of contrasting essential to our understanding – and, if it is, how? Imagine a mutant newborn. While in possession of a mastery of all lingual faculties – the infant will have no experience whatsoever and will have received no ethical or moral guidelines from his adult environment. If such a newborn were to be offered food, a smile, a caressing hand, attention – would he not have identified them as â€Å"good†, even if these constituted his whole universe of experience? Moreover, if he were to witness war, death, violence and abuse – would he have not recoiled and judged them to be â€Å"bad†? Many would hurl at me the biblical adage about the intrinsic evilness of humans. But this is beside the point. Whether this infant’s world of values and value judgement will conform to society’s is an irrelevant question to us. We ask: would such an infant consistently think of certain acts and objects as â€Å"good† (desired, beneficial) – even if he were never to come across another set of acts and objects which he could contrast with the first and call â€Å"bad† or â€Å"evil†. I think so. Imagine that the infant is confined to the basic functions : eating and playing. Is there any possibility that he would judge them to be â€Å"bad†? Never. Not even if he were never to do anything else but eat and play.

Childhood Obesity Essay

Introduction Obesity is one of the important contributing factors to diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, arthritis, depression and several forms of cancer [Williams, 2006]. Obesity is often established in adolescence, [Williams, 2006] examined the effect of child and adolescence high Body Mass Index (BMI) on the prospect of being overweight at 21 and reported that 40% of those who were overweight at 21 could be identified by age of 7, another 25% were identifiable by the time they were 15.   Genetic, familial, socioeconomic, psychological, behavioral and environmental factors have been identified as contributors to increasing prevalence of overweight in the population. Of these, genetics is the only factor, which for the time being is not possible to alter; a known genetic disposition towards overweight however provides more reason to try to control the factors that fall under human control. Parents have an important role in ensuring that their children adopt good eating and physical activity habits from the very beginning to prevent obesity in their children.   Parents have to provide the critical development phase support, beginning before birth and continuing through adolescence.   They are the key in ensuring that their children do not develop habits contributing to overweight and obesity. Family meals, balanced diet, support in getting adequate physical work and exercise and a watchful eye to ensure that their children do not acquire sedentary habits will result in reduced risk of overweight in children and adolescents. Unfortunately economic pressures, working parents, broken families and other social problems means that parents cannot exercise the kind of control required to ensure control of the problem through parental control and guidance.   Another problem is that children and adolescents spend most of their time away from home, in schools. The role school-based approaches can play in preventing and controlling obesity, therefore, acquires immense importance. Social scientists, physicians, schoolteachers, administrators, and parents have long recognized this role. The role schools have played in contributing to the overweight and obesity problem in school age children and adolescents has been the subject of considerable research. Many researchers have developed new school-based approaches and analyzed the effectiveness of the approaches for the prevention and control of obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) In estimating the overweight and obesity problem, we ideally need to measure the percentage body fat of the subject; however this is an impractical measure. A much more convenient measure of Body mass Index (BMI) is widely used for determining if the person meets the desirable body/mass ratio. The body mass index (BMI) is defined as: BMI= (weight/height2) Where weight is measured in kg and height is specified in meters. For adult population, the cut off point for overweight is taken as 25 kg/m2 while people with BMI of 30  kg/m2 or over are considered obese.   The body mass index among children and adolescents varies significantly with age. [Cole et al, 2000] report the result of their research based on international data consisting of 97,876 males and 94,851 females from birth to 25  years of age from 6 countries including United States. They used this statistical data to tabulate boundary values for children up to 18 years of age. International cut off points for body mass index for overweight and obesity by sex between 2  and 18  years [Cole, 2000] Age (years) Body mass index 25  kg/m2    Body mass index 30  kg/m2 Males Females Males Females    2 18.4 18.0    20.1 20.1 4 17.6 17.3    19.3 19.1 6 17.6 17.3    19.8 19.7 8 18.4 18.3    21.6 21.6 10 19.8 19.9    24.0 24.1 12 21.2 21.7    26.0 26.7 14 22.6 23.3    27.6 28.6 16 23.9 24.4    28.9 29.4 18 25 25    30 30 Subgroups at Increased Risk of Overweight [Sherwood et al, 2004] investigated the children at increased risk of obesity and reported that while childhood obesity is present across all demographic and social classes; however, African American girls were at a higher risk. The data analyses showed that African-American girls of age group 6-11 years of age were almost twice more likely to be overweight. In this age group 22.2% of African- American girls were over weight compared 11.6 % white Americans. Among the adolescents (11-19 years age group), 26.6% African-American girls were overweight while 12.4% white girls were considered overweight. [Sherwood et al, 2004] believe that African–American girls do not face the same kind of social pressure about their weight as their white counterparts. Black American girls face less negative attitudes about overweight and are therefore less likely to be concerned about watching their weight [Kumanyika et al, 1993]. Correct Age for Overweight Intervention in Schools A 5-year British schools-based research project carried out by [Wardle et al, 2006] highlighted the need to target obesity prevention measures to

Grilled cheese math assignment Essay

In our problem for the week of special topics were are given a problem regarding achieving a best time to make grilled cheeses in a efficient manner in the shortest amount of time. The problem states; You need to make five grilled cheese sandwiches. You have a grill that is large enough to toast two sandwiches at a time. The sandwiches must be toasted one minute on each side. It takes 3 seconds to flip a sandwich and 5 seconds to take one off or put one on the grill. What is the shortest time needed to toast all five sandwiches? So with the information given we can conclude that the sandwiches have to be toasted at least 5 mins so it is obvious we cant get anything lower then 5 mins. Next we make an assumption that we can flip two sandwiches at the same time as well as take off and put on two sandwiches as well as take off two sandwiches all simultaneously. So the best way to solve this problem would be to first simpify the problem so that it is easier to see the soultion. So I decid ed to label the grill cheeses. Each side is denoted by A, B,C, D, E. So assuming the time starts for for the countdown when the two sandwiches are put on the Grill. Step 1: A B toasted one side 1 min =1min Step 2: Now Remove B and put C 5sec+5sec+3sec=13 sec( for removing B 5 sec + put C 5 sec+ flip A 3sec) Step 3 A C toasted on grill 1 min =1min Step 4: Now Remove A(completed) and put D 5sec+5sec+3sec=13 sec ( for removing A 5 sec + put C 5 sec+ flip C 3sec) Step 5 C D toasted on grill 1min =1min Step 6 (remove C(completed) ,put E, flip D) 5sec+5sec+3sec=13 sec Step 7 D E toasted on grill toasted 1 min =1min Step 8 remove D(completed), put B , flip E 5sec+5sec+3sec=13 sec Step 9 B E toasted on Grill 1 min =1min TOTAL = 5 min. 52 sec The process stops as all the five sandwiches are toasted, time is not counted for not taking the A and E off the grill. So the shortest time achievable needed for grilling all the five sandwiches as well as taking them off is 5 minutes and 52 seconds.

Assessment Care Adult

Assessment Care Adult The purpose of this assignment is to discuss the approaches and models of assessment, which can provide possible insights and better understanding to the presenting issues in the case study. The essay will begin by giving a brief overview of the issues that are present within this family. It will then outline the purpose of an assessment and critically evaluate models of assessment. For the purpose of this essay it will explore two concepts namely abuse and memory loss focussing mainly on Ted. This essay aims to critically evaluate the research and theory that underpin the concepts. It will define abuse and elder abuse; discuss risk factors for elder mistreatment. Various causes of memory loss will be discussed. The issues of discrimination that older people endure will be highlighted. The issues presented in the case study are; Queenie has moved to long-term care in a residential home. She was Ted’s carer for over 18 months. Ted is in need of care and has asked his daughters to share looking after him. Ted is reported of having an authoritarian approach to parenting. He suffers from chronic arthritis in his legs, has suffered from a mild stroke and has weakness in one of his arms. Ted has been reported of presenting as being confused and is experiencing forgetfulness. He has bruises on his arms and chest; there is a possibility that he is undernourished and dehydrated. Regan is an informal carer and looks after her father Ted. She has moved in with Ted. Regan is experiencing increased difficulties in balancing her 25 hours part time bar work and looking after Ted. She has been drinking heavily and has increased her involvement with her father’s financial affairs. Regan has declined offer from her sister Cordelia in looking after her father, she also discourages her from visiting Ted. Regan is a victim of domestic violence. McDonald (2006, p31) defined assessment as â€Å"a perceptual, analytic process of selecting, categorising, organising and synthesising data†. This means gathering of information, evaluating it to identify areas of strengths and difficulties and explore plans in order to achieve preferred scenario. Thompson (2005, p64) highlighted that assessment is a â€Å"holistic process† that takes into account all relevant and interactive domains. Trevithick (2006) stated that the purpose of an assessment is to assist people sustain their livelihood and decrease deterioration. Stepney and Ford (2000) suggested that choosing the right model of assessment determines the quality of the assessment. Coulshed and Orme (2006) described two approaches to assessments namely positivists and constructivists. Positivist approach is on the assumption that undertaking an assessment requires a person to have good â€Å"administrative† and interpersonal skills. This helps people to address, identify and respond appropriately to issues that are affecting them. Berger and Luckman cited in Coulshed and Orme (2006) highlighted that the constructivist approach is based on the notion that individuals are able to identify their problems and can contribute to recognizing their needs or solutions. Therefore it is important that social workers are open and honest to service users in what can be offered.

BUSINESS LAW College Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

BUSINESS LAW College - Case Study Example If this indeed is the actual reason for Pat's removal, the company could have instead asked Pat to be more circumspective on his observations since they could hurt the company's interests and leave the matter thereat. The company's action is ill-advised and it is putting itself in a difficult position. If Pat decides to file a suit against the firm, there will be consequences which may not be in the company's favor. The company is big and fair enough and this must have been the reason for Pat to quit his earlier job and travel 300 miles for the new job. His spouse has also sacrificed her job in order to accommodate Pat's new arrangement. Pat's three months at Newcorp is a learning period and the lack of information on any clear reason for his discharge is a pointer to the fact that some reason other than deficiency at the workplace is responsible for the company's decision. Be that as it may, the company has enough powers to terminate Pat's services. However, the reason that they are quoting for their action is nave and the severance pay they are handing him is grossly inadequate. It would have been better had Newcorp waited for more time till they are capable of analyzing Pat's performance in proper light. By resorting to a knee-jerk action they are only making their position untenable in legal standards. In case Pat does not sign a release of claims and files a suit for higher compensation, the company will have a difficult time in disproving the suit (Severance Pay). Legal Encounter 2 What liability, if any, does Newcorp have in this situation What can and cannot Newcorp do In your answer, identify what legal principles (statutory or case law) support your belief. The liability that Newcorp has in this situation is that it can find itself involved in a case of sexual harassment. Newcorp can heed Sam's argument that the chemicals used in wire coatings could harm an early-state fetus being carried by a newly-pregnant woman. However, there is no information that Paula is pregnant or is likely to be in the near future although she is dating someone. Paula may choose not to be pregnant for a couple of years. Newcorp can still heed Sam's argument and decline Paula's application for transfer to the wire-coating section. They are acting in good faith although they do not know the underlying reason for the transfer. In case they knew the true reason, they would be bound to act differently. If Paula decides to file a suit of sexual harassment, the company will find it difficult to disprove the suit. Even if they do not respond positively to her application for transfer, they will have the embarrassing case of sexual harassment facing them. In such eventuality, they not only will be forced to part with substantial amount of money as compensation but also take disciplinary measures against Sam. This is as good as an open-and-shut case. Paula is trying to get away from a difficult situation by

Retail at the speed of fashion (case study) Essay

Retail at the speed of fashion (case study) - Essay Example On the other hand, Zara has individually owned manufacturing units in and around Spain. It has full control over the manufacturing facilities giving them better flexibility. Only the raw materials like undyed fabric are purchased from countries like India and Morocco. The dependence on the suppliers is minimal for Zara. Buyer Power- An industry like fashion is characterized by very high buyer power. The power of the buyers is not in terms of bargaining but in terms of taste and preferences, which can change very swiftly. Zara has a well-dedicated designing team, which produces about 12,000 styles per year. This helps Zara to respond to changes quickly. Threat of Substitutes- Trends in fashion lasts for a very short period. It is substituted by a newer trend. Zara has maintained its position in the industry because it continuously changes to newer trend. It reacts faster than that of the other companies in the business. Barriers to entry- A new company coming into the industry will need a lot of time to be successful. The Capital requirement is high in the industry and one of the most important factors is the Brand identity. These factors create barriers to entry in the industry and there will be very few new competitors in the global scenario. Degree of Rivalry- Zara is a globally accepted brand, which is targeted to all sectors of the society. Brands like Gucci and Armani are more coveted brands not affordable to all. The other companies falling in the category of Zara are Gap, Hennes & Mauritz etc. The competition among these brands is not intense. Moreover, Zara has the competitive advantage of the least response time. The generic strategies developed by Porter states that the profitability of the firm depends on the industry attractiveness. Strengths of a firm can be categorized mainly under two heads- cost advantage and differentiation. By applying