The Doubt Theory Of Knowledge Philosophy Essay

The Doubt Theory Of Knowledge Philosophy Essay Doubt is the key to Knowledge (Persian Proverb). To what extent is this true in two areas of knowledge? What is Doubt and what is knowledge? Personally, I believe Knowledge is anything and everything that we perceive, understand via our Ways of Knowing such as Sense Perception, Reasons and Emotions and that is justified. Doubt is anything that provokes our mind to question what we perceive thus activating our thought process towards the attainment of Knowledge. Where Doubt gives us a feeling of uncertainty, Knowledge gives us a feeling of certainty. Thus, it is so observed that these conflicting emotions yield a productive solution, Satisfaction. They seem to be in accordance with the Chinese concept of Yin Yang, which is used to describe how polar or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected, interdependent and antipodes in the natural world  [1]  . Thus Doubt and Knowledge are analogous to the Yin and Yang; giving rise to each other in turn, in an infinitesimal process. The physical nature of light was a debate amongst Physicists for a pretty long time and J.J. Thomson doubted that light was composed of particles. J.J. Thomson attempted to find a solution to this by his famous Gas Tube experiments. These experiments eventually took a turn when they showed that the particles are negatively charged and this discovery was as a matter of fact, a major step towards the formulation of a Standard Model of the Atom. Here observation played a major role and it so happens that our Sense Perception is important in the creation of Doubt. Where Mr. X will find a can of Coke hovering in mid-air as something unusual, Mr. Y may not. There is a conflict in this statement as well. Can it not be possible that it is this conflict in Perceptions that helps us get nearer to the truth, to the Knowledge? Thus we see that Doubt has significance in contributing knowledge. Let us assume that Doubt is not the key to Knowledge, then what is? To satisfy this argument, what I cou ld come up with, was something that was contrary to doubt yet satisfying the condition that it should be a valid contributor of knowledge. Since the opposite of doubt is certainty, Laws and Absolute Doctrines could be considered as a knowledge contributor. However, it must be understood that Doubt is the emotion, which leads us to the formulation of these Laws. Hence, Doubt must be credited as being the key to knowledge. Yes, Curiosity could be a contributing factor for the expansion of knowledge. An appropriate analogy could be that of a car filled with fuel (Curiosity) and a key (Doubt). Hence without the inquisitiveness and the Doubt, our mind would remain unproductive. Einstein was a Theoretical Physicist who made, perhaps the biggest breakthrough of science in the 20th century with his Theories of Relativity. His peculiar curiosity, to be in constant quest for learning, was sparked at a very young age when he was shown a pocket compass. What interested young Einstein was whiche ver way the case was turned, the needle always pointed in the same direction. He thought there must be some force in what was presumed empty space that acted on the compass2. Einstein doubted what was it that made the compass always point in the same direction. Thus it is seen that Doubt and Curiosity both have an important role in being a key contributor of Knowledge. However, according to me, there is a certain extent to which we can doubt something. For example, there are some assumed a priori truths such as 2+2 = 4, which lie at the fundamentals of our understanding of the world, however by doubting these statements as well, we will instead of progressing towards knowledge, create more hindrances in the pursuit of knowledge. This marks the boundaries till which we can doubt some statements in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics. We know for certain that people have different perceptions. Correspondingly this means that they yield different thoughts as well. This has a different role in Natural Sciences and a different role in Ethics. Standard Models have always had Doubt as an emotion which has lead to their formulation. An example is that of the Model for Solar System. Various Models such as the Tychonic System, Copernican System, etc which were believed in however all were doubted to some extent due to disagreement with observed facts. Thus these doubts became a reason for scientists to continue the pursuit of Knowledge. In case of ethics, doubting and questioning a supported belief creates tension between two parties. Doubt at the same time also leads to awareness, knowledge about a socially relevant issue. Sati, was a Hindu religious rite practiced in India which involved women to burn themselves in their husbands funeral pyre as an act to wash away any sins their husbands committed, thus making him able to have a happy afterlife. This notion was ethically put right by a person called Raja Ram Mohan Roy. He challenged this unethical ritual and brought it to a legal end. Thus, he by questioning, doubting a religious belief, made a difference for the women of India. This shows that highly revered, generation old practices, beliefs and dogmas can also be unjustified and this leads to a socially relevant awareness. This awareness is nothing but knowledge in plain language. Throughout my school life, I have experienced that feeling of doubt in some or the other learning experience. For example, I still remember my Physics teacher introducing the concept of gravity. After a whole lot of discussion about this weirdly interesting phenomena I happened to ask my teacher, Sir, Why does Gravity exist?, and the response was, It just exists. Personally, I believe that that was the day when my interest and subsequent curiosity was established for Physics. It was that moment of doubt that has today instilled in me the inquisitiveness towards the subject. Thus it seems to me that the very fact that we have exceptions and unanswered or perhaps unanswerable questions which all correspond to that disputing emotion, is the reason why we attain knowledge or perhaps stay on the pursuit of knowledge. We Humans have a tendency to question, to doubt the most fundamental occurrences in order to gain a better understanding of the world and how it functions. Doubt is that feel ing which starts that cycle, of the yin yang. If not, how could it ever be that we would know when we are right and when we are wrong? Are we on the right track? Is there something more to this event? We would be living in a world accepting unverified knowledge. Hence, we see that Doubt interacts with different WOKs in different AoKs. Where in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics, it is the reasons and logics which sparks a conflicting emotion, In Ethics it is the emotions such as sympathy, and empathy. I believe that Doubt holds the key to our better understanding of not only what surrounds us but also who we are. Doubt defines us and perhaps will provide us with a convincing explanation as to what our goal is in this world. If not today, then maybe tomorrow, we might find what we are looking for; all we need to do is not lose hope. Word Count 1236.

Early Childhood Essay

Discusses the numerous options that students have when it comes to choosing the right school for them. Because every student is different from each other, it is only enough that schools become as diverse as they could be. The schools are not only diverse in terms of their geographical locations but also in terms of the programs they offer, the standards they maintain, and the population. It is important that children and families be given the freedom to choose the school they want to apply to because of the need to grow and learn in a place where the student is most comfortable in. The freedom to choose what school to go to is also vital in contributing to the child’s future because there might be some schools where certain programs that the child need are not available. If the law would not allow families to choose the schools their children should go to, it might limit the children’s development and, ultimately, their overall success in life. However, as with all other things, the freedom to choose also has its own negative effects, and both families and educators should be aware of these effects to be able to provide a better education to the children. Freedom is a good thing, especially if it means success. Still, people should keep in mind that if they abuse the freedom they have in their hands, nothing good would ever come out. In choosing the right school, students should think about what they want to achieve and what they want to become in life. They should also consider practical things like the cost of studying in a particular school. For educators, they should remember to give every student the chance to experience the education of their institution no matter what the student’s status in life may be.

Oedipus Tragic Hero or Victim of Fate - 1379 Words

In his work Nature and Elements of Tragedy, Aristotle outlined the characteristics needed in order to create a compelling tragic hero. He states that this particular character must be better than we are, a man who is superior to the average man in some way. At the same time, a tragic hero must evoke both pity and fear among the audience, causing each member to experience a feeling of catharsis, or strong emotion. According to Aristotle, the best way to achieve this effect is to accurately portray the protagonist’s imperfections, for a character that constitutes good and evil is more convincing than a character that is purely good. Lastly, a tragic hero can be characterized by his hamartia, a Greek word that can be translated as tragic†¦show more content†¦Oedipus’ unremitting pursuit of the truth instead of placing trust in the gods, finally affirms the completion of the oracle’s words. While Oedipus’ â€Å"tragic flaw,† or the belief that he could change the predetermined will of the gods, had ultimately led him to the recognition of the unavoidable power of the gods, none of the measures Oedipus took had any effect on his future state. He even proclaims I, Oedipus /damned in his birth, in his marriage damned, /damned in the blood he shed with his own hands! (Ode 3, 71-73) Here Oedipus repeats the word â€Å"damned† three times, emphasizing the fact that both his birth and marriage had already been predetermined by the gods. The word â€Å"damned† can also be translated as â€Å"doomed,† suggesting that Oedipus’ life was ill-fated from the moment he was born. However, if Oedipus truly believed this, why would he act in defiance of the gods if they were considered all-powerful and all-knowing? Perhaps if Oedipus had simply accepted their will and not attempted to avoid it in any way, he would not have had to dealt with so much additional suffering in his present state. Additionally, after b linding himself, Oedipus ponders his fate: God. God. Is there a sorrow greater? Where shall I find harbor in this world? My voice is hurled far on a dark wind. What has God done to me? (Exodos, 84-88) The phrase â€Å"What has GodShow MoreRelatedOedipus Rex : A Tragic Hero882 Words   |  4 Pagesto live out their fates. In the case of Oedipus Rex, fate drove him into a downfall. Oedipus Rex is a part of the great Sophoclean play, written by Sophocles. Sophocles wrote this story to exemplify a tragic hero, he uses specific character flaws to explain the downfall of his hero. Oedipus is a perfect tragic hero because his early life forces the audience to admire as a privilege young man and also pity him as he falls into a crushing downfall towards the end. Oedipus’s tragic flaws are pride, persistenceRead MoreOedipus the King: A Greek Tragic Hero Essay516 Words   |  3 Pagesanalysis of the â€Å"tragic hero† of Greek drama. In his work, Poetics, he defines a tragic hero as â€Å"...The man who on the one hand is not pre-eminent in virtue and justice, and yet on the other hand does not fall into misfortune through vice or depravity, but falls because of some mista ke; one among the number of the highly renowned and prosperous.† Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero is clearly shown by the main character in the Greek tragedy Oedipus the King by Sophocles. Oedipus, the protagonistRead MoreTragic Flaws Of Oedipus Rex950 Words   |  4 Pages Tragic Flaws of Oedipus Rex The ancient Greek’s culture was greatly influence by their belief in in many gods. They believed that the gods would guide them and that everyone was destined to live out their fates. In the case of Oedipus Rex Fate drove him into a downfall. Oedipus Rex is a part of the great Sophoclean play, written by Sophocles. Sophocles’ write this story to portray a tragic hero, using character flaws to explain his downfall. Oedipus is a perfect tragic hero because his whirlwindRead MoreOedipus Rex : A Tragic Hero945 Words   |  4 Pagesout their fates. In the case of Oedipus Rex Fate drove him into a downfall. Oedipus Rex is a part of the great Sophoclean play, written by Sophocles. Sophocles’ write this story to portray a tragic hero, using character flaws to explain his downfall. Oedipus is a perfect tragic hero because his whirlwind of a life force the audience to admire him in the beginning of the story as a privilege young man and also pity him a he falls into a c rushing downfall. Sophocles intentionally gave Oedipus certainRead MoreOedipus Rex : The Tragic Hero735 Words   |  3 Pagesa tragedy a hero must possess a tragic flaw that leads to his or her ruin. An example that backs up this argument is Sophocles’s tragedian play, Oedipus Rex, in which its protagonist was a victim of such fatal flaws that caused ruination in his life. In this case, Oedipus tragic flaws were both his anger and his pride. Furthermore, the fate that Oedipus suffered because of such flaws not only caused his downfall, but also the death of those he cherished. The tragic flaws that Oedipus possessed madeRead MoreOedipus the King: A Tragic Hero Essay example694 Words   |  3 Pageslife and remember that life without pain. For Oedipus Rex, looking back is impossible to do without pain, a pain that stems from his prideful life. Oedipus is aware that he alone is responsible for his actions. He freely chooses to pursue and eventually accept his own lifes destru ction. Although fate victimizes Oedipus, he is a tragic figure since his own heroic qualities, his loyalty to Thebes, and his undying quest for the truth ruin him. Oedipus’ pride, drawn from his own heroic qualitiesRead MoreThe Tragic Hero Of Oedipus The King1528 Words   |  7 Pagesdescribes the tragic hero as having three components which should be present in order to influence the audience. The audience must become involved emotionally with the hero so they become fearful for his welfare or well-being. The concluding suffering of the hero draws pity from the audience. Aristotle describes this emotional transition as â€Å"catharsis† which refers to the purging or releasing of emotions. This is what Aristotle believes entices audiences to watch tragedies. The hero must also beRead More tragoed The Tragic Figure of Oedipus the King (Oedipus Rex)923 Words   |  4 PagesThe Tragic Figure of Oedipus Rex  Ã‚     Ã‚   Sophocles is perhaps one of the greatest tragedians ever. Sophocles said that a man should never consider himself fortunate unless he can look back on his life and remember that life without pain. For Oedipus Rex, looking back is impossible to do without pain. This pain stems from his prideful life. Oedipus is aware that he alone is responsible for his actions. Oedipus freely chooses to pursue and accept his own lifes destruction. Even though fate victimizesRead More Discuss the ways in which the character of Oedipus in Oedipus the King1192 Words   |  5 PagesDiscuss the ways in which the character of Oedipus in Oedipus the King conforms to the conventions of the tragic hero. In your discussion refer to how the issues explored in the play have a wider significance than the tragedy of Oedipus as an individual. Assessment 9: Short Essay – Drama Discuss the ways in which the character of Oedipus in Oedipus the King conforms to the conventions of the tragic hero. In your discussion refer to how the issues explored in the play have a wider significance Read More The Pride of Oedipus the King Essay1346 Words   |  6 PagesPride of Oedipus the King Oedipus the King is perhaps one of the most famous and influential of Sophocles plays. It is a tragic play which focuses on the discovery by Oedipus that he has killed his father and married his mother. On the surface of this drama there is, without a doubt, a tone of disillusionment. Throughout the play we find that Oedipus, the protagonist of this Greek tragedy, is tested by life in a number of ways. To those in Athens who watched the performance of Oedipus the King

The Juvenile Justice Is A Legal System - 3495 Words

Children are often is born innocent. It is the way they are natured that determines whether they will remain law abiding citizens or not. Barton and Butts (2008) asserts that Children who are nurtured under tender care and attention tend to grow into law abiding citizens. According to Scott and Steinberg (2008) several factors including mental, moral, spiritual and physical factors can impact on a child development. The ability of children to realize their full potential is determined by these factors. Conversely, wrong company, negligence, lack of basic needs, harmful surroundings and other abuses may negatively affect a child and turn him or her into a delinquent. The term juvenile who originates from the word â€Å"juvenis† means young. A child or a Juvenile is considered a minor under the law. This is a person who is below eighteen years of age. On the other hand, juvenile delinquency or juvenile crime refers to the involvement of a minor or a person under age 18 in an ill egal act. The juvenile justice is a legal system whose task is to protect children. It deals with children’s protection and those in conflict with the Indian law (Scott Steinberg, 2008). The ever changing society modern society, children tend to rediscover themselves before they attain the majority age. It has been argued that the increasing exposure of children to the media including the internet, music, radio, video games, and television impacts on their psychological development. This make children oShow MoreRelatedThe Role Of Parens Patriae Within The Criminal Justice System873 Words   |  4 Pagesthe concept of parens patriae within the Criminal Justice System corresponds with the shaping of juvenile justice. Throughout history, the Criminal Justice System seldom focused on the understanding of the relationship between children and criminal responsibility and the special needs of juveniles. Despite of age, juveniles were often overlooked and were typically processed a nd subject to the similar punishments as adults. Consequently, juveniles placed in the same facilities as adults who committedRead MoreEssay on Adult Justice System vs. Juvenile Justice System1145 Words   |  5 PagesAdult Justice System vs. Juvenile Justice System Versus CJ150: Juvenile Delinquency Josh Skaggs There are many similarities and differences between the adult and juvenile justice systems. Although juvenile crimes have increased in violence and intensity in the last decade, there is still enough difference between the two legal proceedings, and the behaviors themselves, to keep the systems separated. There is room for changes in each structure. However, we cannot treat/punish juvenileRead MoreA Case of Juvenile Justice Essays1116 Words   |  5 PagesCharlie – A Case in Juvenile Justice Melissa Thomas CJ420 – Juvenile Justice Prof. Amy Ng December 4, 2012 Abstract Children are gifts from above and need guidance and love. If either one is absent then they are at risk of becoming juvenile offenders or career criminals. The juvenile justice system has many players that facilitate the tools for a juvenile to use an offense as a learning experience. The juvenile encounters three important individuals; the juvenile police officer, probationRead MoreTrying Juveniles as Adults Essay1312 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to Caldwell (1961) the juvenile justice system is based on the principle that youth are developmentally and fundamentally different from adults. According to Mack (1909) the focus of the juvenile justice system has shifted from â€Å"was the crime committed† to â€Å"why did the child commit the crime†, â€Å"how can we help the child†. When performing as it is designed and up to the initial intentions, the juvenile court balances rehabilitation (treatment) of the offender with suitable sanctions whenRead MoreJuv enile Justice And Criminal Justice1368 Words   |  6 Pages The border between juvenile justice and criminal justice did not endure the juvenile court’s first century. By the 1980s, there was general disappointment with both the means and the ends of normal juvenile justice. As with every other social repair efforts, it is difficult to say whether frustration with juvenile justice was born of erroneous concept or of wretched execution. The administering accepted by justice policy, however, was unmistakable. Juvenile courts began to adopt the sentiment andRead MoreThe Juvenile Justice System Is A System Modeled To Provide1066 Words   |  5 PagesThe Juvenile Justice System is a system modeled to provide a legal setting where youths account for their wrongs or are offered official protection. A distinct juveniles justice system commenced in the United States over 100 years ago. The first juvenile court was established in 1899. The system is founded under a range of core principles. First, juveniles are different from adults and hence n eed to be handled differently by the Justice System. Second, it is argued that juveniles differ from oneRead MoreThe Cost of Culpability: The Significance of Numbers Inside the Criminal Justice System (Age and Economics)1244 Words   |  5 Pages Both juveniles and mentally ill adult offenders fell under the above category, it was possible that one could be found not liable due to their age and mental status’ and win a victory in court that could be categorized as legal injustice. Throughout this paper, inconclusive evidence was found that suggested legal definitions were basically written the same but were interpreted differently by various courts. The only noticeable shifts were found in the application of these terms inside the criminalRead MoreThe Constitutionality Of The Juvenile Justice System1634 Words   |  7 PagesThe juvenile justice system has grown and changed substantially since 1899, when the nation’s first juvenile court was established in Illinois. Originally, the court process was informal often nothing more than a conversation between the youth and the judge and the defendant lacked legal representation. To replace confinement in jails with adults, the early juvenile courts created a probatio n system and used a separate service delivery system to provide minors with supervision, guidance, and educationRead MoreJuvenile Delinquency : Should Severity Of Punishment For Young Offenders Be The Same As Adults?1200 Words   |  5 PagesJuvenile Delinquency: Should Severity of Punishment for Young Offenders Be the Same as Adults? Throughout centuries of development, crime and social safety are still the biggest concerns for a country since it can influence the political, economic, and social aspects. With the evolution of human civilization, more than seventy percent of the world has been urbanized into developed countries. These countries contain advanced technologies, highly-comprehensive policies and economic system. Along withRead MoreThe Is Our Legal System Effective And Just?1691 Words   |  7 Pagesanywhere threatens justice everywhere, once said Martin Luther King Jr. Although this principle was once nothing more than a saying, throughout history it has slowly become a reality for humanity to face. When the legal system the people once relied on for justice has failed, law and order are no longer present. Instead, injustice and chaos runs rampant throughout society. As occurrences like these become more frequent, a question is raised toward our society: Is our legal system effective and just