Strengths And Weaknesses Of Eliminative Materialism

Strengths And Weaknesses Of Eliminative Materialism Eliminative Materialism puts forward serious arguments that are worth into consideration and ultimately embracing. It is viable and holds very valid arguments that can shape the course of philosophy in order to slot it within the modern thought that is driven by empiricism. It has its weaknesses and strengths even though its effects have cut across the world within the platforms of both formal and informal philosophical debates. Of great influence is the view that the much celebrated folk psychology is a distasteful idea whose existence will ultimately be cut short in the wake of cognitive science (also dubbed as neuroscience). The hope that folk psychology will be done away with by neuroscience is not guaranteed considering that many people and philosophers still have a soft spot for the folk psychology. The argument to embrace eliminative materialism views is propelled by the realization that folk psychology invokes ideas from a weird and ghostly world that are based on extra-fiction creatures that no modern science can authentic. The inherent transformation of many of folk psychologys ideas into the epiphenomenalism puts it at a more precarious condition. Eliminative materialism appreciates the fact for philosophy to continue making any sense, it must take note that folk psychology merely leads us to admitting that our mental content is influence by factors out of the head or otherwise; this sidesteps the power of the human mind which has the power to coalesce all the two instances and more While eliminative materialism is valid and should be upheld, the notion that there are no beliefs, desires and that philosophical contributions should shun discussions to the opposite of this claim remains a matter of discourse. Discussion From as early as the 16th century when Descartes invited other thinker to query the complexities and conflicts of body and soul, the obscurity on the scope of body-soul conflict has remained elusive. The biggest challenge has remained what actually the body and the mind are. The mind that is attributed to be the source of human thoughts, regarded as the second public and the drive of many of the human actions, has been investigated by many scholars to understand what gives the human mind commands. From the16th century numerous view points have been served on the academic table of philosophy with a majority of them being less compelling or even too obfuscated to explain the obvious problem. In an attempt to unravel the mystery that makes the body and the mind complex, Paul Churchland and other proponents of the eliminative materialist approach have presented a number of arguments that are blatant shots at the folk psychology. According to philosophers who argue along the grains of eliminative materialism, the only way out in understanding the complex but practical nature of the body and mind will be embraced when we do away with the greatest stumbling block which is the folk psychologys concept of mental states. In his spirited fight to knock sense in the heads of folk psychologists, Churchland argues that it is impossible match physical states with their corresponding mental states and the nation propounded by folk psychology should be eliminated from the human ontology; a view that justifies the name eliminative materialism. This view becomes the materialistic approach towards the human mind which Churchland claims eliminates. The culture of individualism is also referred to as Capitalism. In philosophy, the notion that all facts concerned with the human way of thinking are dependent on physical process that the body is involved in. some families can be considered materialistic due to their metaphysical understanding. These theories can be best defined as those that almost resemble paradigmatic opinions. This is also referred to as the mechanical opinion. These opinions or theories are of different types. Most of them are covered in this article.          Many researches conducted come up with the opinion that use of concepts can reveal what state a persons mind is. Based on Nigel Warburtons comment, it is noted that philosophers can become more knowledgeable from neuroscience. This pushes them to revise some of the words mostly used by folks. This is unlike Pat Churchlands opinion that there is absolutely no need to interfere with words used by folks. It states that they should not be replaced with neurobiological words. This is true to the fact that use of neurobiological words would really shut many people out. This would work in league with their economy and the culture that they follow in their whole life.       It is still argued that most of the issues concerning human beings are mainly neurological cases. It can also be noted that a human being are built by the occupations that they hold in life. They are also built up of the objectives that they share and the kind of relationships they are involved in. many philosophers recognize Pat Churchlands opinion as an attempt to bring out the clear meaning of materialism. Her beliefs are quite different from all other ones associated with the issue. It is agreeable that the words used by folks really need to be revised. This is in further support of Churchlands opinion. This is however, objected by noting that neurological words are not necessarily the immediate options. This makes philosophers wonder if humans are really, what they think they are or they are creatures in human forms.  Ã‚   There are some problems and weaknesses associated with the eliminative materialism. Most notable is its approach to the body and mind that out rightly ignores the significance of material culture and its obvious effects on human beings daily encounters. This puts the credibility of the proponents of the eliminative materialism at an awkward position considering the fact some philosophers like Bruno Latour argues that it not possible for a reductionist scientist to be essentially reductive. It is argued that the thin line walked by Churchland and crew is one that does conform to critics view that eliminative materialism disregard for material culture makes positions it wrongly for amending the folk psychology and like any other dream becomes unreachable just like it is not possible to be alive without a body. Unlike the disregard that eliminative materialism holds against material culture, this notion is very impactful in discussing the body and the mind. In the notion of material culture, the term qualia defines anything that could not be any more familiar; it is the way we view things according to how we have been experiencing them. Philosophically, speaking, it is easier to understand terms accompanied by examples than the crude manner in which we would want to define them. As such our states of mind are far influenced by issues that our bodies have experienced in the past than mere talk of facts that our bodies have not yet experienced. When we view images like a cup of tea simmering our future references on cups maybe influenced by this qualia. Again when we experience sounds we like or dislike they become our auditory qualia. There can never be anything that is more vivid than an individuals qualia. An individuals qualia is made of different conscious and unconscious properties that constitute ones sole view of the world. Even if the rest of the world is an illusion defined by utmost obscurity, our qualia becomes the solace in understanding the world since what we know and have experienced can never change in our minds.

The Devastating Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease :: Alzheimers Disease Essays

The Devastating Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease is a disorder that causes the gradual loss of brain cells that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior and leads to death. Alzheimer’s Disease is not a normal part in aging. At present there is not a cure to stop the progression of AD. There are several medications on the market now for this disease. The medications theoretically help to improve or stabilize cognitive skills for people suffering from the disease. The medications may help to delay some of the more severe symptoms associated with AD. This delay of symptoms will help the patient to remain in better mental and physical health and delay the end stages of AD. If a patient with AD can delay the end stage symptoms, the quality of their life would be greatly improved. An estimated 4.5 million Americans have AD, according to the 2000 U.S. census bureau. 1 in 10 Americans said they have a family member with the disease and 1 in 3 knows someone with the disease. The lifespan is 8 years average, but someone may survive anywhere from 3 to 20 years, states the Alzheimer’s Association. There are seven stages to Alzheimer’s disease according to the Global Classification System. The first state is no cognitive impairment. There are no memory problems evident to a health care provider. The second stage is very mild cognitive decline. There are some memory lapses, but are evident to a health care provider or friends and associates. The third stage is early-stage Alzheimer’s. Word finding problems are noticeable to family and associates, performance at work or social settings impaired, reading and not retaining the information, losing valuable objects, decline in ability to plan or organize are symptoms in this stage. The fourth stage is mild Alzheimer’s with a decreased knowledge of events, inability to count backwards from 100 by 7’s and a reduced memory of personal history. The individual with AD will be subdued and withdrawn. The fifth stage is moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The patient does not know their address, phone number, name of school they went to. They will become confused about the day, date, or season. They usually do not require assistance with eating or using the toilet. The sixth stage is moderately severe AD. The person will lose awareness of surroundings and recent experiences and will forget the names of spouse or caregiver.

Intercultural communication and power distance Essay

Power is believed to be the capacity of individual to exercise control over other people and resources. Power is a tool that has both positive and negative outcomes depending on how it is applied (Visagie, 2006). The ability to exercise power derives from various sources ranging from economic, political and social dimensions. For instance in many nations varying economic status determine who gets what and when. A sociologist such as Karl Marx in his conflict perspective outlines how power relationships continue to heighten the wrangle between societal classes. There are various types of power ranging from political, cultural and economic. Sources of power Social factors such the norms, values and believes in a society determine control over resources.in most societies men are given priorities to women in matters pertaining leadership. The girl child for example has been undermined in most societies (Castells, 2007). Power is left in the hand of men with women even looking down at themselves. People continue to conform to these values even in the current period. Economics status also dictates power in many societies .according to the conflict approach power in any society is determined by social class. Every society is characterized by three classes of individuals; the rich, the middle class and the poor. The rich are the owners of capital while the middle- class and the poor own little or nothing. The owners of capital employ the poor in their firms for wages and salaries (Bachrach, & Baratz, 2002). The owners of capital fear that the poor might overthrow them from power to get back their resources.it is inherent that the capitalists will continues to exploit the poor. Karl Marx proposes a transition from capitalism to socialism and later Political factors also signify a power source. The leaders exercise control over the natives, a lot of resistance is expected from the leaders as they try to cover their status quo.Political power can be acquired in various ways for instance through coercion, voting among others. Politicians are well known to use their convincing strategies to obtain power and Culture is also a source of power in some societies. Various cultural practices symbolize a source of power. In some societies for instance the women are discriminated against men in leadership positions. Some societies have strong believes that leadership is only meant for men and that women should remain subordinate. In many societies being led by women is a taboo and any woman who stands to firm to seek power may end being excommunicated in the society. The concept of power distance Power distance refers to the way in which power is shared and the degree with which the less powerful admit that power is unevenly distributed. Whilst countries such as Australia are at low power distance, Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia are at the highest power distance. Individuals in high power distance are believed to assume that power and responsibility are life facts .this essay focuses at exploring how the high power distance in Saudi Arabia challenges conflicts between leaders and subordinates. In states having high power distance those who are not powerful take power relations that are more monocratic. The inferior appreciate the authority of others easily based on where they are situated in certain formal standards. Higher power distance countries believe that inequality is good, everyone has his or her own place, people should depend on their leader, and that the powerful should not hide their power and are entitled to many privileges. For instance, even if one was to want to be promoted in their current positions, it will be inappropriate to ask their employer for such promotion. If the employer wanted to give their employee a promotion, they would, and the employee has absolutely not affectionate to the issue. Power distance in Saudi Arabia Studies claim that Saudi Arabia experiences the highest power distance in the world. Various reasons explain this power distance, the main one being religion for instance if one is not a Muslim the law requires that he cannot be permitted to enter the country without an invitation or even leave without a permit. Visitors are expected to adhere to same laws as Saudis. The Islamic conviction widens this power difference and promotes that those in leadership position should remain. Moreover psychological and sociological reasons fuel the higher power distance. Social values and norms are passed from parent to children through the process of socialization. For instance Saudi Arabians advocate that obeying the mighty and supporting the leadership is of much importance (In Hopkins & In Ibrahim, 1997). This calls for following of orders without questioning where any disagreement with the leader’s decision is regarded as rebellion. The Saudis have been all through internalizing this power distance as their cultural practice. Following the high power distance in Saudi Arabia a lot of inequalities have continuously manifested with the most prominent being uneven distribution of wealth. Saudi Arabia also is highly ranked in terms of purchasing power differential. The gap between the purchasing power of the rich and the poor is quite wide (Al-Saud, 2003). This clearly shows that the income is unevenly spread within the society. The power distance also influences laws and regulations owing to the inadequate authority the regime has in Saudi Arabia (In Hopkins & In Ibrahim, 1997). The natives have a strong notion that mighty will dissociate themselves from the group but this is not challenged by the population. The power distance also affects contractual relationships. Reidenbach and Robins (1988) explores how variances on two of hofstede’s national culture dimensions, collectivism and power distance are articulated to the way firms make ethical decisions. Power Distance in other nations While all nations and values are cannot be compared, the range of disparities keep changing from culture to another. The reported low power distance in the United States of America is no surprise. The Americans emphasize on liberty and justice for all the people including both those in leadership and the American natives. This is also shown through the continued emphasis of equal rights in every aspect of the United States leadership and community. Within American organizations, organizational structure is developed for purpose of convenience, leaders are always reachable and managers rely on individual employees and teams for their practices. Managers and employees expect to be discussed in any process that entails critical decisions, and information is interchange within the different levels of leadership and authority. Alongside this, communication is formal, direct and touching all the national levels. Intercultural communication and power distance Although power distance may appear unimportant when moving to a new cultural environment, knowing how it impacts an individual could be of importance (theory of plane crashes).even though power distance may be regarded unnecessary in intercultural communication it is important knowing the best time and best method to converse with one another. The process of transition from one culture demand Saudi Arabia to establish an effective channel that will ensure the power distance is reduced as much as possible. The theory of the plane crash explains in detail why intercultural communication is of importance in dealing with power distance. Conclusion The study clearly demonstrates that different countries have varying degrees of power distance. While countries like U.S.A have the lowest power distance Saudi Arabia reported the highest power distance in the whole world. In summary the research explores the varying diversities of power distance in Saudi Arabia. References Al-Saud, F. S. (2003). Iran, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: Power politics in transition 1968-1971. London [u.a.: Tauris. Bachrach, P., & Baratz, M. S. (2002). Two faces of power. American political science review, 56(04), 947-952.Castells, M. (2007). Communication, power and counter-power in the network society. International journal of communication, 1(1), 29.In Hopkins, N. S., & In Ibrahim, S. E. (1997). Arab society: Class, gender, power, and development. Pillai, R., Scandura, T. A., & Williams, E. A. (1999). Leadership and organizational justice: Similarities and differences across cultures. Journal of International Business Studies, 763-779. Ronen, S., & Shenkar, O. (1985). Clustering countries on attitudinal dimensions: A review and synthesis. Academy of management review, 435-454.Visagie, J. (2006). Power, meaning and culture: John Thompson’s depth hermeneutics and the ideological topography of modernity. South African journal of philosophy, 15(2), 73-83. Source document

Hamlets Denial Of The Truth - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 484 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2019/04/05 Category Literature Essay Level High school Topics: Hamlet Essay William Shakespeare Essay Did you like this example? We as people have issues coping with things, especially the loss of loved ones. Our emotions are what build us and tear us down, hamlet is an amazing representation of that, heres why. The spirit of Hamlets father who was murdered in cold blood appears to hamlet in the darkness. The ghost speaks to Hamlet and claims to be his father. He tells Hamlet, avenge my death, a foul and most unnatural murder (I.V. 25). Hamlet tells himself that it cant be his father and cant be true out of fear that he has to go on without his father. Now devastated he begins to live in denial and search for whoever killed his father. He also pledges to recall and obey the ghost ultimately bringing out his demise. Changing his attitude from a depressed man to a confused person causing him to make questionable decisions. Leading him to the idea of sham madness to find his fathers killer. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Hamlets Denial Of The Truth" essay for you Create order Hamlet begins to suspect claudius has killed his father yet he doesnt know for sure, it is revealed to him that his father has really been murdered and it devastates him. The spirit of his father comes to visit him once again to tell him, as i was asleep in the garden someone came and poured poison into my ear, he who had done so is he who wears the crown. As it turns out, his uncle claudius murdered his father so that he could claim the throne. he then cried out, oh my prophetic soul! (I.V.40). Crying out Hamlet had a scene of insight after finding out his uncle murdered his father. Acting out Hamlet finds the king praying in his closet, but refuses to kill him, because his soul would go to heaven. In the story it also says Hamlet decides to wait, resolving to kill Claudius when the king is sinning when he is either drunk, angry, or lustful. He leaves. Claudius rises and declares that he has been unable to pray sincerely: My words fly up, my thoughts remain below (III.III.96). Stating Hamlet wants a sufficient revenge and does not want claudius to go to heaven. Devastated by the death of his father, and the fact it was a relative who took his father from him would be too much for Hamlet to deal with. He lived in denial of the truth and did everything he could to convince himself it wasnt true and avenge the man who raised him. Hamlet would rather die than deal with the pain of losing his beloved father. Therefore he gave up on his own life to avenge his father, which ultimately led to an untimely death. All in all this stories show how fragile the minds of human beings are and how we struggle to cope with things. No matter how big or small the issue, we live in denial of them.