...Drew Hayden Taylor, an Ojibway writer, achieves the role of literature by challenging the common beliefs of society in his essays. He takes the role of defending First Nations from the common criticisms and assumptions of Canadian society, in an attempt to change people’s perspectives. This is the purpose of many of his essays, each having their own problem or question. These essays raise the problems and issues First Nations people face that society may be unfamiliar with. Throughout his essays, he uses multiple logical strategies in his writing to support his arguments. Many of his essays deal with the concept of stereotyping. Taylor argues against these stereotypes and issues directed at First Nations people by using allusions, factual evidence,...
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...CAN PERSONALITY BE CHANGED?(summary) This article discusses about the role of beliefs in personality and change. In general people with malleable beliefs do better in all aspects compared to fixed believers. The author says that the malleable belief theory CAN be taught. She showed two examples (Identical twins cases of James Springer-James Lewis and Barbara Herbert-Daphne Goodship) of how certain things happen that makes people think that personality is planted in our genes and is not able to be changed. Beliefs are in fact an essential part of personality. In the study by Aronson, Fried and good, students were shown a film to teach them malleable belief theory. The film demonstrates how the brain is able of making new connections throughout the life and how it grows in response to intellectual challenge. They emphasized the students that brain is malleable and that intelligence expands with hard work. These students did well compared to other students in their semester activities. In the other example, when students were praised for their intelligence, they moved towards a fixed belief theory. This praise made them challenge-avoidant and vulnerable, such that when they hit obstacles their confidence, enjoyment, and performance decline. When students were praised for their effort or strategies (their process), they instead took on a more malleable theory. They were eager to learn and highly flexible in the face of difficulty. Expectations of positive or negative...
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...Knowledge and Justified Belief What is knowledge? This is the question we used to be sure of according to Plato’s theory of recollection, which tells that the knowledge is the justified belief; if this belief is true, then there is some fact make the proposition for this belief to be true; since the belief is justified by some evidence; therefore people comes up with the standard analysis of knowledge. This idea has been generally agreed till Edmund Gettier came up with the article questioning if knowledge is the justified true belief. Gettier provides two cases wherein intuitively the subject gains a justified true belief does not equal to knowledge. By contrast, Gettier’s arguments indicate the situation in which someone has a belief that is both true and well supported by evidence but fails to be knowledge. That is, it is sufficient and necessary to have belief, truth and justification to define knowledge as in classical theory, yet, the Gettier’s theory by questioning knowledge that justifiably believe one of the true proposition and dismiss the other is necessary and sufficient add-on to the classical theory to redefine knowledge. First of all, according to Plato’s theory of knowledge, that knowledge is justified true belief, or as Gettier concluded Plato’s classical theory of knowledge as: “ S knows that P if and only if P is true; S believes in P and S is justified in believing P” (Gettier 1). In the Meno, written by Plato, he believes that knowledge appears to...
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...It appears that the challenges presented by Gettier and others undermine or discredit the traditional definition of knowledge. If you are justified in holding a particular view or belief, then it would be justifiable for you to accept any statements of logic associated with that belief. Gettier’s belief that justified true belief may be necessary for knowledge, but not being sufficient for actually knowing seems to be a contradiction to me. Also, the simple fact that there is not a consensus on a solution to “The Gettier Problem” leads me to wonder if a solution actually exists. The concept of justified true belief is not a matter of knowing or not knowing, it addresses the difference of knowing and having knowledge. The vagueness of this idea has left many philosophers and epistemologists pondering the definition of knowledge. I will address the third solution given in this assignment. In this solution, it is suggested that justification be replaced with “something else”. I found this also to be a very vague response to the issue at hand. This concept is based on the use of cognitive processes in obtaining knowledge. . This solution also states that the Reliabilist does not find it necessary to know whether or not these cognitive processes are functioning properly. If one has no idea whether or not cognitive processes are functioning properly, how can one be certain of the knowledge obtained from the use of those processes? Even if this solution is accepted, who...
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...anthropological relativism, erthocentric is bad and tolerant behavior is good. Erthocentric means when you do not look outside your religion and you think that your religion is the best. The idea of erthocentric is hence considered as a vice while tolerance is treated as virtue. Some people think that tolerance is subduing and hence it means that you are submitting. It is right if you think it is right but wrong if you think it is wrong. Philosophical relativism asserts that it depends upon the person who is interpreting the truth. The second form is Descriptive vs Normative relativism. Descriptive relativism assumes that different cultural groups have different modes of thought and reasoning. But evaluating the validity of the principles and beliefs is not expected. Normative relativism claims that modes of thought, standards of reasoning are right or wrong relative to a framework. The pros and cons of relativism are very contradictory. For example, if everything is relative then Hitler's actions are not unjust. Most people will then not accept relativism. Relativism undermines morality. Relativism denies that harming others is wrong if a person thinks that it is good for him and that he will derive pleasure out of it. The majority of us believes that harming others is immoral. But in relativism, if an individual thinks it is wrong to harm others, the he may also think that it may be right to harm others, no...
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...identity, thus conveying some cultural subtleties, say, his likes and dislikes, his convictions and taboos. The example of Hippies and Yuppies comes readily to one’s mind. Their unconventional, rebellious dressing code, in a non-verbal manner, remained their counter-cultural manifesto. It is also true in the case of politicians and business people, whose clothing undoubtedly helps to differentiate them from those with different pursuits and occupations. With one’s dress, a sensitive, well-informed mind could also gather crucial information about the customs, beliefs and other cultural inclinations of the community the person lives in, though, in some cases，the knowledge thus gained might be insufficient, but certainly not dismissible. （如果字数多了，这个蓝色部分可以删掉）As we are invariably conditioned by our customs upon the very moment of our birth, we grow up to be little creatures of our communities and convictions. Their beliefs are our belief, their impossibilities our impossibilities....
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...Diversity Paper Psych 535 This will be a paper discussing different diversity perspectives. Each perspective will be an analyzed about diversity. Each perspective will also explain the implications of the diversity perspective on human behavior in the workplace environment. Two perspectives that will be addressed will be fundamental diversity and cultural diversity. Fundamental Diversity is described as being a type of diversity that consists of people who often have goals about the importance, purpose, and function of work, as well as the relationship between the individual employee and the greater organization, and fundamental beliefs that are different. (Heuberger, 2004). Cultural diversity is based upon the concept that cultural identities should never be ignored nor discarded, though instead they should be valued and maintained (Heuberger, 2004). Cultural Diversity Cultural diversity is based on the idea that cultural identities should not be discarded or ignored, but rather maintained and valued (American Multicultural Publications, 2007). The workplace can be considered an environment where several different backgrounds join together for one common goal. Cultural diversity can consist of a difference in national origin, gender, race, and other human aspects. Cultural diversity is not based solely on culture and other human aspect...
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...District of Tennessee and other counties nearby was presiding over the hearing. Messiah’s name change was part of the Judge’s case; however, the parents did not expect the first name to be changed. Judge Ballew ordered the name of the 7-month-old baby to be "Martin DeShawn McCullough" (Baldacci, 2013). The judge included the last names of both parents however, she left out Messiah. "The word Messiah is a title and it's a title that has only been earned by one person and that one person is Jesus Christ" Judge Ballew said (Baldacci, 2013). Jaleesa responded by saying, "I was shocked. I never intended on naming my son Messiah because it means God and I didn't think a judge could make me change my baby's name because of her religious beliefs" (Baldacci, 2013). When reporters asked the judge about common used name Jesus, she replied “that was not relevant” (Baldacci, 2013). The reliability, credibility and validity of the data. Judges of the United States take oath or affirmation before performing his or hers duties in office. They promise to faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties under the Constitution and laws of the United States. They also, instruct juries to decide cases without "prejudice, sympathy, fear, favor or public opinion" (Lavin & DiMichele 2013). In...
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...Ignorance is Bliss Many people believe that more knowledge leads to more happiness. However, the well-known saying "Ignorance is bliss" may be more credible than people think. Many times, people are hurt by the truth. Therefore, more knowledge does not make one happier because the truth can be devastating and have a negative impact on one's life. When you are ignorant, you choose to not recognize that there is wrong in the world or that wrong is being done to you. This proverb can be clearly illustrated in Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’ and the story of ‘Oedipus the King’. In the story of ‘Oedipus the king’, it is prophesized that Oedipus would kill his father and marries his mother. If Oedipus had remained oblivious of the ancient prophecy he would not have ultimately stabbed out his own eyes. And imposed on himself the penalty of exile. He was so desperate for knowledge and to find out the truth that in the end he caused pain to himself. If he would remain ignorant, he would not have gone through much pain. His thirst of knowing the truth was the road through his tragic end. For Oedipus, ignorance would have been bliss. In the case of Plato’s ‘Allegory of the Cave’, once the prisoner is released he is forced to look upon the fire and objects that were his reality. He realizes these new images in front of him are now the accepted forms of reality. Plato describes the vision of the real truth in one way to the prisoners. Thus, they do not realize that they are looking at...
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...Is the American Dream a Delusion? The idea of the American Dream is rooted deep in every Americans heart. The American dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and the idea that life should be fuller, richer and better for everyone regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. But this view on the American dream is challenged by gender studies and college teacher Courtney E. Martin in her article ”Is the American Dream a Delusion?”, in which she questions the value of the American Dream. Courtney E. Martin is a gender studies professor at Hunter College which is one of the most ethnically diverse schools. This gives her a sense of credibility; that she knows what she is talking about. In this article she is addressing teachers and professional educators like herself, because of the complex and formal language used by E. Martin, for example “I want to give my students an intellectual tool that can serve as an emotional cushion”. This is not only an example of the complexity of the language, but also an example of the many metaphors E. Martin uses in the article. Metaphors are mostly used to emphasise a point or so there is a sense of clarity. Another example of a metaphor could be “I don't want to be the pinprick that lets the air out of the swollen balloon of hope”. By using this metaphor, E. Martin clarifies that she is not trying to beat the immigrants down or take their hope away. Later...
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...others how to be successful. The memoir begins with the collaborative effort Franklin and his members of the junto club made to establish the first library. They formed a public subscription to their personal books. They believed that reading was significant and the library was a common benefit to society. Although Franklin was educated as Presbyterian, he treated all religion with respect. He believed that even the worst of religions had some good. Franklin did not let his religion tie him down. He often did not attend public worship and thus received admonishment from his minister. Once Franklin heard his minister’s five points he became conflicted. As a result he withdrew from his church and wrote his own prayer entitled “Articles of Belief and Acts of Religion” Franklin’s most arduous project was his attempt at moral perfection. He established his thirteen virtues to guide himself onto the right path. By charting his journey for moral perfection, Franklin was able to examine himself and learn from his faults. However as time went by, Franklin realized that it was not possible for him to become perfect. He acknowledged his failure and pointed out that his journey toward moral perfection shaped him to become a happier man. Franklin concluded in his memoir that pride was a moral imperfection that was difficult to subdue. Franklin uses ethos to establish credibility as role model for the young men of America to become successful. By highlighting his own experience with...
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...the world and its components should go together. Although we may not all share the same worldviews, we do have the ability to express our own opinions and arguments on them. There is a minimum of “five clusters of beliefs” which include God, reality, knowledge, ethics and human nature. (Nash, 1999, p.14) Some worldviews may contain other beliefs, “these five define the most important differences among competing conceptual systems.” (Nash, 1999, p.14) First we look at a crucial part of any worldview. While the world holds many different religions the underlying question is there a God and only one God and is he a personal being? Within the different cultures of society cultures such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Shintoism all share their own difference of worldview and belief in God. While we share different views on the world we share a common belief in God, while the beliefs do vary, we share that common ground within any religion. Metaphysics (ultimate reality) covers the basis of God and the universe, is the universe eternal, did God create the world and what is the purpose of the universe/cosmos? These questions have all been asked by society and we answer them to the best of our ability. We do not all share the same answers, but we have a belief in how the universe was created. Epistemology (knowledge) is something that you learn or remember through experience. Without knowledge where would the world be today? Society has to have knowledge to achieve. Example...
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...Megan Morrone Sigmund Freud and William James on Religion Intro to Philosophy Final May 3, 2013 The Will to Believe, an essay by William James, is a defense of religious faith in the absence of convincing logical facts or scientific evidence. James focuses on reasoning and choice in reference to the basis of belief. To James, when reasoning it is a necessity to recognize other considerations apart from those in which the evidence points to. If truth is the primary focus of our beliefs, sometimes it may necessary to take the risk of believing without solid evidence. Moreover, he clarifies that, although we sometimes have a choice in what we believe, there are many beliefs that we cannot will. James views faith in God as falling short of knowledge because we, as humans do not naturally experience the supernatural. However, he also explains that, such faith is sensibly meaningful to many people, and it is reasonable to wonder how, and to what extent it can be justified. James believes that both logic and science have limits beyond which we can legitimately seek rationality. James discusses genuine choice and stresses the three criteria for genuine choice; the choice must be live, forced, and momentous. In other words, personally meaningful, mutually exclusive and presented with an option and/or answer, and must involve potentially important consequences. James defines religion broadly, as having simply two elements, the first being that the best things are eternal, and second...
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...Religion and Diversity Awareness I am a Christian. I have set beliefs on topics such as abortion, homosexuality, and most of all religion. Does this mean that I have to be intolerant as well? It troubles me to read of how intolerant our religion has become. I feel that we can respect others differing opinions while holding fast to our beliefs. Many of the Christian faith feel compelled to fight for what they believe in. My question is why? Why do we have to fight those who believe different from us? I do not believe in gay marriage, however, gays who want to marry are not harming my view of marriage. Why should my views be enforced on someone who thinks differently? This is not the way to preserve the sanctity of marriage. We as Christians should set an example for others to follow. We should focus on our own marriages rather than telling everyone who can and cannot have the privilege. I believe that the negativity of fighting for our beliefs has destroyed our witness. How can we accomplish our mission of spreading God’s love if we are constantly on television fighting those who have differing views? I read an article about France outlawing the burqa and other garments that hide a woman’s face. It saddened me to see those who claim to be Christian attacking Muslim women in the street because of their dress. In turn there are riots and violence in the Muslim communities. While I understand security concerns, I believe it would have been more productive to have...
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...available by E-mail or phone to answer any questions you may have, before or after our first session. Phil Gaethe • ASSESSMENT: Elements of Religious Traditions – Due Week One • Write a 700 -1050-word paper that does the following: o Explains how religious traditions describe and encourage the following relationships: • Relationship with the divine • Relationship with sacred time – Ex. Sabbath, Holidays, etc. • Relationship with sacred space or the natural world • Relationship with each other (within that faith and outside the faith) o Includes specific examples from the various religious traditions described in the Week One readings—such as a belief in one God or many gods and goddesses, church on Sunday, holy mountains, etc. You may also include examples from your own religious tradition or another religious tradition with which you are familiar. • Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Things to remember before turning in this assignment: 1. In order to receive full credit, your paper should contain a minimum of 700 words. 2. Any information gleaned from the required text or outside sources, must be cited in the body of your paper and referenced on the final page. 3. Your paper must contain information from the required text. The internet and personal knowledge must not be your only source of information. 4. It is highly encouraged...
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