...The Illuminati Versus the Skeptics Captivating and confusing, a conspiracy that dates back thousands of years and has no clear answer. The Illuminati, a mysterious secretive society with plans to conquer the world and rule with force, has fascinated conspiracy theorists since before modern times. Though the idea has been around for thousands of years, plaguing the minds of the easily convinced and threatening world domination, the question remains: is the Illuminati really a group of tight-lipped masterminds, secretive enough to hide their identities and existence? Or is this yet another easily arguable conspiracy theory created to shock the masses and instill hysteria in the general public? Before we can delve into that question, it is important to first attempt to understand the facts (or lack thereof) surrounding this “society”, by exploring the origin of the Illuminati, its members, and the “evidence” (or lack thereof) that proves its existence. As interesting or compelling as one set of facts may be, there are hundreds of other websites, documentaries, and books claiming to have found truth in another, entirely different, set of facts. For the sake of argument, several of the most prominent theories will be brought up and investigated. These sets of facts occasionally conflict with one another even on the most basic of topics. As is clearly visible when simply discussing the origin of the society, many different people hold onto very different ideas. Perhaps...
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...1 min statement: The United States should not take aggressive and immediate action to show global warming. Any environmental change should have both positive benefits and negative effects. For example, theory predicts and observations confirm that human-induced warming takes place primarily in winter, lengthening the growing season. Satellite measurements now show that the planet is greener than it was before it warmed. There were two periods of global warming in the last century. The first ended around 1940 and was caused by the sun's warming up. Temperatures then cooled slightly, until the early 1970's, before warming again. In the first warming, 45 percent of Kilimanjaro's ice cap disappeared. When the planet subsequently cooled, it lost another 21 percent. In the recent warming, another 12 percent has gone, the slowest rate of loss in the last 100 years. Some 4,000 to 7,000 years ago, the earth was a degree or two warmer than it is today, and yet Kilimanjaro's glaciers were greatly expanded compared to the current era. Bullet point: 1. Comparing to the present and the past, the geological history records the temperature in around 26 degrees Celsius/80 degrees Fahrenheit is the prosperous time of biology, therefore global warming can lead the ecosystem more stable. 2. Global warming is causing the global temperature increase, it extents the range of crops. In addition, it makes the density of carbon dioxide is higher, and the water vapor in air will increase. Therefore...
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...• Circular reasoning A premise is identical, or virtually identical, to the conclusion. The statement “I believe the Bible is true because the Bible says it is true” may make perfect sense to a believer who believe in Jesus Christ. But in a logical argument it would be considered circular reasoning. Skeptics and critics of Christianity often argue that Christians use circular reasoning to defend their biblical beliefs. Some Christians have argued that God exists because the Bible says God exists, since God wrote the Bible, it must be true. This argument is problematic from a purely logical standpoint since it bases belief in God’s existence on the Christian belief that the Bible comes from God. • Shifting the burden of proof In which those...
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...is that one cannot prove that he is not being deceived by an evil genius in the manner that the skeptic demands. These two premises lead to his conclusion, [C], that the skeptic’s second premise is false. Which states, from the skeptics argument, we are justified in believing that there are material objects external to our minds only if we can prove that we are not being deceived by an evil genius and we can do so in a manner that does not presuppose any claim that we are only justified in believing on the basis of our perceptual experience. Moore’s response to the skeptic, in which the skeptic states that argument 1 does not constitute a proof, is backed by Moore’s standards of proof. The standards of a proof of an argument are (1), its conclusion is different from each of its premises, (2), its conclusion follows its premises, and (3), each of its premises are known to be true. Moore’s argument 1 satisfies the first standard of a proof. Since we know that [P1] and [P2] are true, and [P3] follows from the other premises, then argument 1 also satisfies the 2nd and 3rd condition of Moore’s standards of a proof. Moore also states that proof is not required for knowledge. This leads to Moore’s second argument. Moore states the premise [P1] ‘here is a hand.’ Premise [P1] cannot be proved, and premise [P1] is known, therefore proof is not required for knowledge. The skeptic replies with premise [P1] cannot be...
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...the World Trade Center in New York City. Most Americans remember where they were when they this malicious series of events happened, and the shocking feeling they had when they heard the news. When this first happened most people were scared for their lives and the lives of their loved ones. It was not until later that people started to ask questions about who was behind these events. Allegedly, a number of terrorists affiliated with the group Al-Qaeda were responsible. A few months after the attacks of 9/11 a group of skeptics formed something called “The 9/11 Truth Movement”. This group found a number of occurrences and facts that make some of the attacks and other happenings of 9/11, not likely, possibly set up, and in some cases nearly impossible. One of the groups most popular claims was that the World Trade Center falling was a controlled demolition. After demolition experts reviewed the videos of the World Trade Center falling, they agreed with the skeptics of the 9/11 Truth Movement. According to experts the building falls as if many small explosives were planted on all sides and it exploded in a very specific order, just like in a controlled demolition. When videos of the World Trade Center falling are compared with a building falling because of a controlled demolition, it does not take an expert to see that the buildings look almost identical in the way and speed with which they fall. People have also noticed in video footage of the World Trade Center seconds after the...
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...Climate of Doubt “Climate of Doubt” deals with increasing tensions between scientists, skeptics, republicans and democrats, over the issue of global warming. The concern started gaining national attention around mid 2006, after Al Gore’s speeches on global warming deeply impacted the media, government and skeptics. Throughout the whole documentary, scientists – and most democrats - are working to prove that global warming (which should have been called climate change ever since) is man made, while skeptics and most republicans argue otherwise. The elections were approaching in 2008 and climate change was a huge topic in both Republican and Democrat runs. Tensions started to rise and especially after Obama’s election in 2009, when proposed legislation to incorporate the Cap and Trade agreement. Obama was highly criticized by most Republicans (and skeptics) for having communist views, increasing taxes and spending money on what did not matter. Until today the issue is still hanging around with no definitive view on this bill, still people have opposing views and are waiting the government’s decision. The American governing system is full of mysteries and rules that make a huge difference in understanding the system. Not only did this documentary expand my knowledge on American politics, it also made some thoughts become concrete. In regards to most republicans, it is hard to look with respect to people that are insensible, blind and “cold-hearted” supporter . While watching...
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...need solid proof to verify that he is our creator. When it comes to the issue of Gods existence, everyone has his or her own view of whom or what “God” really is. Some people believe that there is one God while others believe in multiple gods or even goddesses. Most believers do not feel that it is necessary to prove that God exists however; there are others that believe that it is essential to provide proof since there is no scientific evidence of his existence. People are often skeptical when it comes to this issue since God cannot be seen. This dispute often raises a very puzzling question. Should people be expected to provide proof of Gods existence, or should we just accept that he exists based on faith? Skeptics believe that simply having faith that something is true without actually...
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...I do not think that a person can be skeptical about everything, and I do think there are limits. With the introduction of the evil genius, Descartes seems to have constructed a skepticism so powerful that it calls into question anything we have ever been certain of: that we have bodies, that there are other people around us, that we're awake when we think we are, and even that 2 + 2 = 4 (Mosser, 2010). This to me seems silly. We do know for fact that if you have two objects, and you add two more of the same exact objects, then you in fact have four objects. The radical skeptic would tell you that there is not four of the same object because they may be different in size, have different colors, etc. I do, however think that it is possible to doubt most things, until they are proven. Some things, such as mathematical equations, cannot be doubted. I use the same example as before, that 2+2=4. We cannot really say, “I doubt that 2+2=4“, because we already know that it is true. We can, however, doubt things such as government, whether or not certain medicines will work, when a person who is gullible tells you something, etc. I do not believe that we can be skeptical about, or doubt scientific and proven facts. I do not believe that we have to use ethics and moral reasoning when examining our beliefs. However, if we did not think about which beliefs are wrong or right, we could be lying to ourselves. Personally, I do not think that holding the belief that “murder is okay”...
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...distance; accelerated interdependence among countries; a shrinking world, with an erosion of boarders and geographical boundaries through socio-economic activity. The ‘flows and interactions’ of globalization are not confined to economic trade, capitals, and spread of MNCs. There is a growing emphasis on the need for broaden approach, including communication (internet), demographic globalization (migration), political globalization (international institutions), and cultural globalization (spread of world religions). This introduces the debate on globalization. There are two clusters of opinions on whether the label ‘Globalization’ is suitable for the ‘flows and interactions’ taking place; The Hyperglobalists (New-liberalists) and the Skeptics (Marxists)...
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...trap heat that allows Earth’s temperature to sustain life. The effects of this process can be seen as a blessing and a curse. Just the right amount of them helps the earth maintain a somewhat constant temperature; too much may cause temperatures to rise to frightening heights. Since 1880, when instruments used to precisely measure atmospheric temperatures were invented, the Earth’s surface temperature has risen about 0.36° F for each decade up to the twenty first century (Voiland). This information presents a clear warning about the matter: that global warming is present and cannot be ignored. Most extremists feel that global warming will lead to dire consequences and that the safety of humankind is at stake. On the other hand, some skeptics of global warming continue to question the validity of the scientific research regarding changes in climate. Some take an extreme, pessimistic view towards the future of climate change. According to former vice president Al Gore,...
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...Augustine and Skepticism Tina Cribb 6/17/15 Professor Solomon PHI/105 Augustine and Skepticism Skepticism is something that is part of every individual to some extent. Everyone has reasons to be skeptical but there are really only two types of skeptics. The first type are total skeptics, they believe “nothing can be known.” The second type are considered modified skeptics and it is their belief “that at least some things are known.” St. Augustine fell into the second type and developed three refutations to total skepticism. The first of these refutations is what is called the principle of non-contradiction which basically means that two different statements. While this is a strong argument one has to ask the question can anything be proven to be absolute truth. Some things can be proven with science but as science continues to advance some of those proofs are actually disproved. The next refutation is that by being skeptical proves at least one instance that a person cannot be skeptical about. That is the facts that “they are” or else they would not be able to be skeptical. This theory relies heavily on the previous theory because a person cannot be skeptical about who they are if they accept the fact that they are able to be skeptical. So they have to acknowledge at least one proof. The final refutation is that of “sense perception ant that it itself lends to a basic kind of knowledge...
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...Because the government was lying to the public, skeptics gathered together to find the truth of not just the assassination, but other government secrets they believed they were hiding (p.679) Because of the critics constant battle to find the truth, President Johnson signed the law of Freedom of Information act, allowing public access to government documents. (p.682 third paragraph) The governmental conspiracies made its way to pop culture in Film and television, in shown such as the “X-Files.”(p.689) Even the president was unsure of the truth regarding many conspiracies. Olmsted ends his paper by saying that “The culture of suspicion does sometimes invigorate the democratic system. Skeptics’ relentless efforts to expose the crimes of the national security state...
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...Proponents of climate change have a much better constructed argument. Their arguments are based on facts and observable data like the trend of rising temperatures and higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere of recently. The Wikipedia page for climate change had close to 450 sources that it had used to gather information; data on climate change is extensive and there is not much traction to anyone trying to disregard it. The opposite side of the argument largely relies on conspiracy theories with little to no evidence, very few have a reputable argument. Some of their arguments, like Earth having had CO2 levels rise after it heated up (BBC), are true, but are used out of context as past data would not have included interference from humans because...
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...Global Warming: Fact or Fiction Margaret A. Brown AIU Online Global warming, also known as the green house effect is a topic that has received much attention in recent years. There are many who believe the global warming is real and will cause the destruction of earth as we know it. There are also many who believe that although global warming is happening, it will not lead to the destruction of the earth, but may in fact help it. For centuries, the earth gases were in balance. Humans and animals produce these gases by burning food in our bodies with the oxygen we breathe. Trees and other plants reverse the process with photosynthesis, turning carbon dioxide back into oxygen and vegetation which is food for us and the animals (Global Warming: background, 2009 ). With the growth of the human population and activities, there is no way that plants and oceans can absorb the billions of tons of greenhouse gases produced by the earth each year.. Yes the earth is already showing many signs of worldwide climate change. The average temperatures have climbed 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) since 1880, with much of this in recent decades. The rate of warming is increasing. These last two decades of the 20th century is reported as the hottest in 400 years. The average temperatures in Alaska, western Canada, and eastern Russia have risen at twice the global average. Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing...
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...Epistemology Schools Paper Arika Boyd PHL/215 Dixie Hoyt 09/15/09 Epistemology or theory of knowledge is a branch of philosophy related to the scope and nature of knowledge. The subject focuses on examining the nature of knowledge, and how it relates to beliefs, justification, and truth. Epistemology contract with the means of production of knowledge, as well as skepticism about different knowledge claims. The question is what does people Know? The core of this questions and area of study is Skepticism, in which there have been many approaches involved in trying to disprove a particular form of this school. This paper will discuss the Epistemology school of Skepticism, the contributors whom created the school; the evolution of how the school grew out of it’s the original field of Epistemology, and a few examples of real-life applications pertaining to the school. Epistemology arisen either in defense of or in opposition to certain forms of skepticism. Skepticism is an attitude of doubt and uncertainty as expressed in everyday language and an identifiable school of thought in history ideas. It’s most general sense refers to doubt, disbelief, uncertainty, suspension of judgment, and rejection of knowledge. It is the doctrine that true knowledge in a particular area is uncertain and argues that beliefs in something does not justify that an assertion of knowledge on the particular subject. It also is characterized by its opposition to dogmatism in which...
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