..."Is there a superior race?" This was one of the questions posed, and an episode, by Through the Wormhole. Currently it doesn't appear that there is. The posit from the scientists presented during the episode is that on a biological level there is no more room, in humanities current state of evolution, to improve mentally. This is supposedly because for the brain to improve, it would require much more space and energy than is readily available. For these kinds of changes to take place births would become too difficult or infancies would last significantly longer. These scenarios would make the likelihood of their fruition highly unlikely. The scientists hypothesized that the next evolution in intelligence, toward a superior race, will be brought forth because of technology and the highly social and globally availability of information. Because the changes in different things like cell phone and social media the human evolution is propelled artificially. A superior race brought forth from cooperation and a technological society. There is another artificial way, the scientists admit, that may bring about a superior race. This superior race may become evident from a very exclusive class in society, the wealthy. This is more of a dire scenario in which a wealthy class reserved all the best services and resources for themselves while the rest of humanity was left the scraps. This would eventually produce a much higher evolved group of humans among the elite, while the...
Words: 355 - Pages: 2
...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY A THEISTIC RESPONSE TO H.J. McCLOSKEY PHIL 201-D10 FALL 2011 DR. EDWARD MARTIN BY IVAN DERRICK COOKE Cooke 2 INTRODUCTION In 1968, atheist philosopher H.J. McCloskey composed a strong argument on how being an atheist was far superior to the theistic lifestyle. This imperious article was published in the journal Question and reflects McCloskey’s view that “atheism is a much more comfortable belief than theism, and why theists should be miserable just because they are theists.”1 In his article, McCloskey seeks to disprove many of the arguments that theists believe and often seemingly ridicules or persecutes those who believe in God. Among the arguments McCloskey attempts to minimalize, there are three common proofs that many, if not all, theists lean on for their belief in God. These proofs include the cosmological proof, the teleological proof, and the argument from design. Furthermore, McCloskey speaks on the problem of evil and how the existence of evil disproves the reality of a God. Near the end of McCloskey’s article, he also insists that atheism is comforting, claiming that it is more comforting than theism. This paper will debate the validity and truth of the three claims that McCloskey seeks to discount in his article and will further debate the problem of evil and disprove the idea that atheism is comforting. PROOFS VS. ARGUMENTS ------------------------------------------------- McCloskey often slights the theistic view as one...
Words: 2514 - Pages: 11
...liberal notions advocated by thinkers such as John Stuart Mill and John Locke, Emmanuel Kant. A traditional conception of equality is generally prioritized in their work, outlining a highly formal approach premised on uniform treatment, colour-blindness and an emphasis on the Rule of Law. However, in the contemporary context of today, such an ideological hope tends to play the role of the ignorant fool, who disregards the complexity of our society. We are in need of a system that opens its eyes, stops hiding behind a “veil of ignorance” (Sandel, 1998:24) and adopts a more flexible approach. The Bouchard – Taylor Commission demonstrates exactly this notion. This essay will argue in favour of one of the major claims made by Gerard Bouchard & Charles Taylor, that reasonable accommodation, in essence a more substantive equality perspective is a necessary, if not mandatory approach that a multicultural society is in dire need of adopting, clarifying and deeply enforcing. I will discuss the logic and rational that underpins harmonization measures by exploring how social norms & ideologies have played an especially important role is systemic discrimination, then, how Canadian Law and legal institutions have played a role in constructing and maintaining racial stereotypes, and then, how the media plays an especially vital role in further denouncing minority groups. I will then provide some recommendations as to how to go about improving our situations with minority groups. In advance...
Words: 2940 - Pages: 12
...Issues in Science and Religion April 12, 2012 Science or God? I thought if we question Gods authority in a religious school that we would be shunned, but the first question that was asked in the beginning of class was “Is there a God”? I smiled with relief; because that is the question I have been wondering almost my whole life. Coming from a religious background I was expected to believe that there is a God and we never question if he exists or not because the bible is all the proof we need. Since I was 16 years old I always wondered if there was really a God and if so, where is he when you need Him the most and what is the big deal with this Evolution thing? I always had more reason to believe that Evolution makes more sense and has more concrete evidence than believing in a God you cannot see or do not have much or any other evidence that he really existed other than the Bible. Argument: Is there a God? Personally I think there isn’t, and the Bible makes it sounds like if you do not believe in him you automatically go to hell! However, a good person who does the right thing most of their lives but does not believe that God exists makes them what Christians call: “Devil Worshippers”, and is sentenced to hell forever? That doesn’t sound like a God who cares much about his people on earth, but more about himself, to have a lot of people sent to the burning pits of hell because they do not believe in him although they may do the same thing as what a Christian may do...
Words: 822 - Pages: 4
...RESEARCH QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE OSTACLES FACING THE GALAPAGOS CONSERVANCY? What are the obstacles facing the Galapagos Conservancy? "Ninety-five percent of the reptiles, 50% of the birds, 42% of the land plants, 70% to 80% of the insects and 17% of the fish live nowhere else in the world" according to Michael D. Lemonick and Andrea Dorfman in their article “Can the Galapagos Survive” (Lemonick and Dorfman). The Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean are in danger. Excessive tourism, the growing encroachment of invasive species introduced by immigrants and the overfishing of the surrounding waters are taking a toll on the biodiversity of the islands. These are three major obstacles which face the Galapagos Conservancy in their efforts to preserve the Galapagos Islands. One of the threats to the biodiversity on the Galapagos Islands is the rising number of visitors. Tourism numbers are "growing 8% a year" claims Lemonick and Dorfman (Lemonick and Dorfman). While this tourism brings the anticipated turnover for the government, the quantity of tourists may be damaging the Galapagos Islands. To accomodate the staggering number of tourists more hotels are being built, public transportation is increasing and the waste and pollution levels are growing. According to Michael Buckley in his article, "Islands of Wonder and Shame", "Tourism is a two-edged sword: it brings in much-needed revenue to the tune of $75 million a year, but excessive tourism simply won't work in a natural...
Words: 1346 - Pages: 6
...Explain how Dickens uses chapters 1 and 2 to prepare the reader for what is to come. * SPOOKINESS (make a few points here ensuring you attach quotes for your points) ‘Not a knocker...but Marley’s face’- this shows that there was a supernatural face of Jacob Marley on a plain old door knocker, we know it wasn’t a trick of the mind because it was a plain knocker and had no patterns to show a kind of face. ‘Knocker...but’ – the ellipsis builds up suspense and shows something might happen next. When the bell rings, it shows that it’s not normal for 1 bell to ring ever so softly it doesn’t make any noise and all of the sudden all 4 bells start to ring like crazy and all the bells in the house. The reader might something is going to happen after like paranormal behaviour in the house and they might sympathies for him because his old dickens uses a very good technique in this very chapter. ‘The cellar door flew open with a booming sound , and then he heard the noise much louder on the floors below, coming up the stairs, then coming straight towards his door.’- this sentence gets the reader attached to read more. Scrooge is in his house all alone and it is not normal for the door knob to be turning all by itself, then Marley flew in with lots of chains attached to him. Chains so long that they were still on the floor below while Marley was already upstairs. Spookiness= where is it built/hinted at? Why? What is the effect? How does it make us want to read on? ...
Words: 1047 - Pages: 5
...Darwin and the Theory of Evolution Darwin’s theory of evolution is based on three observations: First, individuals within a species vary from one another in morphology, physiology, and behavior. Second, variation is in some part inheritable so that variant forms have offspring that resemble them. Third, different variants leave different number of offspring. Darwin elaborates on the mechanism of evolution by suggesting that in the struggle for existence, nature selects those individuals who are best suited for the struggle, and these individuals in turn reproduce more than those who are less fit, therefore changing the composition of the population. Darwin also suggests, in addition to natural selection, that species evolve through the process of sexual selection. In sexual selection, one gender of a species develops a preference for individuals of the other gender who possess certain features. The individuals who possess these features will the have a reproductive advantage over others, resulting in a greater number of offspring, causing yet another change in the composition of the population. Darwin made the theory of evolution feasible by providing the mechanisms of natural selection and sexual selection. His observations led him to believe that species did adapt to their changing surroundings. As a result, he was led to defend a theory advancing the probability of common descent for all living creatures. In The Origin of Species, Darwin analyzes the various...
Words: 834 - Pages: 4
...Analysis and interpretation of Charles Bukowski’s short story “Son of Satan”. Rebellious behavior of today’s youth and vulgar vocabulary in early age can be developed by domestic violence, economic hardship and the loneliness caused by paternal indifference. This short story shows how important a good parenting and upbringing is and to maintain an image in front of your child, because the fact is that you become like your parents. The short story takes place in America and the reader gets the impression that the event takes place some sort of suburbs a day which seems like a nice hot summer day: “…and it was summer, no school, and we sat on the grass in the sun behind my father’s garage…”(1 line2) The short story starts in media res and as reader you are thrown into the middle of things without previous introduction to the characters and events. You only get a very short introduction to the three boys, the protagonist, Hass and Morgan, who are the main characters of the story and to the settings which makes it easier for the reader to paint a mental picture of the three. The short story is build chronologically and probably stretches from the middle of the day until early evening. It could take place at any time. It is written in 1st person narrator and is told in past tense. It makes you get into the head of an 11-year-old boy who is also the protagonist. This means that you only hear his opinion and point of view of the event which colors the story. The protagonist is...
Words: 1028 - Pages: 5
...STAFF COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK July 2006 The Charles Darwin University Staff Competency Framework This booklet contains the Staff Competency Framework for Charles Darwin University. The Competency Framework outlines the range of knowledge, skills and attributes required of employees of the University for proficient workplace performance. Application of the framework occurs in the context of an individual’s role, and the recognition that different competencies, and different levels of competency, are necessary to perform a given set of activities. DEFINITION Competency is defined as the ability to perform tasks and duties to the standard expected in employment. A competency standard is an industry-determined specification of performance which sets out the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to operate effectively in employment. Standards are made up of units of competency, which are themselves made up of elements of competency, together with performance criteria, a range of variables, and an evidence guide1. A competency framework describes a set of competency standards for employees and makes the expected knowledge and capabilities of employees explicit for those within and outside of the University. This set of standards has been determined by the University through a process of consultation and benchmarking. Competency frameworks are used by organisations to: • • • • • • Focus workplace performance on the organisation’s vision and values Align workplace behaviours...
Words: 3601 - Pages: 15
...Chapter IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Investigatory projects are projects intended to knowing discoveries in Science. They are being researched, experimented and studied thoroughly. After several attempts and activities, effects have been finally seen by the researcher. This chapter presents all of the results of the researcher’s experiment, the further effects seen and even the flaws that sprouted while the study was going on. Based on the study conducted, the following results were observed: Binding solutions are needed so that the fibers stick together. In this case, liquid starch was used as binding material. To improve the color of the paper, chlorine was used.. Sticky slurry will not produce good results as this produced thick paper. It is necessary to add plenty of water to the mixture in the basin so that water drain through the screen and leave a mat of randomly interwoven fibers that is laid down. The screen should be tightly attached to the mold to get an even distribution of the fibers in the solution. Uneven distribution of the slurry in the wire screen produced uneven sheet of paper so it is important to slosh around the mold to form a uniform thin coating. The type of material to be used is essential in drying the fibers because using glass and other materials make the fibers stick to it. Formica or felt sheet made of wool does not stick to the fiber. The resulting handmade papers were later compared in terms of color and appearance. The table shows...
Words: 438 - Pages: 2
...Charles Dickens, a most accomplished writer, has ended “The Signalman” in a most remarkable and memorable way. This extract is of the end of the story. Previously, the narrator had been confided in by a most peculiar man, the Signalman, who in the narrator’s opinion is suffering from hallucinations. He claims to see an apparition which has proved to be a bad omen by bringing about two unnerving incidents, which in both cases had involved death. During the past week it had often appeared, according to the Signalman, who was puzzled by what this appearance foretold this third time. At this point in the story, the narrator is on his way for the third visit to his friend, the Signalman. The author uses atmosphere as a tool to make the ending of this story very effective. The evening is described as “lovely” and “the sun was not yet down”. These happy descriptions deceive the readers into thinking that something wonderful is about to happen but in actual fact they are going to be experiencing the exact opposite. The lack of preparation by the author for such a dreadful event makes the death of the Signalman all the more surprising as it is totally unexpected. This use of surprise makes the story much more outstanding. As the narrator approaches the scene, he witnesses what he thinks is the apparition. For a brief moment, he believes his friend for he too has finally caught sight of this daunting spectre that had been troubling his friend. But what does it matter now? The...
Words: 846 - Pages: 4
...Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" Charles Darwin in his book, On the Origin of Species, presents us with a theory of natural selection. This theory is his attempt at an explanation on how the world and its species came to be the way that we know them now. Darwin writes on how through a process of millions of years, through the effects of man and the effects of nature, species have had a trial and error experiment ongoing. It is through these trials that the natural world has developed beneficial anomalies that at times seem too great to be the work of chance. Darwin writes on how a species will adapt to its surrounding given enough time. When an animal gains a genetic edge over its competitors, be they of the same species or of another genus altogether, the animal has increased its chance of either procreation or adaptation. When this animal has this beneficial variance, the advantage becomes his and because of this, the trait is then passed on to the animals offspring. The theory of natural selection is not limited to inheritable and beneficial variations of a species. It also relies a great deal on the population growth and death of a species. For a species to continue to exist it must make sure of a few things. It must first produce more offspring than survive. If this is not done then the species is obviously going to die off. It is also important for the species to propagate at such a rate as to allow for variance, for it is variance the worms considering...
Words: 409 - Pages: 2
...EFFECTS OF COMPUTER INNOVATION Introduction: Today man’s scientific knowledge is very wide and highly advanced. It has helped him to discover and invent many things for his ease, comfort and efficiency. Computer is the latest and most brilliant child of science. They used for work, school, hospital, industrial, office, shops, house etc. The Computer can be a helpful place to find information on certain topics. With their quick processing ability helping, it makes informed decisions more quickly and to perform our work faster and easier. That is why many people in the world were depending in computers. And yet computer is a very friendly use for us to do whatever and whenever task we want to do. The Computer has a great literacy for over fifty years; beginning with the famous ENIAC, a revolution has been taking place in the United States and the world. The personal computer has changed the way many people think and live. With its amazing versatility, it has found its way into every area of life, and knowing how to operate it is a requirement for today's world. Body of the Paper: Computers today are used in a way people commonly are doing work on it. There is more to computer typing there’s programming, troubleshooting, communications, and many of more uses from them people and I go through. People has know that there is more to computers then just typing more of it comes where in how other specific devices are used to convert data. Troubleshooting things such as...
Words: 2537 - Pages: 11
...Evolution Lab BIO/101 Pooja Thakur 7-23-12 Evolution Resulting From Natural Selection INTRODUCTION The Evolution Lab simulates environmental situations to determine effects on evolution over periods of time. This lab experiments with the evolution of finches on two different islands over 100, 200, and 300 years. By manipulating parameters that influence natural selection, the effects that natural selection have on the evolution process can be studied. HYPOTHESES • The size of the island will influence the population. • The amount of precipitation will influence beak size. • Variances in beak size will influence beak size. MATERIALS The materials needed for this experiment consist of a computer and access to the Evolution Lab on the University of Phoenix student website. In the Evolution Lab there are two islands, Darwin Island and Wallace Island. There are seven variables that can be changed to run many different experiments on both islands. The variables are beak size, variance of beak size, heritability, clutch size, island size, population, and precipitation. METHODS In all of the experiments Darwin Island was used as the control group and Wallace Island was the experimental group. So, in each test, the variables for Wallace Island were altered and the variables for Darwin Island were left alone. The first experiment was to determine whether or not the size of the island affected the population. To do this, the only variable that...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...20 September 2012 Bibliography: Charles Dickens’s Bleak House DATABASE: GaleNet- "Characters in 'Bleak House'." Putnam's Monthly 2.11 (Nov. 1853): 558-562. Rpt. in Nineteenth-Century Literature Criticism. Ed. Laurie Lanzen Harris. Vol. 8. Detroit: Gale Research, 1985. Literature Resource Center. Web. 17 Sep. 2012. Ebsco Host- Jahn, Karen. "Fit To Survive: Christian Ethics In Bleak House." Studies In The Novel 18.4 (1986): 367. Advanced Placement Source. Web. 17 Sept. 2012. JSTOR- Kelley, Alice Van Buren. "The Bleak Houses of Bleak House." Nineteenth-Century Fiction 25.3 (1970): 253-68. JSTOR. Web. 17 Sept. 2012. AUTHORITATIVE ESSAY - Callow, Simon. "Getting to Know Charles Dickens." The New York Times. N.p., 16 Dec. 2011. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/books/review/getting-to-know-charles-dickens.html?pagewanted=all&_moc.semityn.www> BLEAK HOUSE: BOOK BY A SINGLE AUTHOR: Daiches, David. A Critical History of English Literature. New York: Ronald Press, 1960. Print. BOOK IN A SERIES: Johnson, Edgar. “The Anatomy of Society.” Bleak House. Ed. A.E. Dyson. Aurora: Nashville, 1969. 136-156. Print. Rpt. of “The Anatomy of Society.” Charles Dickens; His Tragedy and Triumph. N.P., N.C., 1953. N.Pag. BOOK IN AN ANTHOLOGY Harrison, Fredrick. “Charles Dickens.” Charles Dickens. Ed. Harold Bloom. Bloom’s Literary Criticism: New York, 2008. 72-79. Print. Rpt. of “Charles Dickens.” Studies in Early Victorian...
Words: 589 - Pages: 3
