...A miracle, as a broad definition, is an act of God that “transgresses the laws of nature” (David Hume), an act that seems to defy all rational. For many this offers strong evidence for the existence of God, as these inexplicable events must have a cause, that of a transcendent, metaphysical being. However, for others, most notably David Hume, miracles are a logical impossibility, an oxymoron if you will. He tried to prove, through a priori and a posterior reasoning that miracles, because of their metaphysical origin, cannot be what people claim them to be (intervention by God). Problems with the law of nature to language problems with the way miracles are experienced and reported provide ammunition for those that agree with the assumption in the title. By defining what miracles are and then exploring the criticisms and counter criticisms for these definitions we should arrive at a conclusion as to whether miracles, in the sense they are defined, are possible. Brian Davis proposed that there were two different types of miracles, the essential difference being the varying degree of possible divine intervention that can be attributed to the event. Strong Miracles are events that can only be attributed to God – he is intervening in the world to change the course of history. This may be, as Hume suggested, a “transgression of the laws of nature by a particular violation of the Deity, or by the interposition of some invisible agent”. However, Humey boy took issue with strong miracles...
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...baronial estates, imperial cities and principalities (* absolutist and authoritarian). 5. The Lutheran Church had remained the dominant force in the cultural life of Germany. a. Science and technology had not developed sufficiently to have any social or philosophical importance. b. The new science of Newton seemed incapable of explaining anything more than material and mechanical matters. It could not be the sole means for arriving at knowledge. 6. Most German Philosophers of the 18th Century regarded David Hume (radical empiricism) as reducing all rational truths and scientific laws to animal faith (instinct). Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) 1. Out of this provincial German culture and intellectual background came Kant who provided for the first time a philosophical answer to Hume's's skepticism. 2. The Critique of Pure Reason published by Kant in 1781. a. Kant saw the logical outcome of Hume's radical empiricism. b. Radical empiricism claims that the basis of all knowledge lies in experience -- this, to Kant, leads to the conclusion that there is no knowledge. c. There is...
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...and that it could or should not be educated (Stromberg, 1994). Introduction The purpose of this paper is to discuss the contributions of David Hume (1711-76) to the period of history during the enlightenment age developing theories of the doctrine of Empiricism. There are two doctrines which follow this principle. The first doctrine is that most, if not all, concepts are ultimately derived from experience; the second is that most, if not all, knowledge derives from experience, in the sense that appeals to experience are necessarily involved in its justification. Neither doctrine implies the other. Hume belongs to the tradition of British empiricism that includes Francis Bacon (1561-1626), John Locke (1632-1704), and George Berkeley (1685-1753). Common to this tradition is the view that knowledge is founded upon sense-perception, which the human mind passively receives. But whereas Locke and Berkeley believe that human knowledge can go beyond sense-experience, Hume contends in the Introduction of his Treatise that our knowledge is limited to sense-experience, and so offers an empiricism that he argues is more consistent than those of his British predecessors. Hume’s Beliefs Hume mane...
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... Hume takes on a completely skeptical approach to the matter, not allowing any space for discussion. He, in basic terms, states that the relationship between cause and effect does not exist. On the other hand, Kant is more flexible, stating that, in some way, Hume is right, but in many ways, he is not. Second is the fact that, in his argument, Hume uses his understanding of empiricism and solely that to form a conclusion, while Kant uses traces of both empiricism and rationalism to explain his theory. Lastly, it is clear that Hume limits the mind. He gives no importance to the tool that is responsible for the progress of humanity, by solely talking about the importance of experience and the senses. Kant, again, is not biased, and uses both experience and reason as a basis to his argument, thus giving both these elements strength. These are three of the reasons why Immanuel Kant´s ideas on the relationship between cause and effect are more acceptable than that on David Hume. Kant is less skeptical, has a broader range and variety of arguments, and does not limit his understanding to one aspect of...
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...This was said by empiricist Hume. It means that we can never an idea which is not somehow based on sense experience. It is logical to agree with Hume that our significant knowledge does derive from our sense experience. However there are counter arguments for the origin of all our ideas being derived from sense experience, which this essay will aim to evaluate. Empiricism is the theory that the origin of our ideas is experience. Our concepts are derived from our sensory experiences of sight, touch, smell, taste and sound - and our concepts are consequently copies of these sense experiences. So under empiricism we will point to sense experience to back up our beliefs and ideas. As a result we can never imagine a totally original idea, it will be a manipulation of the composition of and already existing thing. To illustrate when we have an idea of an angel this is not an original idea - in fact it is based on the sense experience of a birds wings and a body of a person. This leads on to the other significant feature of empiricism, this is the use of simple and complex ideas. We learn simple concepts by associating them with experience, then the word/concept becomes meaningful. For example the word "horse" will only become meaningful to a child when the word has been associated to an experience at a petting zoo for example. We then can generate complex ideas from manipulating simple ideas, to illustrate Hume used the example of manipulating the simple ideas of "gold" and "mountain"...
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...I agree with Hume’s view on impressions being in constant variation, but I also believe that the self is in constant change as well. I believe that since our impressions and feelings are in constant change and are continuously varying, this causes us as beings to change as well. Hume, being an empiricist, believes that knowledge comes from experiences and our perceptions. I agree with him on this concept, and I also believe that this is one of the main reasons why individuals are not invariable. Our experiences throughout our daily lives constantly teach us and give us reasons to become better and different people. The mistakes we make and the things we go through on a day-to-day basis better us and help us grow to become a better person than we were yesterday...
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...Philosophers sometimes view the idea of human freedom of action as the real problem of free will, but this classification is one of the main misunderstandings in both subject matters. The misunderstanding between freedom and free will may have begun as early as the time when Thomas Hobbes and David Hume, argued their cases to support the theory of the modern concept of compatibilism. From both Hobbes’ and Hume’s perspective, to be free to act on one's will is basically to be free of external restrictions, limitations, constraints, and controls. From their perspective, the absence any external constraint gives makes the agent freedom to do as he or she wills, even if the person’s will itself is determined (or predetermined) by causal laws of nature. Factors That Affect Personal Development Take a moment to consider all of the genetic and environmental factors that have shaped who you are today, and you will quickly become overwhelmed. From gender, race, and socioeconomic background—to family dynamics, education, and genetics—there are millions of factors that have converged to make you who you are. Most people believe that humans are responsible for their own actions and that they all have the opportunity to make the right choices. But when you consider how large a role race, gender, wealth, and family upbringing all play in shaping an individual, can you truly believe that everyone has the same opportunities? Furthermore, are there some conditions under which people cannot...
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...Licensed to: iChapters User Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting Second Edition Bob Ryan Robert W. Scapens Michael Theobold Australia . Canada . Mexico . Singapore . Spain . United Kingdom . United States Licensed to: iChapters User Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting Copyright © Bob Ryan, Robert W. Scapens and Michael Theobold 2002 _______________________________________________________________________ The text of this publication, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. While the publisher has taken all reasonable care in the preparation of this book the publisher makes no representation, express or implied, with regard to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and cannot accept any legal responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions from the book or the consequences thereof. Products and services that are referred to in this book may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher and author/s make no claim to these trademarks. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library _______________________________________________________________________ ISBN: 978-1-86152-881-0...
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...Licensed to: iChapters User Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting Second Edition Bob Ryan Robert W. Scapens Michael Theobold Australia . Canada . Mexico . Singapore . Spain . United Kingdom . United States Licensed to: iChapters User Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting Copyright © Bob Ryan, Robert W. Scapens and Michael Theobold 2002 _______________________________________________________________________ The text of this publication, or any part thereof, may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. While the publisher has taken all reasonable care in the preparation of this book the publisher makes no representation, express or implied, with regard to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and cannot accept any legal responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions from the book or the consequences thereof. Products and services that are referred to in this book may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher and author/s make no claim to these trademarks. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library _______________________________________________________________________ ISBN:...
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...Journal of Accounting Research Vol, 29 No, 1 Spring 1991 Printedin U.S.A. Earnings as an Explanatory Variable for Returns PETER D. EASTON* AND TREVOR S. HARRISf 1. Introduction In this paper we investigate whether the level of earnings divided by price at the beginning of the stock return period is relevant for evaluating earnings/returns associations.^ The primary model motivating this research relies on the idea that book value (owners' equity) and market value are both "stock" variables indicating the wealth of the firm's equity holders. The related "flow" variables (after adjusting for dividends) are, respectively, earnings divided by price at the beginning of the return period {A/P~i) and market returns. It then follows that earnings divided by beginning of period price should be associated with stock returns. Although models based on a relation between market value and book value are used occasionally in the accounting research literature (see, for example, Landsman [1986], Harris and Ohlson [1987], and Barth * Macquarie University and University of Chicago; tColumbia University. The paper is a revised version of working papers entitled "An Empirical Evaluation of Accounting Income Numbers: Further Evidence" and "Evidence of Accounting Earnings as an Index of Change in Value." The authors would like to acknowledge comments from workshop participants at the following universities; Arizona, Auckland, California at Berkeley, California at Los Angeles, Columbia,...
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...1.0 Introduction To present an analytical account of scientific management, Taylor’s key themes in scientific management will be firstly introduced. Then, definition of scientific management will be presented with points of analysis that surface in response to Frederick W. Taylor’s technique. With supporting sources, criticism of Frederick W. Taylor’s principles will be reviewed with the comparison made between agreements and disagreements. Subsequently, an illustration of a contemporary organization will be presented to further elaborate how Frederick W. Taylor’s concepts influence the managing practices. In conclusion, Taylor’s principles are still widely used in the 21st century organizational management practice. 2.0 Review In Frederick W. Taylor’s scientific management concepts, Taylor employed scientific method in which to identify the “one best way” for the job to be done. (Taylor, 1912/1970a, p.85) In order to employ the “one best way” which is also a strategy that is strongly agreed by Frank Gilbreth (1923/1970), the key themes must be gathered. Standardizing the tools and procedures are relatively important in Taylor’s principles for scientific management. To achieve effectiveness and efficiency, standardization with a systematic order and a standard to follow is required. Without standardization, workers would employ their individual methods for the completion of the production. Before Taylorism was invented, all workers have their individual tool box. The...
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...University of Phoenix Material Terms and Definitions Worksheet Write brief descriptions for each of the following terms. If you use an outside source to define them, include an APA citation for the source. |Scientific method |a method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant dataare gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically | | |tested. | |Environmental science |The interdisciplinary study of how humanity interacts with other organisms and the nonliving physical environment. | |Anthropocentrism | The Focusing primarily or exclusively on human needs and interests | |Biocentrism | Focusing on all life-forms as equally important | |Dualism |A theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements or modes | |Ecocentrism |A term in ecological political philosophy used to denote a nature-centered...
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...A History of Modern Psychology University of Phoenix Flaur Conde Psy 310 The History of Psychology is something that is important to many psychologists everywhere. The history is celebrated by many centennial celebrations that started in 1979 (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 2). In the 1960’s when the history of psychology caught interest research of psychology’s past became prominent (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 2). History is important, because it lets people know where they came from, and what mistakes were made, and what discoveries were made, and how we can apply the past to future learning (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 3). One of the forerunners to the beginning philosophy to psychology is Rene Descartes. The Renaissance gave him a great stage to start with, because it had already started the changing of thought, made science more accepted, and made the approved teachings of the church mundane. Descartes wanted to search for a system where all information could be united (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 32). He believed that knowledge can be found through reasoning, and wouldn’t accept any truth unless it could not be doubted (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 32). In the Discourse on Method, Descartes explained his four rules for being able to reason so one could come up with the truth (Goodwin, 2008, pg. 33). The first one is what I stated previously is he would accept information as truth unless it was un-doubtable. The second rule he would take information and break it down to the first stages. The third rule is that...
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...Skepticism: A Reexamination of Reality When dealing with skepticism, it's imperative to understand why it is being discussed. Seeking the answer to a question that challenges the concept of reality is hardly an undertaking most people would want to attempt. It is far easier for the general population to blissfuly accept the reality that they experience as concrete. However, If our concept of knowledge is bound to what is accessible within our own minds, experiences that we have like taking psychedelics and vividly dreaming only show that the true concept of possessing knowledge is impossible. After all, dreams regularly fool us into believing we are truly experiencing an event; so how do we know there is any difference in what we are experiencing now? In the following paragraphs I will be explaining Descartes reasoning for skepticism, and my subsequent view of why it is important to be a skeptic. At some point in our lives, we all have believed with certainty, something that is a fallacy. However, for us to know that we have believed in a fallacy, we must be certain that our current assertions are correct. This notion is exactly what Rene Descartes started his first meditation on, reflecting on past falsehoods he realizes he must forget everything he knows, and start with a fresh plate. His first realization is that the easiest way to find doubt in his beliefs is not to methodically go through and pick out individual problems with each belief, but instead it is wiser to...
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...POSITIVE ACCOUNTING THEORY, POLITICAL COSTS AND SOCIAL DISCLOSURE ANALYSES: A CRITICAL LOOK Markus J. Milne Accountancy and Business Law University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand Ph: 64-3-479-8120 Fax: 64-3-479-8450 Email: mmilne@commerce.otago.ac.nz POSITIVE ACCOUNTING THEORY, POLITICAL COSTS AND SOCIAL DISCLOSURE ANALYSES: A CRITICAL LOOK* ABSTRACT This paper critically reviews the literature seeking to establish evidence for a positive accounting theory of corporate social disclosures. It carefully traces through the original work of Watts and Zimmerman (1978) showing their concern with the lobbying behaviour of large US oil companies during the 1970s. Such companies were argued to be abusing monopolists and likely targets of selfinterested politicians pursuing wealth transfers in the form of taxes, regulations and other ‘political costs’. Watts and Zimmerman’s reference to “social responsibility” is shown to be a passing remark, and most likely refers to “advocacy advertising”, a widespread practice amongst large US oil companies at that time. Subsequent literature that relies on Watts and Zimmerman to present a case for social disclosures is shown to extend their original arguments. In the process, concern over the “high profits” of companies is shown to diminish, and the notion of political costs is so broadened that it blurs with other social theories of disclosure. Consequently, the positive accounting based social disclosures literature fails to provide distinct...
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