Descartes Method of Doubt

Descartes Method of Doubt Explain Descartes Method of doubt; what does he hope to accomplish from this method; is Descartes a skeptic? Descartes began Meditation One of his classic Meditation on First Philosophy by saying that throughout his life, he had acquired several opinions and beliefs which he later discovered to be false (17-18). The main goal of Descartes was to find a foundation on which knowledge can be built. That is Descartes wanted to find a certainty or truth which could not be doubted beyond dispute. He agrees with Plato that knowledge requires certainty, but reject Plato idea that physical world is not knowable. What does it means to be certainty? Descartes main problem was how to achieve this certainty. In order to achieve this aim, Descartes adopted a systematic method known as the method of doubt. The method of doubt teaches us to take our beliefs and subject them to doubt. If it is possible to doubt, then we treat them as false, and we need to repeat this process until we are unable to find something to doubt on. The main point is that we treat all our beliefs as false until we find a foundation which is undoubtable, and we used the undoubtable things to build up everything on it. The method of doubt will be elaborated based on: doubting the senses, doubting the physical world (dream), and imagining that there exists an evil genius. Descartes begins by pointing out that our senses are unreliable. He questions all knowledge that he had acquired either from the senses or through the senses. He noticed that if the senses had deceived him even once, they were no more trustworthy. It is a mark of prudence never to place our complete trust in those who have deceived us even once. (18-19). For example, He often mistook what he saw at a distance such as straight thing look bent, round thing look oval, square thing look round, and mountains look purple (). In addition, even the impression Descartes received in the moment he was directly looking the fire before him while he was writing proved not to be reliable (19). How did Descartes know that he was not really in insane or dreaming? He answers this question by saying that our immediate impressions are so vivid that they must be real. However, Descartes contradict his answer by saying that he always dreamed of sitting before the fire while writing (19), and some of these dreams becomes visible to him quite vividly. Hence, he could not be sure that he was not dreaming at that moment. According to this doubt, Descartes confirmed that all the knowledge receivedthrough the senses must be temporarily prevented from continuing because there are not certain. In addition, we can doubt that what our senses give us is accurate, but they cannot be the foundation of building true knowledge or certainty. In addition, Descartes continues his method of doubt by assuming for the sake of argument that we are dreaming about everything. If we are dreaming about everything, there is still some knowledge that is acquired within the dream itself. This means that although we can doubt that all the images and ideas that we see in our dreams refer to some outward reality. However, we can consider these images and ideas in their simple components in order to see if any of images and ideas might be true in themselves. After rejecting all simple components of images and ideas which are based on senses such as color, sound, etc., Descartes came to the simple truth of mathematics. Which is that one plus two equals three does not depends on any sensible experience, but is gotten entirely from our minds despites of whether we are asleep or awake. Descartes used this principle to reach at a clear and distinct idea which is beyond all doubt. Therefore, we can say in words that one plus three equals four, but we cannot actually think in our minds that it equals four but three. Furthermore, Descartes took his search for the truth that is beyond any doubt to the extreme by imagining that there is an evil genius. Descartes consider the evil genius to be someone who has the power of God, but who is not good. The evil genius is determined to deceive us into thinking that there is a physical world when in fact there is none. For example, using the famous Matrix movie, the machines that are used in the movie would be considered as the evil geniuses. Everything would seem to us to be real just like in the matrix, but none of it would be real. However, Descartes does not actually believe that this evil genius exists, but there is no way to ruled it out based on our sensory experience. Hence, how can we doubt that one plus two does not equals three when our minds necessarily admit that it equals three? Descartes used the concept of the evil genuis to hypothesize that maybe there is an evil god who is deceiving us from getting the correct answer. Even though, we alwa ys think that one plus two equals three. Maybe this god is actually tricking us, and in reality it equals four. Descartes linked this circumstance where we are absolutely confident about our belief toward a certain fact, but despite this confident we often discover later that we had mistaken about the fact. This might be the case for our mathematical truths in which an evil god is deceiving us from getting the correct solution to a problem every time we count or do the mathematics. Moreover, Descartes main objective of using the method of doubt was to find a foundation on which truth or true knowledge can be built. Descartes wanted to find a certainty or truth which could not be doubted beyond dispute. The question what does it means to be certainty? as posed in above introduction can be define as being unable to doubt what we know. Something that cannot be possibly be doubted is certain. By possible to doubt, Descartes means any possibility what so ever. This will guarantee that whatever cannot be doubted really is certain. Therefore, if one could find something that was truly undoubted in this sense, we could use it in a valid argument like a syllogism. The conclusion of which would be that the world exists in the way that we think it does. In addition, Descartes was skeptical in his arguments. This is he apply reasoning and critical thinking to determine validity of his arguments. He was able to find supported conclusion and not the justification of a precon ceived conclusion. To conclude, Descartes developed the method of doubt to find certainty. For the purpose of this method, if we can doubt a belief then we treat that belief as false. He applies this method systemically. He doubts that the world is the way it appear to be, he doubts that there is a physical world at all, and finally he doubts the mathematical truths. However, the one thing that Descartes cannot doubt is that while he doubts, he must exist. Even if there was an evil genius and if he was deceiving me in to thinking that there was a physical world when in fact there is none, it could not be the case that I think that there is a physical world if there werent a me to deceived. Therefore, when I am thinking, I know I exist and this cannot be doubted. Using this method of doubt, Descartes finally found certainty which is he exist as a thinking thing, whether there is a physical world or not he cannot doubt he exists. This is the foundation he plans to build back all of the stuff he previousl y doubted as cited in the introduction.

Essay --

Scott Derrickson’s Sinister is a popular movie which is well-known by the public. It is renowned for its extremely horrifying storyline. While not only being a horror flick, this film belongs to the genre of thriller too. This movie is disturbing, as it is filled to the brim with unusual killings, and also not forgetting the supernatural elements embedded in it. The director, Scott Derrickson, who is notable for directing many popular horror films, wrote this screenplay with the genius concept of using a â€Å"found footage† that he is sure will trigger the audiences’ curiosity. Derrickson has a really good skill set for horror. He loves the idea of elevating the genre beyond the norm. The inspiration for Derrickson to film this movie happened when he had a nightmare about going up into his attic and finding a box of Super 8 films about ghastly murders. He had been noodling around with a story based on that ever since. The theme of this movie is an unexpected one as no one would have foreseen something so serious to happen out of something so small. The main character, Ellison Ostwalt, played by Ethan Hawke, relays the theme really well in the movie. He is devoured by his drive and determination to return to his professional glory that he unintentionally put himself and his loved ones in danger. Derrickson uses selfishness as the theme to remind the audience how this attitude can lead to unpleasant consequences. Ellison Ostwalt’s selfishness in the movie â€Å"Sinister† brought upon tragedy to his family in various ways. Ellison Ostwalt, a true crime writer, is on his last fumes of fame after his best-selling book, â€Å"Kentucky Blood†. He is tired of not having as much popularity. As such, he is determined ... ... has correctly implied the theme in this film. This movie teaches us to not be so self-centered but to show a more caring attitude to the people surrounding us. Of course, it is important to always have the initiative to improvise and improve in whatever we are doing and in this case, our career, but only to a certain extent. Honesty is also very important as honesty and trust are one of the many fundamental principles in maintaining a loving and caring family. As they say, honesty is the best policy. For instance, Ellison lied to his wife and hid the information about the haunted house from his family. This action has caused many consequences to all of them. Therefore, being honest is necessary too. Sinister has conveyed the theme as a message to the audience of how important is it to not be so self-conscious and to remain grounded and unselfish.

Enzymes in food production

Enzymes in food production BY csw29 Explain the use of enzymes in food production by means of examples. You must include the example of lactase. Enzymes are proteins that speed up the rate of chemical reactions (up to a million times) in living organisms. Acting as catalysts they are not consumed nor altered in the process of converting the specific set of reactants into specific products. In food production, enzymes are greatly appreciated by their accelerated effect in biochemical processes and are mostly used in what we know as fermentation.Humans have been using the process of fermentation for centuries. Fermentation consists of a chemical breakdown of any substance by the means of bacteria, yeast or other microorganisms. It has the added benefit of preserving our food longer. Here are a few well-known examples of fermentation processes. The Rennet is a natural enzyme mixture (found in calves' fourth stomach), in which the enzyme chymosin destroys the kappa casein protein.This al lows the milk to coagulate and to form the curd (solid separated from liquid). Another very old example of fermentation is the use of enzymes to transform grape Juice into wine. Preparations of enzymes (there are many such as: pectinase, cellulase, glucanase and glycosidase) are used in wine making to decompose grape pulp, break down skin cells and amplify and improve the fermentation process in general.Using enzymes also allows extracting more Juice out of the grapes as they destroy the pectin (present in the walls of grape cells). Pectinase (a structural heteropolysaccharide) is what prevents wine makers to get the full potential of must quality. Biotechnology is really Just inventing new ways to ameliorate these old processes of ermentation, by genetically modifying and optimizing microorganisms for the production of enzymes. Furthermore, this allows us to eliminate the reliance on livestock for these enzymes.However, while the microorganisms are genetically modified, the enzymes produced are identical to those found in nature. Enzymes are then utilized in order to make fermentation more efficient in making improvements to the quality of our food. For instance, enzymes are used in the manufacture of fruit juice, corn syrup, beer, cheese, yogurt, sausage and many other foods and drinks. As a matter of fact food producers use over 55 different enzymes to manufacture many finished foods present in our daily diets.

The Four Pillars Of Christian Theology Essay - 1064 Words

Exploring Christianity is a never ending learning possibility, there is an enormous amount of information to learn about this great religion of the world. I’ve been studying Christianity since a very young age and what strikes me more and more every time is that fact I’m always learning new teachings and history of Christianity. It doesn’t matter how many classes I take in Christian theology or history I always seem to learn something new and interesting. I will be discussing just three topics about Christianity that I had previously not known before starting this course. So far three have stuck out to me as memorable these are the elements and types of tradition, The Quadria, and the importance of St. Paul. The elements and types of tradition were a topic of discussion I was not aware of however; I was aware of the four pillars of Christian theology. The four pillars of Christian theology are essential to understanding how Christians practice their faith in Chri st. Tradition is one of the four pillars of Christian theology and it is one of the most disputed and argued pillars in the faith. The reason for the arguing is the protestant idea of Sola Scriptoria. Protestants disagree on traditions importance because they believe all that is necessary for complete faith is solely the bible. However, other dominations of Christianity view tradition differently because almost all traditions are based on the bible. Tradition has three elements universality, consensus, andShow MoreRelatedAn Interpretation Of Religion By David Nah865 Words   |  4 Pagesagrees world religions are diverse paths to meet the â€Å"Real† or â€Å"Truth†. David Nah’s Christian Theology and Religious Pluralism: A Critical Evaluation of John Hick criticizes Hick’s hypothesis discusses how the Christian theology uniquely differs from world religions. The New Age generation has made religious pluralism a pivotal acknowledgement for society as it continues to omit the fundamental factors of the Christian doctrine, an evident study that already answers life’s toughest questions. The world’sRead MoreIslam And Christianity Comparative Religious Study1727 Words   |  7 Pages social, historical, and intellectual circumstances within religious relationships. Although Christianity and Islam are considered different religions, one must fully understand each to recognize the many commonalities they do, in fact, share. Christians and Muslims beliefs tend to resemble up to the point of Abraham. After Abraham, the ideas and theories start changing. In the Bible, Abraham was the son of Terah. God told Abraham that his descendants would grow and become slaves of a great nationRead MoreOrthopraxy in Islam1151 Words   |  5 Pagesfocuses primarily on ritual practice, rather than theology or doctrine, orthodox meaning correct opinion. The most visible orthodox religion of America is Christianity. Christianity centers life around the opinions of the church with less emphasis on purity and behavior. Islamic life is distinctly based on what can be defined as orthopraxy or the importance of religious practice. The orthopraxy of Islam can be seen in at least three of the Five Pillars of Islam, salat, Ramadan and the hajj, whichRead MoreEssay about Orthopraxy In Islam1105 Words   |  5 Pagesfocuses primarily on ritual practice, rather than theology or doctrine, orthodox meaning â€Å"correct opinionà ¢â‚¬ . The most visible orthodox religion of America is Christianity. Christianity centers life around the opinions of the church with less emphasis on purity and behavior. Islamic life is distinctly based on what can be defined as â€Å"orthopraxy† or the importance of religious practice. The orthopraxy of Islam can be seen in at least three of the Five Pillars of Islam, salat, Ramadan and the hajj, whichRead MoreWorldview Analysis (Judaism) Essay example1543 Words   |  7 Pagesthe prophets and both the oral and written Torah were given to him; God knows man’s deeds and thoughts; there will be a day when the Messiah will return and there will be a resurrection of the dead. Contemporary Judaism often speaks of four foundational pillars of the Jewish faith, each interacting as a major force as part of the covenant: (1) the Torah, always a living law as the written Torah is understood in light of the oral Torah; (2) God, a unity (one), spiritual (not a body), and eternal;Read More Appreciating other Religions Essay684 Words   |  3 Pagesindividual to something behind the surface of life and to successfully reach a peaceful afterlife. Christians believe that their reward for a righteous life is to go to Heaven. For Muslims, the reward for following the 5 Pillars of Islam is pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eternity. These are the sole reasons for having the religions in the first place. Hinduism contains a whole farrago of theologies, philosophies, and sacrificial systems, nevertheless its one dominant note is that of caste. Hindu’sRead MoreThe Life and Influence of Martin Luther Essay1339 Words   |  6 Pages10th 1483. His father, Hans Luther, had made something out of himself and came to own a copper mine. Desiring to see his own son go even further he pushed him in school. By the time he was seventeen years old he was entering the university life. In four years he had obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Erfurt. From here his father pushed him into law school. This is not where Martin Luther would stay. While on the road, during a storm, Martin Luther had the fear of God put in him whenRead MoreReligion s Terms Of Social And Cultural Issues1575 Words   |  7 PagesC. Euthanasia D. Fostering E. Family and marriage F. Education III. Social Issues with Islam A. Drinking B. Marriage with Non-Muslims C. Poverty D. Education IV. Cultural Issues with Christianity A. Losing their Christian values in Christian holidays B. Having Christian values being eradicated from schools V. Cultural Issues with Islam A. Islam being associated by terrorism by some of the population in the UK B. Muslim clustering together to safeguard their identity, faith and culturalRead More Comparing Islamic and Arabic Architecture Essay1009 Words   |  5 PagesComparing Islamic and Arabic Architecture Works Cited Missing The Hagia Sophia church and the Suleymaniye mosque are separated by a thousand years but are tied together eternally. One representing the achievement of the Christian-Byzantine empire and the other representing the ability of the Islamic-Ottoman empire and its architect Sinan. Two empires that had very little in common other than their architecture and region. In earlier history the Dome of the Rock represented the Islamic empiresRead MoreReligion, Superstition Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe1539 Words   |  7 Pageswe embark on period of little original development in (western) Christian thought: â€Å"Theology became a matter of compilation and commentary rather than of reflection and adventure† (Gonzalez). A period of consolidation had begun. The major and most immediate influence out of the period of the evolution, or developmental formation, of Christian orthodoxy, was that of Augustine, although for the most part there was much of his theology that did not, in fact, find immediate favour and acceptance.