What Is The Sources Of Skepticism Philosophy Essay

What Is The Sources Of Skepticism Philosophy Essay It is maintained that epistemological skepticism is different in theme and scope. There are two types of skepticism: knowledge skepticism and justification skepticism (Moser et al, 1998). While unlimited knowledge skepticism suggests that no one knows anything including the claim itself (reference), unlimited justification skepticism suggests a radical point of view that no one is even justified in believing anything including this view itself (reference). Epistemological skepticism differs in theme and scope. Two noteworthy types of skepticism are recognized: knowledge skepticism and justification skepticism (Moser et al., 1998). Unrestricted knowledge skepticism implies that no one knows anything including this claim itself. Unrestricted justification skepticism implies extreme view that no one is even justified in believing anything including this view itself. Another discrepancy is related to the level of skepticism. In its first level, skepticism claims that it impossible for an individual to know anything. In its second level, skepticism proposes that an individual does not know that he has knowledge. I t is probably that one knows P, but he does not know that he knows P ( Brenecker and Dretske, 2000). The other difference concerns the order or level of skepticism. In its strongest form, first order (or direct) skepticism implies that it is [impossible of] logically impossible for anyone to know anything. Second order (or iterative) skepticism is a weaker thesis that we cannot know that we have knowledge. Maybe you know P, maybe you do not, but you cannot know that you know P (Brenecker and Dretske, 2000). Regardless of the shape or size taken by skepticism, it is believed that is stimulated by one sole thing: seeking unlimited knowledge. Whatever form or magnitude skepticism takes, it is thought to be motivated by one thing; the search for true unrestricted knowledge. Pyrrhonians utilized skepticism in their search for true knowledge, which led them to suspending judgment of truth. However, ancient skepticism used to be unlimited with no conditions. It is believed that ancient skepticism is motivated by the nature of social and intellectual turmoil that existed in those times which invited deep questions about right and wrong, and truth and false (reference). Ancient skepticism placed for discussion more extreme doubts and maintained more radical attitudes than those familiar in modern skepticism. For instance, Sextus uses Gorgias argument to conclude that nothing exists (and that if it did we could not know so, and that we could not communicate it even if we knew (reference). (1) Skeptics in the ancient world particularly Pyrrhonians deployed skeptical behavior in the infinite quest for knowledge and truth. They suspended judgment of truth of any claim. Ancient skepticism was unrestricted and unconditional. It is believed [Thought] to be motivated by the nature of social and intellectual turmoil that existed in those times which invited deep questions about right and wrong, and truth and false. Ancient [ancient] skepticism raised more radical doubts and adopted more extreme positions than those we see in modern skepticism. An example which Sextus favors is Gorgias argument for the conclusion that nothing exists (and that if it did we could not know so, and that we could not communicate it even if we knew)  [1]  . The basic themes of ancient skepticism are belief, suspension of judgment, criterion of truth, appearances, and investigation (reference). However, modern skepticism mainly focuses on knowledge, certainty, justified belief, and doubt (reference). (2) The core concepts of ancient skepticism are belief, suspension of judgment, criterion of truth, appearances, and investigation. Modern skepticism is more concerned about knowledge, certainty, justified belief, and doubt  [2]  . The skeptical challenge has indeed many sources in the epistemological context. One of these sources is that we obtain our knowledge about the outside world through senses. We, however, may be deceived by these senses, and therefore, skepticism, due to the epistemic priority of the senses, becomes an unavoidable issue (Okasha, 2003). There are many sources or root causes for the skeptical challenge in the epistemological context. One such source is the fact that knowledge about the external world is principally informed by senses. As we will see later, those senses might deceive us in many ways. The epistemic priority of the senses makes skepticism unavoidable (Okasha, 2003). The epistemic priority of the senses has indeed a catastrophic effect on the human knowledge. When we agree that one type of knowledge comes before another as an underlying component of our philosophical understanding, we cannot be satisfied by a different idea (Stroud, 1989). (Stroud, 1989) believes that such epistemic priority has fatal consequences on the understanding of human knowledge. Stroud argues that once we accept the idea that one kind of knowledge being prior to another as an essential ingredient in the kind of philosophical understanding we seek, it immediately becomes difficult to imagine, let alone to find anything that could satisfy us (1989, p. 312).

Acupuncture essay

Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Eastern therapeutic technique that uses fine needles, inserted into specific points on the body along the meridians in proper speed to achieve a specific therapeutic goal. Acupuncture originated in prehistoric China, and it is based on such theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine as treating blockages of Qi, yin-yang balancing, five elements theory and pulse diagnosis. The functional system of channels and organs uses concepts of yin-yang balancing. Nowadays, acupuncture has become commonly used in many Western countries as well. Around 200 B. C. the Yellow Emperor’s textbook of physical medicine called Huang Di Nei Jing described the essential metaphysics of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ancient Chinese doctors saw man as an integral part of nature and all things both in Yin and Yang around him were related to him, and things in Yin and Yang should be in balance. The original meaning of Yin is the shady side of the hill, and Yang is the sunny side of the hill. The opposites complement each other in a dynamic process. Thus, Yin and Yang cannot exist without the other, and the two forces always combine to make up the whole. This polar system of Yin and Yang has an important role in medicine and in the description of life processes in the human body and of their pathologic disturbances. † (Gabriel Stux, Brian Berman and Bruce Plmeranz, 2003, p88) Qi is the vital energy or life force, and it is omnipresent in nature and is apparent in all life in the form of change and movement. The action and movement of Qi expresses in every life process and every organic function. â€Å"In the body, Qi accumulates in the organs and flows in channels or meridians that are called Jing and Luo in Chinese. (Gabriel Stux, Brian Berman and Bruce Plmeranz, 2003, p. 88) The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are Qi. The fluent flow of Qi throughout the body is essential for optimal health. Blockag e of this energy is thought to cause disease. The aim of the treatment in Chinese acupuncture is to harmonize the flow of Qi by dissolving blockages and stagnation in the organs and channels. If the Qi of an organ is weakened, the function of this organ will be incomplete or faulty, but if Qi of an organ is present in xcess, the function of this organ will be excessive. Acupuncture can balance the conditions of excess or deficiency in the organs, and thus achieve an undisturbed function. The system of â€Å"five element†, like yin-yang balancing, is a philosophy concept and is a way of recognizing and analyzing things. The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. This system is used to explain the reasons of interaction relationship between all things in the nature through the interlinked relationship between the five elements.These basic elements are intimately interlinked. Each element is controlled by another, while itself simultaneously controlling a third ph ase. According to Chinese medicine, Qi flows through meridians, and there are11 organs interact intimately with the channels. The 11 organs are described as functional systems and subdivided into six Yang organs and five Yin organs. Large intestine, small intestine, stomach, urinary bladder, gallbladder and â€Å"Sanjiao† are the six Yang organs, and lung, heart, spleen, kidney and liver are the five Yin organs. Pericardium (a double-walled sac that contains the  heart  and the roots of the great vessels) is not considered as a Yin organ, but as part of the heart, having a channel. † (Gabriel Stux, Brian Berman and Bruce Plmeranz, 2003, p122) The 12 main channels form a system of three courses of channels at the body surface. Each course of channel consists of two pair Yin-Yang channels. One pair runs in parallel along the arm, and the other along the leg. This three courses flow in similar form. One Yin and one Yang organ form a functional unit, which involves a pa rticular tissue and the corresponding channels.Acupuncture points are located on those channels. By the application of needles, heat, or massage on acupuncture points, acupuncturists can make some damaged organs function better. A pair of channels consists of a Yin and a Yang channel. â€Å"Yang channels run laterally or on the dorsal side of the body, while Yin channels run medially or on the ventral side. † (Gabriel Stux, Brian Berman and Bruce Plmeranz, 2003, p125) There are 12 main channels, like the months of the Chinese zodiac, each representing a major organ system of the body. In addition, there are two extraordinary channels named Ren Mai and Du Mai.Ren Mai is the conceptional vessel, which counts as a Yin channel, while Du Mai is the governing vessel, which counts as a Yang channel. These two extraordinary channels and the 12 main channels together make up the system of 14 channels on which the 361 classic acupuncture points are situated. The 12 main channels form a system of three courses or cycles of channels at the body surface. Each course of channel consists four main channels, two Yin and two Yang channels. â€Å"One Yin-Yang pair runs in parallel course along the arm, and the other along the leg.An internal branch of the channel derives from the main channel running to the corresponding Yin or Yang organ. † (Gabriel Stux, Brian Berman and Bruce Plmeranz, 2003, p125) The first course is located on the ventral side of the body. It is made up of the lung, large intestine, stomach, and spleen channels. The lung channel starts at the chest wall and runs along the volar side of the arm to the corner of the thumbnail, and it belongs to the Yin polarity. The large intestine channel starts from the index finger and runs on the dorsal side of the arm to the face, and it belongs to the Yang polarity.The stomach channel starts from the face and runs ventrally down the body to the second toe, and it belongs to the Yang polarity. The spleen ch annel runs from the foot along the inside of the leg back to the chest wall, and thus it belongs to the Yin polarity. The second course is located on the dorsal side of the body. It is made up of the heart, small intestine, urinary bladder and kidney channels. The third course is located on the lateral side of the body. It is made up of the pericardium, Sanjiao, gallbladder and liver channels. These courses flow similar to the first course.A Yin or Yang channel axis is made up of two adjacent Yang channels or two adjacent Yin channels in the same course of channels. The Yang channel axes pass downwards from the arm to the leg through the head and body. The Yin channel axes pass upwards from the feet to arms through the body. The channel axes are important for diagnosis as well as for treatment. Acupuncture are very useful in treating some disorders, such as respiratory disorders, mental disturbances and illness, neurological disorders, skin disorders and disorders of the sense organ s, etc.. Many respiratory disorders are successfully treated by acupuncture.Especially in chronic conditions, such as chronic sinusitis, bronchitis, or bronchial asthma, acupuncture is more effective than other forms of treatment. External climatic influences such as cold, wind, dryness, and occasionally heat are sometimes the causes of a weakened lung Qi. Thus, acupuncture can dissolving the blockage and can strengthen the Qi. Acupuncture treatment is very effective in a large number of psychosomatic disorders, such as agitation or exhaustion conditions, insomnia, depression, sexual disturbances, drug addictions, obesity, and headache. Acupuncture has a harmonizing, sedative, or tonifying effect. Many points of the Du Mail, heart, pericardium, and gallbladder channels have strong psychological effects. † (Gabriel Stux, Brian Berman and Bruce Plmeranz, 2003, p287) Also, organs that are affected in mental disturbances can be treated by stimulation of the points of the correspon ding channels. Acupuncture also shows a good effect in migraine, chronic headache and trigeminal neuralgia. According to traditional ideas, chronic headache and migraine are attributed to a blockage of Qi in the Yang channels of the head.The pain in chronic headache is mostly caused by an internal disturbance of organs. The location of pain is very important in planning for an individual acupuncture treatment. However, trigeminal neuralgia is attributed to a blockage of Qi caused by wind, cold, or heat, together with pronounced internal disturbances of the liver or stomach. â€Å"In the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, a large number of points in the face are needled on the contra-lateral side; they should be manually stimulated over and over again, for dispersing stimulation. (Gabriel Stux, Brian Berman and Bruce Plmeranz, 2003, p296) Acupuncture treatment is also effective in many skin disorders, such as neurodermatitis, acne, herpes zoster, psoriasis, and eczema. According to traditional ideas, the skin is related to the lung and the large intestine, and skin disorders are therefore treated with points on the channels relating to the lung and the large intestine. What worth mentioning is that points surrounding the disordered skin area should not be needled especially ulcerated regions.Acupuncture treatment is highly effective in disorders of the sense organs, deafness, tinnitus, vertigo, conjunctivitis and visual deficiency. According to traditional concepts, the ear is related to the functional system of the kidney and urinary bladder, while the eye corresponds to the liver and gallbladder. In addition, the ear is closely connected to the Sanjiao channels, which circles round the ear. Stimulation of the distal points of the Sanjiao is higyly effective in ear disorders. Negative effects of acupuncture were rarely reported, however, they do exist and special attention should be paid to. The most frequent complication of acupuncture treatment is the vasov agal episode. More serious complications reported include rare pneumothoraces, lacerations of viscera, compression of nerve trucks due to local hematomas, sepsis, transverse myelopathy, eschars and scarring, endocarditis, and broken needles. † (Ceniceros, Salvador and Geroge R. Brown, 1998) The first needles were sharp flints, and later metal needles had replaced sharp flints. Different acupuncture needles have different length and diameter. Usually, the length varies from 1. 5 to 15 cm, and the diameter varies from 26 to 36 gauge (0. 2 to 0. 5mm). Disposable needles are usually made of stainless steel with handles wrapped in copper wire. Today, most used needles are filiform steel needles because the steel is flexible and unbreakable. Filiform needles consist of a tip, a body and a handle. In most cases, 0. 3mm thick needles are used in acupuncture. When insert acupuncture needles, acupuncturist should hold them vertically use three fingers, the thumb on one side of the needl e and the index and middle finger on the other side.The needles should be held perpendicular to the three fingers and 1-2cm from the tip of the needles should not be held, especially with long needles, which are more liable to bend. There are two methods of insertion. One is fast method, and the other is low method. Fast method causes less pain, while low method may be painful. The insertion can be perpendicular (90 °), oblique (30 °-60 °), or occasionally tangential (10 °). The depth of insertion and the direction are given with the specific acupuncture point, but they can vary depending on the constitution of the patient.In China in the 1960s, electro-acupuncture (EA) was introduced into clinical practice, especially for treatment of chronic pain and neurological diseases. â€Å"Electro-acupuncture is aimed at stimulate the points electrically by attaching flexible wires (via small alligator clips) to the needles. † (Gabriel Stux, Brian Berman and Bruce Plmeranz, 20 03, p315) Electro-acupuncture uses one pair of needles which are attached flexible wires (via small alligator clips) to stimulate the points electrically, instead of twirling the acupuncture needles by hand.Pulses of electricity with the pulse width from 0. 1 to 1. 0 ms in duration are applied to the needles in order to stimulate nerves. One major advantage of Electro-acupuncture is that it is more convenient than manual therapy, and requires less skills and accurate needle placement. Acupuncture was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century. However, at that time, it was not widely accepted by Europeans. Most Western skeptics claimed that the traditional Chinese theory of acupuncture was merely anecdotal; therefore cannot be reliable.This situation has dramatically changed in the past 20 years. Lots of publications who went to China and saw the use of acupuncture have revealed the reductionism, causal mechanisms for many of the acupuncture effects in many leading Western journ als. It is estimated that over 300,000 physicians of over one million practitioners outside China use acupuncture treatment for chronic pain. About 90% of the physicians that were found in a recent study of German pain clinics used acupuncture. Also, there are over 11,000 physicians were interested in acupuncture in the USA.In Canada, more than 2000 physicians have taken courses given by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada. In North America, besides physicians, veterinarians, chiropractors, and naturopaths also use acupuncture. In conclusion, acupuncture based on the Tradition Chinese theory of Yin-Yang balancing, five elements theory to dissolve any blockages in the vital energy Qi. Acupuncture treatments are very useful in variable areas of disorders; despite there may few adverse effects. Nowadays, acupuncture is more familiar to Westerns, and it is accepted by growing number of people in the world.

Issues in Corporate Governance

CH AP TER 1 – I S S U ES I N COR POR ATE G OVER N AN CE ADVANCED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT †¢ †¢ †¢ Investment decisions Financing decisions Dividend decisions Financial objectives Primary objective – maximise shareholder wealth Secondary objectives – meeting ‘other’ predetermined targets Stakeholders †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Shareholders Management and employees Customers Suppliers Lenders Government w w w . s tu d yi n te ra cti ve . o rg 1 CH AP TER 1 – I S S U ES I N COR POR ATE G OVER N AN CE Stakeholders Suppliers Measures Price Payment Security Liquidity Taxable profit Inflation Employment Investment Lenders Government w w w . tu d yi n te ra cti ve . o rg 2 CH AP TER 1 – I S S U ES I N COR POR ATE G OVER N AN CE w w w . s tu d yi n te ra cti ve . o rg 3 CH AP TER 1 – I S S U ES I N COR POR ATE G OVER N AN CE Corporate Governance Are the board effective? Are they making good decisions? Can we obtain assurance that they are? Are the board effective? Combined Code Board of Directors Chair CEO Execs Non-execs w w w . s tu d yi n te ra cti ve . o rg 4 CH AP TER 1 – I S S U ES I N COR POR ATE G OVER N AN CE Are they making good decisions? Higgs Report Cadbury Report Greenbury Code Key guidance Smith Turnbull Can we obtain assurance that they are?Disclosure FSA Listing Rules FSA Disclosure and Transparency rules Combined Code w w w . s tu d yi n te ra cti ve . o rg 5 CH AP TER 1 – I S S U ES I N COR POR ATE G OVER N AN CE More formalised Independent audit committee Quarterly reporting USA Sarbanes Oxley Independent directors PCOAB Critical accounting policies Germany EU company law Two-tier board of directors Board of directors Supervisory board Management board w w w . s tu d yi n te ra cti ve . o rg 6 CH AP TER 1 – I S S U ES I N COR POR ATE G OVER N AN CE Japan â€Å"Consensual management† Policy boards Functional boards Monocratic boards w w . s tu d yi n te ra cti ve . o rg 7 CH AP TER 1 – I S S U ES I N COR POR ATE G OVER N AN CE SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK †¢ Sustainability – balancing growth with environmental and social concerns â€Å"At BP, we are working hard to restore trust in our ability to operate safely and responsibly wherever we do business. Our approach to sustainability covers issues relating to governance and risk management, safety, the environment, the energy future and our local and global socio-economic impact. We aim to report on these issues in a way that answers key questions raised by our stakeholders. Carbon Trading 1. Governments hand out free tradable rights to emit carbon dioxide to big industrial polluters 2. Companies buy additional pollution credits from projects that claim to emit less greenhouse gas than they would have without the investment Environment Agency 1. Protects air, land and water used by society in England and Wales 2. Offers guidance to busine sses on environmental issues †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Environmental Permitting Flood Pollution and emissions Waste Water Environmental Audits †¢ †¢ †¢ Energy saving Waste reduction Business processes w w w . s tu d yi n te ra cti ve . o rg 8

Blaise Pascal and Albert Camus Free Essay Example, 1500 words

With reference to this perennially self perpetuating condition, Camus states, â€Å"The workman of today works every day in his life at the same tasks, and this fate is no less absurd. But it is tragic only at the rare moments when it becomes conscious. Sisyphus, proletarian of the gods, powerless and rebellious, knows the whole extent of his wretched condition: it is what he thinks of during his descent. The lucidity that was to constitute his torture at the same time crowns his victory. There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by scorn† (Camus 28). The inescapable nature of humankind’s wretched existence is thereby tied to the fact that even though it is impossible to find inherent value and meaning in life, each human being, regardless of societal stature, wealth, or age, seeks to do so. Perhaps the most obvious conclusion that can be drawn from this is that humanity is in a way wretched due to the fact that it is foolish in its goals and intentions; wasting valuable life energy and resources chasing after something that will never be accom plished. We will write a custom essay sample on Blaise Pascal and Albert Camus or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page The essential unit of comparison between Pascal and Camus is not in their agreement of the nature of this wretchedness; but in the fact that they agree that humanity is wretched based upon an inability to know and understand his place or the full knowledge of the universe surrounding him. Is quite obviously, the greatest differential between these two philosophers is the separation of time. Whereas Blaise Pascal was a prominent philosopher of the 18th century, Albert Camus is a more recent 20th century philosopher that died in 1960. The importance of relating the historical context to this particular comparison and contrast between these two individuals is predicated upon the fact that the understanding of thought and the relationship of religion to the way in which these individuals defined the world around them was essentially and entirely different.