Arguments For Existence Of God Essays - , Term Papers

Arguments For Existence Of God Many philosophers and theologians have provided varying arguments for the existence of God. These arguments are either a priori, understood independent of worldly experience and observation (Ontological Argument), or a posteriori, dependent on experience and based on observations of how the world is (Cosmological and Teleological Arguments). This paper will focus on the Cosmological Argument, and show that its underlying principle, the Principle of Sufficient Reason, fails to establish it as a sound argument for the existence of God. To accomplish this, I will, first, define the Cosmological Argument and the Principle of Sufficient Reason; then explain the argument, and how it is based on the Principle of Sufficient Reason; and finally, show that there is not enough evidence to prove that the Principle of Sufficient Reason is true, which in turn leads to the flaw in the Cosmological Argument. First, what are the Cosmological Argument and the Principle of Sufficient Reason? There are many versions of the argument. Saint Thomas Aquinas (in the thirteenth century) and Samuel Clarke (in the eighteenth century) are the dominant contributors in the development of the argument (Rowe 21). Though their arguments differ slightly, both men based their arguments on the observation that the world is rooted on causal relationships. Their arguments can be summarized into one argument as follows: (1) Either the world is made up of things that depend on others for their existence (dependent beings), or things that are self-existent (independent beings). (2) Not everything can depend on another for its existence. (3) Therefore, there is some self-existing being, and that being is God. The Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR) maintains that there must be an explanation (a) of the existence of any being, and (b) of any positive fact whatever (Rowe 24). Thus, there is an explanation for why I exist (PSRa), and also an explanation for every feature of my life (PSRb). Second, what is the meaning of the argument and how is it based on PSR? Premise (1) stems from Anselm's division of beings into the three cases: 'explained by another [dependent beings],''explained by nothing,''and explained by itself [independent/self-existing being]' (Rowe 22). The first rule of PSR holds that every being must have an explanation for its existence. A being that is explained by nothing violates this first rule, and as a result, is left out of premise (1). This allows for only two possible types of beings -- either dependent or self-existent. If you hold PSR to be true, them premise (1) is uncontroversial. Because it is an either, or statement, only one of the two types of beings needs to exist for the premise to be true. We know that there are at least dependent beings, so premise (1) is true. Premise (2) states that everything cannot be a dependent being. Why is this the case? William Rowe does an excellent job of explaining why if PSR is true, then premise (2) is also true. He (Rowe 24-25) says let's suppose that there has never been a self-existing being, but only an infinite series of dependent beings. In this series, every being has an explanation, because it is explained by the being that came before it and that caused its existence (follows with PSRa), but what caused the series? PSRb says that the fact that the series exists requires it to have an explanation, but if there have only existed dependent beings, the series will not have an explanation. It won't do to say that As [where As equal dependent beings] have always been producing other As -- we can't explain why there have always been As by saying that there have always been As (Rowe 25). Thus, a self-existing being is the only explanation for the series, and premise (2) is true. Thus, because premise (1) shows that there are only two kinds of beings (dependent or self-existent), and everything cannot be a dependent being, it follows that there must be some self-existing being. So far, it seems that the Cosmological Argument indeed proves the existence of a self-existing being. Both of its premises have been shown to be true, so it passes the premise test, and also, the conclusion follows from the premises -- it passes the

Surrealistic Art essays

Surrealistic Art essays The modern world has become filled with brilliant designs of art, which are now very influential to viewers of every age. Todays television programs are filled with elaborate special effects and designs that create a sense of wonder as they are seen. Diverse artwork has been present in the world for hundreds of years but was never fully appreciated for the beauty that they beheld. Until recent years, this form of art was rejected but is now in many television programs and especially in the music videos of today. Surrealism has helped to educate and shape the way people today view art and has led to a new form of expression in the modern world. Surrealism is art without direct meaning, which doesnt always portray the beautiful aspects of Earth, but instead show truth in a hidden form. When surrealism was in the early stages, it was rejected because it reflected the truth of an unhappy life and wasnt filled with what the public felt should be shown. As human education evolved, they began to notice what surrealism was all about and soon began to demand more and more. One individual, Salvador Dali, helped put surrealism on the map for art lovers around the world. Dali was born on the eleventh of May in 1904 at Figueras, Spain. In 1918, he entered his first art exhibit, which he became well known from at his early age. His surrealistic style didnt begin until 1930 when he began to explore his emotions and started painting his feelings. In 1932 he exhibited his first surrealistic art show in the United States. Throughout Dalis life he published many novels and autobiographies along with numerous screenplays. In 1984, Dali was severely burnt by a fire that started in his house. He later died in 1989 of heart failure in the Torre Galatea where he had been living since the fire at his previous home. Dalis artwork is now treasured and is featured in art galleries around the world. The Pe...

Product Design in Cyberspace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Product Design in Cyberspace - Essay Example This can facilitate them in their negative activities and can be a potential source of harm for the peace of the society as a whole. People who are in such professions that require use of GPS have little trouble accessing it even if it is not available through Ebay. However, others that are not in a position to purchase GPS from their local areas can easily purchase it on Ebay and use it for whatever purpose they want. There are many areas where people are supposed to get a license to keep a GPS with them because it is a potential source of help for criminals particularly when they want to perform their act in groups. Likewise, GPS software should also not be allowed to sell on Ebay because of the same reason as that for GPS device. Worst thing people have a problem with at Ebay: Worst thing people have a problem with on Ebay is that it does not allow sale of any kind of medication (Hubpages, 2011). Fake medicines are common in a lot of underdeveloped countries. In these countries, p eople produce false medicines in the name of real ones in order to make profits on the cost of customers’ life. People are highly skeptical about the quality of medicine they purchase. Medicines are already very costly.

Teaching English Language Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Teaching English Language - Essay Example In 1990, one in 20 public school students in grades K-12 was an English language learner (ELL), that is, a student who speaks English either not at all or with enough limitations that he or she cannot fully participate in mainstream English instruction. Today the figure is 1 in 9. Demographers estimate that in 20 years it might be 1 in 4. The ELL population has grown from 2 million to5 million since 1990, a period when the overall school population increased only 20 percent. By far, the majority of ELLs - 80 percent - are Spanish speakers" (Teaching English Language Learners, p3). CALP - (cognitive academic language proficiency) the dimension of proficiency in which a learner manipulates or reflects on the surface features of language in academic contexts, such as text-taking, writing analysis, and reading academic texts. The following definitions have been earmarked for further study: "Predictable and consistent classroom management routines, aided by diagrams, lists, and easy-to-read schedules on the board or on charts, to which the teacher refers frequently; Graphic organizers that make content and the relationships among concepts and different lesson elements visually explicit; Additional time and opportunities for practice, either during the school day, after school, or for homework; Redundant key information, e.g., visual cues, pictures, and physical gestures about lesson content and classroom procedures; Identifying, highlighting, and clarifying difficult words and passages within texts to facilitate comprehension, and more generally greatly emphasizing vocabulary development; Helping students consolidate text knowledge by having the teacher, other students, and ELLs themselves

Online Classes versus Traditional Classes Essay Example for Free

Online Classes versus Traditional Classes Essay Technology and education has given students many choices in how they obtain their education such as online classes. There have been numerous discussions recently about the success of online learning. The success of the online classes versus traditional classes is based upon the uniqueness of each individual way of learning. Online classes and traditional classes provide flexibility, direct communication and course materials. Studies have shown that online classes can be successful and that on average most students perform better than being in a traditional classroom. The argument of online classes and traditional classes; which is better than the other has many exceptional differences. One is the discussion of how does a person learn: is he a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner? A visual leaner needs written materials, exercises and graphics. An auditory learner has to hear it, repeat it and needs to have a discussion. A kinesthetic learner needs real life simulations, hands on demonstration and needs to see how the principle works. Visual learners and kinesthetic learners most likely would be more successful in online courses because of the atmosphere it provides. Auditory learners would need to have traditional classes which would provide the best learning opportunity for their learning style. There are cases that individuals do not know how they learn best; an assessment should be given in the situation. The second discussion is flexibility. Online classes and traditional classes both can be just as flexible as the other. Online classes may seem more flexible but depending on the class the deadlines of each assignment may be very time consuming. Online classes sometimes provide more work than traditional classes. Traditional classes can be flexible due to the times that you select to take the classes. Schools are providing more night classes and early morning classes for the working and family-oriented students. Traditional classes provide more lecturing and sometimes more hands on in order to teach the concepts. The third discussion is communication. Online classes communicate by sending  and receiving emails. Some classes have chat rooms for discussions which provide the students opportunities to enrich their understanding of the course or subject being discussed. It also allows those individuals that normally would not speak in discussions to express their thoughts. The instant transfer of material is convenient for the students and professors to communicate. A traditional class allows students to verbally exchange ideas and ask questions directly to the professors. Sometimes this environment does not allow the students to fully express themselves due to time constraints. Some people feel that there are communication barriers in a face to face classroom setting due to time and class structure. (Anderson) One of the most important debates between the two classes is the course materials. The question has been asked if the online course is giving adequate material to teach an individual a lesson. Studies show that online professors give more than enough resources to express the subject and also gives practice graded material to ensure that the student understands. Traditional classes have been accused of doing the opposite and taking for granted that the students are in their presence and extra resources are sometimes a rarity. Online classes allow a person to minimize their distractions and it gives them the ability to fully concentrate on the material they are presented with. A person that enrolls in an online course should be self-motivated in order to be in an environment that requires the individual to monitor themselves and be responsible to handle the course as if it was a traditional course. (Kassop) Online courses provide the ability to be accessible at all times but the work that is required should be quality work. The students’ writing ability will enhance because this is their only form of communication. (Kassop) The professors do not expect students to procrastinate because of the accessibility but the possibility is there. The professors of these courses expect more from the online students since there are not time restraints. Online students have the ability to form small groups to relate to because the workload in online course is difficult. The workload is believed to be difficult be cause of the apparent reason of teaching themselves. Traditional classes allow students social interaction which is a vital piece for many students. There is a set amount of time in a classroom setting and there is limited one on one interaction with the professor. Professors have the ability to read their students body language to assure them if the material or concept is being understood by his or her students. Traditional classes also allow students to get behind if they miss a day or an assignment. The traditional classroom allows the students to strengthen various areas of their social skills such as verbally expressing themselves in classroom discussions. There are differences and similarities in online courses and traditional courses. Throughout are reading and research there can be two conclusions: 1. Online courses are better than traditional courses if the individual is discipline to take the course. 2. Online courses and traditional courses are just as good as the other because they both have the same goals and are achieving the goals to the students that are willing to receive. Works Cited Anderson, Terry, Elloumi, Fathi Theory and Practice of Online Learning (eds.) (2003) http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book Angiello, Roanne. Study Looks at Online Learning vs. Traditional Instruction. Education Digest 76.2 (2010): 56-59. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 30 Nov. 2010. Diaz, D.P., Cartnal. R.B. Students learning styles in two classes: Online distance learning and equivalent on-campus. College Teaching 47(4), 130-135 Kassop, Mark. The Technology Source. May/June 2003. 6 August 2011

Hang Up and Drive Essay -- Persuasive, social reform, Argumentative, c

Imagine my typical workday commute on a casual mid-morning. I’ll be dressed and ready to make the ten mile drive from Vancouver to Portland for work. As I turn the key and back out, I slam the brakes as a green late model Sienna almost T-bones me when I'm clearly half-way out the street. I glare back, like any driver would, and see she is still talking on her phone making her way around me like I was a minor obstacle in her day. I drive out the neighborhood and make my way to the interstate. At the next intersection I get stuck at a light that just turns green while a kid, I can see the â€Å"Class of 2010† writing all around the car, has their head down tapping a text message out and looks up after I chirp my horn. By this time i've developed a touch of impatience that's working its way to road rage and its getting fueled by my commute that brings me across the Glen Jackson Bridge. Numerous times I see the â€Å"triangle†, which is the â€Å" i'm on the phone multi-tasking and I forgot how to drive† pose. I finally make it into work at my last wits. I start to walk in when I almost get mowed down by a fellow coworker. This is the point where I call in to work cause I need a mental health day. Everyone described is the sum product of the problem of driving while using a cell phone. This day was not a dramatization but more of a realization of a problem we have here in the Portland Metro Area. I feel on this short commute my anger was not directed at any certain demographic. There is no age, pay grade, religious affiliation associate with my rage. It is that my fellow commuters disregard their local laws while using their cell phone. My solution would be charge a cell phone user with a primary traffic infraction and implement current technol... ..., David, Frank Drews, and Dennis Couch. "A Comparison of the Cell Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver." A Comparison of the Cell Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver. University of Utah, 04 Mar. 2005. Web. 28 Feb. 2010. . Repko, Melissa. "Oregon Senate passes bill banning driving while using hand-held cell phone | Oregon Local News - OregonLive.com." Oregon Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - OregonLive.com. The Oregonian, 23 June 2009. Web. 01 Mar. 2010. . "Cell Phone Subscribers in the U.S., 1985–2008 Infoplease.com." Infoplease: Encyclopedia, Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free online reference, research & homework help. Infoplease.com. Web. 01 Mar. 2010. .

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a general name for a wide variety of diseases, disorders and conditions that affect the heart and sometimes the blood vessels as well. Risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease include having hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Other risk factors include being of African-American ancestry, male, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, having a lot of long-term stress, smoking and having a family history of a heart attack at an early age.Some different types of cardiovascular disease includes angina, heart attack, heart failure, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. Other forms of cardiovascular disease include congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, infections of the heart, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Symptoms of cardiovascular disease vary depending on the specific type of cardiovascular disease. A classic symptom of cardiovascu lar disease is chest pain.However, with some forms of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, there may be no symptoms in some people until life-threatening complications. Treatment of cardiovascular disease begins with prevention. Many forms of cardiovascular disease can be prevented or controlled effectively with prevention measures that include regular exercise, not smoking or drinking excessively, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a heart-healthy well-balanced diet. Risk factors, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension can be prevented or controlled through these lifestyle changes, regular medical care and/or medication.Heart disease can be improved — or even prevented — by making certain lifestyle changes. The following changes can help anyone who wants to improve his or her heart health: Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and force s your heart to work harder, and carbon monoxide reduces oxygen in your blood and damages the lining of your blood vessels. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease and its complications.Control your blood pressure. Ask your doctor for a blood pressure measurement at least every two years. Check your cholesterol. Ask your doctor for a baseline cholesterol test when you're in your 20s and then at least every five years. Keep diabetes under control. If you have diabetes, tight blood sugar control can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Get moving. If you have heart disease, exercise helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and control diabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure — all risk factors for heart disease.If you have a heart arrhythmia or heart defect, there may be some restrictions on the activities you can do, so be sure to talk to your doctor first. With your doctor's OK, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical ac tivity most days of the week. Even if you can't make time for one 30- to 60-minute exercise session, you can still benefit from breaking up your activity into several 10-minute sessions. Eat healthy foods. A heart-healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium — can help you control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.Eating one or two servings of fish a week also is beneficial. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Weight loss is especially important for people who have large waist measurements — more than 40 inches (101. 6 centimeters, or cm) for men and more than 35 inches (88. 9 cm) for women — because people with this body shape are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease. Manage stress. Reduce stress as much as possible. Practice healthy techniques for managing stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. Practice good hygiene habits.Staying away from other people when they are sick and regularly washing your hands can not only prevent heart infections but also can help prevent viral or bacterial infections that can put stress on your heart if you already have heart disease. Also, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can prevent germs in your mouth from making their way to plaques in your heart, which could worsen cardiovascular disease. Get a flu shot. If you have cardiovascular disease, you're at a greater risk of having a heart attack should you catch the flu. Getting a flu shot decreases this risk. Cardiovascular Disease Cardiovascular disease is a general name for a wide variety of diseases, disorders and conditions that affect the heart and sometimes the blood vessels as well. Risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease include having hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Other risk factors include being of African-American ancestry, male, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, having a lot of long-term stress, smoking and having a family history of a heart attack at an early age.Some different types of cardiovascular disease includes angina, heart attack, heart failure, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac arrhythmias. Other forms of cardiovascular disease include congenital heart defects, cardiomyopathy, infections of the heart, coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Symptoms of cardiovascular disease vary depending on the specific type of cardiovascular disease. A classic symptom of cardiovascu lar disease is chest pain.However, with some forms of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, there may be no symptoms in some people until life-threatening complications. Treatment of cardiovascular disease begins with prevention. Many forms of cardiovascular disease can be prevented or controlled effectively with prevention measures that include regular exercise, not smoking or drinking excessively, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a heart-healthy well-balanced diet. Risk factors, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension can be prevented or controlled through these lifestyle changes, regular medical care and/or medication.Heart disease can be improved — or even prevented — by making certain lifestyle changes. The following changes can help anyone who wants to improve his or her heart health: Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially atherosclerosis. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and force s your heart to work harder, and carbon monoxide reduces oxygen in your blood and damages the lining of your blood vessels. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to reduce your risk of heart disease and its complications.Control your blood pressure. Ask your doctor for a blood pressure measurement at least every two years. Check your cholesterol. Ask your doctor for a baseline cholesterol test when you're in your 20s and then at least every five years. Keep diabetes under control. If you have diabetes, tight blood sugar control can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Get moving. If you have heart disease, exercise helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and control diabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure — all risk factors for heart disease.If you have a heart arrhythmia or heart defect, there may be some restrictions on the activities you can do, so be sure to talk to your doctor first. With your doctor's OK, aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical ac tivity most days of the week. Even if you can't make time for one 30- to 60-minute exercise session, you can still benefit from breaking up your activity into several 10-minute sessions. Eat healthy foods. A heart-healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium — can help you control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol.Eating one or two servings of fish a week also is beneficial. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk of heart disease. Weight loss is especially important for people who have large waist measurements — more than 40 inches (101. 6 centimeters, or cm) for men and more than 35 inches (88. 9 cm) for women — because people with this body shape are more likely to develop diabetes and heart disease. Manage stress. Reduce stress as much as possible. Practice healthy techniques for managing stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. Practice good hygiene habits.Staying away from other people when they are sick and regularly washing your hands can not only prevent heart infections but also can help prevent viral or bacterial infections that can put stress on your heart if you already have heart disease. Also, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can prevent germs in your mouth from making their way to plaques in your heart, which could worsen cardiovascular disease. Get a flu shot. If you have cardiovascular disease, you're at a greater risk of having a heart attack should you catch the flu. Getting a flu shot decreases this risk.