How can we Know the Nature of Reality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How can we Know the Nature of Reality - Essay Example The idea of Socrates that the concepts contain the true and sustainable knowledge was the basis of Platos philosophy, but the philosophy of Socrates considered primarily ethical concepts, while Plato extended this position to all concepts without exception. Socrates did not question the relatedness between the concepts and reality: the ethical concepts could reflect reality at least in order to be its positive samples, despite the fact that nothing corresponded to them in reality. By extending the theory of ethical concepts on all the concepts, Plato had to put a new problem: what is the reality that people learn using concepts? Similar to all Greek philosophers, Plato was a realist (Kraut). For him it was an oracle that if the concepts contain knowledge, there must be a real object of this knowledge. Nevertheless, what is that object? Plato understood the matter as follows: the characteristics of concepts are their individuality and sustainability. This is the first prerequisite. Th e objects, about which people have some idea, should have the same characteristics as their concepts. This is the second premise. At the same time, all the things known to people from experience, do not have these characteristics because they are more complex and fluid (changeable). This is the third premise. Hence, Plato concludes that things are not the objects of the concepts and thus they are not real. According to Plato, stable characteristics belong to the concepts, not to the things. For example, Plato considered the question of what is the object of the concept of "perfect." Beautiful things cannot be the real object of the given concept since they are heterogeneous and unstable. It remains to assume that there is something perfect unknown to people from direct experience. It is always one and unchanging, and therefore has a genuine reality. Beautiful things are the object of experiences and

Investigate the design of Lighting Systems, Electrical Energy Essay

Investigate the design of Lighting Systems, Electrical Energy Management and Tariffs - Essay Example This is done when the consumption is less and proper and no wastage of energy is there. The lamps and other devices should be of proper rating and proper standard. The design should be such that required illumination is obtained in a least possible cost. a) Fluorescent Lamp :- The basic construction of this type of lamp is that it has a discharge tube made up of glass. There are two electrodes at both the ends. This tube contains gases at certain pressure which on ionization emits light. The fluorescent powder is coated at both inside and outside the tube. The electrodes at both the ends are coated with some electron emitting material. A choke coil is connected in series with the lamp to stabilize current. One capacitor is also connected to compensate the power factor. This lamp emits white colour and widely used in homes, offices and shops. b) Electric Discharge Lamp :- These were the first type of lamps that were used. In these type of lamps there is a discharge tube in which two electrodes are connected to both ends and excited by electric source. The gas inside the tube gets ionized and emits light. There are various types of electric discharge lamps namely sodium vapour lamp and mercury vapour lamp. c) Filament Lamp :- In this lamp a fine filament is connected to the electrodes and excited which emits light. The construction of these kinds of lamps is very simple. Earlier fine carbon was used as element in these lamps later on tungsten was preferred in place of carbon. Principle of good lighting While designing lighting system following considerations should be done. 1) Proper illumination level :- This is the major factor because for proper vision the brightness of the object should be proper which depends on illumination level. Degree of illumination depends upon some factors like size of the object, distance from the observer, object background contrast. There are some standards made by ISI for illumination level in various parts of he building. For street lighting also some standards are made. Table below shows some average value of illumination level. Places Illumination level Heavy Traffic routes 30 Average traffic routes 15 Secondary roads with local traffic 8 Secondary roads with light traffic 4 2) Uniform Illusion :- The vision of eye depends on the brightness of the object. If the uniformity of light is there the eye has to adjust more. This will cause fatigue. The method to achieve uniform illumination Generalized light should also be employed with local light. 3) Colour of light :- The brightness of any object basically depends on colour of light falling on it. The composition of light should

A Streetcar Named Desire-A Tragic Hero Essay Example for Free

A Streetcar Named Desire-A Tragic Hero Essay There are nine types of heroes in this world, each of them with their own unique stories, plots, cliches etc. Among those is the classic tragic hero, one who is destined to fail no matter what. In a Streetcar Named Desire, the tragic hero is Blanche Dubois, an aging Southern Belle living in a state of perpetual panic about her fading beauty. In this essay it will be discussed what makes Blanche a tragic hero and how she compares to a typical tragic hero. A typical tragic hero is first and foremost, born of noble stature. This gives the hero something to fall from, so they can fall from grace (Avril Lavigne, Nobodys Home). Blanche Dubois born in Laurel, Mississippi, to a wealthy family. She is a former schoolteacher who had been evicted from Belle Reve (a family home) after being declared a woman of loose morals. This was because years earlier, Blanches husband committed suicide after she expressed her distaste on his sexuality. She later had many affairs trying to numb her grief on the death of her husband. The second condition for a tragic hero is what is called Hamartia, a tragic flaw that auses the downfall of the hero. Blanches tragic flaw is that she is dependant on men, so much so that she makes choices and does things that are morally questionable. She manipulates and lies to potential suitors to make herself seem more attractive and younger-which in her mind is the only way a man will love her. She does this with Harold Mitch Mitchell and it seems to be working until Mitch is informed of all the lies hes been fed, at which point Mitch breaks up with Blanche and leaves her vulnerable for Stanley to rape. The reversal of fortune, peripeteia, is when the fortunate hero is down on his luck. In Blanches case, she loses Belle Reve, her husband is a homosexual and dead, she is evicted from her own town and is losing her beauty. She used to be a wealthy and beautiful Southern belle with a loving family and kind husband but her luck changed directions and she lost everything she held dear. One of the most obvious conditions of a tragic hero is nemesis, the fate that cannot be reversed. In other words, no matter what the hero tries or does their fate is ealed. Blanches fate is inevitable, all people can do is watch as she falls deeper and deeper into her delusions and misconceptions of reality. In the end of the tragedy, the audience should be left feeling pity or fear after witnessing the downfall of the tragic hero, catharsis. This is because the punishment dealt to the hero is not wholly deserved, the punishment far exceeds the crime. Blanche was a sad and confused woman who was looking for comfort and someone to take care of her. She lied and manipulated people to try and get the happy life she anted but that did not mean she deserved to be raped, abandoned by her own sister and publicly humiliated. Blanche herself said It [deliberate cruelty] is the one untorgivable thing in my opinion and it is the one thing I nave never, never been guilty of. (Williams, Scene 10 Pg 126) Anagnoririsis is the recognition or discovery made by the tragic hero, the point in time when the hero realizes what went wrong and why. Most other tragedies like Hamlet and Mcbeth feature this but this does not happen to Blanche. In the end Blanche was sent to a mental institution, she never gained any knowledge of what truly happened and why. In this way, it could be said that Blanche is not your typical tragic hero because she does not meet this point but that is not a bad thing. Blanche is a unique tragic hero who will never know what went wrong as she has submerged herself in her own little world. A typical, yet unique, tragic hero, Blanche did her best to be happy, her only goal. Unfortunately for her, she did not go about the right way of doing it. The wrong eople were angered and others tried to force Blanche to face reality. Blanche was unable to let go of the walls that protected her from the harsh truth, and so she fell from grace. The final scene in which Blanche utters her most famous line l have always depended on the kindness of strangers. , is the sad culmination of Blanches vanity and total dependence on men for happiness. sealed. Blanches tate is inevi table, all people can do is watch as sne talls deeper and unforgivable thing in my opinion and it is the one thing I have never, never been

Impact Of Pop Culture On Our Society Music Essay

Impact Of Pop Culture On Our Society Music Essay Many people attribute pop culture as ideas, art, and perspectives isolated to the 1960s. Pop culture started as an era during the 20th century. However, the ideas expressed in pop culture art deeply impact our society in 2010. Undeniably, pop culture influenced art, such as architecture, design, music, and theatre influence this generations entertainment, day-to-day living, and even possibly, our political climate. Three people definitively displaying this pop culture impact include architect Michael Graves, comic book author and creator Stan Lee and his artist Steve Ditko, and musician Michael Jackson. These men have not only impacted society thirty to forty years ago but their presence is still influential today. Michael Graves, an American architect, whose interest in drawing and painting began within his early childhood and has remained with him throughout his career in architecture. After college and studying abroad, Graves founded his own practice in Princeton, New Jersey in 1964. He began teaching at Princeton University in 1972. As a member of the New York Five, he developed a new style of designing called eclecticism, straying from the roots of Modernism which allowed him to emphasize his use of color. It has even been stated that he has become an opponent of modern works who uses humor as an integral part of his architecture. He has received many prestigious awards to include the 1999 National Medal of Arts and the 2001 Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects. Paul Goldberger, architect critic for the New Yorker wrote Graves as the most truly original voice American architecture has produced in some time. Some of his projects include the Clos Pegase Winery in Calistoga, C alifornia, the Newark Museum expansion in Newark New Jersey, the Humana Building in Louisville, Kentucky, the Dolphin and Swan Hotels in Walt Disney World Florida, the Hotel New York and Euro Disney, both of Disneyland Paris, and many others. His name can be found on many things from apartment buildings to household appliances found in local Target Stores. During his career, he has not only established the Michael Graves Design Group, which has also won many awards, Graves has published many books about architecture and developed projects with many exclusive clientele. His career in design that is even within retail, clearly demonstrating his ability to take high style designs and make them easily accessible to the common consumer by way of his Target Line This line would include products such as lighting, bath and kitchen aids, products for home, office and personal use to just name a few. Graves has the privilege of being one of the most recognizable names in his field and the pre stigious honor of creating more than 300 buildings and projects. We are still counting on more beautifully designed spaces from his organization, Michael Graves Associates. Along with his exhibitions that have toured the country and world numerous times. Michael Graves is a phenomenon in the architecture world and his work has inspired a new interest in architecture, along with a new generation. From one Michael to another, Michael Joseph Jackson, a performer, composer, actor, and producer in the age of pop became a global product and pop culture was a global iconic superstar (Barnes A1). Michael Jackson was the seventh of nine children. He began his career at the age of five as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 in 1964. Michael was influenced by others who paved the way of his arrival. From Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, and James Brown, Michael paid homage and made it his mission to acknowledge their contributions by adding a little of them to his craft and liberating himself from the stereotypical images by a white controlled society. Black culture as a movement was never in the forefront until Michael came along and exposed America to it. Michael has helped shape pop culture over his forty-five year career. He made being Black in America acceptable during a time when prime time television refused to show Blacks. Michael was one of the first three black artists to break th e social barrier on MTV. Despite this major accomplishment, MTV had to be threatened with non-service of other videos before they would play Jackson. His unifying effect on world youth, and musical savvy are well documented. Fans across racial lines embraced his trademarks by sporting the Jacksonian jackets, white tees, pipestem jeans, and white socks. Michael won a total of thirteen Grammy Awards and has more Guinness World Records than any other artist. The American Music Award presented him with no less than the Artist of the Century Award. Tommy Mottola, a former head of Sony Music, called Mr. Jackson the cornerstone to the entire music business. He bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and pop music and made it into a global culture, said Mr. Mottola, who worked with Mr. Jackson until the singer cut his ties with Sony in 2001. He has influenced dozens of artists in his achievements and popularity. From Beyonce` to Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson inspired a whole world of music and has worked with some of the greatest producers from Quincy Jones to Timbaland. Jackson has considered his great achievement and well deserved award to be the Presidential Humanitarian award from Ronald Reagan in 1984 for his support of charities helping people overcome alcohol and drug abuse. Not only was he influential in the music world, Michael had numerous humanitarian goals and dreamed of making the world a better place. In 1985, Michael alongside Lionel Richie, Quincy Jones, and help from Ken Kragen organized the We Are the World project for USA Africa, which aided famine relief efforts in Africa. This project along with Kragens Hands Across America forced the government, particularly the president, to release 800-million dollars in feeding funds for women, infants, and children, as stated by Kragen (Devine). Lastly it i s worth noting one other area within pop culture outside the world of music that Michael was known to have a fondness which has also had its impact on us today in 2010, Marvel comics. His favorite superhero is Morph from the X-Men. From the King of Pop to the King of Comic Books, also called Godfather of the Superhero, Stan Lee helped create many of our comic super heroes that are recognized as icons. Since the age of seventeen, Stan Lee has been in the comic book industry. He began as an assistant editor for the Timely Comics Group. He was later promoted in 1942 to editor. Behind Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and Joe Simon, Stan wrote most of the scripts for some of our well known comic heroes today, such as Captain America, Sub Mariner, and The Human Torch. The Timely Group went through some changes in the fifties which would include the name. It was renamed Atlas; however, the sales were still low. At this time in America, comics were not as popular as they use to be.. In 1961, the group had well over eight superheroes. This group of heroes was renamed Marvel Comics. Lee made a few changes working along side Jack Kirby and created some of the popular superheroes that we know today with titles such as, The Fantast ic Four, Spider Man, Doctor Strange, Thor, The Hulk, The X-Men, The Silver Surfer, Sgt Fury and His Howling Commandos, Daredevil, and The Iron Man. In the sixties, he became editor of the group. Not only was Stan Lees empire growing but comics started their growth in popularity. So much so to the point has the comic world grown, that there are now annual events held every year to honor this world that Stan Lee has helped to create. These events are popular and widely known as Comic-Con, WonderCon and Alternative Press Expo. Comic-Con is covered internationally across the globe from Japan to France; from its home in California to New York. Thousands upon thousands descend upon this event every year to celebrate the world that has bought us such words as WHAM! BAM! And Whoosh! which are in the world of Stan Lee. Things went up when Spider Man was released in 2002, quickly followed by the Incredible Hulk and X-Men to the silver screen grossing over eight billion dollars in consumer sal es worldwide. Lee has also managed to gain accolades and awards for his vision and artists over the years. Hes even managed a reality show called Who Wants to Be a Superhero. His heroes and villains call to children of all ages. Giving all values of truth, honesty, justice and American Pride, Stan Lee has proven that his work is timeless and his fans are equally priceless as well. Thus the door into the fantastic world of comic books and Stan Lee is open and shall remain so for many years to come. . Pop culture is a movement like those before it. Although originated during the mid fifties-sixties, it still has a great impact on our lives today as we know undeniably. From music, to television, media to fashion, movies to everyday lives, pop culture cannot be denied and unacknowledged. It is everywhere. The pop culture movement is now more trend savvy than any other era. It is in every facet of our society of our day-to-day living. Over the last fifty years, we have been seeking a greater meaning, but it is a spoken voice through media, architecture, design, music, and even childrens cartoons. It has integrated in with other medians within our everyday existence and will remain forever popular.

Robber Barons: Gates, Carnagie, Rockafeller, Vanderbilt Essay -- essay

Robber Barons   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The robber barons of the early industrial age, and one modern day baron have been accused of creating monopolies over several different areas. The four barons focused upon are Cornelius Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Bill Gates. They have all created monopolies over their respected industry. These monopolies eliminated all opposition and left consumers with only one choice.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First off is Cornelius Vanderbilt, he built his business with the New York railways. He built the New York Central System by the 1850’s, he also produced the largest steamboat fleet in the United States at that time. He created the New York Central from three smaller railroads which he purchased, the expanded from New York City to Buffalo. Eventually his railroads connected all the way through to Chicago in under four years of being in the business. Not only did he run a very large rail system but also became the first to use several different techniques. One was the Westinghouse Air Brakes, which would allow for faster and more reliable brakes as well as being able to ravel at higher speeds. Another idea pioneered was the four track system which would allow for two freight tracks, one for each direction, and two more tracks for passenger cars. The tactics he used were legal, the only thing he did was purchase smaller lines to help expand his railroads. The se were not unethical moves just ways to help his business. &n...

The Magic of a Dog :: Personal Narrative Essays

The Magic of a Dog    I knew he was gone the moment I awoke on Christmas morning. While other families somewhere laughed, smiled, and opened presents, I could only stare listlessly at my own presents, and those placed in the shopping bag in the corner, never to be opened. With the death of my beloved golden retriever, Kennedy, a part of me had also died. For Kennedy was no ordinary dog.    I was born with a disability. Although I have done intensive physical therapy since I was small and have made significant improvements over the years, I find it difficult to do some things which most people take for granted. Until I was eleven, I needed a aide at school. I could not go shopping by myself, or stay at home alone for more than a few minutes.    My disability also resulted in social isolation from others my age; many kids and adults were ill at ease around me. Even my friends were involved with activities that I couldn't keep up with, and I was left behind.    It was with the hope of increased self-reliance that I applied for a service dog from Canine Companions for Independence. Canine Companions (CCI) has been training dogs to assist people with disabilities other than blindness since 1975. Obeying about 70 commands, CCI service dogs retrieve dropped items, open doors, turn lights on and off, pull wheelchairs, and more.    After submitting an application to CCI, I was interviewed and scheduled to attend a training class in December, at the regional center near Columbus, Ohio. CCI's rigorous two-week training program is designed to teach dog training and leadership skills while matching each participant with a loving, loyal companion and helper. For the first two days each person works with all the dogs; on the third day everyone receives their Canine Companion. The remainder of the two weeks is spent learning commands and dog handling skills at the training center and in public places, with your new dog.    In this way, Kennedy came into my life. He brought me independence of the kind I had never known before. For the first time, I could move around the school without an aide following me, because he pulled my wheelchair and carried books in his backpack. I could shop at the mall by myself or with friends, and Kennedy would put his paws up on high counters to pay for things I bought.

Discussing Act.1 Scene 7 of Macbeth

The scene takes place in the Madison Square Garden's basketball courts after scheduled training. Chris Anderson, reserve point guard, a position recently appointed to him after Jason Hart sustained a serious injury, considers jeopardising Chauncey Billups position as point guard and captain of the Denver Nuggets. Chris talks to head cheerleader and girlfriend Ashley Reynolds and discusses ways to jeopardise Chauncey's position on the team. (Chris dribbles ball across court to Ashley) Chris: If only I could get rid of Chauncey without any suspicions or consequences (Thinks) I could purposely hurt Chauncey in a practise session, but the risk of suspicion would be way too risky. It would be much easier and beneficial to have someone do it for me. (Looks to Ashley in a strange way) Ashley: No, no way would I put my cheerleading career in jeopardy, and besides, who am I to do such a thing! I'm not a violent person! Chris: There's got be some way I can get his position. My basketball coach in college had a prophecy that one day I would be drafted to the NBA. He also stated that I would become a true leader of a NBA team. I've been drafted now and all there is left to do takeover Chauncey's position and captaincy. (Ashley thinks of ways in which Chris could become captain) Ashley: I have a perfect idea. Chris: Out with it then. Ashley: Well, I am head of the cheerleading team and everyone knows, players loooove cheerleaders. Chris: What are you trying to get at? Yes we all love cheerleaders. Ashley: Well, I could jeopardize Chauncey's position on the team by making false accusations that he sexually assaulted me. Chris: (Thinks) No, I couldn't do that to him, Chauncey is a loyal friend and besides, I don't want to ruin his career. What happens if the plan falls through? There's a chance it will ruin my NBA career as well. All the NBA endorsement I have received will be lost. I don't think I'm ready to throw that all away for a starting position on the team. Ashley: You are wrong! Chauncey isn't a loyal friend, he is a team-mate and that's all. Nothing bad will happen to you and your career. You don't have to be involved, no one will ever know! Chris: Ashley, we are a couple now, if news spreads that we are together and then gets linked back to the sexual assault a lot of attention will be brought upon me. I don't know what to do, I'm only a newly recruited player to the Denver Nuggets, I should be appreciative of what has been given to me. Not everybody receives a deal like mine. Chauncey is very deserving of his position on the team and is a very good role model in which I should aspire to. He is so well respected in the NBA. There would be many assumptions as to why he would sexually assault women, let alone a cheerleader from the same team, besides Chauncey has a wife and is a very good friend of yours. Ashley: What are you talking about Chris? Ever since you were drafted to the NBA you've wanted Chauncey's position! You've wanted leadership and you should be granted recognition. What girl doesn't want her boyfriend to show leadership and dominance? I would love you even more if we were to pull this off. Chris: No, the Consequences of these circumstances are far too severe. Chauncey has done nothing to me in order for me to jeopardise his position on the team let alone his career in the NBA. If the predications from my college basketball are true, maybe I might get that leadership role as captain of a team, but who's saying that its going to be captain of the Denver Nuggets, who says that its Chauncey Billups position and role of the team in which I'm going to overthrow. In time, the prophecy will come true. It's better to hide my ambitions then expose them and run the risk of ruining my NBA career, a friends NBA career or my friendship with Chauncey.