Cosmological Argument. The forms of cosmological arguments Essay

Cosmological Argument. The forms of cosmological arguments - Essay Example Cosmological arguments usually strive to explain the existence of God in many forms. Many philosophers in the past, from Aristotle and Kalam to Aquinas, tried to argue the existence of God in different ways (Taliaferro 21). The several forms of cosmological arguments usually explain the existence of God in the following ways: that there is the existence of things, that it is possible for the same things not to exist and that those that are non-existing, yet they exist, must have been caused to exist. On this note, it is an illogical fact that things cannot bring themselves into existence since they must exist to bring themselves into existence. The argument shows that an infinite number of causes that can bring something into existence cannot exist. This is because there is no initial cause of an infinite regression of causes, meaning that the cause of existence is not there. Cosmological arguments try to prove that the universe has a cause since it exists. This shows that all things have an uncaused cause, and the uncaused cause must be God (Craig and Moreland 52). The most successful cosmological argument is Thomas Aquinas’ argument of contingence. Aquinas (1225–1274) was a theologian born in Medieval Europe. ... One has to use all the five arguments since all of them form the basis of his argument (Craig and Moreland 56). The Argument from Motion Using the works of Aristotle, Aquinas through observation, concluded that any moving object is able to move because another supreme object or supreme force makes it move. He observed that there must have been a mover that was making the objects move. This mover must have been unmoved and it must have been God. Aquinas believed that of all the things that were moving, none could move itself. This means that nothing can move itself. He also noted that in order that all objects to be in motion, the first object to be in motion needed a mover. He also said that the mover was unmoved and was God and that movement cannot last forever. Aquinas believed that all things must be at rest and motion is unnatural. According to him, motion is any change that occurs, for example, growth, rotation, etc. He concluded that a supernatural power must have put the state of motion (Craig and Moreland 61). The Argument of Causation of Existence In the argument of causation of existence, Aquinas said that it was logical that nothing can create itself. There must have been a previous object, which created it. This first object must have been uncaused cause and it must have been God. He concluded that causation of all things that exist, are other things and that nothing can be the cause of itself. The things that cause other things to exist cannot be an endless string of objects; therefore, the first uncaused cause is God (Craig and Moreland 63). The Argument of Contingence The argument of contingence is the modal argument. Aquinas argued that an uncaused

Strategies in Teaching Literature Essay Example for Free

Strategies in Teaching Literature Essay Upon reading the introduction, I was interested to finish the entire reading. Not because it was assigned but because really I got excited and interested. As Rogoff says, (1990) ‘a child’s meaning construction involves a relation between the individual and the social and cultural environments in which each is inherently involved in the others definition. None exists separately.’(p.89). Which means, a person’s classroom practice and participation is related to the kind of environment that he has outside school. In my view, I would agree to what Rogoff has said, basing on my personal experience in the two types of school that I have attended. When I was in grade school, I have attended in both Private Catholic School and in an Elementary School in a small village. When I was in that private school, I lived in an exclusive subdivision with the cable TV as my best friend. If I’m not in school, I’ll be just at home watching the MTV Channel, Discovery Channel, HBO, and Cartoon Network. My friends visit rarely and if they do, we just play computer games or watch English movies. When I was forcibly transferred to a public school, I lived in a small village with no cable, no internet, no English movies and no computers or computer games. So when I am not in school, I’m with my friends and my cousins who only play birus, luksong-tinik and skipping rope. When I was in a private school, I notice that I participate less in any classroom or school activities. I only talk when called. When I was in a public school meanwhile, I love engaging in group activities whether it’s classroom or school. Well we can say that there are a lot of factors. And I think, undeniably, having been welcomed by peers and doing group activities outside school also developed my interpersonal skill. So it is a lot easier for me to participate in school activities. Who’s better at reading? I’d say that it’s definitely not because of gender that a person is good in reading. And I did not see reading as an activity for girls. I grew up in a family wherein I have never seen my mom read but my dad does. He reads the newspaper and legal books every morning. I have a brother but he abhors reading. He’d rather go out and play with his friends. We have a lot of books at home but I’d rather be in front of the television. If I am good in reading, that’s because I am good in listening, watching and most of all mimicking. I mimic those characters that I see on TV (good thing that I only watch English shows back then). I know a person who is very BAD with reading. He reads in a fragmented manner and ends up not understanding what he had read. He does not have books but owns a number of e-books. He said his dad reads self-help books but he never got interested in reading. He’d rather go out in the streets and play with friends. He also loves watching English movies which somehow explains why his English is phenomenal when he talks (sometimes he sounds like a native speaker) and how much his English sucks when he reads. In conclusion, the kind of environment that you have at home would manifest in your actions in school. A person’s society and culture at home greatly affects his or her performance in school. A person can be very good at school not because the school is great but because his home is or it can also be the other way around.

The Pros and Cons of the Industrial Revolution :: American America History

The Pros and Cons of the Industrial Revolution The Industrial Revolution was a period in history when mankind found innovative and efficient ways of producing goods, manufacturing services and creating new methods of transportation. This not only revolutionized the way the market system functioned, but also changed the way people perceived their status in society and what they required as basic necessities. However, the price that humanity was forced to pay for the emergence of the Industrial Revolution greatly outweighed the rewards that accompanied it. Prior to the Industrial Age, the Western European market operated on a simple "putting-out" system. The average producer was able to manufacture a product in the same area that he or she lived on and the demand for that product was usually set by a few local consumers. The process was easy and simple, provided that the product being created was always required by someone else. However, the invention of Machinery and all of its accompanying peripherals allowed producers to start manufacturing on a mass scale. With factories placed in central locations of the townships (known as centralization), the previous system was dismantled and categorized into steps. No longer would one person be required to build, market or transport their product since the new system introduced the art of specialization. Specialization allowed a person to perform a single task and guarantee them wages as a source of income. However, as wonderful as this might seem, this new system led to the emergence of a n working class (proletariat) and forced them to depend on market conditions in order to survive as producers. Although seemingly content at first, those who became employed by these factories were immediately subjected to deplorable conditions. Arnold Toynbee made a scholarly assessment of this new wave of socio-economic behavior and concluded that the working class is suffering due to a series of hardships that make their lives miserable. He cited low wages, long hours, unsafe conditions, no provisions for old age, a discipline determined by machine and whole families being left with a low income rate as being a recurring problem that exploited the integrity and efficiency of Industrialization. This subsequently led to a period of "depersonalization" which meant that the employer-employee relationship was deteriorating in exchange for this new system. No longer could a worker befriend his boss or maintain a stable friendship since the divisions between their market classes made this al most impossible. One relied on the other for subsistence and therefore this dependency gave the property owners an upper edge in terms of negotiating income and support.

Origins, After/Otherworld & Codes Of Living Essay

Literature has been a useful way of understanding many aspects about the world and even the essence of the existence of mankind. The connection of literature with humanity can be evidently seen in different historical accounts of stories that have become famous internationally. These literary works may have been mythological, fantasy, religious or even non-fictional, but despite all of this. Finding greater realizations about man can be deeply understood within the confines of these stories. There can be similarities and differences that might appear at the stories. But sometimes, readers would find it surprising when he or she realizes the connections. To further understand man’s origins, understanding literature is one form of assistance. The contents within stories across the centuries of literature define and display messages about the possible origins of man. The following paragraphs showcase two examples of literary examples of the accounts of the creation of man. Genesis Then God said, â€Å"Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. † So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, â€Å"Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground. † (Genesis: 1: 26-28). Genesis, the initial part of the bible discusses the creation of everything. The book of Genesis made clear the importance of man and the explanation of how man came to be and how man should live. It stated clearly the purpose of man, to rule over the fish and the sea and the birds and every living creature. This account clearly states the importance of man and man’s role on earth. Greek Mythology’s Creation of Man â€Å"By now all was ready for the appearance of mankind. Even the places the good and bad should go to after death had been arranged. It was time for me to be created. There is more than one account of how that came to pass. Some say it was delegated by the gods to Prometheus, the Titan who had sided with Zeus in the war with the Titans, and to his brother, Epimetheus. Before making men he gave all the best gifts to the animals, strength and swiftness and courage and shrewd cunning, fur and feathers and wings and shells and the like – until no good was left for men, no protective covering and no quality to make them a match for the beasts. Prometheus, then, took over the task of creation and thought out a way to make mankind superior. He fashioned them in a nobler shape than the animals, upright like the gods; and then he went to heaven, to the sun. where he lit a torch and brought down fire, a protection to men far better than anything else, whether fur or feathers or strength or swiftness† (Hamilton, p. 71, 1942). The Creation of Man in Mythological description has been plenty. The above paragraph is just one account of man’s mythological creation. However, despite the various accounts, one common theme occurs, and that is man is created by the inspiration of the image of the gods. Death is inevitable.  One question that would come to mind to those who wonder about the afterlife is how does it look like? Is there such truth regarding life after death? These questions attract attention and interest. There are many literary accounts about the afterlife. Understanding them can help give a rather broad description or even just possible options of what the afterlife might really look like. Dante’s Divine Comedy This series shows the three phases of the afterlife according to Dante. Used in a 1st person point of view story-telling, Dante discusses the different places after a man dies. These places attributes to how man lived on earth. The places are the effect of life’s justice. The three places that were tackled are Hell, Purgatory and Paradise which is Heaven. Hell was described to have 9 circles, while Purgatory has 7 terraces, and then the 9 spheres of Heaven. Despite the religious transcription of the Divine Comedy, there are no other literary work that has become more influential about the afterlife than this work by Dante. It almost clearly describes the possibility of the afterlife. Greek Mythology Greek Mythology has been the product of classical literary work. Despite its mythological sense, there has been a good comparison with regards to the afterlife. Greek Mythology consists of the Heavens which is ruled by Zeus, the Waters which lorded over by Poseidon, and the Underworld which is under the control of Hades. The Underworld is the place for the dead. It’s description is a place of shadows and spirits. Most Greek Myths took place in the Underworld. Being considered as a place where the mortals live on after death, the concept of the afterlife is clear in this Greek Mythological place. There are many aspects of how man should live life. The Bible suggests a lot of stories that assists man in living the right kind of way. There are so many inspiring stories that advises how man should roam the earth and in the end reach the common goal of life. There are two striking accounts about the struggles in life but in the end achieving a positive result. The following literary accounts showcase stories about the remarkable aspect of life. These two stories display an interesting and enlightening statement about life.

10 Activities That Will Make Your Trip to Germany Special

10 Activities That Will Make Your Trip to Germany Special Top 10 Things to See and Do in Germany Travelers are often attracted by different exotic options and unexplored routes that promise new emotions and unforgettable impressions. It is quite understandable, since tourism has become very developed sphere and a life passion for many people. Though along with the original and extraordinary trip opportunities, Europe remains the unfailing focal point of sight-seeing. Its priceless architecture, cultural and art heritage and original atmosphere represent the endless source for touristic inspiration and attraction. If you made your decision in favor of the sophisticated European sights, in particular Germany, we will advise you ten things and places that you shouldn’t miss in this country. Visit the Semperoper Opera in Dresden Even if you are not very fond of opera and ballet, this opera is really worth seeing. It fascinates by magnificent architecture and luxurious interiors. Being built in 1841, it represents the historical, architectural and cultural masterpiece, which dazzles and astonishes its visitors with beauty. The Semperoper Opera offers numerous operas and ballet performances and you for sure will find something to your taste. Besides the very first opera, which was performed here is the opera written by German composer Carl Maria von Weber. Take a tour or buy a ticket to one of the performances and view this outstanding and pompous sight with your own eyes. Spend Spring in Bonn Spring is the special part of the year, which brings inspiration; desire to live, to create and to make something original in this world. Moreover, we are sure that if you meet spring in unique and remarkable places, it will endow you with a lot more impressions, encouragement and delight. Undoubtedly, Bohn is one of such places. Its Heerstrasse or Cherry Blossom Avenue is adored by all tourists in spring due to its pink splendid blossoms. In the Internet you can find thousands of photos of the Cherry Blossom Avenue but they can be hardly compared with viewing it in person. So if you have free April, head for Bohn, enjoy beauty of blossom, walk through the city center and visit famous Beethoven’s House, everything is nearby. Calm Nerves in the Tropical Islands Resort This place helps to change every day routine and take you away from all troubles. Here you forget about rush and schedule and enjoy dozens of entertaining activities for the whole family. The park is opened 24 hours a day and offers sandy beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, waterslides, the Shopping Boulevard and acrobatic performances. Here you become the combination of different activities and a great opportunity of entertainment this spring. Try Ski Jumping in Steinach This offer seems pretty risky and unsafe from the first side. However, no one is born with the ability and knowledge in a certain sphere. A lot of people search for new sources of emotions and adrenaline burst and ski jumping is the right thing. Rennsteig Outdoor Center in Steinach provides numerous courses and decent level of safety. Thus, we advise you to consider the possibility of having 150-meter ski jump this spring. Take Wine Tasting Tour in Cochem Cochem is famous by its vineyards and picturesque landscapes and if you like nature and wine, trip to this town will be a great choice. Go on foot or rent a bicycle and set out on a journey. Besides except wine tasting there are a lot of other things to do. The architecture in Cochem is remarkable and attractive; in particular Cochem’s Imperial Castle is one of its greatest masterpieces. The town is not big but there are a lot of things to see and to do, so this touristic destination is an excellent choice for a weekend trip. Hike in Saxon Switzerland Both professionals and amateurs will find great opportunity for hiking in the beautiful area along the Elbe River. There are about 1000 peaks, which attracts hikers with the awesome views. Especially, we should mention a famous and fascinating rock formation – Bastei. Wooden bridge, which connects several rocks, uncovers unforgettable and stunning views. Combine extreme experience with the fascination of the nature beauty in Saxon Switzerland and enjoy every moment of this. Go to Lichtenstein Castle Feeling attraction to medieval period of time, one should not miss an opportunity to visit the Lichtenstein Castle. It is situated on the cliff in Swabian Alps and is a beloved attraction for tourists. It is significant that by going to the castle you explore the history and admire the nature. The interior of the castle represents armory, paintings, medieval furniture, you have everything to deep into the life of those times. Attend Cultural Events in Heidelberg Heidelberg is a popular tourist destination. The city offers for its visitors a lot of architectural attractions: Medieval and Baroque buildings, ruins of the famous Renaissance castle, the oldest university in Germany. However, architecture is not the only reason of influx of tourists. There are a lot of cultural events held in the city. They are various music, theater and art festivals and numerous entertaining and cultural events. Visit Bavarian Alps Are you looking for fresh mountain air and interesting activities that can distract you from academic or business activities? There is such place in southern Bavaria, where the Alps are situated. Here you can find a lot of outdoor activities: skiing and snowboarding in winter, cycling, hiking and camping in summer. Also there are a lot of different events, festivals and spa resorts. There is a wide choice for any preferences. Visit Munich Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is often called one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. It attracts visitors by its geographic location, since it is situated in the backdrop of the Alps. Munich has a remarkable architecture, outstanding museums and a lot of other interesting sites. In October Munich becomes the center of all beer lovers due to its annual beer festival. Munich is more than just a city, it is the spirit, and it is the atmosphere, which should be witnessed at least once in the life. As you see, there is a lot of exiting things to do in Germany this spring and all the year round. Do not miss your chance and indulge yourself with the unforgettable trips!

The Vietnam War Essays (426 words) - Vietnam War, Free Essays

The Vietnam War Essays (426 words) - Vietnam War, Free Essays The Vietnam War The Vietnam War was a brutal war that affected millions of people in many different countries. All wars start because their is a difference in people?s opinions, and the Vietnam War was no different. It started because France and a Vietnam leader, Ho Chi Minh, had a difference in opinion about the type of government Vietnam should have. To find out why the war broke out you will have to go back to the 1750?s. This is where the French started their so called protectorate state of Vietnam. For many years the people of Vietnam protested but could not organize into a force powerful enough to resist the French. Then in 1946 a communist educated individual called Ho Chi Minh organized the people of North Vietnam and drove out the French rulers in a war that took eight years. During peace settlements in Geneva they allowed North and South Vietnam to become separate nations, divided on the 17th parallel. This was only to last for two years. After two years the two countries would then vote on a common leader and reunite the two countries once more. This never happened. South Vietnam was afraid that a Communist leader would be chosen and the nation would be in ruins. Communist guerrillas in South Vietnam opposing the canceled election began attacks on Southern Vietnam and remaining French officials to gain co! ntrol of South Vietnam. If North Vietnam was to begin their invasion of South Vietnam the Communist ruler Ho Chi Minh was sure to have complete control over the nation and spread his ideas of communism to neighboring countries. The United States thought that this should not happen so in 1965 the president ordered the bombing of North Vietnam and the landing of US troops in South Vietnam. This then caused North Vietnam to send regular units to the South. That therefore, cause more US troops to become involved. All of this kept building and building until it was a full scale war. The main reason that the Vietnam War broke out was that the old imperial France thought they could keep a so called protectorate state without giving them any freedom. Then a communist leader came along that united the people and took over in the name of freedom. The U.S. thought that if Vietnam became communist then neighboring countries would soon follow. They did not want communism to spread so they tried to stop it. Stop it by war and it did not work out like they thought it would.

The Red Badge of Courage Book Summary

The Red Badge of Courage Book Summary The Red Badge of Courage was published by D. Appleton and Company in 1895, about thirty years after the Civil War ended. Author Born in 1871, Stephen Crane was in his early twenties when he moved to New York City to work for the New York Tribune. He was apparently fascinated and influenced by the people he observed living in the gritty art scene as well in the poverty-filled tenement housing. He is credited with being influential among the early American Naturalist writers. In his two major works, The Red Badge of Courage and Maggie: A Girl of the Streets, Cranes characters experience internal conflict and outside forces that overwhelm the individual. Setting The scenes take place in the fields and roads of the American South, as a Union regiment wanders through Confederate territory and encounters the enemy on the battlefield. In opening scenes, the soldiers wake slowly and seem to long for action. The author uses words like lazy, quaint, and retiring, to set the tranquil scene, and one soldier claims, Ive got ready to move eight times in the last two weeks, and we aint moved yet. This initial tranquility provides a sharp contrast to the harsh reality that the characters experience on the bloody battlefield in chapters to come. Main Characters Henry Fleming, the main character ( the protagonist). He undergoes the most change in the story, going from a cocky, romantic young man eager to experience the glory of war to a seasoned soldier who sees war as messy and tragic. Jim Conklin, a soldier who dies in an early battle. Jims death forces Henry to face his own lack of courage and reminds Jim of the stark reality of war. Wilson, a mouthy soldier who cares for Jim when he is wounded. Jim and Wilson seem to grow and learn together in battle. The wounded, tattered soldier, whose nagging presence forces Jim to face his own guilty conscience. Plot Henry Fleming begins as a naive young man, eager to experience the glory of war. He soon faces the truth about war and his own self-identity on the battlefield, however. As the first encounter with the enemy approaches, Henry wonders if he will be brave in the face of battle. In fact, Henry does panic and flee in an early encounter. This experience sets him on a journey of self-discovery, as he struggles with his conscience and re-examines his opinions about war, friendship, courage, and life. Although Henry fled during that early experience, he did return to the battle, and he escapes condemnation because of the confusion on the ground. He ultimately overcomes the fear and takes part in courageous acts.   Henry grows as a person by gaining a better understanding of the realities of war.   Questions to Ponder Think about these questions and points as you read the book. They will help you determine a theme and develop a strong thesis. Examine the theme of inner versus outer turmoil: What role does Henrys conscience play?What does Henry learn from each soldiers death? Examine male and female roles: What role does Henrys mother play?What does this novel suggest about our concepts of masculinity and courage? What does this novel suggest about our concepts of war? Possible First Sentences Sometimes, we have to come face to face with our fears to learn something about ourselves.Have you ever been really afraid?The Red Badge of Courage, by Stephen Crane, is a story about growing up.What is bravery? Sources: Caleb, C. (2014, Jun 30). The red and the scarlet.  The New Yorker,  90. Davis, Linda H. 1998.  Badge of Courage: The Life of Stephan Crane. New York: Mifflin.