The Five Ways Of Proving God s Existence - 790 Words

Edward Tajchman Intro to Philosophy 29 October 2014 Reflections on The Essay, The Five Ways of Proving God s Existence, by Thomas Aquinas Aquinas proposes that there are five ways of proving the existence of god. The first way is motion. Things in motion are not put in motion of their own accord, so they must have been put in motion by another force. This takes a thing from potentiality into the realm of actuality. Because this thing cannot be the mover and also the thing being moved, another force must be responsible for this. Like heat making water boil for example, transforming it into a gas. Aquinas proposes that God must be this external force acting on things and putting them into motion. The second thing that is put forward as proof of the existence of god is the nature of the efficient cause. There must be an order of efficient causes in a world of sense. There is the greatest cause, mid-level cause, etc. One causes the other, but this cannot go on forever. There must be an original cause. When you take away the cause of something you take away the effect. Therefore the first efficient cause must be god. Possib ility and necessity, or rather the possible or the not possible, is the third proof we are presented with that god exists. In nature we have the possible and the not possible. It is impossible for a thing to have never existed, so at some point it did not exist. If nothing ever existed, It would be impossible for something to come into existence on it sShow MoreRelatedDiscourse On Method And Meditations On First Philosophy945 Words   |  4 Pagesdecide if God was real or not and if God created him or not. In Meditation Five, Descarte states that God existed because he has prior knowledge of materialistic things. He states that he recalls objects without prior knowledge of them, and that everyone perceives all the objects in the same type of manner. In the end of the mediation he closes it out by stating that, we all can think of non existent things with the same idea of what they are without them existing, thus proving that God exists inRead MoreThe Five Ways Of The Existence Of God1557 Words   |  7 Pagesshort paper will analyze â€Å"The Five Ways†, from Summa Theologica, by Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). We cannot prove that God exists, merely by considering the word God, for that strategy work, we would have to presume to know God s essence. According to Aquinas, the existence of God can be proved. This paper will discuss what each of the five ways are that Thomas Aquinas introduced to show the existence of God. The Argument from Change: To begin with, one way to prove that God exists is to contemplate theRead MoreThe Existence Of God : Ontological Argument Essay1696 Words   |  7 PagesThe question of the existence of God has troubled mankind for thousands of years. Many philosophers and theologians have always searched for prove whether God exists. Many of them constructed valid arguments which support theist believes. The existence of God was once never denied, as His presence, His existence was evident in miracles and the people s faith. But time and the advancement of modern science have called God and His very nature into question. The Perfect Being has become the sourceRead MoreThe Prophet Muhammad And The Second Largest Religions Today977 Words   |  4 Pagescoming second to Christianity. The religion is believed to derive mostly from the teachings of the prophet Muhammad. He was also believed to be the last prophet. Islam began in about 600 AD, around the time Muhammad was instr ucted to teach the word of God in Mecca. When Muhammad was about forty years of age, he began having visions and would also hear voices. Often enough, he would find clarity by meditating in a cave at Mount Hira (near Mecca). One day as he was meditating, he saw a light and felt sequesteredRead MoreAnselm And Aquinas On How God Exists1277 Words   |  6 Pagesviews on how God exists, these important philosophers spent much of their time looking and searching for the idea that God actually exists. Therefore, of course there would be some mishaps along the way and people would try to argue against their idea of God’s existence. In this paper will be explained the proof of God and of course some objections against them that will make you wonder. With Anselm s ontological argument and Aquinas’ ways, we can use that to help prove God’s existence. It would beRead MoreKant And Sir William David Ross Essay1011 Words   |  5 PagesWhat Christians Believe Lewis’ â€Å"What Christians Believe† is divided into five distinct parts, each attempting to defend the existence of God. The Rival Conceptions of God: Lewis explains Christian’s insistence of God existence and rejection of God being beyond good and evil. They insist He is â€Å"good† and â€Å"righteous† and an essential and distinct part of the universe. Those who object that notion of God because a good God would not allow evil are on faulty ground since their objection rests on appealingRead MoreThe Natural Law Theory Essay examples1037 Words   |  5 Pagesmoral way to live life; especially a life lived in God’s image. God’s presence is a guiding factor to obtaining a moral and virtuous life, which can only be obtained by following the natural law theory. God created a set of laws as a supreme guide for humans to live life, like any law these laws were created to ensure wellbeing for everyone. The laws he created are the civil law, the natural law and the divine law God created them from a law much superior than the rest, one which only God himselfRead MoreDesca rtes Belief in God Essay1503 Words   |  7 PagesDescartes and God In his groundbreaking work, Meditations on First Philosophy, the French philosopher Rene Descartes lays the groundwork for many philosophical principles by attempting to â€Å"establish a bold and lasting knowledge† (171)1. The foundations for knowledge Descartes established would go on to influence a plethora of other philosophers and philosophical works. Descartes argues in his meditations first from the point of view of complete skepticism, using skepticism as a tool in order toRead MoreThomas Aquinas And His Views On The Existence Of God1527 Words   |  7 Pagesfrom the 1200’s who dedicated his life to praising and explaining the existence of a higher being, God. Aquinas presents his evidence for the existence of a higher being through five distinct ways in the Summa Theologica. These ways give reason for God’s existence through the cause, existence and final cause of different events and objects. The two first ways made by Aquinas are the most influential sources I found that provide good evidence for the existence of God and are the ways I will be analyzingRead MoreThe Bible Is The Best Gift God Essay1225 Words   |  5 PagesThe Bible, although written by man is God s word to the world. The unity showed in the bible over such a long period of time, and over multiple continents is proof that it was written by something more than just a mere human, and that it was instead written by someone with divine power. The bible’s timeline spans centuries, but the impact that the bible has will continue indefinitely. Although there are millions of believers there is also almost an equal amount of skeptics. Because no physical evidence

The Awakening By Kate Chopin - 1479 Words

Kate Chopin’s controversial novel, The Awakening, ignited turmoil because of her blatant disregard of the established 19th century perspective of women upholding strictly maternal and matrimonial responsibilities. Edna’s candid exploration of the restrictions on women through her liberal behavior in a conservative Victorian society makes her a literary symbol for feminist ideals. Despite denunciation from other people, Edna chooses individuality over conformity through her veering from traditional obligations. Edna indulges in her love of art, which is considered to conflict with her expected singular devotion to her household. Exploring her sexuality rather than repressing any sexual awareness constructs her feministic mentality. Edna†¦show more content†¦She raises her children with a distance between them. This void shows Edna’s lack of open wings, which is considered the norm of the 19th century expectations of women. Her newfound acceptance of negle cting her maternal responsibly ignited a much larger awakening within her. A sense of individuality and the â€Å"†¦realiz[ation of] her position in the universe as a human being, and ... her relations as an individual to the world within and about her† grew stronger (Chopin 15). She dislikes her role being entirely centered on domestic responsibilities so she begins to stretch the bindings of society. Edna’s indulgence in art exemplifies the importance she has placed on personal fulfillment, an attribute of feminist ideals. Edna characterizes herself as an artist. This demonstrates her desire to be set free from the familial expectations placed on her. Art represents a freedom of expression. Edna’s association with her artistic passion, not necessarily ability, foreshadows her desire to break free from society’s norms. Edna seeks the guidance of a liberated woman, Mademoiselle Reisz, who is the ideal feminist woman that Edna aspires to be. Reisz connects with her artistic hobbies through music. Her music inspires and provides her with the strength not to live under the maternal expectation. Edna enjoys painting although she does not consider

A. Marcello Oboe Concerto in D Minor free essay sample

I was captured by the simple yet eloquent melodies that were presented UT I also was curious as I had not known of Benefited to write for oboe. I also know that Marcello stated, Oboes, flutes, trumpets, bassoons, etc. , will always be out of tune, too sharp, etc. I acquired the published edition of the oboe concerto from a company in Amsterdam and it listed the composer as Teeter Statistical. Since this only added to the mystery of who the true composer of the piece Is, I decided to return to my home In Venice so that I might Investigate for myself and find out the truth.I have arrived back at Venice and I feel it should be noted the rise In compositions and reference of the woodwind instruments, especially the oboe. For many years string players have dominated the performing scene here in the Italian republics. Before the turn of the century, there was a sudden increase of instruments being produced. We will write a custom essay sample on A. Marcello Oboe Concerto in D Minor or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The recorder, transverse flute, oboe, bassoon were becoming a regular part of the musical life here and masterpieces were being written for these Instruments. Italian woodwind players are considered the finest In Europe and many are becoming quite famous.The oboe in particular has become a primary Instrument here in Venice. The Escapade Della Petite; where I teach, has had many of the finest oboe teachers. These teachers are the virtuosi of our day and include Ignition Orion, Inform, Pennant, Ludwig Redrawn and Ignition Giber. Myself have taken oboe lessons from these gentlemen at the insistence of Francesco Aspiring. I have digressed enough from my original mission. It is now time to seek out the true composer of this wonderful oboe concerto. There are three Marcello brothers, Alexandra, Benefited and Giordano, who were born of nobility here in Venice.Benefited is well-known for his music. Alexandra composes also but his interests actually lie more with philosophy, mathematics, history, chemistry, painting and poetry. Alexandra has a small body of work in music. This is probably due to him being much more of a fugue head in the Venetian government since his father passed away in 1707. Benefited has a much larger body of work composing of many Instrumental and sacred vocal pieces. I recalled that considering the academic pursuits of the Marcello, that It was possible that they were members of the Arcadian colony.The Arcadian were a new movement of intellectuals that emphasized the respect of artistic achievement and a return to the Greek ideals that music and poetry worked together. They also wished to avoid lavish displays and encouraged simplicity. The Arcadian would also use pseudonyms and I discovered that the pseudonym of Teeter Statistical belonged to Alexandra. It is typical of nobles such as the Marcello to conduct concerts in their home. I went to the Palazzo Marcello and discovered a concert was being performed that had the concerto on its program. The oboist was unknown to me.The audience contained mostly nobles and government officials. I arrived Just as the concert was about to being. You can hear the Acadia ideals in Leaseholders piece. When the oboe finally enters, the melody line is simple but it carries you and makes you want to listen. It is almost like there isnt an oboist on stage but a vocalist singing to you. The first movement, Andante e copycats, is not very technical but has a motion and energy that drives each phrase. I have noticed that I dont hear the same ornaments as the Bach transcription which leads me to believe that Bach added his own ornaments to his work.The second movement, Adagio, I believe is one of the most graceful melodies to have come upon my ears. The strings begin on a repeated unison note of D using slow eighths. The next measure only contains a repeated E and D in the same pattern but it leads you to a wonderful cadence in measure three. This motion brings in the oboe part playing a lifting, airy melody that almost makes you float out of your seat. You can clearly hear the combination of poetry and music. The slow, melancholy melody makes the performer sound as if he is crying out for something that has been lost to him.The final movement, Presto, is the most technical of the piece but it doesnt lose the emotion the rest of the work contains. The Presto has a sense of urgency that is released on the final cadence which ends on a major chord. Afterwards, I was unable to find the composer to give him my impression of his work. Alexandra may be the lesser known composer but his work shows him to be a master of music and the many other undertakings in the intellectual world that he has. I can only pray that time doesnt lose sight of not only Alexandra but also Benefited and the contributions they have given to the musical world.

The Challenges Facing Administration Motor free essay sample

Motor vehicle owners in Kenya were legally compelled to take out insurance against traffic accidents involving third parties in the mid 1940s under the Road Traffic Act (RTA). The history of public service vehicles (PSV) dates back to the late 1950s when there appeared a new form of taxi operating between the city centre of Nairobi and Makadara in Eastland of the city. The fare, irrespective of distance was thirty cents, the Kiswahili equivalent being â€Å"mapeni matatu,’ which was adopted as reference to this taxi and shortened to â€Å"Matatu† (Timbwa, 1985). The origin of Matatu industry can be traced from the type of transport system that operated in towns in the early 1960s. Initially, the Kenya Bus Service existed since 1934 as the sole legal provider of public transport services. It was jointly owned by the United Transport Overseas Ltd (75%) and the Nairobi City Council (25% of the shares). Public transport in Kenya, especially in urban areas is dominated by Matatu vehicles. We will write a custom essay sample on The Challenges Facing Administration Motor or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In the early 1960s, the total number of Matatus operating in the country was less than 400 and operated in form of taxis. In 1973, President Jomo Kenyatta, responding to lobbying from Matatu operators declared that they were a legal mode of transport and could carry fare paying passengers without obtaining special licenses to do so but had to comply with existing insurance and traffic regulations (Aduwo, 1992). By 1990, of the 333,300 vehicles registered in the country, 17,600 were Matatus (Bhushan, 1993 cited in Muyia, 1995). By 2003, the number of Matatus operating in both urban and rural areas was estimated at 40,000 (Asingo, 2004). They comprised of Nissans, mini-buses and pickups. They provided employment to nearly 160,000 persons and generated vast revenue for the Government in form of charges for licenses, duty, VAT and other taxes. In addition, the industry plays a leading role in transportation of persons and goods in both rural and urban areas. Unfortunately, the industry’s vast growth has been accompanied by increasing road traffic accidents that have threatened safety of Kenyan travelers. The accidents increased by 182% from 3,578 in 1963 to 10,106 in 1989 and 11,785 in 1994 (Muyia, 1995). In these accidents, 2,014 persons were killed, 6,650 were seriously injured and 11,094 had minor injuries. The causes of the accidents included reckless driving, non-roadworthy vehicles, overloading and poor conditions of the roads. 1. 1. 1. Underwriting Underwriting is the selection and rating of risks by the insurer (Canner, 2007). There are various considerations that guide the underwriting process leading to the decision as whether to accept a given risk or not and if accepted at what premium rate. The key considerations in motor underwriting include; Use of the vehicle, District of garage, Make and type of the vehicle, seating and carrying capacity, the type of cover required, the driver’s details and the value and age of the vehicle. Use, refers to whether the vehicle is public hire or Private hire. District of garage refers to the address where the vehicle is normally garaged. Make and type of the vehicle specifies whether the vehicle is an Isuzu van, Toyota saloon, Mazda bus etc. Seating and carrying capacity refers to the number of passengers including the driver and the size of the engine. The type of cover required could be third party only (TPO), third party fire and theft (TPFT) or comprehensive. The driver’s details include age, sex, experience, conviction and accident history while the value and age of the vehicle refers to the sum insured and the year of manufacture of the vehicle. Passenger carrying vehicles are generally categorized into the following three classes for underwriting purposes; public hire vehicles, private hire Chauffeur driven vehicles and private hire self-drive vehicles (Canner, 2007). Public hire vehicles are licensed to ply for hire. They include vans, mini-buses and pick- ups. The vehicles are hailed in the streets though local bylaws restrict the waiting points of such vehicles. This class is regarded as the highest risk because of maximum use of the vehicle and drivers coupled with high levels of moral hazard. Private Hire Chauffeur driven vehicles are hired for passenger travel through the operator’s office or agency. The vehicles tend to cover extensive mileage with drivers working for long shifts. One sector of this class which is regarded as good is the prestige limousine arena where vehicles are used for wedding purposes, as hearses and for other private functions. Finally, Private Hire Self-drive vehicles are made available to the hirer. Regrettably the vehicles which fall under this class are misused by the hirers. To mitigate this, a pre and post-hire inspection is carried out by the owners of the vehicles (poll M. , et al, 2009). 1. 1. 2. Experience in Kenya Kenya, with an average of 7 deaths from the 35 crashes that occur each day, has one of the highest road fatality rates in relation to vehicle ownership in the world. Nearly 3,000 people are killed on Kenyan roads annually. This translates to approximately 68 deaths per 1,000 registered vehicles, which is 30-40 times greater than in highly motorized countries. Road traffic crashes are the third leading cause of death after malaria and HIV/AIDS and present major public health problems in terms of morbidity, disability and associated health care costs. Despite this huge burden, road safety measures in place are ineffective, characterized by crack downs on motor vehicles following tragic road crashes. These accidents have been occasioned by the government’s neglect of the road sub-sector in the past 10-15 years (Odero et. l 2003). Insurance companies in the country have been accused of operating like a cartel by agreeing on specific premium rates across the sector. Kimutai, (2009) argues that contrary to a free market economy, insurance companies fix the premiums instead of letting the market forces determine them. However Gichuhi, (2009) observes that the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) does no t set rates but advises members on what they can charge based on the statistics collected from both the local and international markets. Makove (2009) contends that motor risks are under his close watch due to a number of reasons. First, motor insurance, particularly third party risks, is compulsory. Secondly, companies that have collapsed have been motor underwriters. Premiums charged must be able to service claims, company expenses and commission to the agents as well as return a little element of profit for the company. Muhindi (2009) adds that even the Policy Holders Protection Fund will suffer because all companies will not accept to contribute to it if companies start going under because, say, PSV underwriters are not charging the right premiums. If an insurer collapses due to uneconomical rates, then obviously it shakes the public confidence in the industry in general. Omogeni (2009) observes that cartel or not, the process of setting insurance premiums needs a re-examination for the parties unhappy with the present system to not only get but also see justice being done. The insurance industry suffered a major setback when another motor underwriter, Standard Assurance Kenya Ltd, went under in 2008. The heavily indebted insurance firm was placed under statutory management over its inability to settle some Sh100 million in outstanding claims owed to policyholders and creditors. The closure followed closely on a similar incident involving another motor underwriter, Invesco, which closed its doors in 2009 but was resuscitated early in 2010. Other insurance companies which have gone under in similar circumstances are Kenya National Assurance in 1996, Access Insurance in1997, Stallion Insurance in1998, Lakestar Insurance in 2003 and United Insurance in 2006 (Okoth, 2009). Problems in the PSV underwriting business have remained intact since the Kenya Motor Insurance Pool collapsed in 1979. The PSV insurance sector, avoided by most insurers, is among the most affected by delays in reviewing the Insurance Act. The PSV insurance sector is seen as a cash cow for fraudsters or ambulance chasers, with elaborate networks that include unscrupulous medical personnel, motor repairers and spare parts dealers, police, lawyers and assessors, among others. This network is so well entrenched that it is attributed to the collapse of motor pools, an initiative that was meant to address weaknesses of the sub-sector (Okoth, 2009). Previously, there have been several unsuccessful attempts to address these challenges. The first compulsory Kenya Motor Pool was established in 1974 but it faced serious challenges, including the withdrawal of the state-owned KNAC in 1979 before it finally collapsed in 1984. A second motor pool was set up a year later before it was wound up four years down the line after being bogged down by huge liabilities (Timbwa, 2000). 1. 2. Statement of the problem More insurance companies covering public service vehicles (PSV) face the risk of collapse unless urgent measures are taken.

Only Connect Essays

Only Connect Essays Only Connect Paper Only Connect Paper Essay Topic: Literature The epigraph Only Connect that Forster has given to Howards End is certainly an appropriate one, as the impact of these two words is significant throughout the novel. Forster manages impressively not only to intertwine the lives of the characters, but also integrate the separate divisions of the social spectrum into the world of the novel. Throughout the novel a number of significant connections occur between the various characters. In the portrait of Margaret and Helen Schlegel and in the optimistic ending to the novel, Forster points readers towards a future of harmonious connection between the different elements in the world of the novel. This essay, however will argue that in fact the conflict that is presented in Howards End, outweighs the connections. The protagonist in Howards End who connects with a number of characters is Margaret Schlegel. Margaret is the chief representative of the Schlegel family, which signifies the idealistic, intellectual and cultural aspects of the English upper middle classes. For example, Margaret becomes acquainted with Mrs. Wilcox, a gentle, selfless, loving and strangely omniscient character. In contrast to Margaret, Mrs. Wilcox is clearly not intellectual. Margaret throws a luncheon for the ethereal, selfless Mrs. Wilcox. However, it is clear that Mrs. Wilcox feel uncomfortable amongst the guests. For example, it is made evident that her tastes were simple and her knowledge of culture slight. There was no common topic between Mrs. Wilcox and the guests. Unlike Margaret, Mrs. Wilcox is not interested in Art, Music, Journalism and Literature. Instead, Mrs. Wilcoxs life revolves around her husband and sons. Although Mrs. Wilcox is not a cultured lady, as is Margaret, and despite the failure of the luncheon, they still seem to share spiritual qualities which allow them to connect. This surprising friendship is Forsters attempt to bring the two main families of the novel into a union. He also wishes to bring together the two symbolic ideas that they represent. Mrs. Wilcox is a very different creature from her husband and children, replacing their materialistic hard-headedness with a kind of selfless, loving sensitivity to those around her. The readers recognize that Mrs. Wilcox tends to have an intuitive knowledge of the people around her. Mrs. Wilcox calls this an instinct which may be wrong. As their relationship develops, Mrs. Wilcox attempts to leave her home, Howards End, to Margaret. Although Mrs. Wilcox and Margaret are from different families with contrasting beliefs, they are clearly able to converse well with each other. For example, in Chapter 8 the two characters speak about superstitions. It is apparent that Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox do share some similarities. For instance, Mrs. Wilcox tells her companion about the wych-elm tree in Hertfordshire Margaret tells Mrs. Wilcox that she loves folklore and all festering superstitions. There are obvious parallels between these characters, and this adds to the idea of a future of harmony. Even after the death of Mrs. Wilcox, it seems that her presence still remains within Margaret. A striking incident in which Margaret reveals Mrs. Wilcoxs existence is during her first visit to Howards End. Margaret sees an old woman who was descending, with figure erect and with a face impassive. This woman, Mrs. Avery, mistakes Margaret for being Mrs. Wilcox. Mrs. Avery stated that Margaret had Mrs. Wilcoxs way of walking. Some readers might find this way of expressing the spiritual connection rather unconvincing. For instance, the incident at Howards End, can be thought to be too supernatural sounding. However, Foster is knowingly and wittily asking the reader to stretch their sympathetic connection with Margaret to the extent that they can feel with her, the presence of Mrs. Wilcox. Forster is seducing the reader into accepting something which is irrational and something that would be rejected by commonsense. In Mrs. Wilcox, there is an acceptance of a Margaret-like mentality as opposed to a Henry-like mentality. This supernatural aura is also presented in Chapter 18. Mrs. Wilcox strayed in and out, ever welcome ghost; surveying the scene, thought Margaret, without one hint of bitterness. This suggests that Mrs. Wilcox approved of Margaret and Henry being together. It portrays the spiritual connection between Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox. The most explicit expression of the theme of only connect occurs at the beginning of chapter 22. This is an essential chapter, as it allows the readers to grasp the concept of only connect: Margaret greeted her lord with peculiar tenderness on the morrow. Mature as he was, she might yet be able to help him to the building of the rainbow bridge that should connect the prose in us with passion. Without it we are meaningless fragments, half monks, half beasts, unconnected arches that have never joined into a man. In this chapter, Margarets task in helping Mr. Wilcox to achieve internal harmony is defined: Only Connect! That was that whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted and human love will be seen at its highest. Live in fragments no longer. Only connect, and the beast and monk, robbed of the isolation that is life to either, will die (chapter 22). Margaret has an overall venture throughout the novel to unify the unseen with the seen, and therefore create balance. Yet the greatest challenge to this project comes in the form of her eventual husband, Henry Wilcox. After the death of Mrs. Wilcox, Margaret grows very fond of her husband Henry Wilcox. She wishes to change the male mannerism in his character, of panic and emptiness. Margarets attempt to change Henry can be said to be a noble, heroic aim. Margaret starts to do this when she cultivates Henry. While Margaret never forgot anyone for whom she had once cared; she connected and she hoped that some day Henry might do the same. The well-known critic, FR Leavis rather objects to the plausibility of Margaret and Henrys relationship. I disagree: Forster does attempt to trace the development of Margaret and Henrys courtship. Forster suggests the plausibility of their relationship through the narration about Margarets father. It can be said that Margaret is aware that her fathers characteristics are reflected in Henry. For example, the fact that her father is able to change countries and ideals, relates to Mr. Wilcoxs spontaneous and impulsive qualities. This attracts her enormously to Henry. She admires Henrys male strength and soldier- like quality. It also seems appropriate that Margaret and Henry are both middle-aged, single people. Margaret also sympathises with the fact that Henry is needy without a wife. Her intentions to connect with Henry and make him connect are thus not so poorly motivated as Leavis thinks. However, although we might well sympathise with Margarets aims, it is unlikely that readers of Howards End will feel that Margaret will succeed in changing Henry. Henrys character contrasts enormously with Margarets. He is described as being obtuse, materialistic and money-orientated. The way in which Henry deals with Leonard Bast is definitely contrary to the way in which Margaret deals with him. Henrys association with Leonard conflicts enormously with Margarets beliefs. Henry deals casually with Leonard Bast and does not show any sympathy for him when his employment situation becomes disastrous. It is obvious that Henry does not see a personal connection with Leonard Bast. Henry even forgets who Leonard Bast is, contrary to Margarets aim. Margaret later tries to show Henry that he must forgive Leonard and Helen for their sexual encounter. According to Henry it is wrong to have pre-marital sex. However, he has had extra-marital sex with Jackie Bast, and so if Margaret is willing to forgive him, then surely Margaret feels he should be equally willing to forgive Leonard and Helen. She is suggesting that Henry only utilises one area of his emotions and thought, as he is too arrogant and self-protective to forgive. Henry prefers not to connect, so then he does not have to face the consequences and the reality of his actions. It is a case of ignorance being bliss. While he needed the support from Margaret when he had been exposed, he is unwilling to succour another, and so Margaret is attempting to sever his isolation and halt his detachment from reality. Margaret tells her partner; You shall see the connection if it kills you, Henry! A man who ruins a woman for his pleasure, and casts her off to ruin other men These men are you. You cant recognise them, because you cannot connect. Some readers think that what happens at the end of the novel is that through connecting with Henry, Margaret succeeds in undermining Henrys defences. However, it is rather the indirect influence of Margarets connection of Henry and Charles to the Basts that really brings about Henrys change. Henry eventually must face the discovery that his son, Charles, has caused the death of Leonard Bast, and Charles must serve time in prison. Henry is a broken man, but Margaret undertakes his care. Henry undergoes a breakdown and finally recognises that his values were at fault. His obtuseness and ignorance converts into humbleness and awareness. Henry eventually is reconciled to Helen. She and her illegitimate child join Margaret and Henry at Howards End, where peace and stability are enjoyed. It is here when these connections and reconciliation are imposed to provide a source of hope for harmony in the future. In this ending Forster is clearly trying to portray the possibility of a unified Edwardian England. Forster has earlier prepared for the climactic scene of harmony and connection by his scene of reconciliation between Margaret and Helen, the past sanctifying the present. Foster thus illustrates the restoration of the family unit, and here too attempts to convey an impression of inner-harmony and connection between the characters. The situation of the living circumstances at the end of the novel can be said to present harmony. A harmony is achieved at Howards End, as it is inhabited by Margaret, Henry, Helen and the Bast love child. The Bast child can represent a new connected class, a mixture of bourgeoisie and bohemian upper class. It is the characters aptitude to forgive, and so embrace the other that allows them to connect. This is suggested in the relationships between Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox and Margaret and Helen. However this is a mannerism not possessed by Henry until the end of the novel. This explains the reasons for his narrow-minded treatment of Leonard Bast. Not only do various connections or relationships in Howards End predict a future of harmony, but Forster attempts to convey this impression through the ambience of the novel. The continuity in national life appears clearly in the description of the Dorset Coast at the end of chapter 19. The vision of England as a ship of souls, with all the brave worlds fleet accompanying her towards eternity, is a passage which certainly embodies the ideals of harmony and continuity, untarnished by provinciality or jingoism. Forsters use of tone and visionary language positively creates an atmosphere of peace and harmony. A number of ideas in the book are shaped under a Romantic belief that internal order can occur through love, thus attempting to represent the notion of a reconciliation of opposites, through Romantic tendencies. For example, the Romantic idea of the healing and comforting powers of nature is conveyed through Leonards walk. In chapter fourteen, Leonard tells the Schlegel sisters of his connection with nature. The conversation between Leonard and the sisters is clearly enlightening. The characters are all involved in a situation which interests them. The sisters encourage the conversation with phrases such as Yes, go on. Their curiosity is evident when Margaret asks Yes, but the wood. This ere wood. How did you get out of it? However, the love connection between Margaret and Henry, is not truly believable. For example, nowhere in the book is true love really moulded, but instead love based upon the desire to improve and to belong. This is portrayed through their marriage, which seems to occur out of convenience. It is in fact the conflict between the characters which seem more realistic, thus Margaret and Helen separate through conflicts between the families. Henry Wilcox is disgusted when discovering that Helen has fallen pregnant. He does not wish to have a fallen girl staying at Howards End and he does not deny this to Margaret. Henry informs his son, Charles of the situation. In Chapter 39 Charles immediately consults Tibby Schlegel, Helens younger brother. Tibby admits that it was Leonard Bast who would be the father of Helens baby. The Wilcoxes anger leads to the death of Leonard Bast. This incident indubitably predicts a future of conflict The ending of the novel, Forsters attempt to redeem the possibility of connection, is in fact unbelievable and implausible. The final situation in Howards End presents an unrealistic harmony. Forster has made an ending that is too rushed and too optimistic. Readers will question whether it is truly possible for Helen to live beside Mr. Wilcox. It is because of the Wilcox family that Helens lover is now dead. Her baby will have to be raised as a bastard, because there will be no chance of them getting married. It is unrealistic that Helen would forgive the Wilcox family for allowing what happened to Leonard Bast. Leonard will not be able to be a representative of the Bast family. It is likely that Helen will always hold some sort of abhorrence for the Wilcoxes because of her lovers death. It is almost impossible to see that the Bast child will live contentedly beside the Wilcox family, knowing that they are the reason that he is a bastard. The readers also see no sign of Jacky Bast at the end of the novel. Surely it is not credible that Forster has not included this important figure in the end of his novel? The impression of an incurable gender conflict between Henry and the Schlegel sisters is emphasised all the more in the other characters. In fact, Forster portrays almost all the male characters in his novel negatively. The men are possessive and chauvinistic characters made of panic and emptiness as suggested by Margarets sister Helen. Chapter 25 contains a scene in which the clear conflict between men and women is portrayed. Margaret is determined to go back to the place where the car she was travelling in was thought to have hit a dog. Margaret exclaims Do please stop! I want to go back, please. However, Charles took no notice. The other characters told Margaret that The men are there, The men will see to it. This reaction emphasizes how it was commonly thought that the men should take care of all important business and that the women should merely submit to them and do what they are told. After the demanding way that Charles and Mr. Wilcox act toward the women, the narration includes Ladies sheltering behind men, men sheltering behind servants-the whole systems wrong, and she must challenge it. On page 214, Charles speaks of the incident that occurred. He states Miss. Schlegel had lost her mind, as any woman might. The male dominating character underlines his stereotypical view of women as he speaks of them as being over dramatic and foolish. Despite Forsters optimistic ending, scenes like this strongly suggest that the gender differences in the early twentieth century, are likely to cause a future of conflict and disagreement. Forsters vivid and emphatic presentation of the differences within the families, very much goes against the possibility of harmony. He places a large emphasis on the difficulty in connecting due to the families different backgrounds. For example, the pragmatic Wilcox family are materialistic and very much money-orientated. They represent the solid English work ethic and conventional social morality. They are involved greatly in the business environment. On the other hand, the idealistic Schlegel family are more spiritual and cultured. The upper class family appreciate Edwardian culture such as the Arts and literature and music. The Basts, headed by a lower-middle class insurance clerk are impoverished. Leonard Bast desperately hopes that books will save him from social and economic desolation. Their differences in interests present a huge and eventually immovable obstacle in connecting with each other. Moreover, Forster does not deal with people across the whole social spectrum in his novel. If only connect is going to be associated with England, then it is unfair to make a prediction of the future of England upon reading Howards End. Forster does not look upon the whole of England. He avoids looking at people of great wealth such as aristocrats and upper class, and although he includes Leonard Bast, he does not look at the vast numbers of the working class people at all. When reading Howards End, readers are aware of the conflicts and connections between the families. Through many relationships within the novel, people are able to connect and share interests. They are also able to share ideas and beliefs with one another. However, apart from these, too many disagreements occur. These broad fault-lines between groups of people are very evident in the novel, and Forster does little to persuade us they can be healed. They are crystallised in the situation between Henry and Margaret. It is clear that Henry is afraid of emotion. His motto is concentrate, while Margarets is only connect. This difference in attitudes creates an irreconcilable tension in the novel. They are very different people who represent extremely different ideas. The difference between concentrating and only connecting is the difference between Margaret and Henry; it is the difference between the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes, and the primary conflict in Howards End. Through this argument, it can be concluded that the sense of conflict outweighs the attempt to present the Schlegels, Wilcoxes and Basts as connected. Forster is very much similar to the way that Margaret thinks. Forster tends to be biased towards Margarets ideas and beliefs. It can be said that Forster and Margaret share the same aphorism; Only Connect. Although Margaret encourages connection, the hope for harmony seems doubtful. The attempted connections prove unsuccessful. Most significantly, the connection between Leonard Bast and the Schlegels, finally results in his death and Forsters contrived and sketchy harmonious conclusion cannot rescue the argument. Rather what is stressed is the divided nature of Edwardian England and a future of conflict. Bibliography utm.edu/~lalexand/brnovel/forster.html musicandmeaning.com/forster/

Psychology sexual Identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Psychology sexual Identity - Essay Example Fortunately, I now have the capacity to gauge their influence on my relationships-how they start, get maintained or ultimately end. Prior to learning all these, it is as if they passed by my life like a stream. Having been in this course enabled me to dip my hands and catch a handful of water - I am now able to contemplate about these ideas and not just let them influence me without my comprehension. '''''' I have acquired a lot from the course, and one of them is utilizing critical thinking and value systems in arriving at sexual decisions. Sex is indeed a basic, physiologic need, but expressing one's sexuality is also ridden by personal choices and not just controlled by raging hormones (Nevid et. al, 2005). I have tackled sexual decisions before without so much thought to them, and by then I could have been labeled as a follower of ethical relativism-living life and acting out according to one's own conscience rather than depending on external frames of thought to identify the demarcation line between bad and good (Nevid, et. al, 2005). Knowing the other value systems has not caused me to be swayed to switching and adhering to them, but it has helped me gain understanding of the rationales for other people's sexual actions. More than understanding other people, I have learned that my belief in ethical relativism boils down to my being open-minded and tolerant of diversity. Opposing opinions do not irritate me, nor am I advocating for oneness of opinion just to promote harmony amongst people who are intolerant of differences. I may see pre-marital sex as acceptable, but I can deal with people who staunchly believe that it is a sin and deserves abomination. Through this, I am now able to respect their decisions more, and also, I am able to respect my very own decisions as well because I have seen how self-reliant I am, enough that I was and still is able, to make sexual decisions in accordance with my own conscience-decisions that give not only space for freedom, but also impose limitations if this already tramples o n another's rights. '''''' During the duration of the course, my critical thinking skills applied in sexual decisions has also been honed and sharpened. I used to jump inside the bandwagon of pop psychology, believing in claims that has garnered growing number of support, and with this in mind, fueled enough complacency in me to apply in my sexual life. It is no different from all those fab diet regimens advertised in commercials; not all of them produce the results they claim to bring about. Of particular and pragmatic use are some guidelines presented in the first chapter. I learned how not to take everything by hook, line and sinker. I learned how to debate with what the book presented as fact. Indeed, there are book and magazines showing off that they have what it takes, methods and all, to bring out an explosive sexual experience. My old self used to pick up those kinds of magazines and buy them. Now I criticize the article first with questions like, "Who wrote this'", "Do they have credible and reliable sources or is the article just filled with sensationalized personal accounts'" Critical thinking enables me to ask the right questions so that I might arrive at the correct answers, which in turn becomes a guide for me to reach sensible decisions.' Effect of Environment and Historical

Stem Cell Research - The NIH, as the Federal government's leading Essay

Stem Cell Research - The NIH, as the Federal government's leading biomedical research organization - Essay Example The NIH has consulted with each of the investigators who have derived these cells. These scientists are working with the NIH and the research community to establish a research infrastructure to ensure the successful handling and the use of these cells in the laboratory". Government funded embryonic stem cells research is allowed in many countries including UK, Japan, France, Australia, and other countries. It was iniially prohibited in ths US by Dickey Amendment to Labor, Health and Human Services & Education Appropriations Act, 1996. Of the 71 blastocysts approved initially, only 22 remained in mid-2006, and many of them were of limited usefulness because of DNA damage. After former president Ronald Reagan died from Alzheimer's during 2004, Nancy Reagan, her entire family except for Michael Reagan, along with 58 senators launched a campaign to relax stem cells research legislation. Consequently, a federal bill passed the house for funding of embryonic stem cells from surplus embryos; however, the bill was vetoed on ethical grounds by President Bush. Stem cells have virtually unlimited applications in treatment and cure of many human diseases and disorders including Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, paralysis, etc. Stem cells come in two general types: Embryonic stem cells have potential to develop into all 220 types of cells found in human body. Adult stem cells have a limited potential to develop into some variety of cells. While no human trials have started yet for embryonic cells, adult stem cells have now reached human trials stage. While most religious and ethical issues revolve around embryonic stem cells, harvesting adult stem cells does not present any ethical problems but they are difficult to harvest, are severely limited in quantity and have limitations of flexibility. Further, adult stem cells can produce only a few of the 220 different types of cells in the human body. Future Policy Considerations: Liberal Outlook The pro-choice movement firmly believes that since personhood is attained much later during pregnancy, extracting stem cells from few weeks old embryo is not a murder as such. Further, considering the unlimited potential advantages offered by embryonic cell research, even this 'killing' is justified in larger interest of humanity. In vitro fertilization ("test-tube babies") involves the purposeful creation of multiple embryos, knowing and intending that most of them will either die after implantation in the womb or, if not implanted,