Rational Criticism in Knowledge Claims Essay Example

Rational Criticism in Knowledge Claims Paper Criticism, as proposed by Karl Popper, is the lifeblood of all rational thought. At a first glance, one may agree with this because by critically questioning or evaluating the validity of a knowledge claim through reason, it can provide one with certainty and truth. However, the assertion that: All knowledge claims should be open to rational criticism gives us an alternative judgement as the word should is not definitive and this perhaps suggests that it is necessary to consider other viewpoints. Through inductive and deductive reasoning, we can test knowledge claims and indicate the grounds of which the claim is based on. Yet, as evidenced by Victor Johnsons hedonic tone theory and the notion of altruism, emotion plays an important role in our reasoning process which asks the question of whether rational criticism is free of these emotional motives. In mathematics, people tend to accept knowledge claims like: the sum of a triangles internal angles is equal to 180 degrees, without a rational basis. A growing number of people believe that the arts are subjective or based on personal taste because of its abstract nature, which may suggest that these knowledge claims are not open to rational criticism in the first place. Although we can examine various knowledge claims using inductive and deductive reasoning, this process might not be applicable to all areas of knowledge. We will write a custom essay sample on Rational Criticism in Knowledge Claims specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Rational Criticism in Knowledge Claims specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Rational Criticism in Knowledge Claims specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer For most, certainty is possible in rudimentary arithmetic as few doubt that 1 + 1 = 2; although this claim can be rationally criticized, many of us do not question its validity because the definition of two is two ones. This possibility of certainty, however, does not apply to all areas of mathematics, especially in complex theorems that need to be vigorously tested before publication. Although mathematics may require the use of various syllogisms like logic, the validity of deductive reasoning is based upon the logic of the argument and not the truth of its foundation. This truth is assumed to be correct: for mathematics, however, this truth is compulsory in order for us to continue with the deductive process. Kurt Gdel, a prominent mathematician, proposes that it is impossible to prove the consistency of arithmetic, which is to say, [there is] no rigorous proof that the basic axioms of arithmetic do not lead to a contradiction at some point. (Is Arithmetic Consistent?) So, when different branches of mathematics are used in order to prove something more abstract such as modelling real life phenomena, there exists difficulty in detecting which claims are made from falsely assumed truths or contradictions. One can find truth in mathematics using deductive reasoning; however, this truth may or may not be properly proved. Our tendency to accept claims in mathematics without rational grounds can perhaps be explained by emotion. In Judy Jones and William Wilsons book, An Incomplete Education, there is a reference to Gà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½dels Theorem being used to argue that a computer can never be as smart as a human being because the extent of its knowledge is limited by a fixed set of axioms, whereas people can discover unexpected truths. (495) This is a good representation of how emotional qualities can work together with rational criticism in order to establish new truths which may lead to a more subjective approach to mathematics. To further illustrate my point, a panel of referees published Hales proof of Keplers sphere packing conjecture (by packing balls using the face-centred cubic method, it will create the highest average density) even though it was only 99% certain. (par. 13) The acceptance of even the smallest uncertainties, show that reason alone may actually be a hindrance to mathematics because we cannot, or simply do not have the time, to evaluate the truth of every knowledge claim as established before, sometimes these truths cannot be provable. When emotions such as curiosity are present with the reasoning process, mathematicians are able to tweak pre-existing proofs with their own cognitive abilities and although complete certainty may not be achievable, high precision can be obtained. Although math once followed the concept of rigorous proof, modern math has changed. Due to the limitations of deductive reasoning, some mathematicians have claimed that instead of proofs, abstract concepts such as real life situations can be modelled with computer-run experiments. Certainty may still be possible without rigorous proof but as of yet, it is too early to identify the flaws embedded in computer technology.

A Tale of Two Cities - essays

A Tale of Two Cities - essays The French Revolution, in the novel A Tale of Two Cities written by Charles Dickens, is described throughout the novel as a force of nature; the revolution came progressively but indubitably sweeping over an entire region with cries of passion, as like rain, and hazardous conditions brought forth from it, as like a storm. This theme weaves itself into the novels setting and time period from the initiation of the oppression of the poor by the French aristocracy to the Reign of Terror period that killed thousands, thus creating a collectively given message to the reader that the revolution was destined to occur. Not only does the theme target the Revolution as a whole, it illustrates Madame Defarges strong fervor for revenge against the nobleman particularly the Evrmonde family. Madame Defarge is the epitome of an ardent patriot in A Tale of Two Cities; and so, can be exemplified as a hurricane. In the beginning, over a period of time, a hurricane gradually gets stronger out in the oc ean just like her hate. Then when let go or when enough strength is gained, it spins in the ocean with intensity and force, just like the oppressed people when they over ran the noblemen. It is unstoppable as it brings along with it flooding, gusting winds, and an unsafe environment for the region. The theme, Forces of Nature, can be found many times in the book when describing the mob mentality of the people and their means of overpowering the corrupted aristocracy. Not only is nature spoken of as the environment of the earth but also the spirit of a being. For instance, Jean Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher, believed that people by nature are good and are only then corrupted by society. With that stated, the force of being good is overpowering the tyrannical and corrupted, otherwise known as the nobility. It is in the will of the common people to override the bad and bring France to Liberty, Equ...

Ochre - The Oldest Known Natural Pigment in the World

Ochre - The Oldest Known Natural Pigment in the World Ochre (rarely spelled ocher and often referred to as yellow ochre) is one of a variety of forms of iron oxide which are described as earth-based pigments. These pigments, used by ancient and modern artists, are made of iron oxyhydroxide, which is to say they are natural minerals and compounds composed of varying proportions of iron (Fe3 or Fe2), oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H). Other natural forms of earth pigments related to ochre include sienna, which is similar to yellow ochre but warmer in color and more translucent; and umber, which has goethite as its primary component and incorporates various levels of manganese. Red oxides or red ochres are hematite-rich forms of yellow ochres, commonly formed from aerobic natural weathering of iron-bearing minerals. Prehistoric and Historic Uses Natural iron-rich oxides provided red-yellow-brown paints and dyes for a wide range of prehistoric uses, including but in no way limited to rock art paintings, pottery, wall paintings and cave art, and human tattoos. Ochre is the earliest known pigment used by humans to paint our worldperhaps as long ago as 300,000 years. Other documented or implied uses are as medicines, as a preservative agent for animal hide preparation, and as a ​loading agent for adhesives (called  mastics). Ochre is often associated with human burials: for example, the Upper Paleolithic cave site of Arene Candide has an early use of ochre at a burial of a young man 23,500 years ago. The site of Paviland Cave in the UK, dated to about the same time, had a burial so soaked in red ochre he was (somewhat mistakenly) called the Red Lady. Natural Earth Pigments Before the 18th and 19th century, most pigments used by artists were of natural origin, made up of mixtures of organic dyes, resins, waxes, and minerals. Natural earth pigments like ochres consist of three parts: the principle color-producing component (hydrous or anhydrous iron oxide), the secondary or modifying color component (manganese oxides within umbers or carbonaceous material within brown or black pigments) and the base or carrier of the color (almost always clay, the weathered product of silicate rocks). Ochre is thought generally to be red, but in fact is a naturally-occurring yellow mineral pigment, consisting of clay, siliceous materials and the hydrated form of iron oxide known as limonite. Limonite is a general term referring to all forms of hydrated iron oxide, including goethite, which is the fundamental component of the ochre earths. Getting Red from Yellow Ochre contains a minimum of 12% iron oxyhydroxide, but the amount can range up to 30% or more, giving rise to the wide range of colors from light yellow to red and brown. The intensity of color depends on the degree of oxidation and hydration of the iron oxides, and the color becomes browner depending on the percentage of manganese dioxide, and redder based on the percentage of hematite. Since ochre is sensitive to oxidation and hydration, the yellow can be turned red by heating goethite (FeOOH) bearing pigments in yellow earth and converting some of it to hematite. Exposing yellow goethite to temperatures above 300 degrees Celcius will gradually dehydrate the mineral, converting it first to orange-yellow and then red as hematite is produced. Evidence of heat-treatment of ochre dates at least as early as the Middle Stone Age deposits in Blombos cave, South Africa. How Old Is Ochre Use? Ochre is very common on archaeological sites worldwide. Certainly, Upper Paleolithic cave art in Europe and Australia contain the generous use of the mineral: but ochre use is much older. The earliest possible use of ochre discovered so far is from a Homo erectus site about 285,000 years old. At the site called GnJh-03 in the Kapthurin formation of Kenya, a total of five kilograms (11 pounds) of ochre in more than 70 pieces was discovered. By 250,000-200,000 years ago, Neanderthals were using ochre, at the Maastricht Belvà ©dà ¨re site in The Netherlands (Roebroeks) and the Benzu rock shelter in Spain. Ochre and Human Evolution Ochre was part of the first art of the Middle Stone Age (MSA) phase in Africa called Howiesons Poort. The early modern human assemblages of 100,000-year-old MSA sites including Blombos Cave and Klein Kliphuis in South Africa have been found to include examples of engraved ochre, slabs of ochre with carved patterns deliberately cut into the surface. Spanish paleontologist Carlos Duarte (2014) has even suggested that using red ochre as a pigment in tattoos (and otherwise ingested) may have had a role in human evolution, as it would have been a source of iron directly to the human brain, perhaps making us smarter. The presence of ochre mixed with milk proteins on an artifact from a 49,000-year-old MSA level at Sibudu cave in South Africa is suggested to have been used to make the ochre liquid, probably by killing a lactating bovid (Villa 2015). Identifying the Sources The yellow-red-brown ochre pigments used in paintings and dyes are often a mixture of mineral elements, both in their natural state and as a result of deliberate mixing by the artist. Much of recent research on ochre and its natural earth relatives has been focused on identifying the specific elements of a pigment used in a particular paint or dye. Determining what a pigment is made up of allows the archaeologist to find out the source where the paint was mined or collected, which could provide information about long-distance trade. Mineral analysis helps in conservation and restoration practices; and in modern art studies, assists in the technical examination for authentication, identification of a specific artist, or the objective description of an artists techniques. Such analyses have been difficult in the past because older techniques required the destruction of some of the paint fragments. More recently, studies that use microscopic amounts of paint or even completely non-invasive studies such as various types of spectrometry, digital microscopy, x-ray fluorescence, spectral reflectance, and x-ray diffraction have been used successfully to split out the minerals used, and determine the type and treatment of the pigment. Sources Bu K, Cizdziel JV, and Russ J. 2013. The Source of Iron-Oxide Pigments Used in Pecos River Style Rock Paints. Archaeometry 55(6):1088-1100.Buti D, Domenici D, Miliani C, Garcà ­a Siz C, Gà ³mez Espinoza T, Jà ­menez Villalba F, Verde Casanova A, Sabà ­a de la Mata A, Romani A, Presciutti F et al. 2014. Non-invasive investigation of a pre-Hispanic Maya screenfold book: the Madrid Codex. Journal of Archaeological Science 42(0):166-178.Cloutis E, MacKay A, Norman L, and Goltz D. 2016. Identification of historic artists pigments using spectral reflectance and X-ray diffraction properties I. Iron oxide and oxy-hydroxide-rich pigments. Journal of Near Infrared Spectroscopy 24(1):27-45.Dayet L, Le Bourdonnec FX, Daniel F, Porraz G, and Texier PJ. 2015. Ochre Provenance and Procurement Strategies During The Middle Stone Age at Diepkloof Rock Shelter, South Africa. Archaeometry:n/a-n/a.Dayet L, Texier PJ, Daniel F, and Porraz G. 2013. Ochre resources from the Middle Stone Age sequence of Diepkloof Rock Shelter, Western Cape, South Africa. Journal of Archaeological Science 40(9):3492-3505. Duarte CM. 2014. Red ochre and shells: clues to human evolution. Trends in Ecology Evolution 29(10):560-565.Eiselt BS, Popelka-Filcoff RS, Darling JA, and Glascock MD. 2011. Hematite sources and archaeological ochres from Hohokam and O’odham sites in central Arizona: an experiment in type identification and characterization. Journal of Archaeological Science 38(11):3019-3028.Erdogu B, and Ulubey A. 2011. Colour symbolism in the prehistoric architecture of central Anatolia and Raman Spectroscopic Investigation of red ochre in Chalcolithic Çatalhà ¶yà ¼k. Oxford Journal Of Archaeology 30(1):1-11.Henshilwood C, DErrico F, Van Niekerk K, Coquinot Y, Jacobs Z, Lauritzen S-E, Menu M, and Garcia-Moreno R. 2011. A 100,000-Year-Old Ochre-Processing Workshop at Blombos Cave, South Africa. Science 334:219-222.Moyo S, Mphuthi D, Cukrowska E, Henshilwood CS, van Niekerk K, and Chimuka L. 2016. Blombos Cave: Middle Stone Age ochre differentiation through FTIR, ICP OES, ED XRF and XRD . Quaternary International 404, Part B:20-29. Rifkin RF. 2012. Processing ochre in the Middle Stone Age: Testing the inference of prehistoric behaviours from actualistically derived experimental data. Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 31(2):174-195.Roebroeks W, Sier MJ, Kellberg Nielsen T, De Loecker D, Pares JM, Arps CES, and Mucher HJ. 2012. Use of red ochre by early Neandertals. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 109(6):1889-1894.Villa P, Pollarolo L, Degano I, Birolo L, Pasero M, Biagioni C, Douka K, Vinciguerra R, Lucejko JJ, and Wadley L. 2015. A Milk and Ochre Paint Mixture Used 49,000 Years Ago at Sibudu, South Africa. PLoS ONE 10(6):e0131273.

Radio Broadcasting industry Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Radio Broadcasting industry - Research Paper Example iHeartMedia Inc., which is the main competitor for Cumulus Media Inc., focuses on radio broadcasting while owning over eight hundred and fifty full power AM and FM stations in the US, which makes it the biggest owner of radio stations. Furthermore, the company has leased two channels on the Sirius and XM satellite radio while expanding its online presence via the iHeartRadio platform and specializing in outdoor advertising via its subsidiary, the Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc. The tag, clear channel, originated from AM broadcasting and referred to a channel whereby only a single station transmits. In US, clear channel stations boast of exclusive rights to the frequencies their possess in a huge part of the continent during the night time when AM signals can travel further as a result of skywave. The new title of the company is designed to symbolize its rising digital business. At the beginning of 2014, the company announced that it was fostering a marketing partnership with SFX Entertainment, which was to enable the two companies to collaborate as far as electronic dance music content is concerned. This content is designed for its terrestrial and digital radio outlets such as Beatport top twenty countdown, a countrywide talent show as well as an original live music series that is comprised of two concerts. This partnership is supposed to expand on the EDM-oriented outlets of the iHeartMedia, additionally; the company’s staffs believe that the agreement would be instrumental in the provision of a higher degree of national exposure to the present and upcoming EDM artists. Another company that competes with Cumulus Media Inc is Sirius XM Holdings that provides two satellite radio services that operate in the US; XM Satellite and Sirius Satellite Radio. It further has a subsidiary in Canada referred to as Sirius XM Canada that provides Sirius and XM

A woman's beauty put down or power source Essay

A woman's beauty put down or power source - Essay Example The author investigates the present state of the issue and reveals that even the advantages, which women have in comparison to men, for example, their beauty an sex appeal, do not bring any visible benefits to the representatives of fair sex. â€Å"For close to two centuries it has become a convention to attribute beauty to only one of the two sexes: the sex which however fair is always second. Associating beauty with women has put beauty even further on the defensive, morally.† (Sontag 154) The first essential factor that was addressed by feminists is sexualization. The author emphasizes the role of mass media that actively promotes the image of a sexy woman is considered to be the one of the main factors, which contributes to the attitude towards women as towards the toys, which are created specially to have sex with men. The nude woman’s body can be seen everywhere: in the advertising, newspapers, in video clips. Beauty competitions also contribute to the formation o f the attitude towards women as towards objects. Women want to be sexy, but their sexuality finally turns to be a problem for them, a something they can be blamed for. To have sex is still a shame for women and normal for men. â€Å"Hence, when we are discussing women, we are generally discussing the sex interest common to both men and women, and this disturbs our point of view. The fact is that sex interest is a common possession that the unit in human life, even more than among lower animals, is always a male and a female bound together by love. Just as a body can function in sleep or under the influence of a narcotic, for a time seemingly independent of the mind, so a man or a woman can live for a time in seeming independence of the opposite sex; but from any biological point of view, such a separate existence of male and female is only a transient effort† (Barnes 3). The images of slim female bodies with a perfect look are everywhere: on

Types of Waste

Types of Waste Waste is known as a matter which current users have no purpose of, or it is known as a matter which can be harmful to humans, animals or the environment. Waste can be divided into two categories, general and hazardous waste. General waste is waste that does not harm humans, animals or the environment. For example household waste, garden waste, building rubble, dry industrial and commercial waste. Hazardous waste is more likely to cause danger to humans, animals and the environment. This waste is based on the chemical reactivity, explosives, corrosive and radioactive. Waste Found In the Community of Edenvale There is many different waste found in the community which affect the community. The types of waste found in my community are agricultural waste which comes from animal products and the production of crops. This waste can be recycled. Biodegradable waste is a type of waste that will go back into the soil and nature. This may include garden waste, animal waste, fruit and vegetable leftovers. This waste can be composted. Garden waste is known as grass clippings, weeds, tree branches and this can all be composted. Bulk waste is large waste, such as broken appliances, furniture and outer parts. Almost all of this waste can be reused or recycled. Trade waste is waste is generated by shops, offices, or commercial places. Construction waste is found on residential premises. This waste includes batteries, empty paint and pesticide containers. Some of the household waste is recyclable. Industrial waste is waste that comes from industrial and manufacturing processes. Some of this waste is haza rdous. Intuitional waste is found in schools, hospitals, research institutions and public buildings. Medical waste is known as any solid or liquid waste which is generated in treatments. The Waste plan in my Community In my community the waste management plan for households is that waste is collected once a week. Businesses are different and get waste removed twice a week depending on how much waste is generated. Industrial waste is also collected once a week. It has been working effectively because the municipality has had no complaints and customers are happy with the system. The community also stays clean by means of the council collecting waste around bins so that the community will stay clean. Hazardous waste containers are also being provided and specialized companies deal with this waste. People that dump illegally get high fines. Public roads are being taken care of by litter being picked up by services five times a week. In the CBD litter gets picked up seven days a week. Free standing pole bins get emptied daily. Informal Settlements around my Community Some informal settlements where waste is not managed well is in the CBD, Hillbrow, New Town, Alexandra Township, and Jeppestown. The pollution comes in the form of dust from gravel roads, lack of clean running water, lack of regular refuse removal, broken and non-maintained sewerage pipes, absence of toilet facilities and ignorant littering. Due to the overcrowding of the informal settlements with migrants who are unemployed, and are not able to pay housing rent leads to a decay of flats and houses. In Alexandra some people still use the bucket system which increases the contamination from sewerage in the environment, and some people can get a wide range of illnesses. The organic waste attracts rodents and insects infestations. Poverty and lack of knowledge in these areas lead to littering, overflow of broken sewerage systems and unmanaged waste. A waste management plan for the informal settlements is that refuse is removed twice a week by means of bulk containers and street hawkers are issued with refuse bags weekly. â€Å"The metropolitan council wants a waste disposal strategy; identification of waste disposal sites, establishments, operation and control of waste disposal sites.† The community water supply and sanitation programs aims to ensure all South Africans have access to clean water. The metropolitan also wants to prevent invasion of industrial sites. Some solutions that can help reduce waste are: Waste Avoidance, Prevention and Minimization: system to ensure the appropriate design promotion, optimizing operating procedures and good house keeping for all waste generating processes. Forecasting potential situations in which accidents and spills can cause unscheduled waste emissions. Recovering, Recycling and Reuse: Reduction in the waste stream. Recycle materials such as taxes on waste or subsides for waste cycling, and also extraction and utilization of landfill gas. Treatment and handling: Ensuring that waste is appropriately treated and processed to their disposal in accordance with laws, regulations and guidelines. Storage and Final Disposal: Timely identification investigation and construction of environmentally and socially acceptable waste disposal facilities. New innovative ways of managing waste in disadvantaged communities are required. We can move towards collection by paying people to collect litter and involve the community in programs. We can improve the awareness to the public with regard to waste. Allow people living in informal settlements to regain their dignity by providing sustainable, affordable sanitation. Polokwane Declaration The aim of the Polokwane Declaration is to reduce waste by 50 % respectively by 2012 and have a plan for zero waste by 2022. In order to achieve their goals they must engage more closely in a realistic and practical manner. Conclusion In Gauteng waste management is lacking it appears there has been an increase in waste per year between 1998 and 2003. It also appears that Polokwane Declaration of zero waste remains optimistic. Hazardous waste has decreased as a result of improvement in industrial activities. Recycling initiatives are being adopted and are successful. The importance of the public awareness of waste and recycling should be made aware and action plans formulated.

Future of technology (advantages and disadvantages) Essay

From day to day, our world has been changed gradually from one condition to another. Nowadays, technology has advanced in huge leaps and bounds. We cannot imagine the world without technological advances such as computer, televisions, and machines and so on. However there are some advantages and disadvantages of technology. First, technologies play an important role in society because it makes life easier to live on and makes time less consuming. People do not have to do all the hard labor anymore. For example, many people have washing machines, clothes driers and dishwashers, so the amount of energy needed to wash and dry clothes and wash dishes is greatly reduced. Second, medical science is very progressive and saves many innocent lives. Medical treatment has been going well with the help of technology. Nowadays, hospitals use technology as assistance for operations. However, technology also brings harm to our society. The overuse and development of factory industries causes pollution to our world. For example the use of cars and machines causes smoke that affects the quality of our air and destroys our ozone layer and as a result people suffer illnesses like cancer. Another disadvantage is that technologies create financial problems in families because most technologies are expensive. For example people that do not have a washing machine will have to wash clothes by hand which is time consuming. In conclusion, we cannot stop technology from developing in our society. Nowadays, we as people rely on technology everyday to make our lives simpler. Without modern technology our world would be a tough place to live in.