Why Would You Study Philosophy Philosophy Essay

Why Would You Study Philosophy Philosophy Essay Several weeks ago, before the start of the 2013 winter semester my roommate asked me why I would take a philosophy class. My answer was a very typical response for a college student, credit hours. Later, I thought about my answer, there are hundreds of classes I could have taken. I could have taken astronomy, psychology, or an economics course. Each subject seems interesting enough, why did I choose philosophy? I found my answer on the first day of class. I took philosophy, because I didnt know anything about it. The thought experiments we did on the first day triggered an interest. At first, maybe it wasnt as overwhelming as the idea that there are billions of galaxies each containing billions or even trillions of stars. That it is possible for a psychopath to be conditioned into simulating the feeling of empathy. Even that from an economic standpoint it is impossible to eliminate pollution. Philosophy is a abstract idea to study, but it is extremely interesting. The word philosophy comes from the Greek word philosophia which means love of wisdom. The key to philosophy is to be about being very critical towards any ideas, including things that seem certain. A philosopher has to ask critical questions or abstract questions on any subject. The reason these questions are asked is for the pursuit of the absolute truth. We have to think critically about everything we believe to be true, and even the thing we dont. The four branches of philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and logic. Each branch asks a specific question. Metaphysics asks, What is? Epistemology asks, What do we know? Ethics asks, How should we act? Finally logic asks, What is the reason? Each is essential to the study of philosophy, but epistemology is the most important for answering the question Why study Philosophy? We all as individuals know that we exist in one way or another. In our existence we want to make ourselves better. One of the ways we improve is through s tudy. Studies generally make us believe we are increasing our knowledge, leading us to a certain, understood, clear world. Just by studying philosophy it brings us closer to the truth. Sometime after my roommate asked why I would take a philosophy class, I found myself reading a letter titled Why explore space? The letter is addressed to Sister Mary Jucunda, whom asked the question why spend billions of dollars on exploring space when there are so many starving children on Earth. Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, NASAs Marshall Space Flight Centers associate director (1970) responded with several good reasons including a story that took place some 450 years ago. A count lived in a small town in Germany; he was much appreciated because he would give a large part of his wealth to the poor in the town. The letter reads, One day, the count met a strange man. He had a workbench and little laboratory in his house, and he labored hard during the daytime so that he could afford a few hours every evening to work in his laboratory. The strange man created small lenses that he used to look at very small creatures under strong magnification. The count amazed by this invited the man to mov e his laboratory to the castle and to become a member of the counts household. This angered the townspeople when they realized that the count was wasting his wealth on a purposeless hobby. The people were suffering from plague and were begging for more money. The count promised to give them as much as he could afford, but said that he would also support the man and his work, because he knew someday something would come out of it. Something very good did come out of the mans work, he invented a simple microscope, the invention that has given the most to medicine, and helped eliminate the plague. So the count, by putting some of his wealth into research helped the people more than directly giving money to them. Using time, money, and effort on things that may seem abstract at the time may lead to incredible things. Studying philosophy is similar to the counts story, instead of studying more practical topics like language or mathematics studying philosophy will help us answer questions about ourselves that we have been asking for centuries. When we are answer some of these questions, we will know what really matters, again itll bring us closer to a certain truth. Now that I have started to understand the most basic ideas in philosophy, I am better equipped to answer my roommates question. I need this class, philosophy teaches something that no other course can. Philosophy teaches you to think for yourself, to be critical of theories, and to be critical of familiar and foreign ideas. Every educated person needs to take a philosophy course so they can understand what they are learning in all other subjects. Philosophy is also intriguing when questions about reality are asked. Questions in the metaphysics branch of philosophy may be the most abstract, but they play an important role in determining what we are. The idea that maybe, none of this actually exists is staggering to think about, but it is fascinating and is something people should think about. Just knowing the little I do about the subject matter of philosophy has caught my interest and will lead to me advancing and taking more courses like this one. My roommate know fully knows why I chose to take this course. I now know why it is essential for any student to take a philosophy class, perhaps even my roommate will take a philosophy course next chance he gets. Philosophy may seem slightly abstract now but in my future I can see myself using it to critically and logically think through situations. The reason why to study philosophy is to make yourself more critical in your pursuit of the truth.

The Red Curtain Trilogy by Baz Lurhmann Essay -- Papers

The Red Curtain Trilogy by Baz Lurhmann On The Red Curtain Trilogy, which were all directed by Baz Lurhmann, all of the films began with red curtains opening up like in a theatre to 'reveal' the film. In 'Strictly Ballroom' the scene opens with silhouettes of the main characters dancing, waiting for a performance to start (?) then walking excitedly onto screen which starts the movie. For 'Romeo & Juliet' the opening shot is a lot more fast and furious. The film begins with a plain black screen, then a television screen appears. the television screen, that is showing a news report, appears and draws closer to the viewer. The reporter is reciting the prologue of the play. Accelerated scenes from the film are shown, with words and sentences in red lettering from the prologue, this scene reminds me of a trailer for a film. The story then starts, showing both families of the story, their traits and portrays the friction between the Montagues and Capulets. For Moulin Rouge, when the red curtain begins to open, a conductor appears and begins conducting the music for the film, to give a feel of being at a theatre. Then the town where Moulin Rouge is set is introduced to us, and the main character is introduced, and then begins to tell the story. The Music in 'Strictly Ballroom' for the opening sequence is slow, quiet calming music, but as it becomes closer to the actual beginning of the film, the music becomes louder and more extravagant, and then for the 'salsa' scene the music is very jazzy and upbeat. The music for this film is very well done because it portrays exactly what is happening on the screen at the time. The Music is mor... ...gant things which you would never see at theatres. I think my favourite opening would be the one for Romeo and Juliet. The opening is fast paced and has bright colours. It contains scenes form the film which seems to pull the viewer in to watching the film. The films differ from each other as well, as Strictly ballroom begins with red curtains opening to the beginning of the film. Romeo and Juliet decided to not use the Red curtain theme, although because it is based on a play, there was already a feeling of 'red curtain' (play) about it. Moulin rouge used the red curtain idea and extended it by showing the conductor which you would see at a theatre or musical, which Moulin rouge was intending to be. Overall, I think the openings for the Baz Lurhmann Trilogy are gripping and make you want to see the rest of the film.

19th Century industrial leaders Essay

Many have debated that the industrial leaders following the 19th Century were â€Å"Robber Barron’s†. However, in this very competitive time period, many new businesses were being formed. It took talented businessmen such as Vanderbilt, Carnegie, and Rockefeller to get ahead and keep the companies running, building America into what it is today, the most powerful nation in the world. Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) was a classic Market Entrepreneur, succeeding by creating and marketing a superior product at a low cost. He was a key figure in breaking the steamboat monopoly in the waters around New York City; in the transatlantic steamship business; in the east coast to west coast steamship business; and the builder of the New York Central system, which, in effect, replaced the Erie Canal. Vanderbilt set the example for future â€Å"Industrial Statesman† by hard work and dedication; being fiercely competitive, willing to cut prices to get business; reliability, meaning repeat customers; the ability to master the details of a new business and to act boldly when necessary. When he died he was the richest man in America ($105m) and he left a high quality quadrupled track railroad that played a key role in the development of the Midwestern United States. See more: Satirical essay about drugs In 1873, Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) became convinced that the future of industry was in the manufacture and use of steel. Concentrating on steel production, he began his acquisition of firms, which were later consolidated into the Carnegie Steel Company. His success was due in part to efficient business methods, to his able lieutenants, and to close alliances with railroads. By 1900, the Carnegie Steel Company controlled iron mines, coke ovens, ore ships, and railroads. It was these circumstances that the U.S. Steel Corp. was formed to buy Carnegie out. In 1901 he transferred possession for $500 million, the largest personal transaction ever made, and retired from business. Carnegie believed that the wealthy had an obligation to give back to society, so he donated much of his fortune to causes like education and peace. John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) was the guiding force behind the creation and development of the Standard Oil Company, which grew to dominate the oil  industry and became one of the first big trusts in the United States. Rockefeller was naturally cautious and only undertook a business venture when he calculated that it would be successful. After he carefully weighed a course of action he would then act quickly and boldly to see it through. He had iron nerves and would carry through very complicated deals without hesitation. This combination of caution, precision, and resolve soon brought him attention and respect in the industrial community. Rockefeller also was one of the first major philanthropists in the U.S., establishing several important foundations and donating a total of $540 million to charitable purposes. â€Å"Robber Barron’s† to those who didn’t reap the benefits of these industrial empires but these â€Å"Industrial Statesmen† knew what it took to succeed in business. Each had their own characteristics that enabled them to make tough decisions and beat the competition. That Competition has inspired the businessmen of today, and fueling today’s industry and technology.

Earthquake Devastating Natural Disaster - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 906 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/08/06 Category Science Essay Level High school Tags: Earthquake Essay Did you like this example? Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters on the planet. They have killed countless amounts of people and are hard to tell when coming. In this essay I will being talking about the experiences and how it feels to be in an Earthquake.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The most devastating earthquake on record happened in 2004. This earthquake was a 9.1 magnitude on the richter scale and created a Tsunami that put together killed about 230,000 people. This earthquake had several survivors who shared their experiences with the internet, these are just a few of them. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Earthquake: Devastating Natural Disaster" essay for you Create order   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There was a young individual named Louis Cryer who was 18 at the time and survived this incredible natural disaster. He talks about living in a hotel with multiple stories where him and his mom were living on the second floor when the earthquake hit. He said that the tsunami hit so fast that they had know time to get out there hotel. The water was destroying walls and buildings with its sheer force. Louis and his mom tried to help people get to high ground. He even said that he had to carry an older person who they thought broke her back to highground. They ended up going to a temple that was structurally sound and above the huge waves. Louis said that the only plus from this experience was that it brought people together and it did not matter if you were a certain religion or not everyone was checking on each other.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There was another set of people that survived this insane tidal wave. There names were Tom and Arlette who were on holiday. They were having breakfast at the time of the Earthquake and said that the waiters were pointing at the sea. Everyone thought that it was not harmful and went out to take pictures. Tom knew this was not just any wave though and he grabbed his wifes hand and they ran for highground. Tom and Arlette where running for their lives as the wave was not far behind. They had made it to highground but other people were not so lucky. When everything settled they got there truck and loaded wounded people in the back. They did not want to go down to the beach though because they knew it would be scattered with dead corpses. Another gigantic Tsunami hits soon after and most people had made it to safety by then so it was not as devastating as the first time. After the second wave Tom and Arlette stayed on high ground for a few hours before startin g their long journey home.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The final experience was kay and her partner. They were snorkeling when the earthquake hit. They were told to come back on the boat when the Tai people noticed the water was being displaced. If they did not get on the boat they would have been swept away and most likely killed. They had no idea how devastating the Tsunami was until they got a call from the shore that told them that. If Kay and her fiance did not go snorkeling that day or overslept, they could have been part of the have of the people who were killed in there hotel. The boat they were on had saved their lives and it was also a safe place to sleep over night because that was safer than going on the mainland. They stayed on the boat until the next morning when they were picked up by a military airplane and taken to safety. It was not until that morning when she realized how devastating the earthquake was with a soup of debris all over.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There was another website that had the story of Christine Lang. She was out with her brothers significant other when the giant wave hit. She remembers people running for their lives away from the ocean as she heard this terrible noise. She thought there island was under attack. When she looked at the ocean there was a huge black wall of water. While Lang was running she was swept off her feet and got caught in the wave. She said it felt like she was inside a giant washing machine with the islands debris. She thought for sure that she was dead, but than Lang started getting very angry and did not want to die so she swam up as fast as she could. After that Lang blacks out and wakes up under water. She thought that the top was about 40 meters above her because of the pressure on her ears. When she came up at the top there was a floating door that she could float on. This was the first time she was able to see how badly the earthquake affected her area. After that she was pulled up onto a roof of a building that was still intact. Lang was able to see everything from up there and said   It honestly felt like the end of the world. Lang learned from this experience to never to take life for granted because you never know when it can just be washed away.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As you can see Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters on the planet. These stories of people surviving the 2004 Earthquake/Tsunami were all true. Always be careful about earthquakes because you never know when they could be big or small, or even create a giant Tsunami. This was how earthquakes feel by Kyler Andersen.