On the Meaning of Life †John Cottingham Essay

What is our relationship with the universe – who are we and how did we come to be seems to be the ultimate question of the meaning of life. This question has always sparked powerful debates between the views of the religious and modern science. Many believe this topic is a one-sided issue where these views cannot co-exist with one another, either one’s a theist, believing in God as the soul creator and ruler of the universe or an atheist, disbelieving of a supreme being or beings. But in actuality, modern science does not count against the nature of a divine creator behind the universe. So as modern science offers an account of how things happened, religious beliefs account for a certain aspect of â€Å"why,† aiming towards finding significance and value. In On The Meaning of Life, John Cottingham argues in order to have meaning, you must not eliminate one theory from the other; modern science and religion must co-exist together. First, what’s the meaning of modern science, and why does it contribute to the meaning of life? Philosopher Rene Descartes believed in mechanism, a theory holding that organisms are machines in the sense that they are material systems, therefore explains biological processes, within the framework of science. In order to discover a fundamental set of principles that is â€Å"based ultimately on the universal laws of mathematical physics that governed the behavior of all natural phenomena, celestial and terrestrial alike,† (6) Descartes banish teleology (any system attempting to explain a series of events in terms of ends, goals, or purposes) from science. He believed in order to conceive this unified theory there was no room for purposiveness, and since this universal law was made of mathematical physics, â€Å"there was no attainable answer to the question why† (6). But Cottingham thinks if we were to achieve and complete a [super-theory linking gravity and quantum physics] together to answer the ultimate question, we still would [fall short of explaining why there should be a universe at all]. Cottingham’s belief is acceptable because if this super-theory was completed, that included all observable phenomena in the universe, this theory still would not answer the question to â€Å"why is it so. † This is where science has reached its limits. Religion takes off of where science can no longer be held accountable to the meaning of life. Why should there be a universe there to explain? Unlike the language of science, religious language â€Å"grapples with the task of addressing what cannot be fully captured by even the most complete scientific account of the phenomenal world† (8). Instead of finding significance in terms of physical quantities and mechanical interactions, religious language reflects on the universes power, beauty, rhythm, and harmony. Therefore, religious discourse pushes the limits of the observable, towards uncovering something beyond the phenomenal world, in hopes of giving meaning to the universe and to our human lives. Cottingham believes religion â€Å"adds a framework within which that nature is revealed as more than just a set of characteristics†¦ encourages us with the hope that the pursuit of virtue†¦ contributes to the establishment of moral order that the cosmos was created to realize† (72). In other words, the religious perspective offers a possibility for human purposeness by providing a powerful focus on moral goodness. Religious discourse is important because since science accounts for how the universe and humans were made. We feel that we are thrown into this world where nothing ultimately matters, but religion offers hope, value and significance towards life. After examining the different aspects modern science and religion brings to the ultimate question, Cottingham urges to combine the language of science and religion together in order to have meaning. Cottingham states â€Å"in strict logic there is nothing to prevent such a purely mechanical system (of efficient causality) coexisting with a purposive system (of final causality)† (48). Therefore we must not eliminate the possibility of the two systems (modern science and religion) existing together. Philosopher Leibniz’s envisioned a world of spiritual purposes functioning in harmony with the world of physical mechanisms. This is also known as blind mechanical systems, â€Å"whose outputs, at the same time, constitute the purpose planning and doings of conscious agents† (48). Believing mechanisms and purposes could together provide an instance in support of the ultimate question of the universe. In addition, Spinoza had a parallel vision to Leibniz. He believed the universe of physical mechanisms (under the attribute of extension) exactly corresponds to spiritual ideas linking meaning and purpose to a willed creator (under the attribute of thought). Thus, we are dealing with [one and the same thing but expressed in two ways]. This showed Cottingham that since there has been no evidence to favor modern science of being the explanation of a divine nature, it does not logically eliminate the possibility of a divine creator of its meaning. So where science accounts for our human nature and origin, saying we have no ultimate significance, spirituality offers human life a sense of value. Darwin’s theory of natural selection opposes the possibility of linking modern science and religion together in one system. In order to get a sense of what threatens the framework of religion, this is the standard account of our human nature and origin: About fourteen billion years ago, the cosmos†¦including matter, radiation, space and time somehow began, exploding from a tiny concentration of matter-space energy†¦gravitational effects caused matter to clump into hydrogen masses†¦fusing into helium. Explosions caused new heavier elements, which formed into plants. On at least one planet, a self-replicating molecule arose†¦evolved into living organisms, which diversified into all kinds of plants, animals, microbes etc. , all solely as a result of natural selection. After millions of years one such species became intelligent. Man is a product of these blind forces. The main conclusion from this theory is that the universe and everything in it is a result of natural selection, including humans therefore Nottingham presumes â€Å"there is no ultimate significance to the universe or to human life,† (42) throwing out the idea of any religious significance. Darwin believed that human origin came from a purely accidental chain of blind natural forces. His view gave no choice or purposiveness in the divine nature, because everything was an entirely impersonal process. But Cottingham argues although this discovery has been scientifically accounted for, it is based on interwoven interpretation, an â€Å"interpretation that goes far beyond the truths and hypotheses that pertain strictly to the natural science† (43). And that viewing religious thought as something able to be replaced by modern science is strictly a metathesis â€Å"-a claim that operates at one remove from the claims of science itself† (43). As a result, Darwin’s theory cannot be taken very seriously because the standard account of human nature and origin is dependent on interwoven interpretation that has exceeded far from the fundamental principles of science. In essence, in order to account for the meaning of life, one must not choose modern science over religion or religion over modern science. Having one theory over the other does not manifest to the ultimate question of the meaning of life. Instead, we must link the two frameworks, divine nature and creator into a unified system. In Cottinghams words, we â€Å"must leave the door open for the theist as indeed it does for the atheist. † For where modern science can be longer contribute its findings to the meaning of life, religious language ascends from it bringing significance and value to human life. Beckie Chung Dreaming of the Earth 4 November, 2007 Cottingham, John. On The Meaning of Life. New Fetter Lane: Routledge, 2003.

Assignment on Hr Promotion & Transfer Essay

Flippo †A promotion involve a change from one job to another that is better in term of and responsibility† Chruden and Sherman†A promotion involves a change of assignment from a job of a lower level to one of level with in the organization† Dale Yoder†Promotion is defined as a movement to a position in which in which responsibility and prestige are increased† Pigors and myers â€Å"Promotion is the advantage of an employee to a better job better in term of gather responsibilities more prestige and status gather skill and specially increased of pay or salary†. Employer to support employee higher position, sales, duties, response everything increased is as well as employees enjoy self-determination, (a)progress (b)preferment (c)promotion (d) position Promotions are used to fill the positions which are more important to fill rather than the present position of employee. It can be filled by external recruitment but employees having eligibility and experience must be appointed for their motivation. Also it will decrease labour turn over as external recruitment costs more. Also increase in salary and status will increase job satisfaction. When scale of pay is increased without changing job it is called  up-gradation  and promotion involves changes in job as well as high salary. When higher position is given without change in salary it is known as  Dry Promotion. All these,  Promotion Up-Gradation and Dry Promotion  are used by management to increase morale of employee and as giving reward also. Promotion means the employee present position to superior position . more obviously promotion is the association to the higher position where more responsibility and more power exits with more occurrence. In the higher position, sales, duties, response everything increased is as well as employees enjoy self-determination. The advancement of an employee within a  company  position  or  job  tasks. A job promotion may be the  result  of an  employee’s  proactive  pursuit of a higher ranking or as a  reward  by  employers  for good  performance. Typically is also  associated  with a higher  rate  of  pay  or  financial  bonus. In terms of a career, a promotion refers to the advancement of an employee’s rank or position in a hierarchical structure. A

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Multiple Forms Of Stroke Ischemic Strokes, Hemorrhagic...

A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is either interrupted, blocked or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. These blockages are often caused by blood clots, which can form in the arteries connecting to the brain. When this happens, there is an insufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients going to the brain, and this causes the brain cells to die. It also is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States (U.S) today. There are three forms of stroke: ischemic strokes, hemorrhagic strokes, and transient ischemic attacks. These are also called mini-strokes. In doing a nursing assessment, the first step is to assess. In this situation, the nurse should ask the patient, Mr. L if he is experiencing any pain, making sure to†¦show more content†¦As well as fast acting drugs to prevent further complications from a stroke or heart attack like nitroglycerin. Blood pressure medications would be a diuretic, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blocker, alpha-adrenergic blocker, a central acting alpha two agonists or a beta-adrenergic blocker. Emergency drugs should be taken when a stroke or heart attack occurs. Organic nitrates that prevent or reduce coronary artery spasm, which increases oxygen supply immediately would be used in an emergency case. You should also be aware of whether the patient is allergic to any of these medications. After giving the patient a nursing diagnosis, the next step would be to make a plan of care for them. In planning, the nurse will set three short term goals for the patient to complete towards their healing process. In this case, three short term goals would be; first the patient will demonstrate understanding of underlying disease process and identify own risk factors that require modification within two days of nursing interventions. The nurse is aware that an intervention would be to encourage verbalization of patient and family concerns as well as their learning needs. After six hours of nursing interventions, the client will have no elevation of blood pressure above normal limits and will maintain blood pressure within acceptable limits. Monitor BP every 1-2 hours or every five minutes during active titration of

Determinism An Unfortunate Part Of Criminology s History

Determinism: An Unfortunate Part of Criminology’s History Throughout history various schools of thought have been created; all attempting to explain why people commit crimes, how to identify criminals, and how we should react to these criminals. These early theories were predominantly deterministic, meaning they all believed there was some trait that can differentiate criminals and non-criminals. Determinism is an important part of the history of criminology and has had a large impact on modern criminology; but these theories are inherently problematic and have some very unfortunate implications. Determinism was extremely popular in history which, ignoring the problems for the moment, makes a lot of sense. People like easy†¦show more content†¦The theorists behind them all trying to find evidence that seemed more focused on supporting their own biases, rather than focusing on actual science. These theories were mostly inspired by racism, sexism, and ableism. Granted, this could be attributed to these theories being a product o f their time. But, these theories have influenced our criminal justice system which still has some apparent biases. Biological determinism is arguably the most problematic of these theories. It focuses mostly on physical traits that can be used to identify criminals. One of the biggest theorists behind this idea is that of Cesare Lombroso, who founded the Italian School which is according to Adler, Mueller, and Laufer, â€Å"... a new orientation, the Italian, or positivist, school of criminology, which seeks explanations for criminal behavior through scientific experimentation and research.† (68). Lombroso believed completely in what he called atavistic stigmata which are â€Å"...physical features of creatures at an earlier stage of development, before they became fully human,† (Adler. Mueller, and Laufer 68). He believe that these characteristics were identifiers for criminals, following the logic that the more of these traits a person had the unevolved they were an d therefore they were more savage and would commit criminal acts. Focusing on the good first, Lombroso’s finding have helped advance criminology in

Potato Chips Manufacturing Unit in Pakistan free essay sample

So we would like to produce salted chips that would cover 50% of our production. The rest of the production would have other flavors like chili, tomato ketchup etc. Packaging Packaging is important as company must know that how much quantity should be sellable in one packet. Packet Size| Production Mix| Market Selling Price(Rs. )| 15 grams| 65%| 10| 25 grams| 35%| 25| Plant Capacity Plant capacity refers to the number of units that can be manufactured during a given period. It is also called production capacity.Potato chips manufacturing plant has a capacity of 150 kg per hour. As initial year it would be hard to assume that plant is able to work at its full capacity so we consider that initially plant will operate only 50% of its capacity. At least six years are required by the plant to work at maximum capacity that is 90%. Location and Sites Location is very important as it reduces your cost and adds your profitability. We will write a custom essay sample on Potato Chips Manufacturing Unit in Pakistan or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Location should be decided on the factors like raw materials, labor availability, as well as government policy. The proposed location for the project is Karachi. However other areas are Lahore or Islamabad but we would like to set our industry in Lahore due to following reasons: Raw Materials: Raw materials are easily available. Infrastructure: adequate supply of utilities is important for project. Moreover transportation cost would also be lower if we choose Karachi. Low labor wage rate: wage rate is low as compared to other areas. These two conditions satisfied our location that’s why we have chosen Lahore for setting our industry. Moreover other factors that are involved are labor that is available at cheaper rate at Lahore. Machineries and EquipmentIn order to setup the machines we require different types of machines like: 1. Washing Shelling Machine For washing of Fresh Potatoes 2. Peeling Machine For peeling of Potatoes 3. Slicing Machine For slicing Potatoes into Chips 4. Chips Washing Machine For washing and rinsing of Potato Chips in hot water for excessive starch removal before frying 5. Flavoring Machine For flavoring fried chips 6. Packing Machine For packing Finished Potato Chips in packets Production Process FLOW Peeling machine that removes covers of potatoes and potatoes get washed in washing machine.Then potatoes pass goes through slicing machine that break them into thin pieces of slices and then they again wash in chips manufacturing machines. The reason of giving another wash is for removing starch. Then it goes from frying process. Newly made Potato chips pass through drum filled with the desired powdered seasoning that provide flavor to them. In order to make chips cool, they go through chips cooling machine and from there they are shifted to the packing department. Procurement All the machines required for the project are imported from China. Working capital requirements:

This week, you are to reflect on what you believe Essays

This week, you are to reflect on what you believe are the personal traits of a forensic scientists and if you have the same traits. I believe the personal traits of a good forensic scientist would involve analytics, precision, communication, and knowledge of an expert. A good forensic scientist, would need to follow an approach on both the analytical and logical levels. Such a scientist would likely have to practice and demonstrate a high level of concentration and patience to be successful. Profound skills in the area of science would be helpful and development of observation techniques would need to be honed. This scientist would need to be able to focus so that he or she maintains a high level of accuracy and attention to details. The communication characteristic would come into play in that the forensic scientist should have the ability to express observations and findings. So, he/she ought to possess both spoken and written communication skills which are strong. Expertise in the particular area being studied at the time, in terms of subject, would go a long way in solidifying one's characteristics as a forensic scientist as well. I believe all of these qualities would make for a credible, professional forensic scientist. What might you have to overcome in your personal make up to meet those requirements as you consider a career in the forensic science field? Although a career in the forensic science field has not been considered up to this point, some traits are currently possessed. Patience, in terms of process, is something which has been developed through having to learn it as part of military training. Attention to detail is solid to a degree. Areas of improvement would definitely be expertise development, high level of accuracy, and strength in spoken and written communication skills - primarily written communication skills. These are the obstacles which would need to be overcome.