Epicureans: A Debate Essays -- Philosophy, Rosenbaum, Luper

My topic focuses on Rosenbaum’s defense of the epicurean view, Luper’s critique of this view and my argument on who has a stronger position in regards to the topic. I am going to do this by describing both arguments in a detailed manner. Rosenbaum defends the epicurean view while Luper argues against, both sides provide excellent arguments and my argument is that which I feel is more superior. Rosenbaum defends the epicurean view throughout his essay. Epicurus â€Å"argued that since death is neither good or bad for the person dead and since the fear of that which is not bad for one is groundless, it is unreasonable to fear death† (Benatar, 175). A person when dead is lifeless and therefore cannot feel anything. This person is nonexistent and according to Rosenbaum because of this, the statement of whether death is good or bad does not apply to this situation. Since one cannot feel anything, one cannot experience a death situation and determine whether it is good or bad. Therefore it does not matter and there is no reason to fear death. According to Rosenbaum there are three different concepts, which must be understood. These are, dying, death and being dead. The first two are often not distinguished; Rosenbaum says they must be distinguished as they mean two completely different things. â€Å"Dying we may say is the process whereby one comes to dead or the process wherein certain causes operate to bring about one’s being dead† (Benatar, 176). This is essentially the last phase of one’s life. It is the prelude to death itself. It is the process, which leads to becoming dead. Rosenbaum goes on to explain, â€Å"the process of dying may be comfortable or uncomfortable† (Benatar, 176). The process leading to eventua... ...uper’s argument he is missing the point of Epicurus’s argument, which Rosenbaum has further explained. Of the two arguments Rosenbaum’s argument arguably has more points to back up the epicurean view than Luper’s. Luper’s is based on assumptions and we cannot live on assumptions. In my essay, I provided a detailed description of both Rosenbaum’s argument and Luper’s in an unbiased manner. I did this by highlighting the main points of both arguments and getting this main point across. Both sides of the arguments are presented and I contrast and compare deciding which one I feel is superior. In my argument, I present points, which I have, accurate counter points for, from each argument. In conclusion, Rosenbaum and Luper both present arguments both for and against the Epicurean view, this essay is mainly describing each one and choosing a side at the end.

Urban Ministry: the Kingdom of God Response

From the section â€Å"Did I really say that? †: â€Å"Tell us you made it, Zack. Be our example of a rich man who broke free from the grasp of greed. Tell us you won the struggle with mammon and abandoned yourself to the Christ who touched you. Tell us, Zack, that we can be liberated from the power of privilege. † This paragraph is really powerful to me. Even though compared to some people like celebrities and such, we may not seem so rich, but overall, we live a life of abundance. We are constantly striving to achieve more in life too, like what we have is never enough. And for the most part, the things we strive for really don’t benefit us spiritually. When you think about it, having really nice jobs leads to more money, which eventually turns into greed and brings out the worst in most people. I really like the statement and thoughts the author says above. If we are too busy being chained down to our jobs and money and social status, we can never truly focus on what truly is important. From â€Å"Kingdom Playgrounds†: One of my favorite verses is â€Å"Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven† (Matthew 18:3). It sounds like a simple thing to do-to act like children-but it really isn’t. We are so corrupted today, that it sometimes sounds silly to go back to acting like children. Children are innocent and care free about the ridiculous things that adults worry about. And if you go back to being innocent and care free, then you can really see the little things that children see, and really appreciate those things. Love isn’t seen as a complexity as it is to adults; children love everyone. They see past the negative in others and see only the positive.

Proposition 8

Do you believe society should have the ability to determine if same sex partners should marry? Determining your soul partners should be a privilege for all, such as homosexuals, lesbians, gays, bisexuals etc. and not society. Homosexuals are not abnormal humans, so there is no reason to treat them any different, after all they are citizens who oblige to the same jurisdictions. In the brief article, 8 Is Not Hate: The Meaning of a proposition by Jennifer Roback Morse, Morse explains how marriage is a gender-based institution that attaches mothers and fathers to each other and to their children, but I disagree with her theory of marriage.I believe marriage is based on the love, trust, and the ability to provide for one another. If you were brought into this world as a homosexual then who are you to deny marriage to same sex partners, because although you deny marriage to same sex couples they’re not going to change their beliefs and values just because society does not accept th em for who they are. Same sex couples should have the ability to choose their own spouses, without having to deal with ignorant bigots such as those who won’t accept others preferences, because of religious beliefs and values morals.If homosexuals have the same responsibility, consequences, and obligations as straight people then there is no reason to keep marriage away from same sex partner. Being homophobic is having fear of or contempt for lesbians and gays. Proposition 8 is seen as a discriminating proposition towards to gays and lesbians, because same sex couples are judged by almost all who don’t accept their sexual desires.Not only are homosexuals judged but they are also verbally assaulted, physically harmed, and even threatened by homophobic bullies who have hate against same sex couples. I experienced this discrimination and bullying three months ago. I have a co-worker whose name is Rene and that is gay and I got to be good friends with him over the summer. He described how he would go to school and he would have students call him names, and at times physically harm him because of his sexual preference.I asked him when he realized he was gay and he told me he always liked girl accessory for some reason. It’s like if he was born gay so what can he do about it? He is a very confident young man and explained how he wants to marry his boyfriend, so why can’t he choose who to marry his soul mate. I don’t believe anyone should have the ability to decide on other people’s ability to marry, only god can decide that and apparently he doesn’t mind because he put homosexuals into this world so why deny the love they share for each other.If gays/lesbians don’t have ability to decide if straight people could get married then I don’t believe straights should decide who homosexuals should marry. Proposition 8 is denying same-sex partners to marry through civil law then there should be no implementation s on the religious side. Morse also describes how, â€Å"The court changed the jurisprudence of sexual orientation discrimination cases, giving same sex-couples the highest level of protection.This means that in contest between religious liberty and sexual orientation discrimination, religious liberty would almost always lose. † (p. 83) Morse is describing how the court ruled over religion because in reality same-sex couples that get married through civil law have nothing to do with religion. If same-sex partners do not get married under religion, then there is no reason for people who believe in religion and marriage as only heterosexual couples to decide if homosexuals have the ability to marry.In the bill of right of the United States the first amendment states how congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting free exercise thereof. If being a homosexual is a free exercise and no law Is made to respect religion, then there shouldnâ€⠄¢t be a proposition banning the same- sex marriage, because it is only in the bill of rights to do as you please as long as it’s in the jurisdiction bounds. . Our society is not as tolerant as it used to be, but that doesn’t mean it should be tolerant towards certain issues such as the one on proposition 8.Homosexuals will not stop fighting this issue because marriage is a part of life and if religion does not have anything to do with this issue because they are getting married through the civil law, then let them live just like they let us live. Voting no on proposition eight is what everyone should do not only because it’s the right thing to do but also because in the end they will not turn straight just because society does not let them marry. Same-sex couples will not stop fighting this issue that has to do with their realties and not ours, so let them be.

Free Essays on Teaching Perspective

Teaching Perspective Teaching to me is broken down into two major facets. The first being that you are there to help teach new subjects to children that they need to comprehend and learn what is being taught in the classroom. Second, teachers need to be able to help children apply what they learn in everyday life. This is why I want to teach so very badly. I want to be able to help people grow, mature, and learn life’s lessons. I think that teachers have the greatest possible job because they will be able to affect the minds of 20 –30 kids every single year for the rest of their lives. When you think about how much of your life is spent in a classroom from preschool up to your senior year of high school, it is amazing. Today’s youth needs people that want to be there to help them learn about things for their future. Parents put a lot of trust and faith in teachers to help their children progress in life. This is why teaching excites me so much. I want to help shape the minds of tomorrow’s future. One thing I know is that some children don’t get enough guidance or attention from their parents at home. They come to school because they want to feel important and learn new things everyday. These are kids that want to make a difference, whether they realize it or not. I cannot wait to be with these children everyday. These kids have endless possibilities for their future, and I want to help make their dreams become reality. Every student is special in their own way, and brings unique characteristics to the table. I want to help these children excel to the highest levels they can everyday. Teaching allows you to see your results on many different levels, and that is an exciting aspect about it. I know that as I got older, it seemed my parents got busier with their lives and started to pay less attention to me. School was my way to feel proud about things I was doing on a daily basis. Now my parents we... Free Essays on Teaching Perspective Free Essays on Teaching Perspective Teaching Perspective Teaching to me is broken down into two major facets. The first being that you are there to help teach new subjects to children that they need to comprehend and learn what is being taught in the classroom. Second, teachers need to be able to help children apply what they learn in everyday life. This is why I want to teach so very badly. I want to be able to help people grow, mature, and learn life’s lessons. I think that teachers have the greatest possible job because they will be able to affect the minds of 20 –30 kids every single year for the rest of their lives. When you think about how much of your life is spent in a classroom from preschool up to your senior year of high school, it is amazing. Today’s youth needs people that want to be there to help them learn about things for their future. Parents put a lot of trust and faith in teachers to help their children progress in life. This is why teaching excites me so much. I want to help shape the minds of tomorrow’s future. One thing I know is that some children don’t get enough guidance or attention from their parents at home. They come to school because they want to feel important and learn new things everyday. These are kids that want to make a difference, whether they realize it or not. I cannot wait to be with these children everyday. These kids have endless possibilities for their future, and I want to help make their dreams become reality. Every student is special in their own way, and brings unique characteristics to the table. I want to help these children excel to the highest levels they can everyday. Teaching allows you to see your results on many different levels, and that is an exciting aspect about it. I know that as I got older, it seemed my parents got busier with their lives and started to pay less attention to me. School was my way to feel proud about things I was doing on a daily basis. Now my parents we...

Monarch Migration

Monarch Migration The phenomenon of monarch migration in North America is well known, and quite extraordinary in the insect world. There are no other insects in the world that migrate twice each year for close to 3,000 miles. Monarchs living east of the Rocky Mountains in North America fly south each fall, gathering in central Mexicos Oyamel fir forest for the winter. Millions of monarchs gather in the this forest area, covering the trees so densely that branches break from their weight. Scientists aren’t sure how the butterflies navigate to a place they have never been. No other population of monarchs migrates this far. The Migrant Generation: The monarch butterflies that emerge from chrysalides in late summer and early fall differ from the previous generations. These migrant butterflies appear the same but behave quite differently. They will not mate or lay eggs. They feed on nectar, and cluster together during the cool evenings to stay warm. Their only purpose is to prepare for and make the flight south successfully. You can see a monarch emerge from its chrysalis in the photo gallery. Environmental factors trigger the migration. Fewer hours of daylight, cooler temperatures, and diminishing food supplies tell the monarchs it is time to move south. In March, the same butterflies that made the journey south will begin the return trip. The migrants fly to the southern U.S., where they mate and lay eggs. Their descendants will continue the migration north. In the northernmost part of the monarchs range, it may be the great grandchildren of the migrants that finish the trip. How Scientists Study Monarch Migration: In 1937, Frederick Urquhart was the first scientist to tag monarch butterflies in a quest to learn about their migration. In the 1950’s, he recruited a handful of volunteers to help in the tagging and monitoring efforts. Monarch tagging and research is now conducted by several universities with the help of thousands of volunteers, including school children and their teachers. The tags used today are small adhesive stickers, each printed with a unique ID number and contact information for the research project. A tag is placed on the butterfly’s hindwing, and does not impede flight. A person who finds a tagged monarch can report the date and location of the sighting to the researcher. The data collected from each season’s tags provides scientists with information about the migration path and timing. In 1975, Frederick Urquhart is also credited with finding the monarch’s wintering grounds in Mexico, which were unknown until that time. The site was actually discovered by Ken Brugger, a naturalist volunteering to help with the research. Read more about Urquhart and his lifelong study of monarchs. Energy-Saving Strategies: Remarkably, scientists discovered that migrating butterflies actually gain weight during their long journey. They store fat in their abdomens, and use air currents to glide as much as possible. These energy-saving strategies, together with feeding on nectar throughout the trip, help the migrants survive the arduous travel. The Day of the Dead: The monarchs arrive at their Mexico wintering grounds en masse in the final days of October. Their arrival coincides with el Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a Mexican traditional holiday that honors the deceased. The indigenous people of Mexico believe the butterflies are the returning souls of children and warriors. Sources: Monarch WatchLongest Regularly Repeated Migration, University of Florida

Literature Review Examining the Impact of Oil Resources Availability Essay

Literature Review Examining the Impact of Oil Resources Availability on Economic Growth in An Oil-Based Economy with reference to Saudi Arabia - Essay Example the case of Saudi Arabia, the availability of rich oil resources has brought untold affluence to this tiny nation, however despite this, economic growth has been slow since the eighties and there has been increasing unemployment, with the unemployment rate among young Saudis estimated to be between 8 to 13 percent. The question of how such a situation could have developed in a country rich in natural oil resources is examined below. The Petroleum Sector in Saudi Arabia comprises roughly 75% of budget revenues, 45% of its GDP and 90% of its export earnings (www.e.wikipedia.org). Saudi oil reserves are estimated to be the largest in the world – about 260 billion barrels - and the country is the world’s largest exporter, with oil comprising 95% of the country’s exports and almost 75% of government revenues (www.en.wikipedia.org). In view of the country’s heavy dependence on oil, the Government has recently begun to encourage more development in the private sector, including in the power generation and telecom sectors. Saudi Arabia has also joined the WTO in 2005, in order to enhance its trading, diversify its economy and attract a higher proportion of foreign investment. The Government has also been spending larger amounts on infrastructure development, job training and education. Oil was first discovered in Saudi Arabia in the 1930’s, by U.S. geologists. Oil production in Saudi Arabia soared in the 60s and gave rise to a period of strong economic development which continued into the 1970s.(www.en.wikipedia.org). During the Seventies, there was an oil boom and the Gross Domestic Product per capita of Saudi Arabia soared, reaching a figure of 1,858%, however such growth was unsustainable and shrank to 58% in the eighties, although it has registered a 20% increase in the nineties.(www.earthtrends.wri.org) Most of the oil in the country is produced on behalf of the Saudi Government by a single Company, Saudi ARAMCO. After the 1973 Arab Israeli war, there

Culture shock Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Culture shock - Essay Example iliar signs and symbols of social intercourse, they have to try to adapt themselves to different lifestyles, living conditions and business practices in a new cultural setting and this often proves to be a long term and difficult process. In this condition, feelings of alienation accumulate sharply because of poor adaptation and consequentially, culture shock occurs, followed by a series of psychological confusion and emotional discomfort (Xia, 97– 101). There tends to be many responses to culture shock and this depends on individuals. Some people often choose to immerse themselves completely in the new culture, which they have encountered in an attempt to fit into the fabric of the new society. Such people often shun the culture, which they previously used to practice and instead develop a very negative attitude towards it (Dongfeng, 70–74). Others choose to adopt only the aspects of the new culture they have encountered which they consider good but continue to practice the culture familiar to them. A third group chooses to completely reject the new culture and tightly stick to the culture that they believe to be the best for them. These often create their own settlements or sectors within the society in which they have gone to live and it is only on rare occasion that they encounter the new