The Body Theory - 1247 Words

The personal identity problem is a philosophical conundrum that asks the question, what makes someone the same over time, or what characterizes the preservation of one’s identity? The term identity does not refer to the type of sameness identical twins have, or quantitative identity, but rather refers to numerical identity, that is for X and Y to be identical, everything possessed by X must also be possessed by Y (Leibniz’s Law). With this in mind, one might say they have the same body as they did a year ago so they must be the same person now as they were then. This answer is called the Body Theory, for obvious reasons. It states that personal identity is preserved through the preservation of one’s body. Although this may seem like a good answer on the surface, there are many flaws to the Body Theory. Let’s look at the case of a mad scientist named Dr. Jeckyll, who creates and drinks a mysterious concoction which knocks him out. Upon awaking, Jeckyll has aquired a new set of less than savory mannerisms and habits in replacement of his old ones and knows nothing of Dr. Jeckyll nor has any memories from Jeckyll’s life. After a night of wreaking havoc, this new personality, let’s call him Mr. Hyde, goes to sleep and wakes up the next morning as Jeckyll once again. Jeckyll’s last memory is drinking his concoction before he was knocked out and he knows nothing of Hyde nor his misdeeds. Jeckyll goes about his day and goes to bed but when he wakes up he is no longer Jeckyll, butShow MoreRelatedThe Mind And Body : Theories1174 Words   |  5 PagesThe mind and body are two abstract concepts however; they both can be deduced to a simple principle of materialism. Rene Descartes posed a claim that, the mind and body are not related and concludes that a brain is m ade of matter while a mind is made of â€Å"mental processes, thought and consciousness† (simply psychology). However, Thomas Hobbes argued that â€Å"everything in the world, including our thoughts and mind, can be explained in terms of one thing: matter in motion (many world of logic). ThroughoutRead MoreThe Theory Of Consciousness And The Body1847 Words   |  8 Pagesthe word consciousness is used regarding human beings, the word itself usually implies that those individuals are conscious of being conscious. Many individuals assume that the mind, the brain, and the body react as one. But the idea of the mind is not related to the concept of the brain or the body. These differences allow philosophers to determine a people’s consciousness in the world around them. Individuals derive the concept of consciousness from their experience because consciousness itselfRead MoreThe Theory Of The Soul And Body944 Words   |  4 PagesTo Socrates, â€Å"the one aim of tho se who practice philosophy in the proper manner is to practice for dying and death† (Phaedo, 64a). One’s soul is the key to knowledge, but the body tends to bring the soul down. In order to strive for that knowledge, the body must be separated from the soul. Socrates believed that part of accomplishing this, one must concentrate on the well-being of their soul and work on being self-aware. To him, most people didn’t have this ability, hence the reason why he said â€Å"thoseRead MoreThe Body Theory And Its Strength And Weaknesses991 Words   |  4 Pagesfew theories that can help with figuring out what makes me, me. There is the soul theory, the body theory, and the personality theory. The body theory consists of the brain and body theory and the torso and body theory. After looking into each theory carefully through Kagan’s lectures, I found that there were flaws in all three theories. The theory that I favor, however, is the body theory and more specif ically the brain aspect of that theory. In my essay I will discuss why I favor the body theoryRead MoreThe Mind Body Identity Theory1668 Words   |  7 Pagesout the nature of a human person; this has lead to various theories and speculation about the nature of the human mind and body. The question they are tying to answer is whether a human being is made of only the physical, body and brain, or both the physical or the mental, mind. In this paper I will focus on the mind-body Identity Theory to illustrate that it provides a suitable explanation for the mind and body interaction. Identity Theory Identity theorists hold the view that the mental eventsRead Moresoul and body theories Essay774 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Name Course Lecturer Date of submission Soul and Body Theory Many of the ancient theories composed by early Greek philosophers were based on rationalism and empiricism. Empiricism refers to acquiring knowledge through experimental insight while on the other hand rationalism is acquiring of knowledge through ones practical understanding. Socrates work is studied in depths up to date, example being â€Å"Republic of Plato† whose author was Plato. SocratesRead MoreThe Theory Of The Mind Body Dualism1232 Words   |  5 Pagesscholastic Aristotelianism and created the first version of the modern mind-body dualism or emotion† (Encyclopedia Britannica). Born on March 31, 1596, he was dubbed as the Father of Modern Philosophy. His theory on the mind-body dualism, also known as Cartesian Dualism, created a stem of the modern problem of the relationship between the mind and body. He created the early version to further explain the interaction of the mind and body, to create a firm foundation that can be explained through science andRead MoreThe Leading Body For Attribution Theory1502 Words   |  7 Pages the leading body for attribution theory and Harold Kelley (1972) and Bernard Weiner (1986), who along with many other psychologists have since attempted to further explain why and how we make attributions. Research to support and contradict their findings will also be covered throughout the text. The term attribution refers to how we as human beings attach meaning to our own, and other people s behaviour. It has been suggested by Fiske and Taylor (1991) that the attribution theory explains waysRead MoreThe Theory Of Body Types, And The Y Chromosome Theory1194 Words   |  5 Pagesto Sociology March 26, 2016 Deviance Many different theories exist regarding deviance. Biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives have applied their different thought processes to produce many theories. Some of these ideas have been discredited, however some remain significant today. Sociological theories differ from biological and psychological theories by looking at external factors rather than internal ones. Biological theories on deviance are the result of looking for answers thatRead MoreThe Theory Of The Mind Body Problem2474 Words   |  10 PagesSonya Cronkrite PHI 344 June 21, 2016 The Mind- Body Problem The mind-body problem is the dilemma of explaining how mental states, events, and processes are related to physical states, events, and processes, given that the human body is a physical thing and the mind is not physical. How does the mind associate with the body if they are not considered the same entities? In this essay I will attempt to persuade you that the mind and the body operate together, one having an effect on the other

Reality Versus Perception in the Kasdan Films, Grand...

Reality Versus Perception in the Kasdan Films, Grand Canyon and Mumford All of knowledge is founded on axioms: assumptions that are agreed upon for stability. However, since those axioms are assumptions and cannot be proven without a doubt, nothing ca truly be known with absolute certainly. Still, in order to carry on with life, assumptions have to be made. Knowing this, the task becomes making assumption that are more educated and, given the lack of certainty, ones that matter. Furthermore, the assumption of others can be examined more accurately with this knowledge in mind. The most important of these assumptions, and in many cases points of debate, is the nature of reality. The old world thought the matters of the spirit to†¦show more content†¦The interlacing strands of themes in both films are much like those of time. Each event triggers another in a continuum of interrelationships between factors of co and counter-stimulus. The following exposition focuses on articulating how those films portray the endeavor to determine, if not t rue reality, then certainly some forms of realities. More specifically, attention will be drawn to the variable perception of these realities in Grand Canyon, and the notion of reality being variable in the first place from a look at Mumford. A number of events occur within Grand Canyon, which are interpreted differently by different characters. In the beginning Mac is being harassed by a gang and thus gets, in a manner of speaking, saved from a worse fate by Simon. Mac believes this to be some sort of blessing or even divine intervention. Though if not, he certainly attributes some greater force than random occurrence to the favorable turn of events. Mac and Simon’s conversation following the incident shows that Simon may have a more rationally slanted perspective. Simon’s telling of a story about the shark illustrates that Mac’s meeting of the gang is a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and that these things happen as a way of the way things are. Though Simon does question whether or not it is â€Å"the way things are supposed to be.† Later in the story, the money-minded movie producer Davis gets shot.

Moby Dick Brotherhood of Man Essay Example For Students

Moby Dick Brotherhood of Man Essay In the intricate novel of Herman Melvilles Moby Dick, the notion of a universal brotherhood of Man is introduced in the first fifteen chapters. Melville uses the relationship of Ishmael and Queequeg and the everyday standards of the shipmen to illustrate these ideas. A theme of the novel is the idea of comradeship between human beings, no matter how different. In the following essay, I will analyze and explain this concept by incorporating events that coincide. The theme of universal brotherhood of Man is first introduced in the third chapter. After Ishmael finally found an inn to stay in, The Spouter-Inn, and got a chance to get familiarized with the place, he watched as the newly arrived shipmates took pleasure in each others presence. These men drank and had fun, feeling happy-go-lucky and limitless. However, Ishmael noticed a shipmate that stood out. One of them held somewhat aloof This man interested me at once. (Page 14) This shipmate was subdued and did not make as much of a ruckus as the other men and while these men were at the peak of their gaiety, he snuck out of the bar. When the men noticed that Bulkington, the quiet man, was gone, they all went searching for him. `Bulkington! Bulkington! Wheres Bulkington? and darted out of the house in pursuit of him. (Page 15) This incident shows the brotherhood of Man. Even if one was to be the outcast of a group, he is still part of the group and when the outcast disappears, part of the gr oup is missing. That is why those shipmen looked for Bulkington. They had a special bond with each other a brotherly bond universally shared. Another example of the brotherhood of Man is depicted through the relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg. When Ishmael firsts meets Queequeg, he was startled by his appearance and tentative about sleeping with him. However, Ishmael looks beyond his appearance in hopes that Queequeg is a really benign and decides to give it a shot. Later on in the story Ishmael sees Queequeg as a man of honest heart, dignity and greet courage. The next morning, when Ishmael wakes up, he finds Queequegs arms over him. I found Queeuegs arm thrown over me in the most loving and affectionate way. You had almost thought I had been his wife (page 24) Here is an example of brotherly love. Only knowing each other for a few hours, Queequeg felt comfortable enough to put his arm around Ishmael in a loving manner. Also, when Ishmael wakes Queequeg up to get his arm off him, Queequeg does so in a polite manner, even after Ishmael rudely wakes him up. Queequeg respects Ishmael like a brother, and Ishmael feels the same. Eventually, Queequeg feels so comfortable with Ishmael that he gives half of everything he owns to Ishmael. They knew each other for only a short period of time, yet they treat each other as family. Lastly, a situation that happened in the novel concerning the brotherhood of Man happened in Chapter 7 in the chapel. A lot of people gathered in the chapel to mourn the deaths of loved one, friends, and even those with no relation. Even Ishmael and Queequeg were there although they knew no one there. This shows the brotherhood of Man because everyone is gathered in one congregation mourning for the loss of their fellow brothers, whom they loved dearly.Everyone shares a common love for their peers, even if they did not know them. To conclude, one of the major themes of the book Moby Dick is the idea of universal brotherhood in Man. The shipmen who cared for each other, the people gathered in the chapel and the relationship between Ishmael and Queequeg both illustrate that theme. Melville wanted to show the readers that there is a unique but special solidarity between humans that cannot be stopped. We all care about each other and treat each other as if we were all family.

Stonehenge Essays (1568 words) - Stonehenge, Henges,

Stonehenge Stonehenge Stonehenge is one of the worlds best known monuments of the ancient times. Stonehenge stood for over five thousand years, and still we do not know the full use of this mysterious arrangement of stones. Stonehenge remains asan ancient monument that still propose mysteries to it origin and purpose. At first, scientists had no clue as to who built Stonehenge. The Romans, Egyptians, and the Phoenicians were all suggested to have been a possible creator of Stonehenge. Later study proved that none of these cultured built Stonehenge. The truth of Stonehenge is that three different cultures contributed to this megalithic monument. The first group began construction around 3100 B.C.. Neolithic herdsmen began the first step in the construction of Stonehenge. The first part of this monument began as a modest circular ditch. Within this circle 56 holes were dug. These hole, later named Aubrey Holes after their discoverer, presented mysteries to scientists for years. These strange holes served two purposes. The first, and more important reason, is that these holes acted as a lunar calender. The moon has a cycle for it's eclipses. Once a lunar eclipse occurs, another will not happen for nineteen years. After those nineteen years, the moon will, once again, eclipse. The next, and final, eclipse of this cycle occurs eighteen years after the previous eclipse. These years add up to be fifty-six. Scientists believe that a stone was placed in one hole in the circle. Each year, the stone would be moved to the next hole. This way the ancient people could keep track of the moon. The other reason has a morbid side to it. In some of the Aubrey holes, remains of humans were discovered. These remains were first cremated, then put into the holes. This suggests that Stonehenge could have acted as a burial site, and possibly a temple in which human sacrifices were made. None of these theories have been proven, but these reasons are the only feasible explanation to these holes. The second period is that which the most data can be found on. The second period began at about 2100B.C.. The Beaker people, a group which worshiped the sun, added to the monument it's first large stones. The first thing done is that any of the stones that were already there were removed. Next, thirty large stones were brought to the site. The stones, each weighing well over five tons, were to act as the pillars of the new monument. These stones were called the Sarsen Stones, stemming from what they are made of. These stones, however, are only two-thirds above ground. The other third is buried to keep the huge pillar from toppling over. The Beaker people created two concentric circles, the inner circle measuring seventy four meters in diameter, and the outer circle eighty six meters. The outer circle was later named the Sarsen Circle. The inner circle was never completed, and no one has any evidence as to why. It appears that they just stopped, without cleaning up or removing any of the old stones. Some speculate that the project was to large that it seemed insurmountable the Beaker people. The third period began at about 1550 B.C.. The Wesset culture was going to add their touch to the growing monument. The Wesset culture decided to dismantle the work of the Beaker people, but decided on a similar design. They decided to construct a circle around the same point the Beaker people used for their circle. On top of each pillar, however, a large rectangular stone was placed, with each side resting on neighboring pillars. This created a continuous circle all around the monument. Instead of a smaller circle within the larger circle, the Wesset culture placed a simple horse-shoe. The horse-shoe, just as the large circle, was capped with large rectangular stones. "Given the distance they had to travel, this presented quite a transportation problem."(Lacy, www.britannia.com/travel/magical/magic12.htm). The problem of getting the stones to the building site was large enough to stop most people from even attempting such a project. There were to ways used to deliver the massive stones to the building site. The first was by land. Giant carts were constructed to carry the smaller stones. The stones were loaded on the cart and pulled eighty-five miles to Stonehenge. This method would not work for the larger stones as a large enough cart could not be made. For these stones, a wooden raft was made, and they were sent down a nearby river. From the banks of the river it was a short distance to Stonehenge. Placing the stones took some thinking. First, a five foot deep pit was