Roles Played By Reason And Imagination In Knowledge Philosophy Essay

Roles Played By Reason And Imagination In Knowledge Philosophy Essay The role played by imagination was insignificant in the achievement of knowledge due to its confusing and tentative nature and that rational thought was the sources of much knowledge believed Sir Francis Bacon, a deterministic, Renaissance rationalist.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  The Critique of Pure Reason contrasts this view, stating that both reason and imagination are necessary for acquiring knowledge.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  However, to what extent can Bacons views on reason and imagination be justified? This essay will examine such a concept through the exploration of the four ways of knowing (perception, language, emotion and reason) as well as two areas of knowledge, which will be history and the natural sciences. The Critique of Pure Reason is written by Immanuel Kant, a theorist. He mostly concerned himself with the metaphysical world, a reality based on abstract and empirical concepts. The proposition of this idea is bizarre coming from a man who lived in the Age of Reason when being rational was considered the ultimate and most accurate way of knowing. Reason is defined as the process of thinking and gaining knowledge through manipulation, integration and evaluation of facts and ideas, it can be either deductive reasoning (from the general to the particular) or inductive reasoning (from the particular to general principles)  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  . Whereas imagination is defined as the power of reproducing images stored in the memory under the suggestion of associated images or of recombining former experiences to create new images  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  Using the above definitions, incorporating the four ways of knowing and the two areas of knowledge to address the knowledge issue: are the roles of reason and imagination necessary to gain adequate knowledge in the areas of the natural sciences and history? Firstly, the definition of adequate is to be provided. According to the Encarta English Dictionary, adequate is defined as sufficient in quality or quantity to meet a need or qualify for something. It has been accepted that achieving absolute truth is virtually impossible, thus the knowledge issue is worded in a manner to account for this. History is defined as the study of the past  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  by Richard van de Lagemaat and by Britannica Encyclopedia as the discipline that studies the chronological record of events (as affecting a nation or people), based on a critical examination of source materials and usually presenting an explanation of their causes  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  ; it is essentially a study of human behavior. In schools, history falls under the humanities subject department or in the literary arts, yet, there are some who contest this idea and believe it should be considered more a natural science than a literary art or humanities subject. The writing language of written history incorporates an emotional aspect. This can be justified by the means of identifying the roles of reason and imagination in history. Due to its definition supplied by Britannica, history requires reason, and because the language used to define the subject, history is made to seem as though it is mimicking a scientific doctrine. A scientific doctrine is defined as the results of an experiment must be both independently verifiable and independently reproducible.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  From this definition, however, it presents a counter argument. It suggest that history cannot be a considered a natural science due to its non-experimental nature; one cannot reproduce or change the past, only analyze and learn from it. It is subjective and owns a subcategory of historiography which is the critical response to an in-depth analysis of sources, transforming them into narratives to justify events, why they happened the way they did and explaining the psyche behind the decisions made.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  Scientists argue that the perspective of a historian is adjusted, predetermined before he starts his work as he will only look for sources and information to prove his hypothesis.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  Nonetheless, with only reason, history would remain incomplete. Ele ments of historiography are more imaginative than historians prefer to let on; there are gaps in the information. There is no possibility that ever single second of history will ever be recorded, and only as of recent, we have managed to become very close to this aspiration with the invention of things such as the internet and world news as it happens, making the recording of history easier but much more open to interpretation. This involves imagination, rather than reason. Reason does not allow for outside-of-the-box thought patterns, traditionally; and imagination is required to piece together the delicate puzzle in a poetic and sensible way. History is also plagued with the idea of hindsight bias. These are tendencies to believe, after learning of an outcome, that one could have foreseen it.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  Hindsight bias can be considered to have rational elements, but also consists of fallacies like cognitive bias. This, according to Wikipedia, is a pattern of dev iation in judgment that occurs in particular situations.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  History, or at least accurate history, is not produced by mere imagination, devotions and poetic utterances, if it were just art; a writer could compose a whole new reality than what really happened outside his own imagination. Historians have archaeology to draw from. They have primary documents that tell them what people were declaring. They cannot verify the way scientists can, but they can be empirical. It can be deduced that history is a science. There may indeed be scientific elements in judging a military situation  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  ; nevertheless, there are an equal number of factors that simply cannot be scientifically quantified. In order for history to be as actuate as possible, both imagination and reason play key roles in acquiring knowledge. The role of imagination in history is that with which one can understand the events that transpire around a particular situation. Re ason plays a role in establishing what the event is. Without the imagination, reason is only a few written words; with the imagination, reason becomes more powerful and substantiating. Natural sciences are recognized as a model for knowledge owing to many factors, prime among which is their capacity to explain and make precise predictions.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  Natural sciences are often known as hard sciences, consisting of biology, chemistry and physics. They are often considered to be solely rational subjects that defy religion and question the world we live in, believed to give automatic proof of intellectual superiority because of its empirical data and facts and use of rational thinking, devoid of emotion and laden with precise and concise language. The idea of natural sciences as a literary art is nearly unheard of. This idea follows Bacons school of thought. Alternatively, in the spirit of Kants school of thought, it can also be considered a capacity for imaginative thinking. Most scientific laws and theories known today can be considered to have started with a creative endeavor, beginning with thought and imagination even though it is scientificall y based.  [CITATION TIM62 l 1033]  The thought that reason is the purest and truest way of attaining knowledge, an idea from the 17th century Renaissance, known as the Age of Reason, is slowly becoming contradicted. For example, the now respected idea that a high IQ is not a reliable sign of giftedness may simply indicate convergent thinking. Truly creative children are said to have divergent thinking that tend to find IQ tests boring and do not readily accept the right answer as the right one. A Chicago team devised various tests to spot divergent thinkers, testing 95 school boys. The test asked students to make up alternate endings for fables, instead of simply picking the right answers, and to write stories suggested by stimuli such as pictures which supply many different uses for everyday objects. Surprisingly, the top scores came from those specializing in history and English literature. The least creative, according to Hudsons findings, were the natural science students. Y oung scientists, says Hudson, tend to be less intellectually flexible than young arts specialists and more restricted emotionally.  [CITATION The08 l 1033]  In natural science, imagination is needed in order to correctly interpret data and create further possibilities for experimentation, although reason is used to ascertain whether or not ones findings and ones methods are realistic. There is little to suggest that the artists view point of science is more than just a thought or crazy theory, but it is evidently important for the scientist to view the world from an imaginative perpective. The idea of natural science as an art has only been seen in science fiction literatures, however, the language used in these works are generally emotionally laden even though they give the perception of being scientifically concise. Even though it has the word science in it, and presents logically plausible notions (in some cases), science fiction is often associated with imagination and fanta sy rather than reason and logic. Overall, it can be concluded that neither imagination nor reason are ruling aspects of history or natural science, but are necessary together in creating tangibility and some degree of certainty in attaining knowledge. Both of them create counterparts for each other making them unable to logically exist alone. It can be argued that Bacons views on reason and imagination are fairly unjustified as the roles of both are necessary to gain adequate knowledge and understanding in the natural sciences and history, as without one, the other becomes nearly useless; it supports Kants thesis, The Critique of Pure Reason. It is clear that Bacon failed to see the necessity of corresponding thoughts to create an ideological notion, integrating both aspects of acquiring knowledge for reason and imagination are highly dependent on each other for support. Word count: 1,602

Ford Motor Company: Options for a Successful Future

The future of Ford Motor Company and its ability to remain at the top of the automotive industry requires the company to focus on products, resources, planning, and implementation. Decisions must be made relative to product lines, sales. and re-directing the organization’s resources for future success. In order to do so, four options have been recognized and the company must determine which options are best suited to move the company in a positive direction. Discuss at least three criteria the company should use to decide which of the four listed options is best and the reasons why each criterion should be used. Ford Motor Company has the option to close down older plants in an effort to realign production and sales. The criteria identified in order to determine if this option is in Ford’s best interest include: What will be the total cost to the company to buy out employees, close plants and the political ramifications of this decision? What are future trends? What is the differential between production and sales? The second option for Ford Motor Company to determine is whether to produce only smaller cars, eliminating or sharply reducing the SUV and truck lines. In order to determine the validity of this option, the company would need to evaluate the following: Can fuel economy be realized in these particular vehicle lines without significant cost being passed on to the consumer? Will there be a continuing market for SUVs? How will reducing or eliminating truck lines affect overall sales? Option number three requires reducing the North American presence and focusing more on international markets where Ford has been very successful. The determining criteria for this option includes: What is the sustainability of the Ford brand in the international market? How will reducing or removing North American presence affect the overall brand? Can reducing North American presence act as a catapult and raise demand for Ford vehicles in that geographical location? The fourth option to be considered by Ford is the possibility of selling its luxury line – the PAG group. The determining factors for choosing this option would include: Performing a profit and loss analysis of the group to determine the losses sustained by the company relative to continuing to invest in this product line. Could redirecting investment from this product be better spent lsewhere? In light of the possibility that market conditions can and do change, discuss at least three examples of how the company should build-in flexibility to back up its decision-making process. The possibility of market fluctuation is imminent. Therefore, Ford must be certain to build in flexibility to sustain change. Using an options based approach will allow flexibility by reserving resources such as time, people, money, or production capacity. (Williams, 2010). By maintaining flexibility, Ford will be better equipped to adjust to changes and fluctuations in the market. Discuss how an effective action plan can be created and how progress can be tracked. Creating an effective action plan involves setting both short term (proximal) and long term (distal) goals. Achieving short term goals is motivational to the employees who will assist in the achievement of the long term goal. Short term goals are more easily attainable than long term goals. However, long term goals are essential. Another way to track the progress of an action plan is by providing frequent feedback regarding performance to workers and employees. This will allow Ford to make adjustments in order to achieve goals. Williams, 2010) List at least three steps that make-up a workable plan and explain why each is important. Setting goals is the first step in creating an action plan. Goals should be specific, attainable, realistic and timely (S. M. A. R. T. ). (Williams, 2010) Once goals have been set, a workable plan that develops commitments to the goals must be created. Enlisting the commit ment of upper level management and employees is essential to achieving goals. An effective action plan indicates who, what and when for accomplishing goals. (Williams, 2010). The best options for Ford Motor Company would be to limit production of SUVs. Today’s economy lends itself to more fuel efficient, eco-friendly vehicles. With gas prices soaring to new heights on a weekly basis, maintaining a large SUV is simply no longer cost effective for the average American family. The price point for this type of vehicle is also a downside to ownership. However, the truck lines produced by Ford should remain intact. Ford’s truck line has become known as a reliable brand and people take stock in the Ford brand when it comes to company fleet vehicles, construction vehicles and even the agricultural and farming industries rely on the Ford truck brand. Without question, Ford should sell the PAG group. With losses i n the billions and rising, resources from this product line could be redirected into better selling ventures such as the smaller vehicle product line discussed earlier. Ford does not have to rely on the PAG group for growth and profits. This venture is simply a dog that needs to be put down. The option to reduce SUV production and sell the PAG group would be the options best suited to produce growth and stability in Ford Motor Company. These options allow Ford to focus on the traditional product lines of smaller and more economical vehicles and durable truck lines. Producing more cars than it can sell at this point in time would be detrimental to their future success. More inventory does not equate to more sales. The PAG is a loss that continues to be a thorn in Ford’s side. Eliminating this group would free billions of dollars for re-investment into fuel consciousness research for smaller vehicles while upgrading the truck lines. Implementing these options will contribute to Ford’s longevity, profitability and growth.

Computer Systems And Networks Configuration - 1395 Words

 Assignment 1 Computer Systems and Networks Configuration Course: Bsc (Hons) Computer Science Module: CO5023 Computer Systems and Networks Laksamana College of Business Student ID: 1525584 Table of Content Part 1: Logic circuit 3 Part 2 : Research Report 13 Part 3 : Network Configuration 16 Report 16 References 17 Part 1: Logic circuit Given the following proposed circuit an are required to re-implement is functionality using the minimum umber of gates possible. Using K-maps to achieve this outcome. Figure 1 This is the original figure for part 1 Initial Logic circuit Number of input 4 input [ A , B , C , D ] Number of gate 11 gates Inverter 2 gates AND 5 gates OR 4 gates Number of output 3 output [ X , Y , Z ] Logic circuit for X Logic Circuit for X equation Logic Circuit for X truth table Truth table for X Logic circuit for Y Logic Circuit for Y equation Logic Circuit for Y truth table Truth table for Y Logic circuit for Z Logic circuit for Z equation Logic circuit for Z truth table Truth table for Z Main Truth table K Maps for X K Maps for Y K Maps for Z The re-implement logic circuit for X, Y and Z This is the equation for re-implement logic circuit: Part 2 : Research Report Short report, outlining the similarities and differences between the instruction sets used for ARM and Intel processors. This should include an explanation for the ARM processor’sShow MoreRelatedNetwork Project Report1665 Words   |  7 Pagesthrough the process of designing a network for small business, big business and for your own private or public network. Our type of this sort of the network includes four to twelve computer (laptop), one or two servers, multiple switches, two to four routers, some networked printers and access to other networks especially the internet for a user. Keywords: Local Area Networking (LAN), Router, Computer (Laptop), Data Center, Server, Switch, Wire Area Network (WAN), Firewall, VPN, Wifi, IPV4 andRead MoreDisadvantages Of Cyber Forensics1367 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Computer forensic specialist use different types of methods to try and exploit the required media they are trying to investigate. Computer forensics is the application of investigation and analysis techniques to gather and preserve evidence from a particular computing device in a way that is suitable for presentation in a court of law. Cyber analyst’s ability to understand the different types of networks, configurations, packets, computer attacks, MAC addresses, and sniffers is criticalRead MoreReport On Configuration Of An Intranet Based Client Server System For The Data Collection And Data Processing System925 Words   |  4 Pagesprogress report Progress of my report on configuration of an intranet based client-server system for the data collection and data processing system with strong immunity against cyber intrusion Introduction The previous progress report was aimed at configuring the intranet client-server based network that can be implemented to different organizations and institutions. I used CISCO packet tracer to network the client-server system in order to make sure that all computers are in a position to share and exchangeRead MoreThe Network Structure Is Called Learning Beyond1307 Words   |  6 PagesOrganization Description The organization we will be working for to organize and implement their network structure is called Learning Beyond. It is a small educational program that students can attend after school in place of the after-school child-care. It provides a fun educational environment for students who are in need of additional tutoring in certain subjects, or who wish to expand their knowledge beyond the school day. As of right now, it is fairly small, but we would like room forRead MoreDifferent Types Of Computer Networks915 Words   |  4 PagesThere are many different types of computer networks. The most simple and common types are LAN, MAN and WAN. Let’s start by identifying what is a simple network. By definition â€Å"a simple network is formed when two or more computers are connected to each other†. (Gtelco) The digital information from the first computer is transferred to the second via a Network Interface Card (NIC), that information is translated in to a network language. That information travels via the connection (most common connectionRead MoreWhat Are The Security Services Of Windows Network Security?1383 Words   |  6 PagesQUESTION 1. What are the security services of Windows network security? Microsoft windows expand the availability of network data, new applications and systems, so ensuring the security of the network infrastructure is become more challenging. Active Directory, Kerberos, group policy, share security, public key infrastructure technologies and IPsec are the security services provided by the windows were work together to protect the systems and networks. †¢ Active Directory: Active directory is special purposeRead MoreNetworking Technology1183 Words   |  5 Pagesassignment Tutor Comments P A S S 1. Evaluate networks and networking approaches ï  ¶ discuss the role of networks within different organizations and the resource implications of networks ï  ¶ discuss the different distributed computing approaches of peer-to-peer and client-server networks ï  ¶ explain the functions of client and server computers on a network and give at least one example of the interactions between a client and server computer ï  ¶ describe the advantages of client-server approachesRead MoreResearch Paper On Windows 101064 Words   |  5 PagesSOE is a standard means of implementation of an operating system, default but customizable configurations depending on the type of user and along with it necessary software components on a large scale of computers such as Universities labs, library computers, workstations of a company etc. (impeltec 2016) A disk image is usually used to deploy an SOE throughout due to its convenience and speed, also its capability to connect to a network to be deployed through multiple clients (Rouse 2014). ThereRead MoreEssay on Network1055 Words   |  5 Pagessafe to say that computers have become as integral to modern life as fast food, cell phones, and sport utility vehicles†. (Joe, 2004) We are living in the information-exchanged age. It has been dramatically changed since last decades. How could this happen? The answer will be network. A network can be anything fro m a simple collection of computers at one location which have been tied together using a particular connectivity medium (such as network cabling) to a giant global network, e.g. internetRead MoreIt Proposal For The Kris Coporation21702 Words   |  7 Pagesthe storage space for the company and ability to have control over disasters and its recovery system (Ciccarelli, Faulkner, 2006). The company will also be able to improve on its Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. Furthermore, the company will be able to enhance its DirectAccess without a lot of hassle factor whereby there is ease of configuration of the DA, easy control of the machines within the network by simply applying user group policies (Hernandez, 2013). The way that the company will be able

Being Thin, Petite, And Attractive Is Driving Young Women

The obsession with being thin, petite, and attractive is driving young women and girls to extreme measures. The way the American society looks at weight and body image is putting a huge burden on the shoulders of our young people. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa are two eating disorders that are consuming our youth throughout the country. Thankfully, research has made advances for those affected and giving them to tools to overcome and succeed these overbearing disorders. In the first article, Anorexia Nervosa was studied in a group of women with the mean age of 24. In the study, the women had to write a letter to their anorexia as a friend and then as an enemy. The letters were then reviewed and a coding scheme was developed from that which was written. Through observation of the letters, simple pros and cons could be determined. The patients descried pros of their disorder as helping them feel safe, making them feel more attractive, helping them feel in control, letting them a void uncomfortable emotions, and last, helping them feel different or special. The cons the patients described were the constant thoughts about food, feeling controlled by food, loss of relationships, health risks, and finally, feeling taken over by their disorder. Through this study, the researches could literally see into what an anorexic patient thinks of their disorder. (Serpell et. al.1999) The second journal was very similar to the first, the same study was conducted; however, the focusShow MoreRelatedTo Be or Not to Be Barbie Essay1730 Words   |  7 PagesMarge Piercy’s â€Å"Barbie Doll† she gives an in-depth look at what negative effects the concept of beauty can have on an individual. From infancy to a full-grown adult woman, beauty has been a way of thinking and lifestyle. As a little girl you are given petite shaped, blonde, blue-eyed dolls. While boys are given brawny soldiers and mechanical toys. What do little girls do with these dolls? They put on fresh makeup, change their fashionable clothing, and style there long luscious hair. This alone is creatingRead More Television Commercials Designed for the Female Audience Essay3078 Words   |  13 Pagesand comparison of present-day television commercials. The age group considered child was five to twelve years. Commercials in this group advertised products aimed at children to include cereals, dolls, and toys, as well as products aimed at women, such as laundry detergent, using girls for advertisers. I did find a basic format of the childs commercial, even though the actors and products varied greatly. I found camera action to be slow and fluent. Very few jump cuts and quick zooms were used;