Is Yellow Good? Essay -- Philosophy, Descartes

Can yellow be good? Can it be evil? Can it inherently be anything? As humans, we have only one way of coming to conclusions and that is through thought. As John Locke says, â€Å"External objects furnish the mind with the ideas of sensible qualities, which are all those different perceptions they produce in us; and the mind furnishes the understanding ideas of its own operations† (Locke 62). As we pass through our lives in society we assume so many things; things that have been accepted for years by those before us. In reality however, there is no constant, there is no guarantee, there are no universal morals or traits in the world around us. Everything around us is neither good nor bad, it simply is, and our projection of its nature is solely our doing. How do we even now know what yellow is? As humans, there is only one thing that we know with absolutely certainty. All other â€Å"facts† may be disputed; however the understanding that we as humans think must be true. Descartes, who began his search for reality with a completely open mind, a blank slate, said, â€Å"It was absolutely necessary that I, who thus thought, must be something; and when I observed that this truth, I think, therefore I am, was so certain and assured, that no reason for doubt, however extravagant, could be advanced by the skeptics to shake it† (Descartes 24). What Descartes claims is that all things in the world around us can be argued and debated as each person experiences them differently or sees them in a different light. Morals, the physical world around us, it is all a culmination of general agreement. Descartes believes that this does not lay the groundwork for factual information. â€Å"†¦Approval by the majority is no guarantee of the truth† (Descar... ...d comes to reflect on its own operations about the ideas gotten by sensation, and thereby stores itself with a new set of ideas, which I call ideas of reflection† (Locke 64). Therefore, the question of why men are so different is not a question of the individuals themselves, but more of their lives’ journeys and experiences. The very foundation of our identity and understanding is in our absorption of the raw world around us. At risk of sounding redundant, Descartes summarizes the notion that we are not solely ourselves but are influenced to follow different paths of thought and lifestyles when he states that â€Å"The diversity of our opinions, consequently, does not arise from some having a larger share of reason than others, but solely from this, that we conduct our thoughts along different ways, and do not fix our attention on the same objects† (Descartes 22).

Aging & psychosocial

There are several challenges that are often associated with the process of aging. As enumerated by DeLaune and Ladner (2002), the most prominent of which is those which are classified under the broad categories of developmental, mental, physiological, and psychosocial challenges.First, developmental challenges include those which are related to several capabilities and skills that are developed through time (DeLaune & Ladner, 2002). Second, mental challenges include those which are related to their intellectual capacities where there are associations of mental disabilities for aged people (DeLaune & Ladner, 2002).Third, physiological changes include those which affect the physical and bodily functions of the aged where there are oftentimes aging people who have limited capabilities and due to their illnesses, can not do so much as they do before (DeLaune & Ladner, 2002).Within the realms of the challenges stated above, aging people also experience particular problems and this could l ikewise be classified under the categories mentioned above. Among the greatest difficulties of the elderly people include that of physical inability, psychological isolations, and discriminations.As for physical inability, this is sometimes caused by how their physical environments are built (Frank, Engelke, & Schmid, 2003). There are special needs that the elderly require to make their living easier and comfortable and the generic designs that are being placed nowadays including that of the public areas do not address all of these.Thus, they are further limited with regard to the physical activities that they could engage into. With regard to psychological isolations, there is a side of the picture that points towards the elderly people feeling a sense of isolation especially for those who are not living with their kin (Abbot & Payne, 1990).This is likewise true for those who are asked to live in homes for the aged where they are not able to interact with a lot of people. Lastly, t hat of discrimination stems from the perceptions of people that the elderly are â€Å"rigid, unhealthy, unhappy, and unemployable† (Newman & Grauerholz, 2002, p. 501).To a certain extent, it has been considered by Estes (1979) that the major difficulties that are faced by the elderly, for that of the geographical area of the United States are those which are brought about by the perceptions that are formed of them (as cited in Estes, 2001).It is considered by the author that what is known about the aged from the perceptions that are formed of them has affected them in such a way that problems have stemmed from these perceptions.The knowledge that is gathered about the elderly has created a box that has limited their potentials and has formed a particular web of conceptions that direct the image of the elderly people towards a particular direction (Estes, 2001). It is mentioned by the author that â€Å"in an important sense, then, the major problems faced by the elderly are t he ones we create for them† (as cited in Estes, 2001, p. 29).The clear emphasis of the author with regard to the relevance of the Likewise, it can be seen that the, indeed, the physical process of aging also affects the way elderly people interact for their everyday living.For example, it has been mentioned by Edelstein, Goodie, and Martin (2001) that the cardiovascular and respiratory system and the changes associated with it may have a considerable impact on the behavior of the adults together with their moral relationships.Likewise, there are also problems associated with the physical process that occurs especially so that their vision and hearing may be affected such that they have lower levels of capabilities as compared before when they are younger (Edelstein, Goodie, & Martin, 2001).It is not the process itself nor the outcomes for them but the experience that they associate with their external environment that leads them to consider these as their difficulties in life. Ageism, or age discrimination, is a concept which â€Å"is defined as a process of systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old, just as racism and sexism accomplish[es] this for skin color and gender† (E. Margolis, H. Margolis, Braun, 1995).As mentioned before, it also affects the way elderly go about their everyday living because there are certain perceptions and notions created of them that may be considered as stereotypes for them to live with. This means that the society has created an image which they have to live with.Likewise, the social institutions accept this as they are without prior consideration to the greater impact that it has over the elderly population. This particular set of stereotypes is evident in the age limit that is given for certain occupations.Where some are considered to be valid, some are purely stereotypes and should not be applied to all of the members of the elderly population.It can not be considered that the difficulties and challenges that are faced by the elderly population may be applied in a universal setting. The characteristic of universality is not applicable to a certain extent because there are still vulnerable groups that may be considered within the group of aging individuals.For example, it has been mentioned by Lustig (2000) that the â€Å"elderly poor women† are among those which experience vulnerability among the aged population (p. 119). This concern gives rise to the special needs that each of the vulnerable groups hold.Likewise, the differences in terms of culture also provide for the variations among the impact that they feel as a result of the challenges and problems drawn from those mentioned above, especially with that of access to social services such as health care (Breitung, 2002). There are differences with regard to the settings to which they have to live with and this produces a source of inequality where some cultures experience better access to socia l services than the rest.ReferencesAbbott, P. & Payne, G. (1990). New directions in the sociology of health. London: Routledge.Breitung, J. (2002). The eldercare sourcebook. NY: McGraw-Hill Professional.DeLaune, S. & Ladner, P. (2002). Fundamentals of nursing: standards and practice. NY: Thomson Delmar.Edelstein, B., Goodie, J. & Martin, R. (2001). Aging: Physiological and behavioral concomitants. In W. E. Craighead & C. Nemeroff, The Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science. New York: John Wiley & Sons.Estes, C. (2001). Social policy and aging: A critical perspective. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.Frank, L., Engelke, P., & Schmid, T. (2003). Health and community design: The impact of the built environment on physical activity. Washington, D.C.: Island Press.Lustig, N. (2000). Social protection for equity and growth. Washington, DC: Inter-American Development Bank.

Characterization of Pheonix Jackson Essay

Eudora Welty, in her character Phoenix Jackson, creates humanity’s counterpart of the phoenix firebird from oriental tradition. Although Phoenix Jackson can not lay claim to the immortality manifested by consuming fiery rebirths (as does the mythological bird), she possesses a fiery spirit and is consumed by love for her grandchild. Ana4rzing the character of Phoenix is pleasurable because the characteristics of her â€Å"roundness† are primarily positive, static traits. She is tenacious, confident, wise, and resolute with a clear sense of purpose which guides her fearlessly toward her goal. One word can summarize Phoenix‑‑noble. Even in the one situation when the reader sees Phoenix being sly, her slyness is immediately forgivable. Her slyness is a minor negative characteristic in comparison to her innumerable positive ones and is not a conflicting quality. It is, instead, justifiable in light of the pureness of her motivation‑‑love. Ihe similarities of the phoenix bird and Phoenix Jackson are readily apparent in the author’s physical description of Phoenix; â€Å"†¦her head tied in a red rag,† â€Å"†¦a golden color ran underneath,† and â€Å"†¦a yellow burning under the dark†(457). Further confirming the parable between the woman and the bird is the cornme made by Phoenix at the spring, â€Å"Sweetgum makes the water sweet’ (459). (Sweet‑gum K supposedly, the firebird’s source of nourishment) Since it is obvious that Ms. Welty has made these comparisons, it is noteworthy that the phoenix, in addition to symbolizing immortality, is said to be a good and wonderful bird, possessing qualities not unlike the eagle’s: nobility and powers of endurance. Phoenix Jackson shares these same qualities. Phoenix Jackson is an old Negro woman (456). Being black and female in Natchez, Nfississippi, any time prior to 1963 was particularly treacherous. Since Phoenix refers to the â€Å"Surrender,† the reader knows that she lived during and after the Civil War. This fact confirms that society afforded her little respect. Indeed, the majority ofwhite people would have considered her little more than an animal. However, an investigation of Phoeribes interaction with other (obviously white) characters in the story proves that her noble character commands respect despite her age, race, and sex. For exam ­ple, when the hunter points his gun at her, Phoenix responds by standing firm and facing him straight on. The hunter’s respect is evident in this comment, ‘Well, Granny, you must be a hundred years old and scared of nothing’ (460). Fur ­thermore, when the elegant lady on the street stoops to tie Phoerlik’s shoes, the reader sees Phoenik’s commanding, noble character at work. In fact, it would appear that out of a crowd of people, Phoenix actually chooses this one particu ­lar woman to lace up her shoes: She paused quietly on the sidewalk where people were passing by. A lady came along in the crowd, carrying an armful of†¦presents; she gave off perfume like the red roses in hot summer, and Phoenix stopped her (460). Tradition says the phoenix bird has an affinity for frankin ­cense, aromatic gums, and spices. It is also worthwhile to note that the â€Å"nice lady,† as well as the hunter, initially responds to Phoenix In a negative, perhaps derogatory, way by calling her â€Å"Granny’ or â€Å"Grandma.† But in the final analysis, the lady is (at least momentarily) at Phoenix7s feet, and the hunter voices his admiration. Phoenix’s physical stature stands in sharp contrast to the enormity of her journey. Welty establishes in the first para ­graph that Phoenix is very old and small. Me fact that her walking could be aided and sustained by a thin, small cane made from an umbrella provides the reader with a graphic Illustration of her diminutive size. Her small size, of course, emphasizes, by contrast, Phoenixs giant‑sized determination and perseverance. Effects of old age, particularly poor eyesight, intensifies Phoenix’s dangerous trek. When the path runs up a hill, Phoenix says, â€Å"Seem like there is chains about my feet, time I get this far† (457). Poor vision is indicated throughout the story, for example, â€Å"Old eyes thought you was a pretty little green bush† (457). However, one uncanny incident occurs regarding PhoenbCs eyesight. She sees â€Å"†¦with her own eyes a flashing nickel fall out of the man’s pocket onto the ground† (459). This episode supports the parallel drawn between Phoenix and the firebird‑‑she exercises ‘bird‑like† vision. Perhaps she has long contemplated what she would do if she had a nickel or a dime.

3 Sentences with Disguised Subordinate Clauses

3 Sentences with Disguised Subordinate Clauses 3 Sentences with Disguised Subordinate Clauses 3 Sentences with Disguised Subordinate Clauses By Mark Nichol In each of the sentences below, a phrase that supports the main clause of the statement but should be distinct from it lacks an essential element that identifies it as a subordinate clause: a comma separating it from the main clause, thus obscuring the subordinate clause’s function. A discussion, followed by a revision, explains the solution to each sentence. 1. A hillside above the highway gave way showering the roadway with rocks. â€Å"Showering the roadway with rocks† is a subordinate clause describing the consequence of the hillside giving way, so the phrase should be set off from the main clause with a comma: â€Å"A hillside above the highway gave way, showering the roadway with rocks.† 2. The only way you survive is you continuously transform into something else. The transition from is to you seems awkward because there’s no grammatical continuity; in proper speech or writing, one simply does not use those two words consecutively. The solution? Because â€Å"The only way you survive is† is a subordinate clause, set it off from the main clause with a comma: â€Å"The only way you survive is, you continuously transform into something else.† Alternatively, insert the transitional pronoun that between the words, converting the subordinate clause into an integral part of the main (and only) clause: â€Å"The only way you survive is that you continuously transform into something else.† (Or revise the sentence to â€Å"The only way to survive is to continuously transform into something else.†) 3. Product defects that create a public health hazard will eventually be exposed to the light of day in the public arena and, when they are, the company pays the price. At first glance, this sentence may seem correct: An apparent parenthetical, â€Å"when they are,† is introduced into the sentence after the conjunction, seemingly modifying the phrase â€Å"the company pays the price.† But that concluding phrase is an independent clause- a grammatically complete statement that could stand on its own as a separate sentence- and â€Å"and when they are† is not a parenthetical, but a subordinate clause associated with it. Therefore, a comma should precede, not follow, the conjunction and, separating the two independent clauses. However, the second comma remains where it is to separate the clause subordinate to the second main clause: â€Å"Product defects that create a public health hazard will eventually be exposed to the light of day in the public arena, and when they are, the company pays the price.† (â€Å"When they are† may appear to serve both as a subordinate clause and as a parenthesis, but it is essential to the sentence, pertaining to the catalyst for the company’s comeuppance, so it cannot function in the latter role.) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Synonyms for â€Å"Leader†Anyone vs. EveryonePeople vs. Persons

6 Most Incredible Female Book Characters

6 Most Incredible Female Book Characters International Womens Day is just around the corner, so weve decided to honor the women that many of us have admired for a long time female book characters that have influenced and inspired us in one way or another. Wonderfully powerful and incredibly brilliant, here they are in the infographic below from Jo March of Little Women to Dagny Taggart of Atlas Shrugged. Weve chosen the characters that resonate with us most, so wed love to hear which ones blow you away! Featured image credit: Photo by Jaap Buitendijk  © 2010 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. HARRY POTTER PUBLISHING RIGHTS (C) J.K.R. HARRY POTTER CHARACTERS, NAMES AND RELATED

Critique Review of the Film The Pursuit of Happiness Movie

Critique of the Film The Pursuit of Happiness - Movie Review Example It goes to extra lengths to inspire its viewers even when it shows much of what happens when one does not have as opposed to how to get what everyone wants to have: that is moneyThe film has two key characters, Chris Gardner and his son. Chris Gardner is a character that goes to extra lengths to alleviate his family from poverty. He struggles so hard to make ends meet despite being evicted from the apartment (Muccino, 2006). Unlike the common conception where people struggle financially because they are school dropouts or drug addicts, Gardner is shown as a talented and bright young man who is unfortunate. Together with his son, they endure so many hardships including sleeping in shelters, subway, and hotel when he is lucky to get money during the day. From the look of how the characters dress, the film’s setting takes place at a time when America’s economy was under a recession. Research shows that the last few years of this century are not the worst hit by the economi c recession as compared to the early 1980s (Leonhardt, 2009). However, despite this, Gardner aims at showing the world that the poor do not need an army to fight poverty. All that a person needs are proper shoes as shown in several scenes and a positive attitude regardless of the problems at hand. As a viewer, it is also critical to note that Will Smith, who is Chris Gardner in the film, does an exceptional job at convincing viewers of the struggles that people face just to survive. There are not so many films that portray how people struggle financially and in relationships so convincingly. I believe that the film drives the point home allowing viewers to make note of its logos of the logic contained in its interesting display of characters’ behavior. Though Smith is only acting, this is a message that reminds all those who have the resources particularly the middle-income families that all this can go away.

Henry the VIII and the English Reformation Research Paper

Henry the VIII and the English Reformation - Research Paper Example Henry thus needed a male heir who could succeed him and help protect the English legacy from the potential enemies within Europe. The frustrations of Henry in his search for a male heir is a story worth telling due to a dramatic twist of events that finally led to major reformation in England and beyond. Henry was a man full of drama and he always ensured that he gets what he wanted and this is the reason why he broke from the Catholic Church to form the protestant church. The decisions Henry took in his quest for what he wants to have a lot of impact on the implications for English policy and the monarchy. About Henrys Life According to Knowles and Hadcock (1972), he was a young boy who would later become the king after the death of his father was born in 1491 as the second son and he became an heir to the throne in 1502. He was described as an intelligent boy and an athlete with a good understanding of French, Latin, Spanish and was a very religious man due to his upbringing as a s trong Catholic. He was a go getter who was extremely fond of hunting and never takes a diversion without tiring eight to ten horses. His scholarly interests included writing books and music and thus was accomplished a player of many instruments and a composer of various songs. About that time (1500AD) Enduring social order of the early modern church depended entirely on the production of male heirs in most of the cultural settings since most people do not believe in the leadership of a woman. In most cultural settings, women are forbidden from taking the crown and its thus required that the hair to the throne be a man. For some communities, lacking a surviving male heir is like inviting a curse, uncertainty, political disorder, and ultimately war that may lead to tremendous loss of lives. England learned the cost of women's leadership when an infant took the leadership in the year 1442 that eventually led to wars and the rise of the Tudor dynasty that destabilized their power system (MacCulloch, 2003). Most English people also feared giving power to women since they can be married to foregin land thus diluting the culture, heritage and the influence of their country. Divorce in the ancient Catholic Church was highly disregarded and it was unimaginable for ordinary people. Divorce could only be considered for the rich, powerful and the royal but only when sanctioned by the catholic pope himself and thus it was equally hard for everybody. Those who tried divorce without papal approval were highly trading on the dangerous path by inviting severe punishment and excommunication by the church (Knowles, 1979). The Catholic Church and its leadership faced a test of their time when the king himself needed a divorce, considering the power and authority he has over the land. The refusal to grant Henry permission to divorce his first wife who could not sire a man to be the heir of the throne made Henry break ranks with the Catholic Church (Knowles, 1979; Rex, 2006; Skidmo re, 2007). This marked the beginning of protestant churches and the split of the Catholic Church that used to be the sole church for the people of England. The rebellion of the pope was considered illegal and liturgical and thus was considered by most of the churchgoers as an invitation for a curse in England. The Catholic Chu